Susan placed the reporter's inquiry on his desk. "This doesn't match the statement Diane issued."
"The reporter has bad information," Preston replied.
"Were handcuffs used?" Susan asked.
Preston looked toward the window. "Security followed its procedure."
"That wasn't my question."
He exhaled. "Yes, briefly."
Richard rubbed his forehead. "Why didn't the statement say that?"
"Because we weren't writing a minute-by-minute account of a security event."
Susan studied him. "You need to acknowledge what happened before the reporter gets footage."
"Fine," Preston said. "We'll issue a clarification."
The second statement admitted a regrettable miscommunication involving a scheduled visitor and said the company was reviewing its guest-handling procedures. It was narrower than the first, and still offered no specific apology to Malik. But it contradicted the earlier attempt to describe the event as ordinary and uneventful.
Talia wrote both statements into her timeline.
Preston considered the clarification a temporary concession. He intended to reclaim control through the transaction itself.
Two days after the arrest, he summoned Rachel to his office with a revised term sheet. The changes were highlighted in yellow. For the same $350 million investment, Ashworth Capital would receive a smaller ownership stake, weaker governance protections, and a delayed right to appoint its second board representative. A proposed fund-allocation schedule also moved money away from plant modernization and toward corporate obligations under Preston's direct control.
Rachel stared at the figures. "These aren't minor adjustments."
"The risk environment has changed," Preston said.
"Because you had our investor handcuffed."
"Because a security controversy has created potential litigation exposure. We need flexibility."
"You're asking him to accept less because of something you did to him."
"I'm asking him to demonstrate commitment to this company."
"He's committing three hundred fifty million dollars."
Preston leaned back. "If he truly believes in the deal, he'll understand."
Rachel looked at the revised terms again. "I can't defend this."
"You don't have to defend it. You have to present it."
"And if I refuse?"
Preston's gaze turned cold. "Then the board can ask whether its chair is capable of managing a difficult negotiation."
Rachel said nothing. She had fought him privately and lost. She still had enough influence to challenge the changes, but she knew a divided board could give Preston time to pressure lenders, frighten shareholders, and blame her if the financing collapsed. She left with the document in her hand and a sick feeling that she was about to repeat the mistake she'd made downstairs: recognizing what was wrong and failing to stop it quickly enough.
She arranged to meet Malik and Odell at Yarrow Tower the next morning. It was the first time Malik would return since being cuffed. He agreed because he wanted to look Preston in the eyes again, this time with witnesses and counsel nearby.
As he entered, the receptionist stood. Elise had made sure his name appeared on both visitor lists. The turnstile was ready, and a badge had been printed in advance.
"Good morning, Mr. Ashworth," she said quietly.