The monitors in the Croft library displayed the smug face of Dante Ricci, who sat in his high-rise office confident that the asset freeze would force a settlement. But at the head of the table, Malcolm Fotheringham did not look worried; he looked bored.
“Mr. Ricci,” Malcolm said, his voice devoid of William’s usual fiery emotion. “You filed the injunction based on New York probate law regarding Ms. Vance’s estate.”
“She’s a corporate asset, and her status is in limbo,” Ricci sneered. “I’m protecting the shareholders.”
“An interesting theory,” Malcolm replied, sliding a single sheet of paper across the desk toward the camera. “However, you failed to account for the fact that Victoria Vance was declared deceased in the Swiss Canton of Valais. Under the European *Droit Moral* statutes–which supersede your claim due to the international treaty signed by Croft Enterprises in 2018–her intellectual property rights reverted to her next of kin immediately upon the declaration of death, regardless of her current resurrection.”
Ricci’s smile faltered. “That’s a technicality.”
“It’s a loophole,” Malcolm corrected coldly, closing his folder. “I’ve already filed the motion in Zurich. The assets are unfrozen as of three minutes ago. You have no leverage, Dante. Get off my screen.”
He cut the feed. William stared at Malcolm, stunned by the ruthless efficiency that had decimated their enemy in seconds. Malcolm didn’t celebrate; he simply checked his watch, the “Seed” proving he was the sharper, deadlier version of the man sitting next to him.