Lucien Moreau did not react emotionally.
He reacted strategically.
The Counterstrike
Markets trembled.
Clients panicked.
A European regulator froze assets linked—indirectly—to Pearson Specter Litt clients.
Harvey swore. "He's squeezing through proxies."
Ace remained calm.
"Good," Ace said. "He confirmed the threat."
Fight #1,559Opponent: Proxy warfareStatus: Engaged
Ace Changes the Rules
Ace didn't fight finance with finance.
He fought law with law.
Public-interest filings in The Hague.Transparency challenges in EU courts.Compliance exposure tied to human rights statutes.
Katrina blinked. "You're invoking international morality law."
Ace nodded. "Capital fears optics more than penalties."
Fight #1,575Opponent: Moral immunityStatus: Stripped
Mike's Growth Moment
Mike handled the first international hearing.
Not flashy.
Precise.
The tribunal ruled in their favor—narrowly.
Lucien noticed.
Fight #1,591Opponent: UnderestimationStatus: Punished
The Private Message
Ace received a second call.
No pleasantries.
"You are escalating," Lucien said.
Ace replied calmly, "You contacted me first."
Lucien paused.
"You are not afraid."
Ace answered simply, "I am prepared."
Fight #1,606Opponent: Fear projectionStatus: Ineffective
The Line Is Drawn
Lucien's voice hardened.
"This will cost you."
Ace's response was immediate.
"So will continuing."
Silence.
Then—
"Very well," Lucien said. "Let us see whose system endures."
Fight #1,621Opponent: Global stalemateStatus: Established
Quiet Resolve
That night, Evelyn found Ace still awake.
"You're fighting the world now," she said softly.
Ace took her hand.
"No," he replied. "I'm defending ours."
She leaned into him.
Fight #1,637Opponent: IsolationStatus: Mitigated
End of Chapter 27
Victor Hale had been a test.
New York had been a lesson.
Lucien Moreau—
Was a war.
And Ace Charles had just crossed into the arena where laws weren't enforced—
They were designed.
✅ ARC STATUS: GLOBAL CONFLICT INITIATED
Lucien Moreau introduced (primary global antagonist)
International legal warfare begins
Jurisdiction weaponized
Mike proves international capability
Stakes escalate beyond the U.S.