Chapter 6：Data Gallows
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We sat on a bench in Central Park, away from surveillance cameras. Lydia was my college classmate in my previous life, and the only person I trust. In this life, I contacted her first thing.
"Any findings?" I asked.
Lydia pushed up her glasses: "Clara's team systematically tampered with the clinical data for at least seven drugs, concealing side effects. The most serious case is that anticancer drug, where the actual mortality rate is 30% higher than reported."
I gripped the hard drive tightly: "Enough for the FDA to launch a thorough investigation."
"Not only that," Lydia added, "I also discovered that Clara has privately transferred large sums of money to a private clinic in Switzerland."
I recalled the information Alexander mentioned: "What is she doing there?"
"The clinic records are highly encrypted," Lydia shook her head, "but I hacked into her personal calendar. She gets a complete blood test every time she returns."
I pondered for a moment: "Continue investigating. Meanwhile, prepare to short Sinclair stocks."
Back at the apartment, I found Alexander working in the study. I knocked and entered, placing the hard drive in front of him.
"I need your help," I said straightforwardly.
Alexander glanced at the hard drive: "Data falsification?"
"Yes." I nodded, "I need an untraceable platform to release this information, while simultaneously shorting Sinclair stocks."
Alexander leaned back in his chair, examining me: "Are you sure you want to do this? It will completely destroy Sinclair Pharmaceuticals."
"That's not my family business, it never was," I replied calmly.
Alexander remained silent for a moment, then picked up the phone: "Prepare to execute 'Operation Midnight'."
After hanging up the phone, he explained to me: "I have an offshore operations team that specializes in handling these sensitive maneuvers. Tomorrow at 9 AM, the data will be simultaneously released to three financial regulatory agencies and major media outlets."
"Thank you." I turned to leave.
"Wait," Alexander called out to me, "you haven't told me what you're offering."
I looked back: "What offering?"
"I help you destroy Sinclair Pharmaceuticals, what can you give me in return?" Alexander's gaze turned sharp.
I thought for a moment: "Howard Medical's core patents were actually stolen from Sinclair's laboratory. I have evidence."
Alexander smiled: "Deal."
The next morning, explosive news swept through Wall Street. Sinclair Pharmaceuticals was accused of systematically falsifying clinical data, the FDA announced a comprehensive investigation, and the stock price plummeted 45% within ten minutes after the market opened.
Alexander and I stood in the trading room, watching the numbers on the screen continuously falling.
"Perfect execution," Alexander commented.
My phone rang. It was Clara. I put it on speaker.
"You bitch!" Clara screamed, "Do you know what you've done?"
"Correcting a mistake." I replied calmly, "This is just the beginning, Clara."
"You'll regret this!" Clara threatened, "Who do you think you are? You're not even the real Sinclair!"
My finger hovered over the end call button: "You're half right. I'm not Sinclair, but neither are you."
There was silence on the other end for a few seconds, then Clara said in a low voice: "What do you know?"
"Everything." I hung up.
That evening, Alexander hosted a small celebration party in the penthouse. Only a few core team members were invited.
Wearing a red dress, I stood on the terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Sinclair Pharmaceuticals' stock crash, Clara's fearful eyes, the board members' panic—these images replayed in my mind.
"Planning to escape?" Alexander's voice came from behind.
I turned around and saw him holding two glasses of champagne: "Just needed some fresh air."
Alexander handed me a glass: "To victory."
We clinked glasses, I took a sip, then said: "Thank you for your help."
"You're welcome, partner." Alexander moved closer to me, suddenly using his tie to bind my wrists, pulling me toward him. The distance between us instantly shortened, his breath coming close, mixed with the scent of whiskey and sandalwood. "But winning and running? This is just the first round."
I didn't struggle, feeling the silk tie's restraint around my wrist and the warmth of his fingertips: "What's the next step?"
Alexander released the tie, his fingers gently caressing my wrist: "Find out Clara's secret in Switzerland. I've already arranged tomorrow's itinerary."
"We?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Of course," Alexander smiled, his lips almost touching my ear, "After all, we are newlyweds who need a honeymoon."
His lips lightly brushed against my earlobe, then withdrew, leaving behind a lingering warmth that made my heart race. I watched his retreating figure, feeling the complex emotions surging within me. Alexander Knight was not only a powerful ally but also a dangerous temptation.
I turned back to face the lights of Manhattan. Clara's secret might be the key to my revenge plan. And Alexander, whatever his intentions might be, was now my most powerful weapon.
I took a sip of champagne, a slight smile curling at the corner of my lips. And I had to admit, having such a dangerous and charming accomplice made this game all the more intriguing.
