The day felt normal like no other.
The Chairman of Alvord Corporation, Matthew, woke up at the usual ti, around a quarter to seven in the morning. After sliding out of bed, he stretched his stiff muscles before heading to the washroom.
The distant hum of faint chatters ca from the outside, originating from the garden. The morning sun bathed the entire mansion in its golden rays, casting shimrs on the remaining dews.
The residence was generally peaceful. Despite being massive, the number of staff living there was significantly less. They lived in the quarters in the backyard, including the bodyguards on duty.
As Matthew took a shower, his mind wandered to today’s listed agenda. His personal assistant, Robert Donelly, would usually et him not long after he stepped inside the walk-in wardrobe.
Robert was always punctual. His early morning duty was bringing Matthew the latest financial reports, including a perfectly brewed black coffee.
While Matthew was getting dressed, Robert would read the reports to the forr. It was a routine they had established for decades.
But today, sothing strange happened. Robert was late.
’Where is he?’
Matthew scowled as he glanced at the wall clock. He steadily fastened the button of his dark gray shirt while wondering where Robert was. The door burst open when he was putting the cufflinks on.
"Mr. Chairman."
Robert rushed in, almost breathing hard as he tightly gripped a tablet. His eyes widened slightly with a hint of uneasiness.
The frown on Matthew’s forehead deepened. Parting his lips, his voice was dangerously low, "Robert, have you forgotten to knock? And where’s my coffee?"
There was sothing weird in Robert’s behavior but, Matthew’s concern was directed toward the absence of his black coffee. Turning from the full-length mirror, he sized the younger man from head to toe.
Robert swallowed, his lips trembling slightly, "Sir... I’m sorry. You need to see this."
Matthew narrowed his eyes when Robert handed the tablet to him. Taking the gadget, his gaze fell on what was displayed on the screen—the main page of The Sentinel Report.
The bold, black headlines widened Matthew’s eyes.
[BREAKING! Chairman Alvord Bankrolled the People’s Century Party]
[Alvord & People’s Century Party: A Corrupt Partnership or Politics as Usual?]
[Exclusive! Leaked Docunts Tie Chairman Alvord to People’s Century Party’s Corruption]
The headlines were enough to make Matthew’s breath hitch. He quickly read the bullet points under the headlines.
▪️Leaked docunts reveal Alvord Corporation channeled millions into People’s Century Party election campaigns
▪️Emails and phone calls expose direct negotiations with Senator Grayson Fowler and Minister Lucian Firth
A suffocating silence filled the room. Matthew clenched his jaw, his fingers tightened on the tablet. Scrolling the page, his eyes read every line of the shocking news.
Every damn line!
The reports stated that the news outlet possessed the details of the leaked transaction records, and the exchanges of emails between both parties, including the private etings between Matthew’s n and People’s Century Party officials.
How?
How?!
He had covered every track! Without any flaw!
Only very few people knew about his connections with the political party. His people successfully secured every deal before erasing every trace.
They ticulously disguised every financial transfer as legal donations. Each of them was channeled through shell companies, concealed by the officials’ layers of bureaucracy.
"How did this happen? Where the hell... did they get this?"
Robert flinched upon hearing how dangerously calm Matthew’s voice was. This was the kind of calm that made his n sweat profusely for they knew, a raging storm would follow next.
Robert took a deep breath, understanding that he shouldn’t let his nerves betray his composure. When he spoke, his voice returned to its usual stable state.
"Mr. Chairman, it’s an anonymous leak. The Sentinel Report published these articles less than half an hour ago."
Matthew hissed. Slamming the tablet onto a nearby desk, his voice thundered in the walk-in wardrobe, "And you believe it? Soone is behind this."
Robert nodded. He clasped his hands tightly, willing himself to remain calm as he answered, "I’ve contacted Dorian. He’s tracing the source now, but... the story spreads faster and..."
Ring! Ring! Ring!
The remainder of Robert’s words were cut off by the incessant ringing of Matthew’s phone. Call after call ca. The latter quickly grabbed the phone but, not answering any calls until silence took over.
Matthew’s darkened eyes read the nas that appeared in the log. Each of them was very familiar to him.
Vincent, his second son and the current heir.
Bradley Sherman, his top corporate strategist.
Dorian Vance, the one who managed his political connections.
Elliot Davies, the one who ran his private security team.
Besides them, the nas of other executives and political allies were also there.
"Call Vincent, Dorian, Bradley and Elliot," Matthew glanced at Robert, his voice frosty as he shut down his phone, "Set up a conference call."
"Yes, Mr. Chairman."
Robert swiftly turned around, rushing to Matthew’s private conference room. The head of Alvord Corporation tossed his phone away. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to regain control of his emotions.
He needed to stay calm. He had to. Only strategy could fix this ss, not anger.
Matthew left his bedroom a few minutes after Robert, heading to his private conference room in this mansion. His steps were quick, barely hitting the floor.
By the ti Matthew reached the room, his top n, including his second son, were already on the screen. Robert stood by his chair, waiting for him to join the call.
"Father!" Vincent cried once he saw Matthew, his voice anxious, "We have big problems! Investors are already asking questions."
Bradley, Dorian and Elliot glanced at each other from their respective places. They wore the sa tense looks on their faces.
Tapping on the table, Matthew exhaled sharply, "Damage control. Now."
When Matthew, Vincent and the top executives were trying to lessen the damage, Ruediger had just reached the apartnt. He humd to a tune, his mood was brighter than the sun.
’He’ll be forced to do a press conference soon.’
A sneer tugged at Ruediger’s lips. He couldn’t wait to see the sight of his estranged father—the untouchable Chairman Alvord—trying hard to remain composed in front of the dia.
The old man deserved this for trying to ss with his wife.
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