Chapter 4 - The War Begins
The sun rose over the Manhattan skyline, painting the clouds in shades of cold gold. While the city woke up, a corporate tsunami hit the financial sector.
At 8:00 AM sharp, Marcus held an emergency press conference in the lobby of Thorne Tower. Hundreds of reporters packed the room, camera flashes blinding the stage as Marcus stepped up to the microphone, flanked by his legal team and Gabe Vance.
"Good morning," Marcus began, his tone ice-cold and precise. "Last night, at the St. Jude Children’s Charity Gala, an act of unprovoked, horrific violence was committed against my pregnant wife, Khloe Thorne, inside a private medical suite."
The room erupted into frantic murmurs and shouting reporters. Marcus held up a hand, silencing the room instantly.
"The perpetrator was Isabella Rossi," Marcus continued calmly. "She launched a physical assault that placed both my wife and my unborn child in critical condition. Let me be unequivocally clear: Thorne Global has officially cut all commercial ties with Rossi Shipping, effective immediately."
A reporter shouted from the front row: "Mr. Thorne! The Rossi family claims your wife instigated the fight out of jealousy! Do you have proof?"
Marcus turned to Gabe Vance, who pressed a button on a remote control. A massive LED screen behind Marcus lit up, displaying a direct, unedited high-definition loop of Isabella shoving Khloe and kicking her in the stomach, complete with clear audio.
Gasps filled the auditorium. Several journalists covered their mouths in shock.
"The evidence speaks for itself," Marcus said coldly. "We have filed formal charges with the District Attorney for attempted murder. Anyone attempting to shield Ms. Rossi or spread false narratives regarding my family will face immediate, merciless legal retaliation."
Without taking another question, Marcus turned and walked off the stage.
Within thirty minutes of the press conference ending, Rossi Shipping stock plummeted by forty-two percent. Partner banks began freezing their line of credit. Corporate sponsors withdrew their contracts, terrified of being linked to a televised act of violence against a pregnant woman.
In his penthouse office, Victor Rossi watched the news broadcast in horror as his fortune vanished before his eyes. He smashed his glass against the wall. "Get me the District Attorney now!" he screamed at his assistant. "And call the media networks—offer them ten million dollars to pull that video off the air!"
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"Sir..." his assistant stammered, trembling. "The District Attorney just announced a press conference. They've denied Isabella's bail request. She's being transferred to Rikers Island pending trial."
Victor collapsed into his leather chair, clutching his chest. Marcus Thorne wasn't just suing them—he was systematically wiping the Rossi family off the face of the earth.
