ALISTAIR
Boardroom, LA Headquarters..
The atmosphere inside was heavy with silence, though I could already read the tension and anxiety on the investors’ faces.
My sudden trip to LA was to smooth out the major project that was about to take place, but the operations manager discovered that the contractor who had won the bidding had gone missing.
Now we were facing a crisis in this branch, as the other investors threatened to pull out.
What made me angrier was that Markus had created this mess—so reckless to let that ghost company infiltrate us, and now unable to fix it.
Or was this really just recklessness—or was he already working underneath to undermine us?
Either way, he would face my fury later.
I leaned back slightly in my chair, letting Markus finish his summary.
The investors were growing restless, muttering among themselves.
The failed project, the ghost contractor—it had already set off enough panic.
I kept my expression neutral and composed.
They didn’t need to see what I was thinking, but I cataloged everything.
“Gentlemen, ladies, we are already tracing the contractor’s whereabouts.
I believe we’ll get answers very soon.
The project will be put on hold while we assess next steps,” Markus’ speech has ended.
“And what steps do you plan to take, Markus?
Find another contractor and waste more time and resources?
We’ve already lost millions in this project.
We can’t afford to lose more!
You should find another way to fix this, or else we’ll pull out our investments and demand a refund of the money already lost!”
One of the investors snapped angrily at him.
I shot a look at my foolish brother and smirked coldly.
This was the man they kept labeling as the legitimate heir?
He couldn’t even find a solution to pacify the furious investors.
What a useless thing.
I let the tension hang in the air.
Let them stew for a moment.
Tapping my fingers against the table, I began to speak.
“We will assign this project to our internal team and trusted partners,” I said evenly.
“Every stage will be monitored, and every responsibility will be accounted for.
You will know exactly what is happening at every phase.”
I could see relief flicker across a few faces, but it wasn’t enough.
I needed them to understand we weren’t just putting out a fire.
We were taking control.
“And the timeline?” one of the investors asked, clearly doubting my statement.
“Phased development will delay completion—won’t that cost us more?”
“Phased execution minimizes risk.
It ensures the project progresses without surprises.
Resources can be reallocated to maintain momentum.
You protect your investment while we regain control.
That is the strategy.”
I let my gaze sweep the room slowly, pausing on each person for a beat longer.
I wanted them to listen, feeling the logic of it, and trusting it.
“Finally,” I said, leaning forward slightly, “there will be optional incentives to key stakeholders who continue to support this project.
We’re offering partnership, not just financial contribution.
That is how Montgomery Group operates—precisely, responsibly, decisively.”
I let the words settle over the boardroom.
Murmurs of approval started to float.
One investor even nodded, clearly impressed.
Markus shot me a subtle glance across the table, giving the faintest nod of acknowledgment.
But I gave him a cold, knowing look.
With his suspicious movements while I was still in coma along with the other share holders, there’s no way I’m trusting each single soul in a boardroom.
I stepped into my office once the chaos had been dealt with.
Not long after I sank into my chair, Evan entered, bringing the necessary files I had to review.
“What is the latest update on the investigation?” I asked him right away.
Evan stepped forward promptly.
“Our team traced the ghost contractor’s company.
It appears to be a shell—everything points to a dummy entity.
The purpose is very clear.
It was a setup to create chaos within the project—meant to undermine investor confidence and destabilize Montgomery Group.”
Even without investigating, I always knew it wasn’t just a mere scam.
A small, smug smile crept across my face.
They thought they could shake me with such a pathetic move?
They hadn’t seen anything yet.
“And the owner?” I asked in a measured tone.
“We’re still tracking him,” Evan continued.
“Whoever’s behind this has been meticulously careful.
Markus is on the radar, but nothing concrete has surfaced against him yet.”
I leaned back in my chair leisurely.
“Patience always wins in the end.
Let them play their cards for now.”
I knew this game all too well.
They probably thought I was a reckless businessman—weak. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Let them think that way.
The smartest move is always to let your enemy feel secure.
As the saying goes, we strike at dawn.
By the time they let their guard down, I’ll already be standing before them, ready to claim my prey.
*Smirking*
I sensed Evan’s hesitation about the next news he was preparing to deliver.
“There’s also something you should know about the young madam.”
I stopped swiveling my chair and raised an eyebrow.
“What is it?”
”A couple confronted her at the hospital yesterday.
They accused her of malpractice, claiming a child she operated on died because of her negligence.
The incident escalated quickly, and now it’s circulating online.
Social media has been flooded all night with posts slandering her reputation.
People are harsh.
Some are even calling for her license to be revoked.”
He showed me a recently uploaded video on his tablet.
There she was—standing firmly, unwavering.
I took the tablet from Evan and leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on the video.
I was actually surprised.
I hadn’t expected that beneath her innocence was a strong, resolute woman.
My lips curved slightly, involuntarily.
But then, a peculiar feeling stirred in my chest when Simon stepped up to defend her.
Though his move was righteous enough—as she was under his supervision—I could tell there was something from the way he looked at her.
I didn’t know why, but the sight of them together irritated me.
I tossed the tablet back to Evan and ordered coldly,”Tell the media to take it down.
Every post, every comment—remove all of it.
I don’t want to read or hear about this scandal in the next hour.”
Evan nodded, his fingers already tapping on the screen.
“Understood, sir.”
”Seize that couple and bring them to me once I get back to New York,” I added.
“Yes, sir.” He nodded again, already turning to leave.
“One more thing,” I called after him.
“Sir?”
”Draft me another marriage contract .
I want them as soon as possible.” I was already flipping through the pages of the documents on my desk.
Even without looking, I knew Evan was confused by the order.
“Dismissed.”
He bowed slightly and left, leaving only the soft thud of the door closing behind him.