Chapter 84: Rival’s Downfall

As Alexander and Sophia watched the live news broadcast in their apartment, the anxiety in the morning air was palpable. Reporters were seen on the TV outside a huge courtroom, their voices urgent.

"Today is a momentous day as former business tycoon Edward Thornton is charged with bribery, corporate espionage, and fraud. He may be imprisoned for decades if found guilty.

Sophia's arms were folded. "It's happening at last."

With an inscrutable expression, Alexander nodded. He was too experienced to be naïve. Thornton was unpredictable and deadly, much like a cornered animal.

His phone chimed at that moment. It was Harris, his attorney.

As soon as Alexander responded, Harris said, "It's confirmed." "Thornton has locked his assets. Investors are leaving his firm as its stock is falling.

Alexander gripped the phone more firmly. "And his legal team?"

"They're rushing. The evidence is too compelling. He will attempt to postpone things, but his alternatives are limited.

Sophia listened, leaning in.

"One more thing you won't believe who just agreed to testify against him," Harris said.

Alexander and Sophia reached the courthouse one hour later. With their cameras blazing and their questions yelling, paparazzi crowded the entryway.

As Thornton sat at the defense table, his face white, the courtroom was alive with whispers. The haughty guy who had previously attempted to ruin them did not resemble him at all.

Then a recognizable person entered through the open doors.

It was Thornton's former right-hand guy, Richard Langley.

The room was filled with gasps.

Thornton's angry face contorted. "You are a traitor," he growled.

Langley remained unflinching. Rather, he proceeded directly to the witness stand. Prosecutors don't waste time.

"Mr. Langley, could you verify that you were previously involved in Edward Thornton's illicit activities?"

Langley took a deep breath. Indeed. I assisted him in sabotaging rivals, including Alexander Blackwood, manipulating stocks, and bribing authorities.

Whispers broke out in the courtroom.

Sophia gave Alexander's hand a squeeze. "He's done with it."

Alexander kept a careful eye on Thornton's response. The guy was furious, but fear was also visible in his eyes.

The evidence against Thornton became stronger as the trial progressed. A devastating picture was drawn by witness testimony, bank records, and emails.

At last, the judge spoke. "Mr. Thornton's bail is denied due to the overwhelming evidence." He will be held until he is sentenced.

The room emitted a collective gasp.

Thornton jerked to his feet. "This is an arrangement!" he yelled. "This was done by Blackwood! He set me up!

The gavel was hammered by the judge. "Mr. Thornton, enough."

As security drew closer, Thornton sprang at Alexander.

"You believe you've triumphed?" With hate in his voice, Thornton growled. "This is not the end of it."

Alexander remained unflinching. He just looked him down. "Yes, it is."

Cameras flashed frantically as security pulled Thornton away.

Sophia let out a breath. "That was really intense."

Alexander covered her lower back with a protecting hand. "It's finished."

However, he knew in his heart that Thornton wasn't the kind to go quietly.

And he had a feeling that this was not the last danger they would encounter.

Long after Thornton had been hauled away, the courtroom continued to hum with whispers. While legal scholars muttered among themselves, reporters rushed to adjust their headlines. In the corporate world, a man once dreaded this: the collapse of a titan.

Before the sentencing session, the court called a recess, which Alexander and Sophia stayed seated to observe.

Sophia looked across at Alexander. "Do you believe he will attempt something while incarcerated?"

Alexander's mouth clenched. The viper is Thornton. He will do whatever it takes to retaliate, even if it means going to jail.

Sophia let out a sigh. "Then we'll need to be prepared."

They were met by a deluge of cameras and microphones outside the courtroom. Reporters descended upon Alexander and Sophia as soon as they emerged into the open.

"What do you think of Thornton's demise, Mr. Blackwood?"

"Did you anticipate this result?"

Alexander looked at the reporters icily and measuredly as Sophia held his hand. "Justice was done."

Although his response was straightforward, the assurance in it conveyed the sense that Thornton was no longer a danger.

But a lone journalist surged ahead as they headed to their vehicle.

She called, disregarding the security detail, "Mrs. Blackwood." Thornton allegedly had a covert offshore account, according to a source. Do you think he has untapped resources to retaliate?

Sophia looked at Alexander and hesitated. He nodded slightly to her.

"We're not going to speculate," Sophia said coolly. "However, the law will uncover anything that is concealed."

Sensing a larger story, the reporter's eyes glistened.

Sophia glanced at Alexander as they sped away. "Do you believe that to be true? That someplace he has money hidden?

Alexander's eyes became gloomy. "I wouldn't be shocked." We must continue to be ahead of him.

Alexander's phone rang that evening when he was going over security reports in his office. Harris was back.

The lawyer responded, "This is not going to be to your liking." "Just now, Thornton's legal team filed an appeal."

Alexander let out a slow breath. "For what reasons?"

Some of the evidence, they say, was unlawfully acquired. They're attempting to buy time, but it won't last.

Alexander's jaw tightened. "What is the time for?"

He received a second call, this one from his security chief. Alexander changed lines right away.

We just picked up a message from Thornton's staff, sir. He's telling his surviving supporters to act.

Alexander gripped the phone more tightly. "What sort of move?"

"The financial network of your business is their aim. making an effort at cyber sabotage.

Alexander's heart froze.

His face changed when Sophia walked into the office. "What's the matter?"

Alexander's voice was dangerously calm as he glanced at her. "Thornton is still engaged in combat."

Alexander's cybersecurity team had stopped the assault by dawn. However, Thornton's desperation was obvious. He refused to concede defeat.

Sophia was drinking coffee in their private parlor, across from Alexander. "What should we do next?"

Alexander looked at her. He had always been the strategist and the guardian. However, Sophia was no longer only his romantic companion; she was now also his combat partner.

Alexander said, "We stay ahead of him." "I'll see to it that all of his assets are located." We'll discover whatever money he may have stashed away.

Sophia put her cup down. "What if he gives something else a try?"

Alexander grinned. "After that, we remind him of the reason he lost."

Sophia leaned in. "All right. as I refuse to allow him to ever again harm our family.

Alexander's eyes became softer. He kissed her knuckles as he grabbed her hand. "After that, we battle together."

They then got ready for whatever was going to happen next.