บท 54: Chapter 54: Meeting
Khalpur Village - Brad's House - Study Room
Brad: What made you so late, Triksy? I hope you understand the gravity of the situation. Anna's investigation is causing a lot of stress and disruption.
Triksy: Don't boss me around, Brad. I'm not one of your subordinates. Anna can be quite thorough, especially given her role as the founder of the school foundation. What exactly is she investigating?
As she spoke, a sly smirk played on her lips. She continued with a hint of sarcasm, "It must be quite hard for her to investigate you. After all, the number of ill deeds you've done over the months is quite a lot."
Brad's face darkened with irritation, but he held his tongue, knowing he needed her cooperation.
Brad: She's looking into some administrative decisions and financial allocations. Some of the funds were redirected to emergency repairs and unexpected costs, but she seems to think there was mismanagement.
He paused, his voice dropping to a more conspiratorial tone. "It seems that she does not yet know the real issues. So I would recommend handling her before she reaches the actual problem."
Triksy: That sounds challenging. Ms. Patterson, my boss, has a lot of influence on the board as well. However, why should I help you? How do you see her helping you? You don't think your petty profits could make Ms. Patterson turn against Anna, do you?
She gave Brad a piercing look, her eyes narrowing. "You don't think of Anna as a pushover, do you?"
"If you do, I hope you change your mindset soon. She is the founder of the Ummed School Association. She established the first five schools, and one of them is the one you run. She holds the power of communications regarding the funding from Venom Pharmaceuticals. Her contribution is listed in the Hall of Fame."
"Her coming here personally is indicative of something big. If you want to fight against her, you'll need to provide enough leverage."
"If you don't have enough leverage, I'd recommend clearing yourself ASAP and running away to save yourself. Otherwise, if she discovers the truth, it won't be this simple anymore."
Brad was taken aback by the layers of identity surrounding Anna, but he stood his ground. "Ms. Patterson has always been fair and supportive of initiatives that benefit the students and the school. If she could help present my case to the board in a more favorable light, it might mitigate some of Anna's concerns. Do you think she would be open to that?"
Triksy: Don't think others are idiots. Ms. Patterson values integrity and transparency, which you clearly lack.
"However, if you can demonstrate that your decisions were made with the school's best interests in mind and provide clear evidence, she would likely be supportive. Do you have all the necessary documentation and evidence to back up your actions?"
Brad: Yes, I've compiled all the relevant documents. I've got detailed reports and explanations for every expenditure. It's just that Anna's approach is very aggressive, making it difficult to communicate effectively.
Triksy: Can you guarantee that the documents you forged will not be discovered? Because if your reality is uncovered, I will abandon you at the drop of a hat.
Hearing Triksy's words, Brad's anger flared. He was used to being in a superior position, and now, being disrespected so casually was almost impossible for him to endure. However, for his future, he restrained himself. "Yes, nothing will be discovered."
Seeing Brad struggle to contain his anger, Triksy's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She loved vanity and trampling over others' pride. "I understand. Ms. Patterson can definitely help mediate the situation. It might also be beneficial to arrange a meeting where you, Ms. Patterson, and Anna can discuss the issues directly. Sometimes a face-to-face conversation can help clear up misunderstandings."
Brad: That would be ideal. If Ms. Patterson could facilitate such a meeting, it would be immensely helpful. Anna might be more receptive in a less confrontational setting.
Triksy: I'll speak with Ms. Patterson and explain the situation. I'm not confident that she'll agree to help. In the meantime, make sure your documentation is in perfect order. The clearer and more organized you present your case, the stronger your position will be.
Brad forced a smile, though inwardly he seethed. "Thank you, Triksy. I appreciate your help more than you know. This school means everything to me, and I want to resolve this as smoothly as possible."
Triksy's smirk widened, knowing she had Brad exactly where she wanted him.
___
Khalpur Village - Anna's House - Living Room
Tired from the entire day's work, Anna was lying on the couch, lost in thought, and unknowingly staring at the starry sky through the window.
Khalpur was a village deeply entrenched in the rural heartland, almost isolated from urbanization. While this isolation might seem a disadvantage to many, it has turned into one of Khalpur's greatest strengths. The village has become a haven for the affluent, seeking solace in the company of nature.
In recent years, Khalpur has transformed from a struggling, impoverished community into a prosperous and influential village. Wealthy individuals from various regions now flock to Khalpur, eager to purchase land and build homes amidst its tranquil beauty.
The current Khalpur, with its blend of rustic charm and newfound affluence, stands as a testament to how the allure of nature can rejuvenate and elevate an entire community.
She could hear the distant laughter of children playing and the occasional hum of a car engine, a stark contrast to the quiet she remembered from her childhood. Though her family had never lived in Khalpur, she felt a surprising connection to the land and its history.
Sarpanch Ramesh had shared countless stories of a simpler time, of a village that thrived on farming and community spirit, reminiscent of her own family's stories from their village in another part of the country.
Anna glanced around her living room, adorned with a mix of antique furniture and modern decor, reflecting the village's evolution. She felt a sense of pride in being part of this transformation, but also a twinge of nostalgia for the old ways that were slowly fading. Sarpanch's anecdotes had made Khalpur feel like a second home to her.
Outside, the night sky was a tapestry of stars, undisturbed by city lights. It was one of the many reasons people were drawn to Khalpur – the pure, unadulterated beauty of the natural world. As she gazed out the window, she wondered about the future. Would the village continue to grow and change? Or would it find a way to balance progress with preservation?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft chime of her phone. It was a message from Pushp.
Pushp was mostly a stranger to her. Despite being in touch for over five years, she had never met Pushp in person. All their conversations had been over the phone.
However, despite being unknown, he seemed trustworthy. He had helped her on numerous occasions and had been introduced to her by Sam before he went missing.
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