Late that night, on the American stock market, the Xiao Family's stock suddenly plunged in a straight, devastating line.
Hundreds of millions of sell orders hammered the stock down 99%, wiping out 350 billion US dollars in market value.
America's major financial giants suffered staggering losses.
The Xiao Family, a behemoth that had towered over Capital City for decades, came crashing down in just a few hours.
Xiao Yuanshan sat in the empty living room, his hair having turned white overnight.
He did not understand.
With trembling hands, he frantically dialed the numbers of men who had once called him brother.
No answer.
Calls rejected outright.
"Sorry, the number you have dialed is not in service."
At last, he understood. This was not suppression by a rival. This was the will of the highest authorities!
The Xiao Family was being erased completely!
"Why... why on earth?!" he roared in anguish. "If I have to die, at least let me know why!"
Steady footsteps approached.
Several police officers walked in. The older officer leading them looked at the nearly deranged Xiao Yuanshan with cold eyes.
He took out an arrest warrant and read clearly:
"Xiao Yuanshan, you are hereby placed under arrest on suspicion of involvement in a major commercial bribery case ten years ago."
Ten years ago...
At those words, Xiao Yuanshan shuddered violently. All his defiance and frenzy instantly turned into a bone-deep chill.
He understood.
This was not an investigation.
They intended to uproot the Xiao Family and grind it into dust!
An overwhelming surge of humiliation, grief, and rage rushed to his head, and he tasted blood in his throat.
"Pfft-!"
He spat out a mouthful of blood, staining the expensive Persian rug in front of him red.
Xiao Yuanshan's vision went black. His body slumped