The fallout reached government offices by the end of the week.
Regulators requested meetings.
Politicians distanced themselves publicly while calling privately.
Ace declined most.
Accepted three.
Each left with less leverage than they arrived with.
Louis watched one official leave, pale and silent.
"What did you say to him?" Louis asked.
Ace replied evenly, "I told him the truth."
Fight #438Opponent: Political influenceStatus: Contained
Victor Hale made his move that night.
A lawsuit.Carefully crafted.Designed to provoke.
Harvey read it twice. "He wants a fight."
Ace nodded. "Good."
The firm gathered in the conference room.
Harvey was energized.Mike was focused.Louis was already preparing contingencies.Jessica watched Ace closely.
"This one's different," she said.
Ace met her gaze. "They always are."
Fight #451Opponent: Victor HaleStatus: Declared
Later, alone in his office, Ace reviewed the city's shifting map of power.
Blackcrest was gone.
A vacuum remained.
And New York hated vacuums.
Ace straightened his cufflinks and looked out at the skyline.
"Let them come," he said quietly.
Fight #458Opponent: New York CityStatus: Engaged