Chapter 19: The $100 Million Death Sentence
The Lawsuit Shockwave
Ethan stood frozen, gripping his phone. The headline glared back at him:
> Titan Edge Files $100M Lawsuit Against Level Up Games.
His inbox exploded with messages. Investors were panicking. Employees were worried. The fanbase was in an uproar.
This wasn't just a lawsuit. It was an assassination attempt.
Alex stormed into the office. "What the hell, man? A hundred million?! That's more than we're even worth!"
Grace, their CFO, was already pulling up financial statements. "If the courts freeze our accounts, we're done. We can't afford this fight."
Ethan exhaled sharply. He wasn't naïve—Titan Edge wasn't suing for the money.
They were suing to bury them in legal fees.
Titan Edge had an army of corporate lawyers. Level Up Games had… Mason, their in-house legal advisor, and a few hired attorneys.
It wasn't a fight. It was a massacre.
But Ethan refused to back down.
He clenched his fists. "We're not rolling over. We fight."
The Legal Counterattack Begins
Mason rubbed his temples. "We need a strategy. If this goes to trial, we'll be fighting for years."
Ethan nodded. "So we don't let it go to trial."
Step 1: Counter-Sue for Corporate Sabotage
Ethan called in a favor—a former professor, now a powerful corporate lawyer. After reviewing the case, he found a loophole:
> Titan Edge had violated fair competition laws.
Ethan counter-sued for $200 million, accusing Titan Edge of predatory business practices.
Suddenly, Vaughn wasn't just the attacker—he was under attack.
Step 2: Public Exposure—Weaponizing the Court of Public Opinion
Ethan's team launched a media offensive.
They leaked emails, legal documents, and proof that Vaughn had been planning this for months.
News outlets picked up the story. Tech giants and indie developers started speaking out.
Titan Edge was losing reputation fast.
Step 3: The White Knight Maneuver—A Surprise Rescue
Just when it seemed Level Up Games might drown in legal fees, Horizon Interactive made a game-changing announcement.
> "Horizon Interactive is investing $50 million into Level Up Games to fight corporate bullying."
The message was clear: Ethan wasn't alone.
Titan Edge's Unexpected Move
But Vaughn wasn't out of tricks.
Three days later, another lawsuit dropped—this time, a personal lawsuit against Ethan.
> "Titan Edge Sues Ethan Carter for Defamation—Seeks $10 Million in Personal Damages."
Ethan stared at the papers in disbelief.
This wasn't just business anymore. Now, Vaughn was coming for him personally.
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Personal Ruin or Ultimate Victory?
With his personal assets at risk, Ethan faces the most brutal phase of the battle.
His reputation, his finances, and his company are all under attack.
But he has one last move left.
A hidden ace that Vaughn never saw coming.
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Ethan's final gambit. A secret deal. And a public showdown that will shake the gaming industry.