The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 142

Chapter 142: Hijacking

A team of intelligence agents, led by Special Agent Derek Hawkins, swarmed into the room. Their weapons were drawn, faces set in grim determination.

"Edward Ricardo," Hawkins called out, his voice ringing with authority, "you are under arrest for racketeering, conspiracy, and a host of other federal crimes. Stand up slowly and put your hands where we can see them."

For a moment, Ricardo considered resistance. His hand inched towards the hidden compartment on his desk where he kept a pistol. But as he looked into the hard eyes of the agents surrounding him, he knew it was useless. With a heavy sigh, he raised his hands. "I suppose asking for my phone call would be too much to hope for?" Ricardo asked, a hint of his old arrogance creeping into his voice.

Hawkins stepped forward, roughly pulling Ricardo's arms behind his back and securing them with handcuffs. "You'll get your phone call, Mr. Ricardo. But right now, you're coming with us.

H

As the agents led the former President out of the office, out of the White House he had occupied for years, Ricardo's mind spun. How had it all gone so wrong? Who had betrayed him? And more importantly, what moves did he have left to play?

The news of Ricardo's arrest spread like wildfire through the capital, and beyond, Social media exploded with reactions, with hashtags trending worldwide as people struggled to come to terms with the unprecedented scandal.

#PresidentArrested #RicardoGuilty

#TwelveGuns Takedown

In the halls of Parliament, the initial shock of the impeachment was giving way to frantic activity. Senator Claire Donovan, her face grave, addressed her colleagues.

"While we have taken the necessary step of removing Edward Ricardo from office, we should consider farther than the president," she declared. "From the evidence at hand, we must investigate how this corruption was allowed to take root and flourish at the highest levels of our government."

agreement rippled through the chamber. Marcus Reeves, the opposition leader,

with the resources to investigate not just the former President's activities but also any intelligence agencies that may have been complicit in aiding his criminal enterprise."

vote. It passed unanimously. The newly formed. Committee for Government Integrity would have broad powers to subpoena witnesses, access classified

Parliament dealt with the fallout of Ricardo's crimes, the citizens of the nation struggled to process the shocking turn

buzzing with news. It was not long before it

entire country knew. Of all the things he thought that the Shaw family would do with the information,. They find it; this was not it. With shaking hands, Mercy began to throw clothes into a suitcase. The fall of Ricardo meant the Twelve Guns would be scrambling

Footsteps approached, and then

taking in the half-packed

Th

Twelve Guns will be tying up loose ends. I

contrast to Mercy's panic." You're already in hiding, Mercy. No one knows you're here. This

her head. "I can't

a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he asked quietly, "Are you really comfortable running away and leaving

grip. "Daniel

how important Anya is to you," Justin pressed gently. "You've been taking care of her for so long; she's like a sister to you. Can you really leave without explaining things to her? Without clearing up

slipped from Mercy's fingers, falling back into the suitcase. She sank down onto the bed, the fight draining

to offer comfort but not touching her. "I understand you're scared, Mercy. But running isn't always the answer. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can

at him, her eyes searching his face. "You think I am

but

You are more afraid of seeing Anya than getting caught by those 22 guns," he said.

this moment, about

bench. The doors slammed shut so loudly that it made Russo

closed his eyes for a moment, gathering