I Set a Perfect Trap for My Wife & Her Cousin's Betrayal; $1M Ransom Plot Became Prison Evidence

Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Hello, thank you for being here. Welcome to cheating all
the time. I am lady truth. Let's get into another
crazy cheat. The sliding patio door hung halfway open. Mike's
pulse quickened as he stepped outside, spotting a patch of
flattened grass near the fence. Something heavy had been here,
And then he heard her voice, low, urgent on the phone.

(00:25):
He almost found out, No, I'm not sure. We have
to be careful. She froze when their eyes met, her face,
quickly morphing into a bright, fake smile. Mike, you startled me.
For the first time in their marriage. Mike wasn't looking
at his wife. He was staring at a stranger wearing
her face. Dear listeners, before we dive into today's story,

(00:48):
let us know your location in the comment section, and
don't forget to like and subscribe. Now let's begin the story.
Chapter one. I'm not the kind of man who advertises
my troubles, but on that muggy Tuesday afternoon, I knew
something was off the instant I entered my own home.
My name's Michael Mike Sloane, ex Army intelligence then long

(01:09):
time private contractor for high level security assignments. After an
ied nearly blew my leg to pieces. A decade ago,
I earned a permanent limp, but I've never lost my edge.
I built my own successful security consulting firm Sloane, protective
from scratch, hard work, discipline, and a refusal to roll

(01:30):
over for adversity. That day, i'd wrapped up an early
meeting with a prospective client, hoping to surprise my wife
Kristen for lunch. Usually she'd greet me with a smile
if she was home. But the hall felt still and breathless.
My house was never an echo chamber. We kept a cozy,
lived in vibe. Yet there I stood, scanning living room couches,

(01:53):
noticing a wine glass on the coffee table, just one.
The TV was off, the place deathly quiet. I set
my brief gaze down Christen. My voice carried, but no answer.
The sliding patao door hung half way open, letting in
the southern heat. I stepped through to the back yard.
My staff usually kept the lawn pristine, except an entire

(02:15):
patch of grass was flattened, like something heavy had lain
across it. Owed. The hair on my neck trickled, like
spotting a single faint footprint on a clean floor. That
primal half military sense told me something's definitely not right.
A low murmur drifted from the far corner of the yard.
As I quietly approached. I realized it was Christin on

(02:37):
the phone. She looked tense, phone pressed to her ear
while she paced near the fence. I couldn't catch every word,
only fragments, he almost found out. No, I'm not sure.
We have to be careful. She paused, looked over her shoulder,
and froze. Because their eye was just a few yards away.

(02:57):
She'd immediately hung up. Her face turned from anxious to
bright with a forced smile. Mike, you startled me. I
tried returning the smile, but suspicion coiled in my gut.
Thought you'd be inside everything okay. She brushed a strand
of golden brown hair behind her ear, stepping forward, giving
me a quick peck on the cheek, just finishing up

(03:20):
a call with a girl friend your back early. We
locked eyes, and for the first time in our seven
year marriage, I felt like I was staring at a
different woman. Her pupils were dilated, her expression guarded. I
tried to read her normally. I was damn good at
deciphering my cro expressions. My entire career taught me how

(03:41):
to read body language. This time, though she'd put up
a wall, where's the rest of the wine? I asked, lightly,
motioning toward the glass inside. She let out a small laugh. Oh,
I poured some earlier, had a sip while reading. Must
have forgotten to put it away. I that might have
explained it. Yet I still felt the buzz of an

(04:04):
invisible alarm lies. Kristin and I married after a whirlwind
romance eight years back. She was bright, witty and supportive
of my ambitions. Her father, Gerald Bowman, used to be
a police lieutenant, then turned to real estate investments. My
own father died when I was twelve, so Gerald was

(04:24):
like a father figure to me. I thought the Bowmans
were a tight knit, old fashioned clan. Kristin had an
older brother, Trevor, who ran a car dealership in another state,
and a cousin she mentioned once or twice, but I'd
never really met him. Not relevant, I once assumed. I
let her inside. Guess I just hoped you might be

(04:44):
free for lunch, I said, I'm heading back to the
office in about an hour, so it's just a quick cameo.
She placed a hand on my chest. That's sweet, babe. Sorry,
I'm just slammed with calls another time. Sure my voice
sounded more distant than I intended. Okay, well, i'll see

(05:05):
you tonight, she said, edging around me, heading upstairs. I
stared at the single wine glass on the table again,
not that it was a smoking gun. People forget glasses,
but her phone call gave me serious pause. She ended
it with an abrupt wosh, like I'd caught her mid conspiracy.
I reasoned it was best not to blow up or

(05:26):
hurl accusations on zero evidence, so I left for my
next meeting, mind churning. That evening, a thunder storm rolled
in the sky outside, flickering with lightning. Christen was in
the shower when her phone buzzed on the night's end.
Normally I wouldn't snoop. We had each other's passcodes, we
were open, But in that moment, curiosity overcame me. I

(05:49):
picked it up. The text prive you read need to
see you again. Can't stop thinking about earlier. My stomach flipped.
The contact name said Lauren, But that sure as hell
didn't read like a text from a female friend. My
thumb hovered as soon as I tried to unlock it,
though the phone demanded facial I d great. I set

(06:11):
it back, heart hammering. Could I be misreading something? Maybe
Lauren was indeed a friend. Possibly they had some wild
inside jokes. But that suspicious coil in my gut tightened.
Fifteen minutes later, she emerged in a towel. I sat
on the edge of the bed. We need to talk.
She gave a half laugh. That's ominous. Everything all right?

(06:35):
Your phone just buzzed, I said, carefully, sounded urgent. Her
face stiffened. A friend from yoga class, Lauren a micro flinch. Yes, why,
I forced a casual shrug. The text said something about
not being able to stop thinking about earlier. Seemed odd,
is all? Kristin exhaled slowly. Wow, you read the text,

(06:59):
thought we did D and spy on each other? You
left it in plain sight? Sorry if that was invasive.
She tightened the towel around her Torso you're making a
big deal out of nothing. Lauren's going through a break up. Okay,
she's obviously missing her ex. She over shares. That explanation
felt contrived. Still, I nodded for the moment all right,

(07:23):
I said, just checking her shoulders eased, Come on, relax
where good. We kissed, but my mind was worlds away.
Something about her entire body posture felt practiced. I didn't
push the issue further, but I didn't let it go either.
Over the next week, I got busier at Sloane Protective,

(07:44):
finalizing a major government contract. Meanwhile, Kristen claimed she had
extra volunteer work for her father's charity events, plus a
flurry of girl gatherings. It meant she left earlier, came
home later. Tense phone calls, text messages. She angled away
so I couldn't glimpse the screen. She'd giggle, then hush

(08:05):
up if I entered the room. A half year ago,
we'd shared everything Netflix nights, inside jokes, spontaneous date nights.
Now we were strangers passing in a hallway. My right
knee started throbbing again, an old war injury that flared
up when I was stressed. I got used to ignoring pain,
but ignoring suspicion was harder. So I turned to a

(08:27):
friend in my business, Tessa Quinn, an electronics wiz. One afternoon,
I asked her to do me a personal favor. Discreetly
pinged Christin's phone location when she was out with the girls.
Tessa was Erica, so that was child's play for her.
Sure Enough, the next evening, when Kristin said she was
meeting Lauren for sushi, Tessa texted me an address nowhere

(08:50):
near a sushi joint. My wife's phone was at the
Maplewood Motel, a run down place on the edge of town.
My chest burned with anger, but I kept calm. Could
be a false reading, or maybe she was picking some
one up. I decided to drive by, told my staff
I had an errand, and hopped in my black su v.
Heading out. The motel was dimly lit, the parking lot

(09:13):
half empty, and there at the far corner was Kristin's
white sedan, no sign of her. I parked across the street,
adrenalin pumping. Within minutes, the door to Room twelve opened.
Out stepped Christen, flipping her hair, adjusting her blouse. She
was followed by a man with a baseball cap pulled low.
I couldn't see his face clearly. They exchanged a brief hug,

(09:37):
intimate so close their foreheads touched, then parted. He walked
off behind the building and she drove away. My hands
bawled into fists around the steering wheel, cheating, no doubt
about it. The ache in my knee turned into a
monstrous pounding that matched the fury in my chest. But
I forced myself to remain composed. I was to barge

(10:01):
in and cause a scene if she'd gone this far.
I needed conclusive proof. I grabbed my phone and took
a few photos, the license plate of her car, the
time stamp. Then I left, mind reeling with heartbreak and rage.
That night, I barely slept. She came home late, claiming
dinner ran long. She kissed me half heartedly and crawled

(10:24):
into bed. I feigned a yawn, rolled over, said nothing.
If I confronted her with just the motel observation, she'd
deny it, possibly spin a new lie. Tomorrow, I told myself,
I'll gather more evidence now. I had no illusions about
talking it out or forgive and forget. In my line

(10:44):
of work, trust is everything. Betrayal is an unpardonable sin.
The next morning, as she rummaged for her shoes, I
casually asked, Hey, how was dinner with Lauren good Soush.
She paused, sliding on a heel Sam who rolls were amazing.
I'm sorry I got back so late. I simply nodded,

(11:05):
throat tight. She left. I sank onto the sofa and
stared at the wall. The woman I loved unconditionally had
lied straight to my face hooking up with some unknown
man at a C D motel. Why was it money? Thrill,
boredom anger? My mind churned a thousand theories, but none
changed the reality. She was unfaithful. One of my mentors

(11:28):
once said, an espionage never let emotion sabotage your strategy.
Keep calm, gather facts, then strike decisively. That's exactly what
I planned to do. That afternoon. I quietly hired a
private investigator. I trusted Felix Malone to tell her. Felix
had done subintract p I work for Sloane Protective. He

(11:51):
was discreet. I told him I suspect an affair. I
need concrete proof, photos, I d times dates. He nodded,
you got it, Boss, might take a few days, understood,
I replied, Just keep me in the loop. Kristin had
no idea. She carried on as though her cover was

(12:12):
air dight. Meanwhile, I lined up data. Tessa was feeding
me phone location pings. Felix was snapping pictures. I even
put up a hidden motion activated cam in the living
room in case she tried to bring him here. I
might be Overgil, but in my world, better two prepared
than caught off guard. Three days later, Felix texted me

(12:34):
target repeated maple would motel meet partner identified as Daniel Bowman.
I nearly dropped my phone. Daniel Bowman Kristen's cousin. That
was her father's nephew. If I recalled, She'd mentioned him
in passing, but with zero detail a family member. This
can't be right. My pulse hammered as I read Felix's

(12:56):
message again, possibly a name coincidence. I asked for a photo.
He sent me a grainy image, a tall, dark haired
man with a strong resemblance to Gerald Bowman's side of
the family. This was beyond twisted. She was hooking up
with her cousin incest. Effectively, my stomach lurched a wave

(13:17):
of revulsion and fury crashed over me. That night, I
confronted her gently at first, So anything you want to
tell me about your cousin, Daniel, I asked, watching closely.
Her reaction was instant pupil's wide posture stiff Daniel. We
talk occasionally, not that often. Why thought maybe you'd been

(13:39):
meeting him for lunch or coffee? She shook her head
too fast. Why would I do that? He lives out
of town? Is something going on? Her expression was an
attempt at feigned confusion, but I saw the panic in
her eyes. The woman was a poor liar. Under direct confrontation,
I let it hang. Just heard he was around, no reason,

(14:00):
She exhaled, well, no, I haven't seen him in years.
Actually lie. My mind spat the word sure, just curious.
I walked away, heart pounding. So not only was she cheating,
she was lying about it to my face with her
cousin disgusting. My next step was simple, gather more. I

(14:22):
wanted no loopholes left, because once I took action, I
intended to bury them. Legally speaking, Felix compiled a thorough dossier, dates, times, photos,
plus audio from a small directional mic. The worst part
one conversation recorded in the motel parking lot. Daniel soft laugh.

(14:43):
He has no clue, does he Christen low voice? Not yet,
but soon as we get the big score. God, it's
so close. I'm bailing on him, Daniel, we'll do it right.
Use that security contract info, extort him if we have.
He's loaded, Kristin, he's such a gullible dog owner. My

(15:04):
throat constricted listening to it. She wasn't just cheating for passion.
She and her cousin were orchestrating some scheme extortion. Could
it be they wanted to access my firm's government deals
or blackmail me out of money? Did they figure they
could use family ties? I played it back, seething, rage building.

(15:24):
They joked about my injury, calling me hop along, mocking
my military hero act. All these years. She pretended to
admire my service while apparently ridiculing me behind my back.
The betrayal felt nuclear. I might have lost control if
not for my disciplined instincts. Some men catch their wife
in an affair and explode violently, but real strength is

(15:48):
measured strategic, No matter how vile the situation, I refuse
to be that raving lunatic. I needed something bigger. I
dismantled them clean, legal, with finality. Late that night, while
Kristen dozed in our bed, I stared at her sleeping face,
remembering our wedding day and the vows we exchanged. Then

(16:09):
I recalled that audio, her sneering telling Daniel I was clueless.
That was the moment I decided no mercy. I rose
stepped into the study and called my attorney, Rebecca Lee.
She specialized in high stakes divorces, especially where betrayal meets
legal complexities. She answered, half asleep, Mike, everything okay, Rebecca,

(16:32):
Sorry for the late call. I need you. It's serious.
My wife's cheating and there's blackmail in play. She paused,
then her tone sharpened. I'll clear my morning, bring me
everything you have. We'll do this rite chapter two. Next morning,
I drove across town to Rebecca Lee's law office, a
sleek corner suite on the eighteenth floor. Rain pelted the windows,

(16:56):
matching my grim mood. She greeted me with empathy. Mike, sit,
tell me everything. Over an hour, I laid out Felix's evidence,
photos of Christen meeting Daniel Bowman at the motel, audio
clips of them discussing extortion, mocking me, plus text logs
showing they'd planned to drain me financially. Rebecca listened, hands folded,

(17:20):
Her expression tightened as the story unraveled At the end,
she sighed. This is beyond the usual affair. It's incest
and conspiracy, potentially criminal. I nodded. They want some kind
of big score, could be money from me or intellectual
property from my firm. I can't let them slip away.

(17:40):
She tapped a pen on her desk. Divorce is the
simpler side. You have more than enough grounds for a
fault based filing at aldery malicious intent. We'll get you
a favorable settlement, no question. She paused, scanning my face.
But you said criminal. Are you aiming to press charges
if it's extortion or theft? Absolutely? But I need a

(18:04):
rock solid case. I can't tip them off too soon.
They might pivot. They are cunning enough to cover tracks.
Rebecca reached for her phone. I know a DA who
hates cases like this. She might be interested. But first
you do realize that once the criminal side heats up,
your wife and her cousin might get desperate, even violent.

(18:27):
I clenched my jaw. Let them try. While we mapped
out strategy, Kristin texted me, Hey, Babe, dinner at Dad's
place tonight six p m. Don't be late. Perfect a
chance to see how dear old Gerald Bowman would react
if I subtly probed about Daniel. Also, I needed to
keep up appearances so Kristin wouldn't suspect I was building

(18:50):
a nuke of evidence behind her back. Rebecca pressed a
set of papers into my hand. File them only after
we finalize the details. Meanwhile, gather the more if possible.
I left mine buzzing. Called my best friend and second
in command at Sloane Protective Carl Whitman. He'd been with
me in the Middle East. Understood my seriousness, Carl small

(19:13):
update my wife's cheating, possibly extortion. Keep that quiet. A pause, Jesus, Mike,
I'm sorry. How can I help? I might need an
extra set of eyes if things get ugly, I'll keep
you posted. Just watch my back. You got it, Carl said,
no hesitation a friend. Indeed. Gerald Bowman's estate was a

(19:36):
sprawling property with manicured hedges, a circular driveway, and large
white columns. He greeted me in the foyer, Mike, my boy,
good to see you. He gave me a hearty hand. Jake,
Christen's in the den with your mother in law. Normally
I liked Gerald, a man's man who taught me how
to fish in the early days. Tonight, though I studied

(19:58):
him for any sign of nonfeledge about Daniel and Kristin.
It was tough. He seemed genuinely warm. Dinner started quietly,
roast beef, mashed potatoes, the usual hearty meal. Kristin chatted
about random things. She didn't look at me much, though.
Half way through I pivoted the conversation by the way Gerald,

(20:19):
I heard your nephew Daniel might be in town. He nodded,
dabbing his mouth. Yes, indeed, I think so. He's been
traveling a lot. Not sure if he's got new business
deals or what. Why do you ask? Kristin gave me
a quick side eye. Obviously uncomfortable. I shrugged, cutting my beef,

(20:40):
though just curious. I realized I've never spent real time
with him. I didn't know if he was around. Gerald chuckled,
He's well, Daniel's a bit of a drifter, gets involved
in shady, get rich quick ideas. I've tried to set
him straight. Hard kid to read. I forced a grin. Sure, sure,

(21:01):
Kristin slipped in, Dad, let's talk about something else. She
wore that tense expression. If Gerald noticed, he didn't show it.
We finished dinner, she excused herself, presumably to chat with
her mom. Gerald walked me to the front door. Everything okay, son,
you seem distracted. I'm fine. I lied work sras. He

(21:24):
nodded sympathetically. Well keep your head up. On the drive home,
Kristin was silent. I tried pressing something on your mind. No,
she snapped. Why'd you bring up Daniel at dinner. You've
never cared about him before. I adopted a casual tone.
Just heard he was in town, thought it might be
nice to meet him. That's all, she stared out the window.

(21:48):
He's no one you want to know. But ironically I
already knew too much. Two days later, I found her
rummaging through my office drawers at home. She jumped nearly
dropped a folder. Jesus, you scared me. What are you
looking for, I asked, voice steady. She forced a smile. Oh,
just that warranty paperwork for the water heater. I swear

(22:11):
I saw it in here somewhere. I raised an eyebrow.
It's in the kitchen file cabinet under utilities, not in
my private business drawer. She blinked, Oh, my mistake. After
she left, I checked the drawer contents. The only item
missing a small USB drive containing back up copies of
sensitive Sloane protective contract drafts. That drive had various security

(22:35):
detail rosters, potential expansions. Nothing catastrophically top secret, but definitely privileged.
My teeth clenched. She was stepping up the espionage perfect
let her think she'd out smartened me. I'd recently updated
a second USB copy and locked it in the company safe.
The one she took was months outdated. I felt that

(22:58):
wave of betrayal again, but anger was overshadowed by a
sense of cold, strategic calm. She and Daniel were probably
about to try forging something or hawking some tidbit to
blackmail me. Fine, let them walk right into that trap.
That afternoon, Felix texted me an audio snippet. Daniel tell

(23:18):
me you got something juicy. Kristin, Yes, a us B.
Not sure how recent, but if it's got intel, we
can spin it, maybe threatened to leak to his clients.
If he doesn't pay up, Daniel will demand a few
million Vanish together. God, I can't wait, Kristin laughing, he
thinks I'm clueless, idiot. A few million They honestly believe

(23:42):
they could blackmail me for that, some bastards. I stared
out the window of my office tower, the city skyline
a blur. A part of me still couldn't fathom how
my once sweet wife turned so callous. Another part recognized
that maybe she'd always been that way, just wearing a mask.
Ask Despite the heartbreak, I refused to show my hand.

(24:04):
I continued normal routines, kissing Kristin's cheek, making small talk
at breakfast, like a man quietly building a doss on
an enemy. Even as she lied about running errands. I'd
text Felix, who'd confirmed she was meeting Daniel at some
coffee shop or that same sleazy motel. With each new
piece of evidence, my resolve hardened. They'd regret under estimating me.

(24:27):
Rebecca Lee filed the official divorce paperwork, but had them
sealed temporarily so Kristin wouldn't get win too soon. Meanwhile,
we arranged a quiet meeting with the local DA Marjorie Cross.
She was tough, known for hating blackmail cases with a passion.
We explained we had an imminent extortion scheme, showed her

(24:48):
partial evidence. She'd agreed to put an investigative lens on
it if they attempt to blackmail you, she said, I
want to see or hear it, then we'll move forward
with charges. So I let them come to me. Sure enough,
three nights later, I get a text from unknown number.
We have your business data. Comply or we blow up

(25:09):
your deals that includes telling the FEDS about your sensitive
arms shipments. Meet at the Lucky Star Bar alone tomorrow
at eight p m. With a down payment of five
hundred k or else. Even though it was obviously them,
I feigned shock, replying who is this? We can talk,
just don't do anything rash The response half a million

(25:32):
or your business collapses. Perfect. The next evening, I set
up a small sting, not an official police sting. Rebecca
and daw Cross advised letting them talk, but I took steps.
I wore hidden audio, carried a bag with fake cash
wrapped around worthless paper. I sat in the Lucky Star
Bar's corner booth at seven fifty five p m, sipping water,

(25:56):
My knee ached from tension, but I stay poised. Eight
zero zero o five p m. Daniel slid into the
booth across from me. Baseball cap low, the resemblance to
Gerald Bowman was unmistakable. My teeth clenched. He acted like
we were strangers, speaking in a hushed voice. You have it.
I set the bag on the table. I need proof

(26:18):
you haven't leaked anything, and I want to see my wife.
Talk to her, he smirked. Kristen's not here, she's busy. Listen,
old man, hand over the bag. Keep your mouth shut,
and maybe the stays between us. Otherwise you lose everything.
I forced a calm expression. Show me the stolen drive

(26:39):
or no deal? He shrugged, produced a small USB from
his pocket. It's all right here. I've got copies, of course,
I exhaled. All right, let's not escalate. We can figure
out a price, he blinked, clearly expecting me to just
fork over five hundred K. I wanted him to keep
talking the hit. Mike was recording every word. Sure enough,

(27:03):
he added. If you try any crap, I'll make sure
your business gets hammered by scandal. Kristen's behind me one
hundred percent. She's done with you. You're worthless. It took
everything not to lunge over the table. Instead, I slid
the bag forward. Open it if you want. But we
need a plan, you said, five hundred k is a

(27:24):
down payment. Then what he cracked a smile, another one
five million once we prove we can bury your secrets
for good BATCHA. That was explicit extortion. I raised my
hands in surrender. You'll get it. Just let me talk
to Kristin. Daniel laughed, she's done talking. Good luck, cripple.

(27:45):
He grabbed the bag, stood and left. I watched him
vanish out the door. My blood roared, but I reminded myself,
I've got him. All of that was recorded. My next
call would be to da Cross. Moments after Daniel left,
I got a text from Kristin. You should be on
your way home. Where are you? I smirked. She was

(28:08):
obviously checking if I'd fold to their demands. This was
so orchestrated, I replied, pliant, meeting running late, see you soon.
Then I stepped out, letting the bar's kneel on sign
fade behind me. I forwarded the audio file to daw Cross.
She confirmed it was sufficient to open an investigation. They'd

(28:29):
attempt to track Daniel's next move. Meanwhile, I told her
that Kristin was the prime co conspirator. Cross said, we'll
need evidence she's directly involved. Hang tight. Little did Cross
know I already had that in spades, the phone calls,
the motel sessions, everything at home. Kristin had the gall

(28:50):
to greet me in lingerie, smiling sweetly. Been waiting for yo, you, honey,
she purred. I thought maybe we could reconnect tonight. I
stared at her stomach, roiling, Sure, I said, forcing a
neutral expression. She slinked closer, pressing her body to mine,
whispering in my ear. Don't let your leftover war injuries

(29:11):
slow you down. The cruelty behind that line made me
want to recoil, but I played along, letting her think
I was seduced. If she suspected a trap, she'd vanish
and we'd lose them. So for the night, I endured
her false affections, despising every second, waiting for the dawn
and a fresh chance to bury them. At dawn, my
phone blew up with messages from Daniel's unknown number. Deposit

(29:35):
the next one five million in an offshore account. We'll
provide details soon. Meanwhile, Tessa pind me that Daniel had
tried to access the old USB from a public library,
likely checking the files. He'd be pissed to discover it
was mostly outdated data. My guess they'd realized soon they
needed more risk me refusing to pay perfect let them

(29:58):
try harder. I I hopped into my truck, heading to
the downtown District Attorney's building. The plan was to finalize
a formal complaint. Half Way there, a black sedan tailgated
meat aggressively. I changed lanes it followed. My heart pounded.
Could Daniel be going from blackmail to violence? At a stoplight,

(30:19):
the sedan lurched up next to me. The passenger window
rolled down. I tensed, ready to duck or swerve, but
then the driver peeled out, speeding away, possibly a random,
reckless driver. My muscles stayed tight. Though the lines had
been crossed. I had no illusions they might not try
to harm me if cornered. That afternoon, daw Cross gave

(30:42):
the green light we do an official sting. She recommended
using a controlled environment, but she needed me to dangle
the promise of more money so Daniel and Kristen would
explicitly threaten me again. The local p D would be
on stand by. I agreed on one condition. When they
arrest them, I wanted air date, no wiggle room for

(31:04):
them to slither free Cross nodded absolutely, so I texted Daniel, fine,
I'll pay the one five million. Let's finalize the exchange tomorrow,
but I want to see Kristin in person. She knows
the most about me, and I need reassurance you both
won't blackmail me again after I pay. His response a

(31:25):
few minutes later understood tomorrow nine p m. Parking lot
behind Redwood Mall. Show down arranged chapter three. It was
insane to think I'd known Christa nearly a decade, trusted
her with my life, and now found myself prepping to
bust her for blackmail, incestuous cheating, and dollar one million extortion.

(31:46):
But if the facts are monstrous, that's reality. At eight
thirty p m. I pulled into Redwood Mall's deserted rear
parking area. The place was mostly shuddered. The police had
two unmarked cars hidden behind tall dumpsters. Plus I wore
a wire my phone was set to automatically record the
sky threatened rain, a perfect bleak scene. I stepped out,

(32:10):
scanning for threats. My knee twinch, but I kept my
posture upright. Ten minutes later, a silver A SUV park
twenty yards away. Daniel got out first. Then Kristin emerged.
The moment I saw her in a short leather jacket,
arms folded, face tight, A wave of heartbreak threatened to
break my composure. I shoved it down. She approached, glancing around.

(32:35):
Is it just you? I forced a nod. Yeah. Daniel
jerked his chin at me. Got the money, tough guy.
I lifted a duffel bag filled with prop bills per
daw Cross's arrangement. Right here, Kristin studied me with a sneer.
Took you long enough, Daniel and I were starting to
think you'd chicken out or turn us in, she laughed bitterly.

(32:58):
But we know you too well, Mike. You're too proud
to let your business collapse, and you can't handle a
scandal right. I stared at her. This woman once told
me I was her hero. Why are you doing this?
Why with your own cousin? For God's sake, she shrugged,
don't act so shocked. Daniel and I we clicked, and

(33:20):
you you've been so wrapped up in your job, your
moral coat, your injured pride. You never saw it. We
realized we could be unstoppable if we combined resources. She
made a dismissive wave at my leg. Besides, you're not
the man I married. You're just a cripple with a
big bank account. I inhaled, slowly controlling the urge to snap.

(33:42):
So all those years meant nothing. She smirked at Daniel.
He's fishing for sentiment. Let's wrap this up. He nodded,
hand over the bag. Then we'll vanish. You'll never hear
from us again, assuming you keep quiet. I raised an eyebrow,
and the stolen data, the black the texts and recordings.
Daniel opened a small folder, waved a few print outs.

(34:06):
We have details we can leaked to the press. Don't
push us. The irony was comedic, given I had them
on tape. All right, let's do in exchange, I said,
but I want every copy of that data. Let's burn
it in front of me. Kristin rolled her eyes. We're
not idiots. We keep a back up until we're safely gone.

(34:28):
Once we're out of the country, we'll delete it. Assume
you don't come after us. That's the best you get. Classic.
They demanded total trust from me while giving zero in return.
At that moment, I gave the signal, scratching my neck.
That was the PD's q. They'd wait to hear explicit
demands or threats, then swoop in. Daniel glared, stop stalling,

(34:52):
show me the money. I unzipped the duffel, revealing meat
stacks that looked real one point five million. As agreed,
he reached, rifling through the top bundles. This better not
be a trick, he growled. Kristin came closer, lips curled.
We'll be living it up somewhere warm. You'll never see
me again, Mike. Isn't that a relief? My hidden Mike

(35:15):
needed a final incriminating line them, confirming the blackmail demands
in plain words, I said, so to confirm, I'm giving
you this one five million, and you promise not to
release any damaging info about me or my company. That's
the deal. Kristin nodded. Yes, we keep our mouths shut
about your so called shady deals, your personal failings. Everything

(35:39):
you pay, we disappear. Daniel added, If you cross us,
we bury you understand. That was it, the whole, unambiguous statement.
The cops had enough to charge them with felony extortion.
My heart pounded with a savage satisfaction. On a personal level,
I wanted to shout, you destroyed us, but I forced neutrality.

(36:01):
I stepped back. Fine take it. Daniel snatched the bag,
sipped it up. He gave me a mocking salute. You lose,
old man. They turned to leave. I exhaled, Actually, my
voice echoed in the empty lot, you lose. At that moment,
headlights flared, sirens blared. Two unmarked cars screeched into the lot.

(36:23):
Police officers leaped out, weapons drawn, freeze, hands in the air.
Christen shrieked, what Mike, you bastard. She tried to bolt
toward the SUV. Daniel lunged in the other direction. Cops
tackled them both onto the wet pavement. The duffel spilled open,
revealing the fake bills. Gasping in fury, Daniel hollered, he

(36:47):
set us up. The money's fake. An officer pinned him,
reading Miranda Wright's Kristin's bat venom at me, tears mingling
with raw hatred. You you sick freak. You lied. I
stood a face like stone. No, sweetheart, you're the lyre
and you're under arrest for extortion, conspiracy and everything else

(37:08):
you plotted. She kept screaming, he's making this up. We
did nothing. Daniel say nothing, But the police had them cold.
Their words recorded, the bag in hand, plus the old
text messages. They had no chance to weasel out. The
cops cuffed them both, ignoring their protestations. A female detective

(37:28):
approached me, mister Sloane, you all right, I nodded, though
my pulse hammered ye, I'm good. Christen's eyes blazed. You
can't do this. I'm your wife, I stared back icily.
Not for much longer. Daniel cursed me. You set this
up with the copse, you asshole. You pay for this.

(37:50):
I gave a bitter laugh. You threatened me, tried to
blackmail me, You stolen data. You're the criminals. This is
what you get with that. The police escorted them to
separate squad cars, reading them each an entire list of charges.
The swirling red and blue lights illuminated the betrayal scrawled
across their faces as they drove off. I felt a

(38:12):
strange hollowness. This was the right thing, Yet it felt
like my entire marriage died in that instant. It had
died earlier, truth be told, But now the coffin was
nailed shut. I spent two hours at the station, giving
a formal statement to the detectives. They compiled the audio, text, messages,
video from the scene. Everything pointed to an open and

(38:35):
shut case of felony extortion, possibly more charges once we
uncovered how they tried to steal trade secrets. The incessed
angle might or might not come up in court, but
it was damn sure scandalous. At one point, an officer
stepped out of an interrogation room shaking his head. The
woman's hysterical, cursing your name, claiming you manipulated her. The

(38:58):
cousin is blaming everything on her. Quite a meltdown. I
calmly sipped coffee. Let them devour each other. My only
regret was that I'd wasted so many years trusting the snake.
Rebecca Lee, you arrived soon after, giving me a reassuring
pat on the shoulder. Mike, you did brilliantly there, definitely

(39:18):
looking at prison time. Meanwhile, I'll expedite the divorce. You
want to see her or do anything else. I shook
my head. No, I'm done, she pursed her lips. We'll
handle the property's side legally. She's burned every bridge. The
prenuptial you had remember protects your business from spousal claims

(39:39):
in case of infidelity or criminal acts. That was wise. Yeah,
that prenup was originally her father's suggestion, ironically enough to
protect her inheritance. Turns out it also safeguarded me fate's
sense of humor. I drove home alone that late night,
hush thick in the evar. In the driveway, I pau

(40:00):
looking at the house. We once shared, so many memories,
every corner laced with the ghost of a life I
thought was genuine. Now I saw illusions. The couch where
we snuggled, a stage for her deceit, the kitchen table
where we laughed, a platform for her lies. I locked
the door behind me, stepped into my office, took off

(40:22):
my jacket, and sank into the chair. My reflection in
the dark window looked older, tired. A small trimmer hit me,
like the emotional release after a battle field. I'd love
that woman. She plodded to rob me and vanished with
her cousin a swirl of revulsion, anger, sorrow, and relief
washed over me. Then I exhaled. My father taught me

(40:44):
life moves forward, so would I. At three a m
I finally drifted asleep comforted by the knowledge that Kristen
and Daniel were in jail facing humiliating exposure. The next morning,
the local news would carry the story wife and cousin
arrested in dollar one million black veil plot. My phone

(41:04):
would explode with messages from colleagues, friends, maybe even from
Gerald Bowman. He'd be devastated to learn his nephew and
daughter conspired like that. But for to night, I allowed
myself a deep breath, laying the tension bleed out. At
least the immediate threat was gone. The heartbreak would take
longer to heal. But I wasn't destroyed. I was free.

(41:27):
Chapter four daylight spilled into my house. I woke to
the phone buzzing. True to prediction, half the city was
aware of last night's fiasco. News outlets used words like shocking, betrayal,
family scandal. I glanced at one headline, local security mogul's
wife charged with extortion. So much for privacy. Gerald Bowman

(41:50):
tried calling me three times. I finally answered. He sounded wrecked, Mike,
is it true? There saying Kristen, she and Daniel go.
I can't believe it. My voice was flat. I'm sorry, Gerald,
but yes, it's all true. He choked up. She's my daughter.
How could this happen? I heard the heart break in

(42:12):
his tone. I don't know. It blindsided me too. He
asked if he could come over for all our differences,
now the man was still like family. I agreed. Twenty
minutes later he arrived, eye's blood jot, posture slumped. He
sank onto my sofa. Gerald took off his cap, rubbed
his forehead. Where is she now? In custody? I pressed charges.

(42:36):
The cops caught them red handed. They threatened me, tried
to blackmail me for money. We have recordings. He exhaled shakily.
Christ Daniel always had issues, but I never thought she'd
do something like that, My baby girl. He swallowed, tears
brimming and incest. Are they saying she was involved with

(42:57):
him intimately? I nodded grimly, Yes, that's what the evidence suggests.
He buried his face in his hands. I failed as
a father. I quietly let him grieve, though part of
me wanted to say she made her own choices. Eventually,
he asked, is there any chance you dropped the charges?
Maybe we handle it privately. I stiffened, No, they threatened

(43:21):
my life. Attempted grand extortion. I won't bury that, sorry,
he nodded slowly. I understand. You have my support if
that matters. Christin's mother is in shock, weeping NonStop. We
never saw this coming. I gently padded his shoulder. I'm sorry, truly.
Sometimes betrayal scorches more than just the victim. Over the

(43:45):
next week, the legal wheels turned fast. Christen's mugshot circulated
Daniels too. They faced multiple felony counts, extortion, grand larceny,
attempt conspiracy, possibly more once the doll looked at how
they tried to exploit my corporate data. Meanwhile, my lawyer
served divorce papers. Rebecca confirmed that with the prin up

(44:07):
plus evidence of adultery and criminal conspiracy, Kristin got nothing,
not a dime. I even had a shot at punitive damages.
I wasn't sure. If i'd bother collecting, she'd probably be
in prison and away. The tabloids feasted on the incessed angle.
Though official charges about that might never appear, it was
enough to tarnish her name forever. Some days I felt

(44:30):
a pang of pity for the woman I'd once adored,
But that pity was overshadowed by the memory of her
cold eyes in that parking lot. Meanwhile, Gerald and I
had a private meeting with his lawyers. He was worried
about the family name. I told him Gerald, I won't
drag you or your wife into this, but I can't
shield Christen from the consequences. He nodded, grateful despite his heartbreak.

(44:55):
He didn't try to spin it. He just quietly apologized
for her. I resume normal operations at Sloane Protective, addressing
staff rumors. Yes, there's been a personal situation involving me. No,
it doesn't affect the company. We keep forging the head
that was that. My employees rallied around me, offering moral support.

(45:18):
I appreciated them, but also needed space to process. A
few nights, I lay awake replaying the moment Kristin looked
me in the eye and sneered, you're not the man
I married as she demanded hush money. The cruelty burned.
Let that be a reminder of how naive I was
to trust blindly. The District Attorney's office arranged a preliminary hearing.

(45:39):
I attended, quietly, flanked by Rebecca Lee across the aisle
Christin wore an orange jumpsuit, wrists cuffed. She looked disheveled,
eyes flickering with panic. Daniel was next to her, chain
on his ankles. They refused to make eye contact with
each other, presumably on advice from their lawyers. When the

(45:59):
judge dread the charges, the daw outlined the blackmail attempt.
The evidence was overwhelming digital audio plus eyewitness. Christen's attorney
tried to spin a story that she was coerced by Daniel,
that she didn't fully realize the plan. The judge looked unconvinced.
The incessed rumor hung in the air, unspoken but implied.

(46:21):
I stared at the back of her head, remembering our
wedding day. She was once so radiant. Now she was
a shell of that person, undone by her own monstrous choices.
A moment of sadness scripped me. Eight years gone to ash,
but I stayed strong. The judge denied bail, sighting flight
risk and seriousness of the crimes. Christ And glared at

(46:43):
me on her way out, hatred etched on her face.
I felt no triumph, only a grim sense of justice.
They sewed this, now they'd reap the consequences. After the hearing,
as I exited the court house, a swirl of reporters
bombarded me with questions. Mister Sloane, can you comment on
your wife's alleged incestuous affair. Is it true you orchestrated

(47:06):
a sting to entrap them? What do you say about
rumors you abused her? I kept my cool, no comment.
The evidence speaks for itself. Then I pushed through the crowd,
ignoring the cameras. I had no patience for sensational drama.
The truth was on record with the DA. That was enough.

(47:27):
Rebecca Lee caught up with me. You did well. They'll
spend any angle for headlines. Don't engage. I nodded, thank
you for everything. Rebecca, hang in there. Final trial might
be in a couple months. Meanwhile, your divorce is unstoppable.
She can't contest it from jail. That'll be done soon.

(47:48):
To finalize the divorce, we had a last procedural meeting.
Kristin's lawyer was present, but Kristin was absent. She refused
to attend. The documents laid out that all marital property
reverted to me thanks to the I are gladprinupp She
got zero spousal support due to adultery. I had no

(48:08):
illusions she'd ever hold a stable life again, not after prison.
A small, dark part of me felt satisfaction, but the
bigger part was simply numb. Two days later, the judge
signed off. I was officially divorced. Just like that, our
marriage ended. In my heart, it had ended the moment
I caught her at that motel, or maybe the moment

(48:31):
I heard her voice mocking Mia on the recordings. But
now it was legal. I walked out of the court
house feeling a strange emptiness, freed from a toxic bond,
but also stripped of illusions. Another chapter closed. Gerald wrote
me a letter heart apology, part farewell. He said he
and his wife were moving out of state to avoid

(48:53):
the scandal. He didn't blame me for pressing charges, he understood.
The letter ended. My daughter is lost to me, as
is my nephew. I'll spend my remaining years grappling with
that heartbreak. I wish you peace. I'm so sorry. I
folded it gently side Tragedy all around, I thought, but

(49:13):
none of it was my doing. Kristin and Daniel made
their bed. In the swirl of aftermath, My business stayed robust.
Clients admired how I faced adversity, some even praising me
for exemplary crisis management. I occasionally woke from nightmares. Some
nights I dreamed of Kristen's face twisted in betrayal, but

(49:34):
I always pushed forward, my old army mentality at apt survive.
Move on. Tessa, the electronics whiz, gave me a kind
smile one evening, dropping by my office. So the monsters
caged looks like it, I replied, leaning back DA's building.
The slam dunk case. Trial's coming, but it's basically over.

(49:58):
She padded my shoulder. You a fresh start, boss, Yeah,
I'm working on that, I murmured, And so I returned
home that night, stepping into a quiet house. But it
was a quiet I could handle, No hidden phone calls,
no stench of betrayal, just me, my thoughts and a
new future. I'd let the legal system finish them off.

(50:20):
Possibly i'd testify at trial, present my recordings. They'd be convicted.
I'd never see them again, Good riddance. In the living room,
I found an old framed wedding photo Kristen and I
grinning like idiots on the church steps. For a moment,
A lump rose in my throat. Then, with a firm hand,

(50:42):
I took the photo out of its frame, walked outside,
and dropped it into the trash bin. The glass clinked.
I stared at it for a second. No regrets. She
was gone. They were done now I would heal. Chapter five,
a week after Kristen and Daniel's arrest, Mike Sloane finds
himself inundated with interviews and sensational headlines. Though he mostly

(51:04):
avoids reporters, the public spectacle looms sloane protective employees rally
around him, praising his composure. Mike steps off the elevator
into his executive office. His second in command, Carl Whitman, awaits,
you've seen this morning's feed? Write Boss. Carl holds up
a tablet the headline Wife's Incest and Black Veil plot,

(51:27):
Shock City CEO. Mike Sloane breaks silence. Mike grunts, I'm
not breaking any silence. These vultures just want a dramatic quote.
Carl nods, where behind you, man? No matter how messy
it gets, the betrayal still gnaws at Mike's chest, though
he keeps a disciplined front Knights remain restless with sporadic

(51:49):
dreams of Christen's mocking smile. Yet determination steals him. He
knows justice is on his side. Calls flood in from
old army buddies, exclient and civic leaders who respect Mike.
Some expressed shock, others discussed at Christen's incestuous affair if you.
Top tier security partners quietly reassure him that Sloane Protective's

(52:12):
reputation remains solid, perhaps even bolstered by how he handled
the crisis. Mike's day is too busy for self biddy.
A government contract is entering a final negotiation stage. He
needs to confirm that none of the stolen data Daniel
took can affect these deals, but the lawyers confirm all
blackmail evidence was outdated or incomplete, no real damage to

(52:36):
the business. Mid morning, the Marjorie Cross herself drops by unannounced.
She's the lead prosecutor on the case against Kristin and Daniel.
Mister Sloane, I'd like to speak face to face, she says,
stepping into his office dressed in a crisp blouse. Cross
has an air of not on sense authority, of course,

(52:56):
Mike replies, motioning to a chair. What's new. We have
a preliminary hearing set soon. I want your full statement
and to confirm you'll testify if needed. Mike nods, I'll
do whatever it takes. People are disturbingly enthralled by the lurid, incestuous,
cheating wife aspect. Tabloid rumors swirl about voodoo cults, secret pregnancies,

(53:19):
and other nonsense. Mike tries ignoring the garbage. He focuses
on real threats, any left over conspirators or hidden angles.
Daniel Mahef Mike's divorce attorney, Rebecca calls in the afternoon.
We hammered down final property divisions last week, She says,
Now we push forward with the criminal side, though you're

(53:40):
not a direct party, just the star witness. Let me
know if you need more legal coverage. Mike thanks her.
I appreciate everything. Let's keep them locked up for good.
Over a coffee break, Carl pulls Mike aside, Boss, you're
not sleeping. You look like you're running on fumes. Better
than I was. Mike admits it's just an onslaught of everything,

(54:04):
the business, the press, the trial. But I'll manage. I've
survived worse, I know you have just remember to lean
on us to reinforce trust. Mike invests in top tier
data protection measures for Sloane Protective. He personally interviews a
new cybersecurity lead, Brian Mendes, who sets up advanced intrusion detection.

(54:26):
Mike won't allow another infiltration like Kristin pulled off. That night,
after a long day, Mike drives home under a brilliant
purple sunset. Alone in his big, quiet house, he replays
the DA's words about the hearing. He wonders if confronting
Kristin again in court will dredge up old pains. She's
in jail, he reminds himself, she can't hurt me. Anamore.

(54:50):
Before bed, Mike stands at his living room window, swirling
a glass of scotch. The city lights glimmer in the
distance for the first times in nas the arrest. He
feels a faint sense of relief. The unstoppable avalanche of
chaos He's learning to navigate it. Tomorrow, He'll do it
all again, stronger, calmer, determined. A few days later, Mike

(55:14):
receives a short, trembling phone call from Gerald Bowman, Christen's father.
Mike Gerald's voice crackles. I know you have every right
to hate me by association, but can we talk please?
Mike hesitates, memories of their once friendly bond flooding his mind. Sure, Gerald,
I've got an hour tomorrow. Come by my office. Gerald

(55:37):
arrives wearing a worn suit. He looks older, weighed down
by shame. They step into a private conference room. The
older man's eyes glisten with regret. I can't believe my
own daughter and my nephew. It's monstrous, he breathes, voice shaky,
with a heavy sigh, Gerald expresses sorrow. He insists he

(55:58):
never knew about the incest or the blackmail's scheme. He
reveals how he and his wife, Marlene have been shunned
by certain social circles. There Humiliated, Mike says quietly, I
don't blame you personally, Gerald, but your nephew and your
daughter did real harm to me my business themselves. Gerald nods,
tears brimming. I'm so sorry, Mike. I never imagined she

(56:22):
had this capacity for cruelty. Gerald asks if there's any
chance for leniency, specifically for Kristen. She's misguided, manipulated by Daniel.
Maybe the court could show mercy. Mike's jaw titans mercy.
She orchestrated the blackmail as much as he did. She
humiliated me, threatened my livelihood. You think I'd help lighten

(56:44):
her sentence? Gerald lowers his head. I had to ask,
she's still my daughter, even if she betrayed us. All
the words hang heavily, Mike recalls, once admiring Gerald's paternal warmth.
Now there are two men bound by heartbreak. No solution
can fix what happened. Mike finally exhales, I'm testifying, Gerald.

(57:07):
The evidence is damning. It's not about revenge, It's about justice.
He clenches his fists, fighting tears. I understand, I do.
I just wanted to see if there was any humanity
left for her. I can't stand the thought of her
rotting in prison for decades. Mike's voice remains cold. She

(57:27):
made her bed. Gerald stands, if after sentencing, you can
find it in your heart, maybe speak on her behalf
in any parole hearing years from now. I'm begging you.
Mike shakes his head, numb. That's too far off to
even contemplate. Right now, despite everything, Mike sees, Gerald is
truly tormented. He places a hand on the man's shoulder.

(57:50):
I'm sorry for your pain, but I won't lie under
oath or sabotage the prosecution. That's final. Gerald squeezes his
eyes shut, nods, then leaves alone again. Mike slumps in
his chair, exhaustion seeping through him. He doesn't relish punishing Christen,
but she left him no choice. Where is the line

(58:11):
between justice and vengeance? For now, it's all the same.
He can't betray his own integrity to help her avoid
rightful consequences. The trial itself looms, but first is a
preliminary hearing to confirm charges. The daw wants to ensure
maximum clarity so the judge can set the path to
a formal trial. Mike visits to Cross's office a robust

(58:34):
folder of transcripts, phone call logs, the hidden camera footage,
plus that final mall parking lot setting. Everything lines up
for a near perfect case. Cross smiles grimly. I doubt
they'll risk going to a full jury trial. The evidence
is beyond demming. Likely they'll attempt to plea. Mike shrugs.
If they do, that's their choice. I'll abide by your recommendation. Meanwhile,

(58:59):
rumor says Cris Buiston's newly appointed public defender is claiming
emotional duress due to domestic conflict. They might spin a
narrative that Mike was controlling or manipulative. It's desperate. Cross
reassures him, we have zero evidence you harmed her. The
day arrives, Mike enters the small hearing room, accompanied by Cross.

(59:20):
Kristen stands at the defense table, wearing an orange jumpsuit
and shackles. Her hair is messy, face pale. Daniel is
next to her, eyes downcast. They avoid looking at each other,
a sign their alliance is fractured. The judge reviews the
charge's extortion, conspiracy to commit grand larceny, possession of stolen

(59:41):
data with intent to blackmail. The incessed aspect is not
an official charge, but its well known context. At one point,
Mike meets Christen's eyes across the room. A flicker of
something may be regret or hatred passes over her features.
She quickly looks away as the judge methodically rect cites evidence.
Daniel can't contain himself. This is bullshit. She set me up,

(01:00:06):
used me, he blurts, pointing at Kristin. Kristin gasps, you lying, pig.
You started this entire blackmail plan. The judge pounds the
gavel silence, counsel, control your clients. Mike provides a short
statement how they threatened him for dollar one five million,
referencing audio recordings. He remains calm, unwavering. Kristen's attorney tries

(01:00:31):
a feeble cross examination, mister Sloane, didn't you, but the
judge cuts it short, citing the limited scope of a
preliminary hearing. Concluding, the judge states there is ample evidence
to proceed. Trial date is set for six weeks. Hence,
unless the defendants enter a plea, bail remains denied. The

(01:00:52):
hearing adjourns. Standing in the corridor. Mike exhales that was
draining confronting them again. Cross gives him a firm nod.
You did well. They might break soon if they want
to deal, fine, If not, I'll see them in trial,
Mike says flatly. As the bailiffs lead her away, Kristen
stops for a split second, locking eyes with Mike. In

(01:01:15):
a whispered voice, she says, I hate you. Then she's gone.
Mike feels a pang of finality. Any illusions that she
might regret or apologize vanish with those words. Amid the
legal chaos and unexpected lead surfaces from an old contact
in Mike's security network. Karl bursts into Mike's office, expression grave,

(01:01:36):
We have an external private investigator claiming Daniel was involved
in some other shady deals, possibly bigger than just blackmailing you.
Mike narrows his eyes go on the pie. J Pateel
meets Mike at a coffee shop. He explains that Daniel
may be linked to a ring of high end scammers
who specialize in forging documents blackmailing wealthy targets. We suspect

(01:01:58):
he's done it before. This incested thing is a new twist,
but the blackmail pattern is classic. He's a pro Ptel
references at least two other potential victims, a real estate
developer and a retired tech magnate, both rumored to have
paid hush money. They never went public, presumably out of
shame or fear. Mike feels a surge of anger. So

(01:02:20):
Daniel has been playing the long con on multiple people,
and Kristin hopped on board. If Daniel is part of
a broader criminal operation, that might escalate the charges or
bring the FBI in This might also alter Daniel's or
Christen's willingness to cooperate. Possibly one tries to snitch for
a lighter sentence. Petel is cagy about specifics, but encourages

(01:02:43):
Mike pressed the DA to look deeper. The bigger the
criminal scope, the better your position to ensure Daniel can't
wriggle out on some technicality, Mike thanks him. Determined to
protect future victims from Daniel's manipulations, Mike calls Doc cras,
we might have reason to suspect Daniel's part of a
multi state scam ring. She's intrigued, promising to dispatch investigators.

(01:03:09):
Keep me posted if you learn more, Mike. The notion
that Kristen was not just an adulterer, but an active
collaborator in a repeated scam turns Mike's stomach. He had
once believed at least half their marriage was genuine. Now
he wonders if she played him from the start. The
loone later, Mike wrestles with the possibility he never truly

(01:03:30):
knew her. He fights a mixture of betrayal and shame.
How could I be so blind? But he rallies. You
can't rewrite the past, he tells himself just bring them down.
In the present, the notion of a bigger criminal web
raises the stakes. If Daniel tries to leverage knowledge to
reduce sentencing, he might throw Kristin under the bus, or

(01:03:52):
vice versa. Mike braces for more unexpected revelations amid rumors
Daniel might plead guilty to avoid further'sonfe scrutiny. The official
trial date remains set for Mike. Life must go on,
but tension simmers. Mike juggles high level security negotiations, investor meetings,
plus the constant news chatter about the incestuous Black Millers.

(01:04:15):
He's exhausted but unwavering. Karl suggests Mike see a counselor.
It's normal to process betrayal. Man no shame in that.
Mike is initially resistant. He's used to internalizing pain, but
after recurring nightmares, he schedules a discreet appointment. Sloan Protective thrives. Ironically,

(01:04:36):
new clients flock to them after hearing Mike's personal story.
They see him as a man who overcame internal betrayal
and maintained composure. The therapist, doctor Yates, a former Army psychologist,
listens to Mike's story. You're dealing with betrayal on multiple fronts, anger, heartbreak, confusion.

(01:04:56):
That's huge, Mike size. I just want to put it
behind me. Remember, healing is a journey. Let yourself process
the grief. One evening, rummaging through old files, Mike stumbles
on a letter Christian wrote years ago, professing her love,
praising his courage. The words feel alien now. He tears

(01:05:16):
it up, refusing to linger in illusions. A philanthropic event
for veterans invites Mike as an honored guest. He's hesitant
to appear publicly, worried about gossip. Carl nudges, you can't
hide forever. Let them see you're doing fine. Dressed in
a sleek black suit, Mike attends the gala. Polite applause

(01:05:37):
greets him. A few guests whisper about the scandal, but
many admire his poise. During a conda on stage, he
mentions resilience and integrity, never referencing the fiasco. Directly after
the event, he meets Lorn Dias, a nonprofit organizer who
commends his speech. She's bright, empathetic. They talk about their

(01:05:59):
shared interest in supporting wounded veterans For the first time,
Mike feels a spark of normalcy, like he can talk
to a woman without suspicion. Later, in bed, Mike ponders
whether he can ever trust again. The damage Christen inflicted
runs deep, but he senses a glimmer of hope. Maybe
the future can hold real companionship if he's careful. The

(01:06:21):
trial is set for just under a month away. With
each passing day, tension thickens. Will Daniel try flipping on
Kristin While Kristin cancc new lies in open court, Mike
stands ready, unwavering, determined to see them face justice. Not
everything goes smoothly. One morning, Mike arrives at his office

(01:06:41):
to find a surprising piece of mail, potentially from Daniel's allies.
It's a plain envelope with no return address, inside a
typed note drop. The charges are watch your business burn.
You don't know who we are, but we know you.
No signature, just a crude threat. Immediately, Mike notifies local

(01:07:02):
law enforcement. The letter may indicate Daniel's possible criminal connections
or leftover conspirators. The cops take it seriously, collecting fingerprints,
checking CCTV around the building's mail drop Carl slams his
fist on a table. God damn it, they won't stop.
We need to tighten security even more agreed, Mike says,

(01:07:26):
forcibly calm. They're trying intimidation. We won't fold. Mike contacts
the PJ Patel, who believes this might confirm Daniel's ring
as active. They could be testing your resolve, hoping you'll
get cold feet about testifying. They picked the wrong target.
Mike growls. Mike shares the letter with do Cross. She's furious.

(01:07:48):
We'll step up protective measures. If they think they can
spook you out of testifying, they're in for a rude awakening.
The letter triggers Mike's old soldier instincts. He organized is
a small midnight check of the office building, verifying no
suspicious activity. Adrenaline surges, reminding him of the time he
was ambushed in a war zone. He's no stranger to threats.

(01:08:11):
The next night, prowling the empty corridors of Sloane protective
Mike flashes back to how Kristin prowled these halls at times,
rummaging in drawers. She'd exploited his trust. Now potential new
enemy's lurk he enlists tesse Quinn, the electronics whiz, to
run sweeps for hidden devices or infiltration attempts. So far,

(01:08:33):
nothing suspicious is found, but everyone stays on alert. Instead
of fear, Mike experiences a lethal calm. If they come
at me, I'll be ready, he confides to Carl. The
letter ironically steals his determination to testify and see Daniel
and presumably Kristen fully prosecuted. By week's end. Dark Cross

(01:08:53):
signals she might upgrade Daniel's charges to organized criminal conspiracy
if more evidence emerges. Mike wholeheartedly supports it. The more
pressure on Daniel, the less chance he'll dodge accountability. Amid
the swirling chaos, unexpected glimmers of possible redemption appear, not
for Kristen, but for Mike's own emotional journey. In another

(01:09:14):
session with doctor Yates, Mike recounts the threatening letter. Doctor
Yates probes his deeper feelings. What's your biggest fear right now?
Mike stares out the window. I fear the day I
face them in open court, seeing her, remembering how we
once were. It's normal, but your coarse self is intact.
You're forging a new path, taking the doctor's advice, Mike

(01:09:37):
writes down two columns, what she destroyed versus what remains strong.
Under the second, he lists his ethics, his friends, his business,
and his pride. He realizes he's not broken, hurt, but
not destroyed. He crosses paths again with Lauren Diah's at
a small charity function. They chat easily about local philanthropic causes.

(01:09:59):
She jokes about his super serious aura. He finds himself
smiling more than usual. There's a quiet warmth in the conversation.
They exchange numbers. One Saturday, Lauren invites him to a
casual dinner at her place, spaghetti and wine, nothing fancy.
Mike hesitates. He's uncertain if he's ready for anything beyond

(01:10:20):
professional or polite friendship, but he accepts. The evening is
surprisingly comfortable, shared laughter, talk of volunteer projects. She doesn't
pry into his scandal. She respects boundaries. It feels refreshing.
Driving home that night, Mike's chest is lighter, a female
presence in his life that isn't manipulative or harmful. It

(01:10:43):
feels foreign, but maybe it's possible. He also understands he's
still raw. Christen's trial is imminent. Piling a new romance
on top might be risky. The wise approach take it slow,
remain open to positivity, but guard his heart. That same night,
Mike glances around his living room photos of him alone,

(01:11:05):
a neutral decort, no sign Christen ever existed. He removed
every trace. He imagines, if he heals, maybe one day
these walls can hold laughter again. In small ways, Mike
sees that stepping beyond Christen's shadow is possible. Life moves
forward as the Army taught him. One mission ends, the

(01:11:27):
next begins. He's braced for the next confrontation, fueled by
the faint beginnings of personal renewal, but any illusions of
an easy path vanish each time the phone rings with
a known collar or a new rumor surfaces about Daniel's
dark associates reality. The fight's not over. Mike stands firm,
letting each small sign of redemption give him strength. Doctor

(01:11:50):
Yates describes Mike's emotional state as sixty percent soldier on
high alert, forty percent man seeking normalcy. Gradually, Mike aims
to flip them zo numbers. The upcoming trial will be
a crucible. If he emerges on the other side, maybe
one hundred percent normal life awaits the final countdown. Two
weeks remain until the formal trial, Tensions peak, new revelation's surface,

(01:12:15):
and the possibility of plea bargains swirl. At a pre
trial meeting, Doc Cross confides that Daniel's lawyer approached her
about a plea. They're willing to plead guilty to extortion
if we drop conspiracy charges In exchange, Daniel might serve
ten to fifteen years. Mike's eyes narrow. What about Kristin?
Is she included in that plea? Cross frowns. Daniel wants

(01:12:39):
to pin the incessed plan on her, claims she seduced him.
It's messy, We're not sure how it will play out. Meanwhile,
word leaks that Kristin refuses any plea that requires admitting
full guilt. She insists Daniel masterminded everything. Her defense is
emotional manipulation. She might roll the dice at trial, hoping

(01:13:00):
a jury pities her. If Daniel or Kristen flips on
each other, the trial might shift drastically, but the evidence
is stacked high. Mike remains confident the law is on
his side. Let them tell each other apart, he says
to Cross, as long as they pay for what they did.
Carl updates Mike. So far no more threatening letters. He's

(01:13:23):
also traced the original male's postmark to a remote location
and hour away, possibly an untraceable po box. No immediate leads,
but at least no new threats. Mike institutes a final
layer of corporate security. He instructs staff if anything suspicious arises, calls,
suspicious visitors, report immediately. They run an after hours lock

(01:13:46):
down drill. Everyone's on edge, but also feels safer under
Mike's guidance. In fleeting calmer moments, Mike texts Lorn meets
her for a coffee after her volunteering shift. Their chats
revolve around m normal topics, her dedication to kids education,
his stories about army discipline. He shares small glimpses of

(01:14:07):
his ordeal, but not the ugliest details. She offers empathy
without intruding. Mike's old army buddy, Logan Brooks, visits for
a weekend. They swap war stories, go to a shooting range,
letting off tension with well aimed rounds. Logan states, bluntly,
you faced bullets overseas, these scumbags can't break you. Despite

(01:14:29):
outward calm, Mike's knights remain restless. The trial is days away.
He pictures standing in open court, pointing to Kristin as
the woman who betrayed him. He steals himself. Justice is necessary,
but I'll reopen wounds. The final weekend before the trial,
Mike organizes his testimonies, reviews evidence with Cross one last time.

(01:14:52):
The narrative is unshakable. They have recordings, documents, the motel pictures.
Daniel and Kristen can't escape. Late that Sunday night, Mike
stands on his porch, breathing in the cool air. He
recalls the vow he made to himself the night he
discovered her affair. No mercy for traders. Come tomorrow. He'll
see it through in court, no matter how emotional or messy.

(01:15:16):
The time for retribution is now Chapter six. At last,
the official trial begins, attracting huge media coverage. Mike arrives
early at the court house, mind locked and loaded for confrontation.
Cameras flash as soon as he steps onto the court
house steps. Reporters shout, mister Sloane, is it true they

(01:15:37):
offered you hush money? Any comment on the incest allegations?
He ignores them, walking steadily inside where de Cross awaits.
She gives a supportive nod, Let's do this. The atmosphere
inside is tense. The prosecution team sits on one side.
Mike stands ready among the witnesses. Across the isle, Kristen

(01:15:59):
and Dan Kniel, both wearing formal attire wrists free but
guarded by deputies, take seats at the defense table with
separate lawyers. They appear sullen, not making eye contact with
each other. As seasoned Judge Honorable Patricia Marlowe presides, She's
known for nonsense sufficiency. The bailiff calls the court to order.

(01:16:21):
The gallery is packed journalists, curious onlookers, and even a
few of Mike's staff who came for moral support to
Cross presence a concise damning overview. We will show that
Daniel Bowman and Kristin Bowman Sloane conspired to blackmail mister
Sloane for a multimillion dollar payout, employing stolen data, threatening

(01:16:42):
to destroy his business. They were caught in the act
by law enforcement. She also briefly references the incest as
motivation or a context for their twisted alliance. Daniel's lawyer
tries deflection. Mister Bowman was seduced by Kristen, coerced into
a scheme. He regrets jets his actions, but was under
emotional manipulation. Christen's lawyer then claims she was a victim

(01:17:06):
of Daniel's cunning, that she acted under duress. The incessed
angle is painted as a product of her mental fragility.
From the front row, Mike sees both sides blaming each other.
He isn't surprised. Predators often turn on each other when cornered. Still,
it's surreal to watch them weave excuses. The prosecution calls

(01:17:27):
an ID forensic expert who confirms the stolen USB data
and the phone records. Then Tessa Quinn testifies about discovering
suspicious activities on Kristin's phone. Both are methodical, painting a
picture of methodical theft and blackmail planning. When Tessa mentions
how Kristin rummaged through private drawers to get the USB,

(01:17:48):
Kristen's face flushes, red, eyes darting angrily. The defense tries
to downplay it, she simply was curious about her husband's business.
Tessa stands firm hours of technical evidence. The judge calls recess,
scheduling day two for more witnesses, including Mike himself. As
the crowd disperses, Daniel and Christen exchange glares, each suspecting

(01:18:12):
the other is about to bury them. Walking out, Mike breathes,
crisp air. Day one went well for the prosecution, yet
the emotional weight intensifies. Tomorrow He'll take the stand publicly,
recounting every humiliating detail he steals himself. It's the only
path to justice. Day two, the gallery is even fuller.

(01:18:35):
The moment arrives for Mike Sloane to testify under oath,
The bailiff says, please raise your right hand. Mike states
his full name, pledges to tell the truth. He lock's
eyes momentarily with the judge, feeling a swirl of nerves,
but a deeper resolve. Cross carefully guides him through the
story his initial suspicions. The wine glass odd Phone calls

(01:18:58):
her stand offish behave discovering the motel meetings with Daniel,
who turned out to be her cousin, hiring Felix Malone,
the private investigator collecting evidence the final blackmail, staying with
the bag of fake money. Mike's voice holds steady. He
details each step. The court listens rapped. This is the
raw narrative behind the sensational headlines. Journalists scribble furiously. Some

(01:19:24):
in the gallery gasp at the mention of incest. Others
shake their heads in disgust. Mike forces himself to remain calm,
even when describing how Kristen mocked his war injury and
conspired with Daniel to ruin him. Mister Sloane, can you
tell the court how it felt discovering your own wife's betrayal,
especially involving her cousin. Mike sets his jaw. It was devastating,

(01:19:48):
but it wasn't just an affair. They threatened my business,
my livelihood, demanded millions, threatened to accuse me of crimes
if I didn't pay. They were fully prepared to watch
me lose everything. His tone is measured, but the anger
simmer's underneath. Daniel's attorney attempts to depict Mike as a
controlling husband. Isn't it true you monitored Kristen's phone, hired

(01:20:12):
investigators to spy on her. Mike answers evenly. I run
a security firm. I noict red flags and needed proof
before acting nothing I did was illegal. The lawyer tries
insinuating that Mike's paranoia drove Kristen away. Mike stands firm
she was sneaking around with her cousin. Mike caution was justified.

(01:20:35):
Trying to pivot blame. Would you say Kristen acted out
of fear that you'd harm her if she left? Mike's
eyes flash, No, I've never harmed her, never threatened her.
I have no history of violence or abuse. Her entire
claim is false. The judge, scanning prior records, sees no
domestic violence record. The defense flails. The lawyer's re hash details,

(01:21:01):
forcing Mike to recall the heartbreak. He answers stokely. In
the front row, Gerald Bowman Dab's tears from his eyes.
The incessed angle weighs heavily on him, but no one
in the defense denies it, only tries to reduce accountability.
After nearly two hours, the judge thanks him. Mike returns
to his seat, shoulders taut but relieved. The prosecution is

(01:21:24):
satisfied he came across credible, sympathetic, and unwavering. Outside. Carl
pats Mike's back. You nailed it, Boss, clear honest, bullet proof.
Mike exhales a shaky breath hope, so he notices across
the corridor. Kristen stares at him with a mix of
venom and desperation. Daniel stands alone, face like stone. The

(01:21:48):
day moves on, more corroborating witnesses follow Felix Malone with
his peely findings, police officers who arrange the sting. The
pile of evidence grows. On day three, the defense calls
Daniel Bowman to testify on his own behalf, a risky
move for a criminal defendant. He tries painting himself as

(01:22:08):
a reluctant participant. He accuses Kristin of being the mastermind,
claiming she threatened to expose his earlier cons if he
didn't help her target Mike. Under prosecution questioning, Daniel contradicts
previous statements, the DA corners him, didn't you text mister
Sloan from a burner phone demanding money and threatening his business?

(01:22:30):
Daniel squirms, well, Kristin forced me to do it, but
the texts are explicit. The DA flashes evidence from j
Patel's tip Daniel scammed two other wealthy men. The pattern
is identical threats hush money demands. Daniel's face pales. He
tries redirecting blame to unknown associates, but the judge sees

(01:22:52):
through it. He attempts a final angle, I was manipulated
from a young age. I had no father figure. My
cousin Kristin took advantage of that. The prosecution simply counters
with the timeline Daniel orchestrated earlier crimes well before Christin.
Christen's lawyer ironically objects to some of Daniel's statements. Tensions mount,

(01:23:14):
they each try burying the other. The judge demands order
the da end's cross examination by playing the final audio
clip from the Redwood Mall setting, where Daniel explicitly says
will vanish together and references Kristin in a coequal role.
The jury hears his voice, casual and unforced, visibly rattled.
He returns to the defense table. He dares not look

(01:23:38):
at Christin. His testimony likely harmed them both, painting an
image of brazen criminals turning on each other. The defense hesitates,
but eventually calls Kristin, hoping she can salvage her image.
She appears in a modest dress, hair pulled back. She
tries to look pitiful and repentant. The defense leads with

(01:23:58):
soft questions about her Mayor Coridge. To Mike, she feigns heartbreak.
He was distant, never home. I felt unloved. Daniel was
my shoulder to cry on, she says, voice trembling. One
thing led to another, but I never intended a blackmail's scheme.
Daniel threatened me, said he'd expose our relationship if I

(01:24:19):
didn't help. The DA counters with text messages from Kristin's
phone showing her delight in mocking Mike and planning the payoff.
They highlight how she sneered about his injury, calling him
a cripple. She tries claiming the texts were jokes or
out of context, but the prosecutor systematically dissects each message
explained the text Let's bleed him dry, then get out

(01:24:41):
of this dump. Is that a joke? Christin fumbles, it was.
I was upset, I was manipulated. The jury sees the
flimsy defense. At one point, Christin glances across the court
room at Mike. Tears in her eyes. She begs the
jury to see her as a victim. Mike feels a
churn of disgust. She's a convincing actress to anyone who

(01:25:05):
doesn't know the full truth. The DA replays the Redwood
Mall audio. Christen's voice is clear, we keep our mouths
shut about your shady deals. Just pay us. The tone
is icy, confident, hardly a victim. Christin lowers her head,
thoroughly exposed. Some jurors visibly disapprove. She returns to the

(01:25:25):
defense table, her face as dr eked with tears, but
the damage is done. The text logs the audio and
her contradictory statements overshadow her sob story. After all witnesses
and evidence, it's time for both sides to sum up.
The tension is at maximum. De Cross delivers a concise,
scathing condemnation. They plodded together. They used incest as part

(01:25:50):
of their twisted bond. They demanded millions from a loyal husband.
The proof is undeniable. Find them guilty. Daniel's lawyer tries
emphasizing he was driven by fear, forced into blackmail. The
jury looks skeptical. They've heard about his prior scams. Her
lawyer pleads emotional vulnerability, claims her psychological issues, emphasizes she

(01:26:13):
was overshadowed by Daniel's cunning, but it rings hollow compared
to the avalanche of evidence. Cross requests justice not just
for Mike, but to send a message that no one,
even a spouse, can so cruelly exploit trust. She thanks
the jury for their attention. The judge provides instructions, the
jury retires. Everyone else waits. Heart's pounding. Could be hours

(01:26:37):
or days for a verdict. Mike steps outside, exhaling relief
that the worst is done. It's out of his hands now.
A mere day passes before the jury announces they've reached
a verdict. Anxiety electrifies the court house. Mike sits in
the front row, call next to him for support. The
defendants stand tense. Christen's face is ashen. Daniel stares at

(01:27:01):
the ceiling, resigned. The foreman rises. On the charge of extortion,
we find Daniel Bowman guilty. Christin Bowman Sloane guilty on
the charge of conspiracy to commit grand larceny. We find
them both guilty on the charge of theft of trade secrets.
We find them both guilty. Gasps ripple through the gallery.

(01:27:22):
Kristin crumples, tears flowing. Daniel closes his eyes, lips pressed
the judge thinks. The jury sets a date for sentencing
in two weeks. Meteor rushes. Some spectators cheer quietly. Gerald
Bowman lowers his head in sorrowful acceptance. Mike stands, shoulders
shaking with an odd blend of triumph and heartbreak. He

(01:27:44):
meets eyes with Karl, who nods and congratulations. As deputies
move into cuff them. Kristin whirls on Mike. This is
all your fault, she shrieks, ignoring that she dug her
own grave. The bailiff restrains her. Daniel Remainan's silent gaze hollow.
He breathes out, it's done. They're guilty. No more doubt

(01:28:06):
the system worked. Even so, the moment is strangely anticlimactic.
He stares at the woman who once wore his wedding ring.
Now she's convicted, labeled a criminal conspirator. Reporters ambush him.
This time. Mike pauses briefly. Justice has been served. I
appreciate the DA's dedication, that's all. He walks away, ignoring

(01:28:30):
further shouts. Once clear of cameras, Karl gives Mike a
quick hug. You did it, man. Mike exhales relief. Finally, guilty,
verdict in hand. Some might expect pure celebration, but Mike's
feelings are more complicated. Back at Sloane, protective employees surprise
Mike with the small congratulations on justice cake and balloons.

(01:28:53):
He's touched by their gesture. We're so glad you're free
from that nightmare, Tessa says. That night, alone on his porch,
Scotch in hand, Mike stares at the stars. A chapter
has definitively closed. The trial's over, but sentencing remains. He
wonders how many years they'll get. He imagines them wearing

(01:29:14):
prison uniforms, locked away. A sense of finality seeps in. Unexpectedly,
the phone rings. Gerald's voice Horse she's guilty. I'm sorry,
don't hate me. Mike sighs, I don't hate you. It's done.
We both have to live with the aftermath. They end
the call on a sommer note. It's not closure, but

(01:29:36):
it's an acceptance that the line is drawn. Doctor Yates
is pleased. Now you can truly process your grief. The
immediate threat has passed. Take time to heal. Mike nods,
I've carried this storm for too long. She invites, Mike
for a quiet dinner again, he goes more relaxed over
homemade stew. He shares the verdict's outcome, admitting he feels

(01:30:00):
weirdly numb. She listens intently, offering kind words, no judgment,
no pressure, just warmth. Mike's heart softens further. He still
can't celebrate wholeheartedly, as if some part of him once
loved Christen. It's like celebrating an amputation that removes a
diseased limb, necessary but still painful. Yet each day after

(01:30:24):
the verdict, he feels a bit lighter, no longer shackled
by legal battles. The press swarms again, wanting interviews about
how he exposed them. Mike refuses, it's over. I have
nothing more to say, he tells a persistent reporter. With
the trial concluded, he refocuses on sloane protective expansions. Proposed

(01:30:44):
deals with the Department of Defense accelerate. Investors trust him more,
seeing he overcame scandal without compromise. Days pass quietly leading
up to sentencing, Mike senses a new dawn. He's free
to shape the future, no longer overshadowed by Christen's betrayal.
But one final step remains sentencing day. Two weeks later,

(01:31:07):
the final hearing convenes. The judge will announce how many
years Daniel and Kristen spend behind bars. The mood is grim.
No more fancy arguments or big speeches. Judge Marlowe has
studied presentence reports, listen to victim impact statements, including Mike's
written statement. Doc Cross urges a strong sentence given the

(01:31:29):
extent of the crime, the emotional harm, the large sums demanded,
and the incestuous moral corruption. She requests consecutive sentences for
each felony count. Daniel's lawyer begs for leniancy, citing mental health,
claiming he was abused as a child, et cetera. Christen's lawyer, likewise,
pleads for a shorter sentence, pointing to her fragile psyche.

(01:31:50):
The judge listens but doesn't appear moved. Judge Marlowe addresses
the defendants sternly. U two conspired in an appalling manner,
threatening trusting spouse for monetary gain, exploiting an incestuous relationship
for leverage, mocking your victim's disability. This Court finds no
mitigating factor that outweighs your actions. Daniel Bowman for extortion, conspiracy,

(01:32:14):
theft of trade secrets and prior relevant criminal history. This
Court sentences you to twenty five years in state prison
with no parole before eighteen years served. Christin Bowman Sloan
for extortion, conspiracy, theft of trade secrets. Your clean record
mitigates it slightly, but your direct involvement remains grave. This

(01:32:35):
Court sentences you to twenty years in state prison, parole
eligibility after twelve. The court room murmurs. Kristin lets out
a wail, sagging against her lawyer. Daniel stares ahead, jaw set.
They are swiftly taken into custody. Seated in the gallery,
Mike exhales, tension flooding out. Twenty years. He've expected something

(01:32:58):
around that, but hearing it is, he's a real She'll
be middle aged at best if she ever leaves prison.
On the other side, Gerald is weeping quietly. Mike feels
a pang. The father's love is real, but so is
the daughter's crime. As deputies lead Kristen away, she glances
at Mike, eyes brimming with despair. No longer hateful but resigned.

(01:33:20):
For a split second, he almost feels pity. Then he
remembers the final threat she spat at him. He steals himself,
letting her vanish from his life. Reporters again crowd. Mike
musters a calm statement, I respect the judge's decision. I'm
grateful this has concluded. I hope we can all move on.

(01:33:41):
Then he departs with Karl by his side, ignoring further questions.
On the court house steps, bright sunlight warms Mike's face.
The ordeal is over. Kristin is heading to prison for
two decades, Daniel for twenty five. Justice is served. Yes,
it's bittersweet, but a profound burden lifts from Mike's shoulders.

(01:34:02):
Chapter seven. With Kristen and Daniel securely behind bars, Mike
Sloane wakes up the next morning to a new reality.
The storm has finally passed. The day after sentencing, Mike
brews coffee in his spacious kitchen for the first time
in months. There's no urgent dread, a calm emptiness. He
flips on the radio, not worrying about scandal headlines. Arriving

(01:34:26):
at the office, employees greet him with relief and respect.
The trial's conclusions immens Mike's reputation as a steadfast leader
who overcame personal betrayal. Karl shakes his hand. It's truly done, Boss.
Onward and upward. Though relieved, Mike feels the after taste
of sorrow and regret. He never wanted to see his

(01:34:48):
ex wife imprisoned for decades, but his sense of right
and wrong demanded it. He tries to channel that into
moving forward, not drowning in guilt or sadness. Attorney Rebecca
Lee finalizes left over divorce details. She's no longer your concern, Mike.
She can't claim anything from you. The house, the accounts,
all remain yours, freed from any spousal ties that weakened.

(01:35:12):
Mike rummages through old boxes. He finds the last fragments
of wedding memorabilia, photos, notes, a dried bouquet. He methodically
burns them in his fireplace. No tears, just closure. In
the mail, Mike discovers a brief note from Gerald, I
won't bother you again. We're selling our home, moving away.

(01:35:33):
I'm sorry for all of it. Take care. Mike respects
the final farewell. He pities Gerald, but has no desire
for further contact. Rebecca mentions that some of Daniel's past
victims might sue him. They ask if Mike wants to
join a civil suit for damages. Mike declines, I've done enough.

(01:35:53):
Let the criminals pay their due. I don't need more
blood from a stone. Tessequin organizes a casual after work
party at a local bar celebrating the end of the fiasco.
Drink's flow Haammaraderie abounds. Mike raises a glass to all
of you who's stuck by me. Thank you. He's actually smiling,

(01:36:14):
a real unguarded grin. Back home, he stands on his
porch under the stars. The emptiness in his chest still lingers,
but it's no longer suffocating. He thinks of how many
men crumble under lesser betrayals, turned bitter or violent. He's
proud he handled it with dignity. At last, Mike senses

(01:36:34):
a genuine readiness to look forward. The entire ordeal cheating wife, incest,
blackmail belongs to the past. She's gone and he remains,
and the future beckons. In the absence of swirling legal drama,
Mike tentatively explores a new personal bond with Laurendas, the
philanthropic organizer who's shown him gentle support. They meet regularly

(01:36:57):
at a cozy cafe near Lauren's volunteers. She's bright, empathetic,
and passionate about her causes. Mike shares some of his
army stories, carefully omaying the darkest parts, but she listens intently.
One afternoon, Lauren notices Mike's knee twinch. She lightly touches
his arm. Take it easy, You shouldn't stand so long.

(01:37:19):
Her kindness reminds him of a care Christen rarely showed.
He's both grateful and uneasy, not wanting to rely too
heavily on a new connection. Lauren never pries into the
lurid details of his scandal, but she gently acknowledges I
know you've been through something devastating. You don't need to
tell me. I just want you to know I'm here

(01:37:39):
if you ever need a friend. Mike's chest worms. No
hidden agenda, no manipulation, just genuine goodwill. With time, her
presence soothes him. He admires her dedication to tutoring under
privileged kids. She jokes about him being a tall, serious
soldier type. He counters with a dry smile. Used to

(01:38:00):
be Now I'm just the local scandal survivor. Despite the
pleasant feelings, Mike remains cautious. He confides in doctor Yates,
who advises friendship can blossom into more if you're ready.
Just be honest with yourself and with her. He tries
to remain mindful, not wanting to replace heartbreak with a rebound.

(01:38:20):
Over a casual dinner, he sees how Lauren interacts with
the White staff. Polite and warm. She shares stories of
her own heartbreak years back and ex who cheated. She
overcame it through volunteer work and focusing on gratitude. Mike
feels a surge of kinship in small moments. He imagines
a future where he can trust again. Lauren might be

(01:38:42):
that path, but he's not rushing. He simply allows the
gentle glow of companionship to guide him forward. One evening,
she hands him a small, hand crafted bracelet, made by
some kids at her center. They insisted I give it
to a good friend. Mike stares at it, touched. It's
a simple beaded string, but it symbolizes honest compassion. Awhere

(01:39:04):
the media might twist any sign of romance. They keep
their interactions private. She respects his boundaries, never pushing for
more than he's comfortable with. As weeks pass, the bond grows.
Mike acknowledges a sense of happiness creeping into his daily routine.
Not fireworks or dramatic passion, just a subtle warmth that
seeps into his once cold spaces with emotional burdens. Lifting,

(01:39:28):
Mike pours renewed energy into Sloane Protective, leading to major leaps.
The Department of Defense finalizes a three year security consultancy
deal worth millions. Mike shakes hands with brass officials a
proud moment. We value your integrity, Sloane, an Army general remarks,
referencing how he tackled his personal crisis honorably. Mike meets

(01:39:50):
with his board and top managers, carl tsa new cybersecurity lead,
Brian Mendees, to discuss opening a second regional office in
another state. The mood is US buoyant, The brand is strong.
Employees sends a new era, freed from scandal. The company
invests in cutting edge training. Staff retention hits an all

(01:40:10):
time high. People want to work under a cigivo who
exemplifies resilience. The private investigator who aided Mike is now
brought on retainer for advanced background checks and infiltration testing. Felix.
Thanks Mike, we make a great team. Boss, I appreciate
this trust. Mike promotes Carl to Chief Operating Officer CIO,

(01:40:33):
acknowledging his loyalty and skill. Carl's grin lights up the boardroom.
Thank you, Boss, Honored to stand with you. Fueled by
gratitude for his own journey, Mike launches a pilot program
hiring and training more veterans, giving them stable careers and security.
Its personal redemption, turning pain into opportunity for others. The

(01:40:54):
synergy in the company parallels Mike's internal healing. He's forging
a new narrative, the man who overcame betrayal and soared
higher each success reaffirms that he refused to be a victim.
Lauren introduces him to more philanthropic circles. Sloane protective sponsors
local youth programs, bridging his corporate muscle with community needs.

(01:41:17):
Public perception of Mike's shifts from scandal hits CEO to
philanthropic leader. After years of letting his marriage overshadow or
distort his personal life, Mike now sets boundaries. He leads
at reasonable hours takes week ends to decompress or meet
with friends. Tension in his shoulders eases, replaced by purposeful calm.

(01:41:37):
As the months pass, the memory of Christen's sabotage dims,
overshadowed by new achievements, He transforms adversity into success, a
testament to unwavering integrity. Unexpectedly, one day, months after sentencing,
Mike receives a letter from the state prison. It's from Christin.
He hesitates before opening. The note is scrawled on cheap paper.

(01:42:01):
She says she's so sorry, claims she was confused, begs
Mike to visit or at least help with an appeal.
She bemoans prison conditions, pleads for one chance at redemption.
Mike's jaw titans. He feels a surge of anger at
her gall She orchestrated the worst betrayal, got a fair trial.
Now she wants him to lighten her suffering. He nearly

(01:42:23):
shreds the letter on the spot. In therapy, he reveals
the letter. Doctor Yates suggests closure can come from ignoring
or responding on your terms. What do you want to do? Mike?
After reflection, Mike decides to ignore it. He owes her
nothing curiosity nags at him. Briefly, what if he visited
saw her in that orange jumpsuit a final face off,

(01:42:47):
but he decides it could drag him back into emotional chaos.
She's manipulative. I won't subject myself to more lies. He
tears the letter up, discarding it, let her rot with
her regrets. Mercy is a noble concept, but after the
repeated cruelty and attempts at blackmail, he has no illusions left.
That same week, Gerald sends a message, Kristen asked me

(01:43:10):
to beg you again for help. I'm not interfering. I
just hope you find peace. Mike's sighs, replying simply, I
have found peace without her. Symbolically ignoring her letter is
Mike's last break from her manipulative hold. She's powerless behind bars,
no leverage over him. He's free to continue rebuilding a

(01:43:30):
life that doesn't revolve around her. As the seasons turn,
Mike and Lauren's once simple friendship grows richer gently approaching
the territory of romance. On an evening walk by the river,
Lauren confesses she started developing deeper feelings. Mike, heart pounding,
admits he feels drawn to her too, but remains cautious.

(01:43:51):
She understands. They embrace softly, deciding to proceed without rushing.
They share quiet dinners at each other's homes, watch old
classic move is, talk about life goals. He finds her
presence a soothing contrast to Christen's manipulative dramatics. One peaceful
night after a volunteer event, they stand under a street lamp.

(01:44:13):
She thanks him for his help distributing supplies. He brushes
her hair aside, and they share a tender, tentative kiss,
a slow burn of genuine affection. At times, Mike feels
ghosts of betrayal. A random memory of Christen mocking him surfaces.
He worries if he's capable of trusting fully, but Lauren's

(01:44:33):
steady warmth reassures him that not every woman is a
hidden dagger. They remain mindful. Mike wants to ensure this
isn't a quick fix for heartbreak. Lauren respects his healing.
She's patient, focusing on honest communication. Observing them at a
charity function, Karl winks the boss is dating again. Score

(01:44:54):
one for healthy relationships. Mike merely smiles, letting the ribbing
slide through U Lauren. Mike experiences glimpses of love that's supportive,
not draining. They talk about future possibilities and a gentle
maybe some day, since for now, each day is a
step out of the darkness. Christen past no grand drama,

(01:45:16):
just quiet closeness that grows over months. The narrative of
his life shifts from revenge to renewal, from heartbreak to
cautious joy. Even with Kristin locked up, Daniel's old scam
network might not be fully dormant. A rumor surfaces about
a possible associate seeking payback. P J. Patel contacts Mike.
There's talk that someone connected to Daniel is not pleased

(01:45:39):
you expose them. They might try intimidation or sabotage. Mike frowns.
I thought that threat ended with Daniel's sentence. Apparently not.
Everyone in that ring is behind bars. Be watchful immediately.
Mike upraids personal security again, tests a checks for hacking,
attempts on Sloane protective system. Carl organizes rotating guard schedules.

(01:46:03):
One night, Mike senses a car trailing him. He changes route.
The car eventually peels away. He's reminded of the break
line sabotage or threatening letters from the past, He refuses
to be a sitting duck. Over the next week, no
direct attacks occur, but the tension remains. Mike confers with

(01:46:23):
local law enforcement. They promise vigilance, but needs solid evidence
to act. She notices Mike's heightened weariness. He explains that
criminals from Daniel's orbit might resent the blow he dealt them.
She worries for his safety. He'd assures her, I've faced worse.
I'll handle it late at the office test equips. If

(01:46:44):
these scumbags try a digital approach, I'll spot them. If
they try a physical approach, You've got ex army staff
here who won't let them near. Mike smiles, grateful for
the fierce loyalty. Ultimately, the rumored threat fizzles out or
remains underground. Another minor letter arrives vague warnings, but it

(01:47:04):
doesn't escalate. Possibly the criminals see that Mike's fortress is
too secure. This episode reaffirms Mike's readiness. He over game.
Christen's betrayal crushed the extortion, and open court stands strong
against any leftover criminals. Fear no longer paralyzes him. It
galvanizes him. Simultaneously, Mike's local reputation transforms from a scandal

(01:47:29):
ridden figure to a community leader who over game adversity.
The city council nominates him for a citizenship commendation, applauding
his filin propic support for veteran affairs and youth programs.
Mike is surprised but appreciates the honor. At the awards ceremony,
Local news covers his acceptance speech. He keeps it short,

(01:47:49):
focusing on community unity and supporting the vulnerable. The audience
applauds sincerely, no sign of the earlier tabloid frenzy. Lauren
stands by him on stage, smiling. Karl, Tessa and half
the Sloane protective staff cheer from the crowd. Logan Brooks
from the Army, sits among them, clapping. It feels like

(01:48:10):
a family of sorts instead of sensational and zest revenge headlines.
The press highlights security CEO and philanthropist Mike Sloane recognized
for civic contributions. He breathes relief. This is the spotlight
he prefers. Doctor Yates calls him after seeing the coverage.
You see how tragedy can evolve into growth. You're a

(01:48:32):
prime example, Mike, He modestly replies, just trying to do
the right thing. He doesn't let the praise inflate him.
He still recalls the sting of betrayal, but now it
spurs him to remain authentic and accountable, never complacent. After
the event, she kisses his cheek. I'm proud of you.
You could have retreated into bitterness, but you emerged kinder.

(01:48:54):
Mike squeezes her hand, heart warm. Couldn't have done it alone.
As a full year passes since the trial, Mike feels
a deep sense of closure. Kristin remains in prison, Daniel too.
Their case rarely mentioned in local media, and amore Gerald
occasionally sends critic upbits Christen's not adjusting well or she's

(01:49:15):
in therapy. Mike usually skims them and moves on. He
hopes she someday finds remorse, but that's her journey, not his.
Mike renovates his home, repainting rooms once shared with Kristin,
introducing new furniture, removing all remnants of her style. Each
change breathes fresh life into the place. Their relationship quietly blossoms.

(01:49:37):
She occasionally stays overnight, though Mike remains cautious about moving
too fast. They share a genuine bond based on mutual respect.
Lauren proposes a short getaway to the mountains. They hike
scenic trails, watch sunsets by a cabin fire. Mike's knee
aches at times, but he appreciates the rest. Will break

(01:49:58):
from city bustle. He reelzes how different life can be
with someone who truly cares. Rarely, nightmares revisit him moments
of standing in that redwood mall lot, hearing Kristen's mocking voice,
but upon waking, he has no illusions that specter can't
harm him. Now, Doctor Yates declares him well on his path,

(01:50:18):
scheduling only monthly sessions if needed. You've done the heavy lifting, Mike,
she says, proudly, you can handle the rest. An other
year's corporate earnings sore. The new branch office thrives under
Carl's leadership. Felix's security vigilance keeps the Daniel left over
threat at bay Tesla's big tech innovations Wow clients whispers

(01:50:41):
among staff jokingly mentioned, when's the boss going to propose
to Lauren? Mike laughs it off, not sure if you'll
ever want formal marriage again, but he's not ruling it out.
If any woman deserves trust, it might be Lauren. In
a final reflective moment, Mike stands on his port which
at dusk, the city lights twinkling. He's come a long

(01:51:03):
waif from the man haunted by an unfaithful wife. He's older, wiser,
still carrying some scars, Yet the air feels fresh, full
of hope. I survived betrayal, he thinks, turned vengeance into justice,
build a stronger life. The silhouette of Lawrence car pulling
up stirs a smile. The future is open and he's ready.

(01:51:25):
No longer weighed by the past chapter eight months roll by.
Life at Sloane, protective and with Lauren, evolves steadily. Mike
experiences tangible progress on all fronts. The nightmares about Kristen
fade almost entirely. Mike's mind no longer replays the Redwood
mall sting or her vicious words. He's free from that

(01:51:47):
mental cage. Tessa introduces Mike to an online form of
men who face betrayal and blackmail. He offers insights, Stay calm,
gather evidence, trust your instincts, and never left let bitterness
consume you. People see him as a role model for
turning pain into triumph. She organizes a major charity gala

(01:52:08):
inviting prominent donors to support an expanded children's literacy program.
Mike steps up as lead sponsor, quietly footing a huge
chunk of the budget. He remains humble, calling it a
worthy cause. He and Lauren do have minor spats. He's
used to high level security mindsets, she's more free spirited,

(01:52:29):
but they communicate openly, diffusing tension. This healthy conflict resolution
contrasts starkly with his memories of Christen's manipulative arguments. Mike
sells the upscale sports car he wants bought trying to
impress Christen, and invests in a sturdy SUV for weakened
trips with Lauren symbolic shifts. He's no longer chasing illusions

(01:52:50):
or vanity, but focusing on real substance. Out of the blue,
Mike hears Daniel attempted an appeal claiming improper evidence. The
court swiftly he denies it. Rebecca Lee informs Mike they
tried to say the Redwood malsting was entrapment. The judge
dismissed it, citing the overwhelming proof Daniel threatened you first.

(01:53:11):
Mike smirks, good, let him rot. She congratulates Mike again
on a bullet proof operation. He t hanks her. They
share relief that the legal saga truly ended. No further
appeals are likely to gain traction. At this point, Daniel's
name barely Trigger's anger, just mild contempt. The man stuck

(01:53:32):
in prison paying for his crimes. Mike hopes never to
see him again. One minor ripple emerges. A local journalist
interviews Kristen behind bars, seeking a sensational follow up to
the incessed scandal. Prison confession Christin Bowman Sloane speaks out.
She apparently regrets her choices, claims she was manipulated by Daniel,

(01:53:54):
blames personal demons. She references Mike as overly suspicious, not
giving her a second chance. Reading it at his office,
mike'scoffs the piece tries to spin pity for her, but
it's overshadowed by her known actions. Staff asks if he'll respond.
He decides no. Feeding drama helps no one. The public

(01:54:15):
board with old news shows little interest. The piece flares
for a day, then fizzles. Christen's attempt to shift narrative fails.
No avalanche of coverage. Mike is relieved. He wonders if
he should be upset seeing her hog the spotlight again. Instead,
he feels nothing, indifference a sign of true detachment. She's

(01:54:37):
a ghost of the past. Mike's unique story of private
betrayal turned legal victory draws invititions from conferences about business
ethics and personal resilience. An organization focusing on ethical leadership
invites Mike to keynote. They want him to talk about
maintaining integritya under extreme personal duress. He hesitates. Public speaking

(01:54:59):
about his ordeal seems daunting, but Karl urges you can
inspire people who face betrayal. After reflection, Mike accepts. He
crafts a talk that focuses on moral fortitude, not the
sordid incest details. He aims to highlight how crucial it
is to stay rational, gather evidence, and rely on supportive networks.

(01:55:21):
At the conference, he speaks from the heart, even in
the darkest betrayal, your principles define you. Don't let anger
or fear lead you astray. The audience applauds loudly. He
meets men who quietly share their dealing with cheating spouses
or extortion. They thank him for being a role model.
Telling his story to an audience ironically brings further healing.

(01:55:44):
Each retelling robs the memory of its power to wound him.
He leaves the event feeling lighter. Months turn into a
year and a half post trial, Mike's life has found
a steady, fulfilling rhythm. Eventually, they decide she'll move into
my mind Mike's home. Not a marriage vow, but a
meaningful step. She decorates certain rooms with warm, vibrant touches,

(01:56:07):
making it truly a shared space. Mike wonders if you'l
ever propose, but for now, cohabitation feels right. For the
first time in ages, Mike hosts a festive holiday dinner
at his house, inviting Karl, Tessa, Logan, a few close staff,
and Lauren's friends. Laughter fills the rooms, once marred by
Kristen's betrayal. The transformation is profound. Sloane Protective marks its

(01:56:31):
tenth anniversary. They hold a gale of featuring the new
branch's achievements, culminating in a heartfelt speech by Mike. He
acknowledges the team's loyalty and the personal challenges He over game.
Late night chats with Laurence sometimes drift to talk of
kids or further expansions. He's open minded. Doctor Yates would

(01:56:52):
say that's a sign of genuine trust rebuilding. On the
second anniversary of discovering Kristen's betrayal, Mike quiet visits a
local veteran's memorial. He meditates on resilience, then returns home
to Lauren, never mentioning the date. The best tribute is
living well. Surprisingly, Gerald Bowman drops by the city for

(01:57:13):
a real estate deal. He contacts Mike, requesting one last meeting. Mike,
after thought, agrees they meet at a quiet cafe. Gerald
looks older, sorrow etched into his features. We moved a
while back. My wife rarely leaves the house. This fiasco
it destroyed her. Mike nods solemnly, I'm sorry for your

(01:57:35):
family's pain. Gerald wearily admits I blame myself for not
seeing the darkness in Kristin. I regret not teaching her
better values. He sighs. She's miserable in prison. She still
claims Daniel was worse, but she owns some blame Gerald
says softly, I wanted to ask if you can forgive her,

(01:57:56):
not for her sake, but for yours holding onto anger.
Can you? Mike is quiet then, in a calm tone,
I'm not angry and amore. I let it go a
long time ago, but I won't intervene to shorten her
sentence or anything that's not on the table. Gerald nods,
I understand. I just hope maybe you can find peace

(01:58:19):
I have. Mike replies, surprising even himself with how true
it feels. They stand. Gerald extends his hand. Despite everything,
I valued you as a son once. I I'm sorry
it ended this way. Mike shakes it, offering a measured
half smile. Take care Gerald. As Gerald leaves, Mike feels pity,

(01:58:39):
but not regret. He's not harboring bitterness towards the father
of the woman who wronged him. This final handshake is
a calm farewell to that chapter. Time marches on. Lauren
and Mike's bond grows strong, yet they remain unmarried. Friends
tease when's the ring? Mike contemplates carefully over a candle

(01:58:59):
lit Lauren jokes about wedding songs. Mike admits after the
fiasco of my last marriage. The concept of marriage is complicated.
But I love you. I'm committed. She takes his hand.
I don't need a ring to prove love. But if
you decide you want that step, I'm here. Mike wrestles
with a swirl of emotions. Marriage once felt sacred, but

(01:59:23):
was so thoroughly corrupted by Kristen. Now with Lauren, it
might be a path of genuine devotion, or they might
remain happily unwed. Ultimately they decide to let it unfold naturally.
A piece of paper or a ring is an urgent.
Their day to day closeness is real. Mike is content
in a rare check in doctor Yates beams. You've built

(01:59:45):
trust again on your own terms. That's huge progress, Mike.
I'm proud of you. Years from the initial betrayal, Mike
Sloane stands as a living testament to survival, justice, and renewal.
The once haunted mansion is now bright and inviting. Laurens touches,
house plants, colorful throws blend with Mike's love for tidy efficiency.

(02:00:07):
The porch sees frequent gatherings of friends. Sloane Protective's expansions continue.
They lead security for major government facilities and private corporations.
Mike remains at the Helm, an unwavering presence. Christen's name
becomes a footnote in old tabloids. Occasionally Mike is reminded
she's still in prison, but it feels distant. She has

(02:00:30):
no hold on him. On a whim, Mike and Lauren
take a road trip across the country, hiking scenic spots.
They laugh, share vulnerabilities, snapping photos. In quiet moments, Mike
thinks this is real happiness, one not built on illusions.
Staring at a canyon overlook, hand in hand with Lauren,

(02:00:50):
Mike breathes crisp air. He remembers the darkest days, learning
of the cheating, the cousin's involvement, the blackmail. Now he
stands at a vantage point of triumph. Betrayal led to heartbreak,
heartbreak led to revenge, Revenge led to justice, and justice
opened the door for a deeper renewal. Mike Sloane's story

(02:01:11):
ends not with bitterness, but with quiet strength and hope
for tomorrow. Chapter nine. Nearly two years have passed since
the sentencing of Kristen, Mike's ex wife, and Daniel, her cousin,
and co conspirator. Mike has settled into a comfortable, robust
life with Laurendias, who moved in and became an essential
part of his home. Sloane Protective continues to flourish, and

(02:01:34):
rumors of leftover threats from Daniel's criminal ring have faded.
Mornings in the Sloane household, Mike wakes early, still using
that disciplined army routine, but now instead of tension and anxiety,
he's greeted by sunlight streaming through brand new curtains. Lauren
selected Hebrew's coffee, does light stretches for his knee, then

(02:01:55):
shares breakfast with Lauren, whose usually reading emails about her
non prim off its upcoming events. They traded quick kisses
before heading to work. There's an easy warmth between them,
a far cry from the stony, suspicious atmosphere that once
defined Mike's marriage with Kristen. Since Part two, Mike completed
a thorough home makeover. Walls, once painted in neutral grays,

(02:02:18):
are now updated in a mix of calming blues and soft,
warm shades. Some folks remark how the house feels lighter.
Mike also purchased new furniture, a comfortable, modern style that
embraces coziness over sterile elegance. This is a home that
welcomes friends and foster's genuine comfort. Professionally, Mike has expanded

(02:02:39):
operations to multiple regions, employing nearly six hundred staff. The
second branch is well established thanks to Carl Whitman's leadership
as CEO. Meanwhile, Tessequin has become a shining star in
advanced cybersecurity R and D, helping land big contracts with
corporate giants. Mike frequently commutes between branches, ensuring morale stays

(02:03:02):
high and each location carries his personal brand of integrity. Publicly,
Mike's reputation remains positive. After receiving local civic awards in
Part two, He's now a sought after speaker at ethics seminars,
although he still prefers a measured public presence. The city
regards him as a philanthropic leader, funneling resources into veteran

(02:03:24):
outreach and youth literacy programs, the latter connected to Lauren's
non profit Key Friends, revolve around him. Carl Whitman still
acts as his right hand man in business matters. Logan
Brook's army buddy visits occasionally, sometimes joining the group for
weakened grill outs. Felix Malone remains on retainer as a

(02:03:44):
security consultant. Though big internal threats have been minimal. Doctor
Yates his counselor sees him only sporadically, but they maintain
a comfortable rapport. On rare occasions, Mike's mind drifts back
to the betrayal. Mostly it no longer or haunts him.
He's found acceptance. However, the remainder of her twenty year

(02:04:05):
sentence with possible parole after twelve means she's still locked away.
Every so often, Gerald Bowman, her father, sends Mike short
up its she's in prison therapy, or she asked if
you'd write. Mike discards them politely, refusing involvement. Daniel, serving
twenty five years, apparently has no contact with Mike. The

(02:04:27):
old ring presumably dissolved or turned their attention elsewhere. The
biggest criminals from Daniel's circle either ended up behind bars
or vanished. Mike sometimes wonders if another shoe might drop,
but so far it's all quiet. Living day to day
with Lauren, Mike feels a commerce center. She's not only
his partner but also friend who challenges him to give

(02:04:50):
back more, to open up about lingering scars. Their synergy
is strong. She balances his stoicism with kindness and optimism.
Sometimes he glimp mopsays what a lifelong partnership could mean,
even if he's still wary about formal marriage. As chapter
nine begins, everything seems smooth, yet life rarely stays trouble

(02:05:11):
free forever. If fresh set of challenges, both personal and professional,
will soon emerge, Mike, for all his newfound tranquility, might
face a new wave of conflict that tests his resilience
once again. With Sloane Protective's explosive growth, Mike recently accepted
capital from a private equity group, ever Quest Partners, to

(02:05:32):
help fund expansions. Now a few top executives from ever
Quest want more aggressive moves, like branching into overseas security contracts,
possibly with unstable regions. Mike sits at a polished conference table,
listening as an ever Quest Rep. Stewart Claiborne pushes for
expansion into certain foreign markets. Karl and Tessa watch skeptically.

(02:05:55):
Mike remains cautious about stepping into shady deals or war
torn zone where moral lines blur. He's built a brand
on transparency and honor. He won't compromise that, but Stuart
insists it's the next frontier for big profits. A friction
surfaces Mike's principal versus investor greed. Mister Sloane Clayborn drawls,

(02:06:17):
we appreciate your integrity, but times are changing. We see
massive returns by offering advanced security solutions in certain volatile markets.
Don't you want to stay ahead of the curve? Mike's
jaw flexes. We do, but not at the cost of
partnering with anethical regimes or fueling conflicts. Our brand is

(02:06:37):
built on trust. If we compromise that, we lose everything
in the long run. Stuart Claiborne's polite smile doesn't mask
his frustration. I see. Let's keep discussing after the meeting.
Carl Corner's Mike in the hallway. Boss, These guys are
heavy hitters. They might attempt a board vote or push

(02:06:57):
you aside if you don't meet their roids. Mike crosses
his arms. They own shares, but I control the majority.
They can't push me anywhere. But let's not underestimate them.
We'll stand firm on our ethics. This tension is new.
For years, Mike's had near total autonomy. Now outside investors

(02:07:18):
hold partial stakes, entitling them to seats on the board,
they can create friction, block expansions or slow critical decisions.
Mike wonders if he made a mistake letting them in.
Tesla points out that moving into certain hotspots might force
them to develop more aggressive security software or higher mercenaries.
That's not the direction whereabout, she warns. Mike agrees wholeheartedly.

(02:07:43):
At home that evening, Mike vents to Lauren about the clash.
She gently suggests, is there a middle path? Maybe you
can compromise on moderate expansions but draw firm line on
unethical territory. Mike nods, we'll see, but I refuse to
be used as a front for questionable deals. Rumors swirl
that Clayborne might rally other investors to press for a

(02:08:06):
more profit first approach. If they gather enough votes or
form alliances with certain board members who want rapid returns,
it could lead to a corporate coup attempt. Mike's unwavering
moral stance might be tested in the cutthroat environment of
big business for the first time in a while. Mike
feels an undercurrent of tension in the professional sphere. He

(02:08:27):
overcame personal betrayal, but corporate betrayal can sting just as sharply.
He braces for a potential internal conflict, though it's only
the beginning. This friction hints that Mike's next battle may
not be with criminals or cheating spouses, but with the
very investors who see him as an obstacle to maximum profit.
He silently vows, if they push me too far, they'll

(02:08:51):
regret under estimating me. Late one night, Mike's phone rings
from a private number. He answers warily. A gruff voice speaks,
You're Mike Sloane right. This is Officer Rowlands at the
Maple Ridge State Penitentiary. We have an incident involving Daniel Bowman.
Mike's pulse spikes. What incident? He was attacked, stabbed multiple times.

(02:09:14):
He survived, but it's serious. He's asked to speak with you.
Mike is floored. Why would Daniel want to talk to him?
They have no relationship beyond raw hostility. The guard explains,
Daniel said he's the only one who can help me.
Rowlands is just relaying the message. Mike coldly I'm not

(02:09:35):
sure I care. The guard sighs, I understand, but duty
compels me to pass it on. After hanging up, Mike
paces the living room. Lauren sees his unsettled expression. What's wrong?
He explains briefly. She arches an eyebrow. Daniel, the man
who conspired to destroy you? Why does he want your help?

(02:09:57):
No clue, Mike says, chest tight. He suspects some deeper scheme,
but perhaps Daniel genuinely fears for his life in prison?
Should he ignore Daniel's plea that's his first instinct? Let
the man rot? But Mike's x FBI like mind wonders
if Daniel is being targeted, maybe the Ring or other

(02:10:17):
criminals are behind it. Could there be a link that
endangers Mike's own security. He calls Felix Malone. The Pie
suggests investigating the prison incident discreetly. If Daniel's assailants are
connected to his old crew, they might still harbor grudges,
could swirl back on you. Mike Grunt's agreement. He also

(02:10:38):
updates Carl, who says, I wouldn't trust a word from Daniel,
but better to stay informed. Mike phones Officer Rowlands again
gleaning more details. Daniel was stabbed by an unknown inmate
in the shower area, potential retaliation for some old scam.
He'll recover, but is currently in the infirmary. He keeps

(02:10:59):
mudding about needing to warn Mike about something. Rowlands confesses,
I think he's paranoid, could be delirious, but you never know. Meanwhile,
no word from Kristen about this. She's in a different facility,
possibly unaware. Gerald Bowman also doesn't mention anything. It's purely
a Daniel problem. Ultimately, Mike declines direct contact. He won't

(02:11:24):
visit Daniel, but he'll keep an eye out. If there's
a bigger threat, he'd rather be prepared. He instructs Felix
do a deep background check on Daniel's recent prison associations.
Let's see if any name pops up that ties to
the old ring or Mite's bill over to us. Lauren
notices the tension creeping back. She gently rubs Mike's shoulders

(02:11:46):
at bedtime. You're worried he'd exhales Daniel's trouble no matter
where he is. I just want to ensure no blowback
hits us. She kisses his forehead, offering quiet reassurance we'll
hand it together. You've faced worse. The prison stabbing may
be random or personal, yet the fact Daniel specifically asked

(02:12:07):
for Mike suggests theirs more. Mike's instincts tingle with anticipation
of new drama. Once again, he remains resolute. If Daniel
tries any manipulative angle, Mike won't fall for it. The
next week, a formal board meeting at Sloane Protective unfolds.
Mike as founder CEO, stands at the head of a

(02:12:28):
long table. Claiborne and other ever Quest partner's reps arrive
with polished smiles. The atmosphere crackles with underlying tension. Agenda
next year's strategic plan, Mike and Carl propose moderate expansions.
Claiborne pushes for riskier oversees, acquisitions that promise explosive revenue.
Claiborne's tone is sharper than before. We must seize these opportunities.

(02:12:52):
Our competitor, Titan SEQ, is moving into the Middle East.
If we don't, we'll lose out. Mike calmly, we can't
compromise our brand. Some regions have warlords or questionable governments.
We might end up supporting unsavory clients. The argument intensifies.
A few board members side with ever Quest, eyeing huge profits.

(02:13:17):
Others remain loyal to Mike's ethos. Clayborn proposes a formal
board resolution to green light advanced expansions. If it passes,
Mike's forced to adopt expansions or face potential legal ramifications
for ignoring board directives. But Mike still holds the largest
single share block he can attempt to veto. Though a

(02:13:37):
large investor alliance might create a standoff, Mike privately calls
a vote. The result a near tie. Some long time
board allies remain staunchly behind him, but more neutral members waiver.
Thanks to Mike's majority stake, the resolution fails barely. Clayborn
looks furious. The meeting adjourns on an icy note. Clayborn warns,

(02:13:59):
we will keep pressing mister Sloane the market demand's boldness.
A friendly board member, Eveln Marsh pulls Mike aside. They're
actively courting some of the fence sitters with promise of
bigger dividends if they side with Clayborne. Be careful. Ever
Quest might try a more aggressive approach. Mike nods jaw tight.

(02:14:21):
I appreciate the warning. I won't let them hijack my company.
Another investor quietly informs Carl that ever Quest might plan
a proxy battle, convincing enough shareholders to vote a new
board member's sympathetic to their ambitions, eventually removing Mike as CEO.
This is the corporate version of betrayal. Mike sees it
as a new war front, not with bullets, but with

(02:14:43):
shares and influence. Mike and Carl develop a plan. They'll
rally loyal shareholders, emphasizing the track record of stable, ethical growth.
They might offer a slightly improved dividend or a share
buy back to keep folks satisfied. Its corporate diplomacy to
protect leadership. Later, Mike confides in Lauren, I never thought

(02:15:05):
I'd face betrayal from my own board. I dealt with
personal betrayal, yes, but corporate backstebbing is new. She squeezes
his hand. You know how to handle betrayals. Gather evidence,
stay calm, strike decisively, he smiles, grimly. Familiar territory in
a sense, more than just money. Mike's entire brand of

(02:15:27):
operating with moral clarity is threatened if forced to comply
with unscrupulous expansions. The good name he built out of
blood and heartbreak could tarnish. He vows to fight them
to the end. The final result is tension rippling through
the upper echalons of Sloane Protective. While day to day
operations remain unaffected, the strategic future is precarious. Allies like

(02:15:51):
Tessa Karl and certain board members stand behind Mike, but
Clayborne's faction is growing. Next time a board vote might
not fail so narrowly. Parallel to the drama in Mike's business,
Laurence children's literacy nonprofit Bright Horizons is expanding. She's receiving
grants forging partnerships. She's proud, but also exhausted, balancing a

(02:16:14):
heavier workload with maintaining a fulfilling home life with Mike.
One morning, Lauren reveals a letter she received a major
full and probic foundation in Washington, d C wants her
to head a nationwide literacy initiative. This would mean relocating
to d C for at least a year to set
up and lead the project. Mike feels a stab of

(02:16:35):
fear that would separate them geographically, potentially strain their relationship,
but he also sees how her eyes shine with excitement.
Over dinner, they talk it through. Lauren says, this is
a dream job. I'd have massive resources to expand reading
programs in underserved areas across the entire country. But it

(02:16:55):
would mean living in d C for a while. Mike's
protective INSTINCTI flares. You want me to come with you
or do long distance because I can't just a prut
Sloane protective. We're in the midst of a corporate fight here.
She sighs. I know I hate the thought of leaving you,
but this is an opportunity I can't ignore, and it's

(02:17:17):
not inefinite. Just a year, maybe longer if it goes well,
we'd figure out visits, maybe weekends. The idea of them
being apart for months at a time unsettles Mike. He
overcame so much to build a stable life, Yet he
respects Lauren's ambitions deeply. He admires her altruism and leadership.

(02:17:38):
He'd never demand she sacrifice her calling. Tension arises if
they do a long distance arrangement, can their relationship handle it?
She's tearful but resolute. I want you to know if
you said the word, I'd stay, but I also know
you'd never forgive yourself for standing in my way, and
I'd resent missing this chance. Mike kisses her forehead, a

(02:18:00):
swirl of love and anxiety. I won't hold you back.
Let's talk details another layer. If they were married or engaged,
it might shape the decision differently. Some couples in that
position move together or a weigh options more drastically, but
they are not quite at that formal commitment. This stokes
Mike's old weariness about marriage. He wonders if making her

(02:18:23):
his wife would unify their paths or complicate them. She's
torn between an incredible career leap and the deep love
she's built with Mike. She tries to reassure him, We've
faced bigger storms. We can do this. He nods, but
he's restless. Past experience with distance and betrayal makes him uneasy. Ultimately,

(02:18:44):
they agree Lauren should accept the position. They'll handle it
as a committed couple. They'll set up a schedule for visits,
possibly half the month in d C for her half
in their city, but it's a big shift officially. Lauren
must confirm acceptance soon. Un the next chapter in their
relationship might be tested by physical separation and the hectic

(02:19:05):
demands of both their careers. Mike battles a hidden dread,
what if the distance or new environment reopens old betrayal wounds.
He's more trusting now, but ghosts linger. He promises himself,
I won't let fear sabotage her dreams. We'll find a way.
Just as the corporate pressure intensifies, Lauren's potential departure looms.

(02:19:27):
The interplay of personal and professional stress sets the stage
for the challenges unfolding in chapters ten and beyond. Following
Mike's instructions, Felix Malone digs deeper into Daniel's stabbing. He
obtains partial prison records indicating Daniel was part of a
small group rumored to run scams from inside, possibly forging

(02:19:48):
letters or orchestrating outside theft. The stabbing might have been
internal payback or a fight over contraband. Felix Flag's one
inmate's name, Gregory Edge Blanchard, known to have time to
a bigger crime syndicate. Blanchard was once rumored to do
white collar hits, meaning he arranges contract killings to silence
snitches or settle debts. If Daniel owes money or offended

(02:20:12):
the wrong people, Blanchard might be behind the stabbing. Hearing
contract killings sets off alarms. If Daniel tried to reduce
his sentence by giving info on old accomplices, maybe they retaliated.
And if they see me as part of the reason
Daniel's in prison, could they come after me or someone
close to me. Felix shrugs. Potentially, but no direct sign yet.

(02:20:34):
Just keep your guard up. Officer Rowlands at the penitentiary
discreetly calls Mike again. Daniel is healing, but paranoid. He
claims somebody on the outside might target you to get
him to cooperate or something. Mike's voice tight ns he
specifically named me. Rowlands, Yes, he asked me to pass

(02:20:55):
a message. He better watch his back. They want to
hurt him more than me. Now. I'm only telling you
because it sounded urgent. This message can be read two ways.
Either Daniel's genuinely warning Mike of danger or he's trying
to scare him into contact. Mike remains unsure, but the
notion of an external syndicate aligning with Daniel's old ring

(02:21:17):
isn't far fetched. Mike quietly ramps up personal protective measures.
He carries his licensed firearm more frequently, re checks the
alarm systems at home and at the office. Tessa rivera
fy's digital security Carl, organizes staff briefings. If we see
suspicious persons around, let me or mister Sloane know immediately.

(02:21:40):
The biggest worry is Lauren. If criminals want leverage, kidnaping
or threatening her might be attactic. Mike insists on a
panic button app on her phone. He invests in a
discreet bodyguard who shadows her nonprofit events unobtrusively. She's uneasy
about it, but understands better safe than sorry, she murmurs.

(02:22:01):
The weeks pass with no direct attack. Possibly the threat
is hollow, but the tension weighs on Mike's mind. He
lived through attempted sabotage before, like the break line incident
in Part one, he won't be caught off guard again.
Some might expect Mike to visit Daniel for clarity. He refuses,
not wanting to give Daniel any emotional satisfaction or potentially

(02:22:25):
feed any manipulative ploy. He relies on Felix and Roland's
for updates. If a threat emerges. I'll handle it. I
don't need that Snake's excuses, Mike thinks so. Between corporate strife,
Evercrest's moves, potential criminal backlash from Daniel's entanglements, and Lauren's
impending relocation, Mike's once calm life is stirring with new friction.

(02:22:49):
Chapter nine ends with him stealing himself for possible storms
on multiple fronts. Late in chapter nine, Karl intercepts an
anonymous tip from an employee. At the second the tip
claims ever Quest might be sabotaging internal processes, delaying supply shipments,
messing with resource allocations to make Mike's expansion plans look inefficient,

(02:23:11):
thereby pushing the narrative that Mike's approach is failing. Carl
shares this with Mike. This is serious. Could be the
first sign of corporate sabotage. They keep it low key,
not wanting to spook possible moles. Tesla quietly checked systems,
discovering suspicious purchasing logs with inflated costs, possibly forging to

(02:23:32):
create artificial financial strain. That means some inside staff might
be colluding if ever Quest or its proxies sabotage the
company from within, then blame the losses on Mike's timid expansions.
They can rally more shareholders to remove him, a cunning strategy.
Mike curses under his breath. That's a direct assault. We

(02:23:53):
need proof. We can set a trap. Let the saboteurs
think they're forging new dummy orders or misplacing ship, but
we track the changes in real time. They'll build an
air bight case, then confront the board. They suspect a
big shareholder meeting in a few weeks. If ever Quest
can paint a grim financial picture, the board might side

(02:24:15):
with them. Mike has to expose the sabotage first. Tense
detective work ensues behind the scenes. As chapter nine closes,
Multiple arcs intensify. Ever quests likely sabotage, threat to Mike's control,
Daniel's prison stabbings, potential criminals targeting Mike, Lareen's upcoming DC position,
potential strain on their relationship. One late evening, Mike stands

(02:24:39):
alone in his study, finalizing some notes about the sabotage trap.
He stares at a photograph of him and Lauren from
a recent charity event. Smiling with genuine ease, He clenches
his fist, murmuring, I fought through betrayal once. If they
think I'm weak or now they're dead wrong fade out
with the sense that storms corporate, criminal, and emotional are gathering. Mike,

(02:25:03):
determined yet anxious, readies to stand firm and protect the
life he painstakingly rebuilt. Chapter ten, Mike, Karl, Tessa, and
a few trusted staff form an internal task forced to
investigate the alleged sabotage. They label it Project Integrity. Their
mission gather irrefutable evidence of any rendering by ever quest

(02:25:23):
or complicit employees. They meet late at night in Tesla's
secure lab, analyzing suspicious purchase orders, shipping manifests, and financial anomalies.
Tesla rigs a stealth system that monitors every transaction in
real time. She also codes an AI tool that flags
implausible modifications to supply orders. If someone tries forging or

(02:25:45):
inflating numbers, Tesla's system logs the changes, identifying the user's credentials.
They suspect at least one mid level manager might be
cooperating with Clayborne's faction, possibly lured by promises of big
promotions of Mike's replaced Karl discreetly befriends certain managers gleaning
who suddenly flush with money or acting suspicious. Days pass,

(02:26:09):
they watch the normal business flow. Tesla trains her system
to ensure no false positives. Then one afternoon, BINGO, a
large international shipping invoice for the second branch appears, doubling
certain costs. The user ID is m Grayson. Tesla calls Mike,
we caught a suspicious edit. The cost jumped from dollars

(02:26:30):
one hundred fifty K to dollars three hundred K. Grayson
is the manager who's been echoing Claiborne's growth push, Carl
Grinn's darkly batcha. Rather than confront Grayson immediately, they let
him proceed so they can observe more sabotage attempts. Over
a week, he manipulates half a dozen orders. Tesla also

(02:26:50):
finds an external ip occasionally logging into his account someone
from an unknown address, possibly Claiborne's digital footprints. Mike can
results quietly with a company lawyer, Marsha McGowan, who says,
gather a rock solid chain of evidence, then we can
either confront them internally or file charges if it's a
clear violation. But these are powerful folks. We must be

(02:27:14):
absolutely sure. Mike is unwavering. We will be. They plan
a final trap. They schedule a large sensitive contract requiring
inventory worth dollar one million. They plant a fake glitch
in the system that Grayson or conspirators might exploit. Testless
code can then deliver an air date record of changes
in real time. Sure enough, Grayson logs in at eleven

(02:27:38):
p m. One night, tries inflating the dollar one million
to dollar one eight million. Testless system records everything, including
an external remote log in from unknown user, possibly Clayborne.
Our close associate, Carl calls Mike in excitement. We got
them red handed. Boss. By Chapter ten's early pages, Project

(02:27:58):
Integrity accumulates it's enough proof to blow the saboteur a
scheme wide open. Mike contemplates next steps. Expose them to
the board, confront Clayborne personally. He wants maximum impact to
crush their ambitions. The big shareholder meeting is scheduled soon.
Mike decides to wait until that meeting, unveiling the sabotage

(02:28:21):
in front of all stakeholders. Let them see who truly
caused any financial stress. This will be his revenge on
corporate traders. Meanwhile, Lauren finalizes her decision. She notifies the
Philanthropic Foundation that she'll accept the position in Washington, d C,
starting in about six weeks. Mike stands by her, though

(02:28:42):
inwardly he dreads the distance. Her eyes sparkle with excitement,
but she checks his reaction. I know it's tough. Mike
musters a reassuring smile. I'm proud of you. We'll make
it work. They talk logistics. Lauren will rent a small
apartment in d C near the the Foundation's office. She
plans to come back home at least one week and

(02:29:04):
a month, maybe more if finances and schedules allow. Mike
can occasionally visit DC if his business load permits. The
indefinite time frame a year or more ways on them,
but they vow to keep communication open. Calls, video chats,
maybe romantic weekend escapes late at night after signing her contract.

(02:29:25):
Louren trembles a bit. I'm excited, but terrified. I've never
lived away from you for more than a week. Mike
hugs her tight. We faced far worse. This is your dream,
and I won't let fear ruin it. He tries to
bury his own insecurity not wanting to taint her enthusiasm,
she organizes her staff at Bright Horizons to handle local

(02:29:47):
duties in her partial absence. She'll do remote oversight for
the local programs, but her main focus is the new
national initiative. She sets a timeline. I'll leave in six weeks.
Get settled, then you can visit me when possible. Mike nods,
swallowing a knot of anxiety. Ye, we'll keep each other

(02:30:07):
updated daily. Karl and tessaiture for her, this is huge,
Lauren Tesse exclaims. Karl winks at Mike, you'll survive a
bit of distance. Boss love fades away. Mike smiles faintly,
wishing he had Karl's unwavering optimism. One evening, Mike surprises
Lauren with a small silver locket, not an engagement ring,

(02:30:29):
but a sweet gesture inside a tiny photo of them together.
So you never forget home, he says softly. She tears up,
hugging him. For all the challenges. They talk about how
they can do good in parallel. She transforms literacy on
a national scale, while he keeps building an ethical global
security brand. They encourage each other forging deeper emotional intimacy.

(02:30:53):
In the face of impending separation, they begin a countdown
to her departure. Each day feels precious. They cook dinners,
watch sunsets, talk about future ideas, children, collocated offices. The
topic of official marriage surfaces occasionally, but both let it
rest for now. Time is the real test. In quiet moments,

(02:31:15):
Mike can't shake the uneasy feeling. With so many storms swirling,
ever quest sabotage possible prison threats from Daniel's circle. Lauren's
departure might leave her vulnerable or him more isolated. Still,
he refuses to trap her. He'll handle any chaos that arises.
Chapter ten second major plot line thus sees them finalizing

(02:31:38):
the path to a partial long distance relationship. They do
so with love, but also with recognized risk. As each
day passes, the reality grows more tangible. Soon they won't
share these daily routines. Amid the corporate swirl, Mike receives
a letter with the prison's return address, this time directly
from Daniel. The envelope battered inside is a brief scrawl.

(02:32:02):
They are bigger than you know. They blame you for everything.
If you want to live, talk to me before it's
too late. No signature beyond Daniel's name scrawled at the bottom.
Mike grits his teeth at the dramatic phrasing, another manipulation
or a genuine warning. He wonders if it connects to
the Blanchard character and external threats. He shows it to

(02:32:24):
Felix and Carl. They all suspect Daniel's playing games, but
the mention of they blame you for everything resonates Daniel's
old ring. The saboteurs from ever Quest are separate, presumably.
Mike calls to Cross, who once prosecuted Daniel, to see
if there's any official intel about Daniel's claims. She says no,

(02:32:45):
he's tried appealing. No official mention of a bigger conspiracy.
She suggests ignoring him, yet Mike can't fully dismiss it
given the prison attack. He instructs Roland's to watch Daniel's
movements carefully. If Daniel wants a meeting, he'll keep refusing
unless something more concrete emerges. The language if you want

(02:33:06):
to live suggests a lethal threat could be typical fear
mongering from a cornered conn man, or possibly a real
danger from an underworld bigger than Daniel's. Mike decides to
remain vigilant. Lauren asks that night, could Daniel be setting
a trap. Maybe he wants you to come see him
so he can demand something. Mike nods, wouldn't put it

(02:33:28):
past him, but I'll stay in the loop from a distance.
Receiving another letter from the man who tried to ruin
him revives a swirl of anger and memory. Mike fights
to stay rational this time. He won't let Daniel's manipulative
words disrupt his life. He's stronger now. Privately, Mike wonders
if he can glean info from other inmates or official

(02:33:50):
records about Daniel's fiasco, but it's complicated. He delegates Felix
to keep searching for any tangential mention in law enforcement
circles the letter Foster's tension, but no direct changes. Mike
chooses not to respond. He stores the letter with the
rest of Daniel's junk, determined not to get sucked into

(02:34:11):
a conversation that might lead nowhere. Between the sabotage plot,
Lawren's departure, and Daniel's cryptic warning, Mike's threshold for stress
is tested. Chapter ten continues building that sense of multiple
bombs ticking in the background, The highly anticipated quarterly shareholder
meeting of Sloan Protective arrives. Held in a grand hotel ballroom,

(02:34:33):
Top investors, board members, and media representatives gather. Mike stands
at the podium, carled by his side. Routine financial reports
are presented. Some red flags appear, a mild dip in
net margins, partly due to inflated costs from sabotage. Claiborne's
faction uses this to claim Mike's approach is stifling profit.

(02:34:55):
Stuart Claiborne seeses the Mike delivering a scathing analysis. With
more aggressive expansions, we could see a thirty percent jump
in revenue. Instead, we see stagnation. This is mismanagement. Some
shareholders murmur in agreement. Others glance at Mike uncomfortably. Eveland Marsh,
loyal to Mike, tries to defend him. Clayborn interrupts, facts

(02:35:19):
are facts. This underperformance rests on leadership's refusal to adapt.
He hints at a motion to replace Mike as CEO
with a visionary who embraces global opportunities. Gasps ripple across
the room. He steps forward, unaffected by Clayborne's aggression. Yes,
facts matter. Let's look at the real cause of recent

(02:35:41):
cost overruns. He gestures to Tessa, who cues up a
slide show. On the screen, they display time stamps, login records,
financial logs showing how certain orders were maliciously inflated. The
room hushes in shock. Mike narrates, we uncovered internal manipulation,
fake cost increases, double invissing these false figures artificially depressed

(02:36:05):
our margins. The lugs show these changes traced back to
manager m Grayson's account, sometimes from an external ip linked
to an ever Quest affiliate. Clayborn's face pales. The evidence
is undeniable. A hush falls, turning into stunned whispers. Mike
reveals an internal investigative file. Manager Grayson was promised future

(02:36:27):
promotion by certain ever Quest individuals if he helped engineer
these artificial losses. We have emails. Grayson present, tries to
stand and protest. Security quickly escorts him out as he
sputters denials, playborne attempts to claim ignorance. We never authorize sabotage.
This must be a rogue staffer, but the emails hints

(02:36:50):
strongly that Clayborn or close associates were involved. The stench
of complicity is heavy. Many shareholders are outraged at the
sabotage revelation. They see Mike's demonstration. But for these criminal manipulations,
the company's actual performance was excellent. The entire Mike is
incompetent narrative collapses. He addresses the room Sloane protective is

(02:37:14):
built on transparency and ethics. I won't allow unscrupulous expansions
or sabotage to undermine us. If ever, quest or anyone
can't respect that, they can leave a wave of applause
from some shareholders. Playborn's faction shrinks back, uncertain how to
spin it. The meeting ends with the sabotage fiasco overshadowing

(02:37:35):
Clayborne's attempt to oust Mike. Post meeting, Carl Clap's Mike
on the back, grinning widely. We blue them out of
the water. Tessa high fives them. The loyal shareholder's line
up to congratulate Mike, praising his integrity and cunning in
exposing the sabotage. Clayborn and a few associates retreat, stammering
about investigating Grayson's independent wrongdoing. The board is far from

(02:38:00):
from sympathetic. Some call for an immediate reevaluation of Evercrest's involvement.
The tide has turned drastically. Journalists run stories like cebo
Mike Sloane reveals insider sabotage, Foyle's hostile move, then narrative flips.
Mike emerges as the heroic figure who protected the company
from infiltration. Public sentiments strongly favors him again. Later that night,

(02:38:24):
he and Lauren share celebratory wine at home. She's beaming.
You were incredible, calm, thorough, unstoppable, just like you always are.
Mike exhales I learned from personal betrayal how to gather
evidence quietly and expose it at the perfect moment. The
next day, the board contemplates pressing charges against Grayson for

(02:38:46):
fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, possibly implicating EverQuest. Mike
instructs Marshall again to proceed carefully. He wants to secure
the company's position without plunging into endless lawsuits. Even victually.
Clayborne requests a private meeting with Mike. Tension thrums in
the air. Clayborn claims, we never authorized sabotage. We do

(02:39:09):
want a cooperative relationship. Mike's eyes remain cold. If that's true,
prove it. Accept a lesser stake or new compliance oversight
because I won't budge on ethical constraints. Clayborn stutters. Forced
to agree to new terms. The power shift is evident.
Freed from the sabotage illusions, most board members reaffirm support

(02:39:31):
for Mike's leadership. They pass a resolution praising him for
uncovering corruption. The threat of a corporate coup recedes. This
victory feels different from personal revenge. It's a testament that
the strong moral code Mike champion can defeat even cunning
corporate traders. He experiences a sense of closure, reminiscent of

(02:39:51):
beating Kristen and Daniel in court, only this time it's
a business dimension. Before bed, he stands on the balcony
with Lauren, gazing at city lights. She rests her head
on his shoulder. You overcame them without breaking a sweat,
He half smiles. I sweated plenty on the inside, but yes,
we made it. Their contentment is tempered by knowledge she'll

(02:40:14):
soon relocate, but at least one major storm is resolved.
The corporate sabotage storyline essentially concludes with Mike's resounding victory
in the board meeting. However, the question remains. Could another
danger lurk from Daniel's warning. The last portion of chapter
ten sets up that looming possibility. With the board crisis settled,

(02:40:36):
the timeline for Lauren's move draws near. Boxes pile up
in the living room as she sorts personal items for
her new DC apartment. There's excitement in her eyes and
heartbreak at leaving Mike. I'll only take the essentials, she says,
folding clothes. I'll be back for visits. This is still home.

(02:40:56):
The vibe in the house becomes a swirl of suitcases,
bubble wrap, and emotional undercurrents. They share a final regular night,
cooking dinner together, cuddling on the couch. Each mundane moment
feels precious. Karl, Tessa, and some close friends throw a
small gathering, laughter, toasts and hugging. Everyone congratulates Lauren, joking

(02:41:18):
that Mike better survive cooking on his own. He rolls
his eyes good naturedly, aware it's half true. On her
last night before flying out, they lie in bed, heart's pounding.
Lauren whispers, I do love you, you know. Mike kisses her, softly,
voice shaky, I love you too. I promise this distance

(02:41:38):
won't break us. Tears glisten in her eyes. I know
I trust you. Early the next morning, Mike drives her
to the airport. Minimal words are exchanged, Emotions run high.
At the gate, they share a long, silent embrace. She
boards the plain to Washington, d see disappearing past security.

(02:41:59):
Mike stand there for a moment, breath trembling memories swirl,
the moment Kristin betrayed him with Daniel, the vow he
made to never let fear control him. Now he must
trust Lauren. Across the miles, he returns to the house alone.
It feels eerily quiet. He stares at the half empty closet.
That sense of loneliness tugs, but he steals himself with resolve.

(02:42:23):
They've chosen this path. He'll focus on his commitments, watch
for the next threat, and keep the relationship strong from afar.
Over the following days, they chat nightly. Lauren is busy
adjusting to her new office. She's excited but exhausted. Mike
misses her presence. He tries not to sound clingy or

(02:42:44):
overshadow her enthusiasm with his own longing. At times, that
old voice of paranoia, whispers distance is how Christen's affair thrived,
but Mike quickly quashes it. He knows Lauren is nothing
like his ex wife. She's already proven honest and care
He must trust and not protect old wounds onto her.
In the final weeks of chapter ten, Mike readjusts to

(02:43:07):
living alone, balancing a flurry of calls. With Lauren running
his business and staying vigilant about possible criminal threats. The
home life portion of his world feels a bit hollow
but stable. Chapter ten ends with Mike hugging a pillow
in bed, reflecting on how drastically life changed in just
a month, beating corporate sabateurs, losing daily closeness with Lauren

(02:43:29):
ignoring cryptic prison messages from Daniel. He wonders what fresh
storms might test his newfound equilibrium. Next write, before chapter
ten's final fade, Tesla phones Mike at midnight with frantic energy.
Remember that suspicious ikey from the sabotage fiasco. I found
it pinging our servers again. But this time it's not

(02:43:50):
forging finance data. It's copying personal staff info. Mike's heart
thumps staff info, potential blackmail or doxing Tesla's void shakes
could be and the domain track leads to a known
hacking group rumoured to be tied to a major crime syndicate.
Mike instantly thinks of Daniel's letter about they blame you.

(02:44:11):
Could this be the same syndicate? Are they trying to
gather personal data on employees, maybe to target them for leverage.
He grips the phone, Shut it down, block them, investigate everything.
This last minute reveal suggests the sabotage fiasco wasn't an
isolated event. Another malicious entity is snooping around. Chapter ten

(02:44:34):
ends on a heightened note, with Mike preparing for a
new wave of infiltration, possibly linked to criminals Daniel hinted about.
Tension rises again, overshadowing Mike's personal heartbreak over Lauren's move.
The final words, all right, Mike tells Tessa, we fight again,
from the shadows to the servers. Let's see them try

(02:44:55):
to take us. On chapter eleven, in the week following
Tessa's discovery, Sloane Protective experiences repeated hacking attempts. Tesla's new
firewalls block some, but a few probes manage partial intrusions,
though they are quickly quarantined the attacker's target, personal data, addresses,
phone numbers of top personnel Mike, Carl, Tessa, and a

(02:45:17):
handful of executives. Tesla's logs indicate the attacks come from
multiple proxy servers worldwide. This is no amateur, she warns.
It's a pro hacking group or a well funded entity,
possibly the same ring that Daniel is affiliated with. Mike
is grim, so Daniel's message wasn't total nonsense. Some thing's brewing.

(02:45:40):
If these criminals obtain addresses or personal details, they might
blackmail or physically threaten staff, or they could impersonate them
in further sabotage. Mike raises the threat level to red,
instructing all top staff to watch their backs, secure homes,
update all credentials. Could it be revenged for Daniel's incarceration

(02:46:00):
or a broader scheme to extort us again, He pausits.
Either way, Mike sees it as an attempt to terrorize
or force compliance. He readies for a confrontation. Mike quietly
contacts an FBI cyber crime liaison agent, Penfield, sharing logs.
The FBI's interest piques at mention of a known hacking group.

(02:46:20):
Rumored to do dirty work for certain cartels or crime syndicates.
Penfield will investigate, but no promises these groups are slippery.
Mike wants an official cover, but also worries about corporate
image if word leaks that Sloane Protective has vulnerabilities. Implementation
of emergency protocols, forced password resets for all employees, multi

(02:46:44):
factor authentication, limiting external network access. Tessa's team works around
the clock, plugging every potential hole. Morale dips as staff
sends a looming crisis. This intensifies just as Mike tries
to adapt to life without Lauren at home. He checks
in with her daily, but he doesn't want to burden
her with these new threats. She picks up on his

(02:47:07):
tension anyway. Are you sure everything's fine, love? He half
lies that it's just business stress, not wanting to alarm
her from afar. Felix warns of hackers are after staff info.
They might progress to real world intimidation, kidnappings, break ins,
watch your routine. Mike braces for a repeat of earlier

(02:47:28):
sabotage attempts. He hires additional security detail for top managers.
The group style might tie back to that Gregory Blanchard
figure in prison with Daniel rumored to have external enforcers.
If Daniel gave them info about Mike's success or how
to pressure him, that could explain the hacking. Mike's rage
simmers once again Daniel's Tentacle's medal in His Life. Chapter

(02:47:53):
eleven opens with the unstoppable sense that an advanced criminal
network is targeting Mike's empire for reasons unknown, revenge, extortion,
or a twisted combination of both. Mike steeps himself in
unwavering resolve. They won't break me. I'll fight in cyberspace
or on the ground if needed. Meanwhile, Lauren is neck

(02:48:13):
deep in launching her national literacy project. She's working twelve
fourteen hour days, enthralled but exhausted. Their daily calls become shorter,
more hurried. She's under intense pressure to meet goals. Sometimes
Mike calls at night only to get her voicemail. She
calls back at times he's in a crucial meeting. They text,

(02:48:36):
but real conversation is sporadic. Each missed connection stings. Fear
of drifting apart creeps in. On a rare phone call,
tension flares, Lauren vince, you sound so distant. Are you
hiding something? Mike bristles, I'm dealing with crises here. Can't
share every detail. She responds, so you're shutting me out.

(02:48:59):
I thought we promised honesty. A short argument ensues, both
uneasy with a forced separation. They patch it up the
next day with calmer words. Mike tries to explain about
the hacking threats in vague terms. She's concerned. You should
have told me from the start. I want to help.
He sighs. I didn't want you to worry from a

(02:49:21):
thousand miles away, but I realized that was a mistake.
Lauren's new environment is dynamic meetings with high profile donors
traveling across states. Meanwhile, Mike's battling corporate espionage and potential
criminal infiltration. They live in separate bubbles. That emotional closeness
they cherished your roads day by day. They plan for

(02:49:43):
her to fly back for a week and soon, or
for Mike to visit d C, but scheduling conflicts arise.
She must attend a fundraising gala. He's finalizing staff security protocols.
Another month passes. The distance is no longer a hypothetical.
It's painfully real. Mike tries not to recall how in
the past marital distance gave Christen the cover to cheat.

(02:50:07):
He fights to keep trust and not project old betrayals
onto Lauren, Yet the invisible scars remain, fueling night time anxiety.
They notice Mike's mood swings. He's short tempered or withdrawn.
Tessa suggests go see her, even if it's just a day.
Show her you're committed. Mike ponders it, but the new

(02:50:27):
hacking crisis complicates leaving the city. This tension of parted
lovers underscores one of Mike's greatest internal battles, maintaining trust
in the face of physical separation and daily stresses. The
emotional cost of their arrangement weighs heavier each passing week.
Their relationship remains strong and love, but cracks appear from

(02:50:50):
logistical strain. As chapter eleven continues, the question looms can
they sustain it or will these external crises push them
into heartbreak. Tessa inter accepts an email from the hackers.
It's addressed to Mike, containing partial personal info about some employees, addresses,
phone numbers, names of spouses and children, and menacing note

(02:51:11):
reads we have more pay dollar five million in cryptocurrency,
or watch your people suffer. We don't bluff, He calls Carl, Tessa,
and the top team for an emergency meet. Reading the blackmail,
Mike's blood boils. They threaten to docs or harm our
staff if we don't pay. This is extortion, Tessa, we

(02:51:31):
can't dismiss it. They might truly have these details. We
have no idea if they're capable of violent acts, or
if it's a bluff. They forward the threat to the FBI.
Agent Penfield urges caution. Such groups sometimes carry out violence
or identity theft if not paid. We recommend not paying criminals,

(02:51:52):
but be prepared for escalation. The bureau's investigating Mike can't
stand the idea of letting criminals extort them. He's determined
to fight, but also mindful of staff safety. Carl suggests
quietly warning the employees whose data is leaked, they keep
it discreet to avoid panic. Those employees are offered additional

(02:52:13):
protective measures. Mike finances extra security for them. He won't
let another tragedy unfold on his watch. The hackers set
a seventy two hour countdown for the dollar five million payment.
If missed, they threaten to hit the first target. The
entire company enters at tents, standstill, waiting to see how

(02:52:33):
Mike responds. Some exects privately wonder if paying might be safer.
We can quietly transfer the crypto and the threat, they reason,
But Mike stands firm. We paid blackmail once before with
Christen's attempt, and it only encourages more. We do not
yield to terrorists. Carl stands with him, though fear underlies it.

(02:52:54):
Searching the dark web, Felix finds chatter referencing the Big
Fish at Sloane Protective, suggesting these criminals are well aware
of Mike's net worth. They see him as a prime
extortion target. Felix warns they might also attempt kidnapping. Keep
your personal guard up. Mike tries telling Lauren about the blackmail.

(02:53:15):
She's outraged. I wish I could be there. She half
offers to fly back, but her foundation has a major event.
The distance grows more painful. Mike tells her to stay put,
no reason to put herself at risk. They share an
uneasy phone hug. The countdown clock ticks. Tessa and her
team attempt to track the criminals or develop a trojan

(02:53:38):
to sabotage them if they accept the crypto. Meanwhile, the
FBVI works behind the scenes. Everyone braces for a midnight standoff,
pay or Resist Chapter eleven. Tension spikes as we approach
the deadline. Mike, hardened by past betrayals, refuses to be extorted.
He'd rather stand firm and protects staff than encourage criminals

(02:54:00):
with hush money. But deep down, fear gnaws what if
they do hurt someone. The criminals ultimatum arrives, pay dollar
five million by midnight or face consequences. The entire top
staff plus the FBI contact gather in a private meeting
at Sloane Protective headquarters. Mike repeats we will not pay.

(02:54:20):
The FBI agrees, but warns expect retaliation. They might reveal
personal data or attempt violence. The criminals post partial personal
info of a few staffers on a dark web forum,
accompanied by ominous threads. Staff members panic, some with families
are furious or terrified. Mike quickly organizes support, legal counsel, identity,

(02:54:43):
theft protection, everything to contain the fallout. He addresses the
anxious employees the next morning in a town hall. We
are taking every measure to ensure your safety. We have
the FBI on board. We will not be cowed by criminals.
He speaks with calm conviction, reminiscent of how he overcame
personal adversity. Many staff trust his steadiness. Next day, the

(02:55:08):
criminal's message again, data leak is just the beginning. Blood
is next. The threat implies physical harm. Tessa's face is pale,
Carl curses under his breath, and Mike is cold with fury.
They want a war. They have won. Mike ramps up
protective details for all employees. The second branch does the same.

(02:55:29):
A daily check in protocol is established. Everyone must confirm
they made it home safe. Some staff with families temporarily
relocate to company paid hotels under guard, just in case.
Two nights later, near midnight, an armed intrusion occurs at
the second branch is warehouse. Security cams catch three masked

(02:55:50):
men trying to break in, presumably to sabotage or plant something.
The on site guards engage. A brief firefight ensues. One
intruder is wounded, but they escape. No guards are seriously hurt.
The criminals leave behind a duffle of suspicious gear explosives.
Mike visits the warehouse the next morning, seeing the bullet holes,

(02:56:12):
the left of her gear is turned over to the FBI.
Explosives indicate they intended to blow up the facility or
sabotage crucial infrastructure, possibly to push fear or cripple the business.
She calls in tears after hearing about the near attack.
I feel so useless being away. Are you safe? Are
you wearing a vest? Mike? Please be careful, He calms

(02:56:36):
her as best he can, but the weight of separation
is immense. Now it's not just hacking or doxing, its
physical terrorism. Mike's vow stands we do not yield. He
prepares for a larger confrontation, suspecting the criminals won't stop
until forced to. This sets the stage for an intense resolution.

(02:56:56):
In chapter twelve, Rowland's calls. Daniel's melt in prison continues.
After hearing you didn't pay any ransom, he says they'll
come at him harder now he should have listened. He
also begs me to pass a message. Tell Mike the
name is Blanchard. There unstoppable If he doesn't see me,
Mike exhales, so Gregory Blanchard is indeed behind these terror tactics.

(02:57:21):
Daniel apparently wants a face to face to give deeper intel.
Could be real or another manipulation, but now the name
is confirmed. Agent Penfield checks his database. Blanchard runs a
well known underworld network dealing in stolen data, sabotage, and
violence for hire. The group's MO matches these attacks. There

(02:57:42):
notoriously elusive Penfield Daniel might actually have inside details we
could leverage that. Mike's torn. He hates Daniel, but also
sees potential value. If Daniel can provide a direct lead
to shut Blanchard down, it might save staff from further
harm after the warehouse attack, Mike's not taking chances. He

(02:58:03):
confers with Karl, Tessa, and Felix. They all see the
potential advantage in hearing Daniel out. The big question can
they trust anything Daniel says During a tense phone call,
Lauren tells him maybe hearing him out is worth it
if it means stopping a psycho ring from harming innocence
your staff, especially, swallow your pride for their sake. Mike

(02:58:25):
grimly agrees, I'll do it for them, not for Daniel.
Through the f b VY liaison and the prison warden,
they schedule a monitored meeting, Mike insists on his security.
He'll go with Felix and an f b I presence,
They'll record everything. He's determined not to let Daniel manipulate him.
The last time Mike saw Daniel was in court, where

(02:58:48):
Daniel was found guilty of conspiring with Kristen. Now meeting
him inside prison to glean intel is a surreal twist,
but Mike steals himself. I'd meet the devil if it
saves my people. This sets up the penultimate confrontation in
chapter eleven, if face to face with Daniel, hopefully unveiling
the next steps in neutralizing Blanchard. The emotional weight on

(02:59:12):
Mike is heavy, confronting the man who tried to destroy
his life once more. Meanwhile, the criminals are ramping up
violent intimidation. The warehouse fiasco likely won't be the last.
The sense is that the stage is set for a
culminating battle, combining psychological warfare, Daniel's manipulations, and physical danger

(02:59:33):
Blanchard's tear a ring. The chapter ends with Mike driving
toward Maple Ridge State Penitentiary, thinking I never wanted to
see his face again, but to protect everyone under Sloane
Protective banner. He's willing to do the unthinkable. Listen to
Daniel Chapter twelve. The final chapter opens with Mike passing
through heavy steel gates and corridors. Felix and an FBI

(02:59:57):
agent accompany him. They reach an interview room with a
thick glass partition. Daniel Bowman, pale, sporting scars from his stabbing,
sits on the other side, guarded by two correctional officers.
Mike locks eyes with the man who once orchestrated extortion
with Kristin. Daniel's gaze is full of bitterness, but also

(03:00:17):
fear you actually came, he rasts Mike, arms folded, start talking.
If you have something useful about Blanchard, say it in
a low urgent tone. Daniel spills details. Blanchard heads a
global crime network that runs large scale hacking, sabotage, assassinations.
They blame Mike for Daniel's incarceration, since Daniel boasted in

(03:00:40):
jail that Mike destroyed him. This triggered Blanchard's interest in
going after Mike to either extort or ruin him as
a prize catch. The infiltration at Sloane Protective and the
blackmail demands are only phase one. If Mike resists, they
might escalate to targeted killings. Daniel breathing heavily. He's unstoppable.

(03:01:01):
If you let him keep building his network, you have
to strike first. Mike coldly, why help me? You wanted
me ruined, Daniel retorts. After the stabbing, I realized they
don't give a damn about me. They only want chaos
and profit. I'm stuck here, powerless. My only leverage is
giving you info. So maybe you can protect me or

(03:01:24):
lighten my sentence. The FBI agent smirks, there it is.
He wants a deal. Daniel demands the FBI consider a
sentence reduction if his intel helps dismantle Blanchard's ring. The
agent notes it, but makes no promises. Mike seedes, but
he sets personal hatred aside for the greater good. Fine,

(03:01:45):
if your intel's real, the FBI might propose something. Let's
see it. Daniel scribbles known hideouts, contact methods, code words
used by Blanchard's lieutenants, and possible safe house locations. He
also warns that Blanchard may have planted an inside contact
at another branch were among external suppliers. A final exchange,

(03:02:07):
Daniel listen for what it's worth I never wanted them
to go lethal on you. It was supposed to be
a money game. You forced their hand, refusing to pay.
Mike's stare is ice everything you and Kristen did. There's
no forgiveness. But if this intel keeps my people safe,
I'll use it, That's all. Daniel breaks, eye contact, voice trembling.

(03:02:30):
Just watch your back. Mike stands, concluding the meeting. As
he walks away, Daniel calls after him, You're not invincible,
Sloane Blanchard is a monster. Don't underestimate him. Mike exhales,
ignoring the pang of old anger. He steps out, mentally
preparing for the final confrontation with Blanchard's network. Outside the

(03:02:53):
FBVI agent flips through Daniel's notes. If half of this
is true, it could blow the lid on a huge operation,
but verifying it will be tricky. Mike, we have no choice.
The safety of my staff is on the line. This
scene sets the stage for the final push, using Daniel's
intel to pinpoint Blanchard's group, hopefully shutting them down before

(03:03:16):
they unleash more violence. The chapter continues with Mike mobilizing
a direct or strategic confrontation. Agent Penfield organizes a multi
agency meeting. Mike and Carl attend as private sector partners.
They share Daniels intel cross referenced with the FBI's existing
data on Blanchard. Potential leads appear and abandoned warehouse outside

(03:03:38):
city limits used as a hacking base, plus a rural
compound rumored to house mercenaries. The FBI typically wouldn't want
a civilian CEO involved, but Mike insists he has a stake.
He offers resources Sloan Protective's own specialized security teams. Penfield
is hesitant, but acknowledges their skill. We can't let your

(03:04:00):
people run wild, the agent says, but if we coordinate carefully,
your knowledge could help. Mike, just let me see this through.
I won't let them keep terrorizing my staff. The plan
the FBI's WATT units raid the suspected hacking warehouse. Another
FBI team simultaneously hits the rural compound. Mike security experts

(03:04:23):
provide logistics support external perimeter coverage. They aim to catch
Blanchard or top lieutenants red handed. Evidence of their operations
would end the blackmail threats. The operation is set for
dawn on a chosen day. Tension is high. If the
intel is accurate, they might corner Blanchard. If it's partially wrong,

(03:04:44):
they risk a deadly firefight or find nothing. Mike feels
that swirl of adrenaline reminiscent of his old Army missions.
Mike shares the plan with her on a late night call.
She's anxious. Don't do anything reckless. Let the the FBI
handle the dangerous part. He reassures her. I'm not playing cowby.

(03:05:05):
My team's just providing support. Yet, deep inside, he's prepared
to jump in if needed. Mike can barely sleep. Memories
of war zones flicker, but there's no turning back. These
criminals escalated with bombs and doxing. They must be stopped.
Chapter twelve is big action sequence simultaneous takedowns. FBI swatstormed

(03:05:29):
the warehouse, encountering a few armed hackers. Shots rang out.
The criminals toss a smoke grenade trying to flee. Mike
security team helps secure perimeter Tessa monitors from a mobile
command unit, blocking the criminal's attempts to wipe data. Meanwhile,
at the rural compound, another SWAT group engages armed guards.

(03:05:51):
The firefight is intense, with some criminals refusing to surrender.
At the warehouse scene, Mike stands near the command vehicle.
These men in tactical gear rushing in a fleeing hacker
tries to dash out aside exit, but is tackled by
one of Mike's men. Avrenalin pumps as he ensures no
one else escapes. He hears over the radio that evidence

(03:06:14):
is seized, multiple servers, large sums of cash, forged passports.
The FBI arrests around ten suspects across both locations. Among
them is Gregory Blanchard himself captured at the rural site
after a standoff. He's wounded but alive, cursing that he'll
kill all of you, but the law has him in custody. Now,

(03:06:36):
the scale of the bust is big news. They recovered
data tying Blanchard's group to the blackmail attempts, the warehouse
bombing plan, and more. This effectively decapitates the network that
threatens Sloane. Protective Mike stands satisfied, not in blood their
steve vengeance, but in righteous defense. Daniel's intel was real enough.

(03:06:58):
He's ironically grateful, though he'll never forgive Daniel personally. Mike
convenes employees the next day, announcing the criminal ring behind
the recent attacks has been dismantled in an FBI raid,
We're safe. The room erupts in applause and cheers. People
hug relieved the threat is gone, just as he overcame

(03:07:18):
sabotage in part two. Now the headlines read Sloane, protective aids,
FBI and major crime bust. Mike's public image sores, further,
painting him as a steadfast guardian for his people. With
Blanchard's network disbanded, no one demands the dollar five million.
The fear of a violent revenge spree evaporates. Families of

(03:07:40):
staff breathe easier returning to normal routines. The FBI might
offer him a modest sentence reduction for providing crucial intel,
but that's out of Mike's hands in any case. Daniel
remains behind bars for a long time, overshadowed by a
more powerful criminal he inadvertently helped bring down to tex Essa.
Helps the staff run final sweeps to ensure no leftover

(03:08:03):
malware or infiltration remains. Celebrations abound as people confirm data
is secure. Mike sees a new chapter of Calm on
the Horizon. Days after the raid, Lauren appears unannounced at
Mike's doorstep. She used a free weekend to fly in,
wanting to congratulate him in person. Mike's eyes widen, emotional

(03:08:24):
waves hitting. They share a tight embrace, laughter mingled with tears.
They enjoy a weekend of closeness, cooking together, slow mornings,
honest conversations about the emotional distance. Lauren confesses how much
she missed him, how her heart ached hearing about the
danger from AFAR. Late one evening, they discuss the future.

(03:08:46):
Lauren says, I have at least ten more months in DC.
Are we strong enough to keep doing long distance? Mike nods,
we overcame a criminal ring, we overcame sabotage. We can
handle disace, but it's tough. She suggests possibly visiting more often,
or him setting up a satellite Sloane protective office in

(03:09:07):
DC to see each other more. He's open to exploring that.
Mike acknowledges that in the past with Christin distance ended
in catastrophe, but Lauren is different. They communicate openly, no secrets.
This heals an old wound, showing him that not all
parted couples cheat or manipulate. She heads back to d

(03:09:28):
C after the weekend, but they have a new plan
monthly visits at minimum plus a possible small office for
Sloane Protective in DC. This syenergy fosters better connection, a
promise to unify their world's step by step. After failing
in sabotage and seeing the blackmail ring destroyed, ever Quest

(03:09:48):
quietly sells a chunk of their shares. Stuart Clayborne steps
down from the board. The tension recedes. Some investors publicly
apologize for doubting Mike's approach. Mike stands victorious but wary.
Ensuring no new opportunists slip in, The board passes new
by laws preventing hostile expansions without a supermajority. Mike cements

(03:10:11):
his ethical stance in the corporate framework, guaranteeing that Sloane
Protective remains on a moral trajectory. Evelyn, who loyally supported Mike,
becomes the new board chair. She's equally committed to the
mission of ethical security solutions. Under her leadership, the board
foster's deeper trust with Mike. With the major crises behind him.

(03:10:33):
Mike's schedules of video call with doctor Yates for a
final reflection. He recounts the sabotage, the blackmail, the infiltration,
and how he overcame them all without losing integrity or
the people he loves. She congratulate him on effectively navigating
external threats without succumbing to fear or cynicism. You learn
from your personal betrayal and applied that skill set gathering evidence,

(03:10:57):
staying calm, forging alliance. Says you've grown a lot. They
briefly touch on how distance with Lauren Trigger's old anxieties,
but that he's managing it in healthier ways, no lashing
out or paranoid accusations. He confides, I do sometimes fear
losing her, but I trust her. It's a balancing act,

(03:11:18):
but I'm trying. Doctor Yates affirms that Mike's journey from
the cheated, vengeful husband to a confident man leading a
global company speaks volumes of resilience. He thanks her for
guiding him. It feels like closure to this chapter of
personal therapy. The next time Lauren visits from DC, Mike
plans a private dinner at the house, candlelight, home cooked

(03:11:40):
meal reminiscent of simpler times. They share stories of each
other's successes. She's proud of how he protected Sloane protective,
He's proud of her nonprofit expansions. After dinner, he hands
her an envelope inside plane, tickets for a short getaway,
a weekend in the mountains where they first had a
romantic trip. He says, softly, we keep forging new memories.

(03:12:04):
Distance or not, we'll stay connected. She beams, tears shining.
You always know how to ground me. They joke about
the world's assumptions that they might get engaged. She laughs,
Is this a proposal? He smirks, not yet, but I'm
not ruling it out. She kisses him, grateful for his
honest approach. The moment feels like a new level of

(03:12:27):
emotional closeness. A ring might come in the future, but
for now, mutual devotion suffices. Weeks later, a final letter
arrives from Daniel's prison. This time it's short and oddly calm.
So you beat Blanchet, I heard from the guards. Must
be nice saving the day. Don't expect thanks from me,

(03:12:49):
but part of me is relieved you stopped them. Whatever
this is, goodbye Daniel. He reads it feeling no triumph,
no pity. Daniel remains who he is, a broken man
who once inflicted enormous pain. Mike tosses the letter into
a drawer, finalizing that chapter. Daniel is locked away, presumably

(03:13:09):
for years to come. No word from Kristin. She remains
in prison, presumably with no involvement in recent events. Gerald
has moved away. Mike feels no need to revisit that heartbreak.
The saga of the cheating wife and her cousin is
definitively closed. Freed from sabotage and with the criminals behind bars,

(03:13:30):
the company stands strong. Over the next year, they expand carefully,
forging partnerships aligned with Mike's moral stance. Profits remain robust,
staff morale high there recognized as a gold standard for
conscientious security services. She thrives in her national literacy role,
garnering press coverage for positive community impact. She visits home monthly,

(03:13:53):
sometimes for an entire week. Mike occasionally flies to d
C for a weekend or to speak at an ethics
XE symposium near her. Each reunion is joyous. Over time,
they refine a schedule that keeps them connected. They talk
about eventually merging their locations if the Foundation opens a
branch near Mike's city, or if he extends Sloane Protective

(03:14:16):
to DC. So many possibilities, all tackled with mutual respect.
They share deeper confessions. While not legally engaged. They call
each other a life partner. Among close friends, they trust
the bond they've built is stronger than any ring. In
quiet moments, Mike sometimes contemplates a surprise proposal in the

(03:14:37):
near future, but he wants it to be under zero pressure.
The final arcs show Mike truly transcending the heartbreak and
rage from part one. He's integrated the lessons vigilance, loyalty, honesty,
strategic cunning. Now, instead of purely reactive revenge, he demonstrates proactive,
principled leadership in business and in love. A short at

(03:14:59):
the log, since Laurence DC term is nearly done, she's
exploring whether to remain there or shift partially back. She
calls Mike one night with big news. The Foundation might
open a regional h Q in his city to expand synergy.
They want her to lead it. That means she can
come home for good, or at least half time. He

(03:15:20):
steps onto his porch, phone in hand hearing her excitement,
the city lights glow behind him. A wave of gratitude
washes over him, reflecting how far he's come. They share
giddy talk about future possibilities, maybe a wedding down the line.
As the call ends, Mike lifts his gaze to the stars.

(03:15:40):
He recalls the darkest days when he discovered Christen's affair,
the messy divorce, the conspiracies, the twisted cousin lovers, the
sabotage plots, the black mill. He overcame at all, forging
a stronger self. The final image, Mike stands on the
balcony a faint grin of contentment. He's a man who won,
endured the ultimate marital betrayal, responded with intelligence and dignity,

(03:16:04):
destroyed extortion plots, overcame, boardroom sabotage, poorted a lethal criminal network,
and ultimately found genuine love and moral triumph. With the
final lines, we see n SC Mike's quiet resolution. He's
not naive about life's challenges, but he's proven unstoppable against
betrayal of any form, personal or corporate. He has love

(03:16:26):
and Lauren, a successful ethical empire, and the peace that
comes from conquering old demons. The story closes on that
hopeful note. No longer overshadowed by the cheating ex wife
or the cousin's vile conspiracies, Mike Sloane stands as a
victor in both heart and mind, confident that the future,
though uncertain, will bend to his unwavering integrity and the

(03:16:48):
genuine love he shares with those who stood by him.
I am Lady Truth, and I hope you enjoyed that cheat.
More stories to come, and I will talk to you
in them. Next one

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