Chương 7: Unexpected Message

After a few minutes, she looked up, her expression unreadable but stern. "I see that the proposed project includes a number of... ambitious moves," she said carefully, her tone sharp enough to capture everyone's attention. "Unfortunately, these expansions come with high-risk factors that I'm not willing to endorse without critical adjustments. I'll need the team to either revise these elements or, preferably, decline the project altogether."

A ripple of shock went around the room, followed by a rising hum of displeasure. Mr. Greyson, one of the senior directors, leaned forward with a thinly veiled scowl. "Ms. Alice, with all due respect, this project is forecasted to bring in substantial profits. We've reviewed the risks and consider them acceptable."

Alice's gaze sharpened, unflinching. "Acceptable to whom? Because from where I stand, these risks would put the company's core stability on the line. I am not willing to sacrifice the long-term security of this business for short-term gains."

Another board member, Mrs. Lee, interjected, her tone edged with frustration. "Ms. Alice, this was a team decision, backed by weeks of research. I don't think it's appropriate to dismiss our input so easily."

Alice remained steady, her voice cool but commanding. "This is my company, and every decision ultimately reflects my vision. I appreciate your time and research, but if this project does not meet my standards, it will not move forward. I have no obligation to put our entire operation at risk simply to appease temporary profits."

A heavy silence fell over the room as the board members exchanged uneasy glances, clearly torn between their investments and their desire to influence the company's direction. Sensing their hesitation, Alice leaned forward, her voice low but cutting.

"If anyone here feels they cannot abide by the decisions made under my leadership," she continued, her gaze sweeping across the table, "you are welcome to relinquish your shares and resign. I am not begging anyone to stay. I want stakeholders who believe in my vision, not just those seeking quick returns."

The tension thickened as Mr. Greyson's face flushed with anger. He cleared his throat, visibly grappling with her ultimatum. "Ms. Alice, these are sizable investments we're discussing. Surely you don't mean to dismiss our contributions so easily?"

Alice's expression softened only slightly, a faint smile playing at her lips. "I'm not dismissing your contributions; I'm simply reminding you that, as a shareholder, you're here because you believed in my vision. If that is no longer the case, you have the option to walk away. I won't force anyone to stay where they feel undervalued."

The directors shifted uncomfortably, sensing they were at a crossroads. Some muttered in low tones, but none dared to press further, clearly aware that she would not compromise her stance. Realizing they had no choice but to relent, the room finally fell silent, and Alice felt the quiet satisfaction of having held her ground.

Murmurs spread through the room, a mixture of approval and frustration. But Alice remained focused, unfazed by the tension she was stirring. She continued her review of the latest proposals, methodically identifying any oversights or adjustments she wanted implemented. Despite their initial resistance, their respect was slowly growing as they realized she would not be easily undermined.

They had tried to make her step down from her position or either beg them to help her out or if either of those didn't work then make profit from the faulty proposal presented earlier but she seemed to have seen through them with one glance and put them in their place ..

When the meeting concluded, she left without looking back, her shoulders squared with pride. She knew she'd sent a clear message: this was her company, and she would lead it with or without their approval.

Marie watched as Alice left the company in admiration she had watched how she confronted those shareholders without any hint of fear...

Indeed she hadn't made a mistake by working for her

Settling into the quietness of her suite, Alice let the day's events filter through her mind, the pieces of her plan beginning to fall into place.

Her thoughts shifted to the uncertain night tied to her daughter's conception.

If it was really a planned conspiracy as she thought the people, who planned it must be really powerful. So she had to be careful, with the thought in mind she swiftly took her laptop and encrypted her info on the bounty site, in a way that no one could trace her.

After she was done she heard a soft knock on the door .The suite's restaurant had delivered food, a habitual courtesy, and she dismissed them after inquiring about her daughter's whereabouts and learning that she had gone out with Mrs. Naomi, the caregiver, to wander around the suite. After eating her fill, Alice felt the day's fatigue set in, and although it was only mid-evening, she decided to take a nap.

The next morning arrived with a slate-gray sky that cast a subdued light across the city. Alice stirred early, her routine precise yet unhurried. After a brief breakfast with her daughter, who chattered excitedly about her latest fascination with stories from a fairytale book, Alice prepared for the day. She had one task in mind: laying the groundwork to establish her business foothold in Seattle.

As she headed to her office, Alice considered her approach. Unlike her operations in London, which had grown and flourished away from prying eyes, Seattle presented a more personal challenge. Her strategy would center on leveraging her company's success abroad and fostering partnerships aligned with her vision for retribution and influence. She was venturing into establishing her company as a multi-business corporation in Seattle.

Her office was quiet as she worked through the morning, reviewing documents and drafting proposals that would pique the interest of Seattle's business elites. She carefully outlined the expansion's objectives, noting the influential figures whose support she intended to secure. Among the list was an enigmatic investor, a man known for his connections. She recognized his name as Lucas—the same man she had refused at the gala. She wondered why he still invested in her company, even though their encounter had been less than pleasant. Alice's mind lingered on his name before she continued with her work.

---

Across town, Jermin sat in his office, his expression as impassive, dismissive, and cold as ever while his assistant, Marcus, updated him on the mysterious bounty inquiry.

"I've run some preliminary checks," Marcus reported, his voice cautious. "The encryption used is highly advanced. Whoever placed this bounty is skilled and well-funded, possibly as knowledgeable as our own networks."

Jermin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Find out who it is. I don't care how much it costs or how long it takes."

"Yes, sir," Marcus replied, noting the dangerous glint in Jermin's gaze. For someone who dominated everything, someone probing into a night he couldn't remember and had been digging into..was sure enough to get this reaction..

Jermin's gaze returned to his computer screen, where his latest proposal to Dr. Anti remained unanswered. The silence from this elusive figure both intrigued and irked him. He had to persist because he needed the doctor's services. With calculated moves and a steady gaze, he increased the offer to $10 million.

---

By early afternoon she arrived at her villa.

As she walked inside, Alice's phone chimed with a call. It was Marie, updating her on a potential investor meeting with a high-profile individual who would be useful in solidifying her Seattle expansion in the next three to four days. She responded with a quick confirmation, her mind shifting back into strategic mode.

"And also," Marie added, "the last offer for Dr. Anti's services has been increased to $10 million. Whoever needs your services must be really powerful."

"Try and find out who it is." With that, the call was disconnected.

---

That evening, she received an unexpected message a report from one of her confidants in London, Drek. He was a highly skilled hacker, among the top A-list hackers, and handled anything related to that aspect for Alice. He relayed information she hadn't anticipated.

An eerie and discreet voice came through the other end.

"Hmph, you've forgotten about us so soon, immediately after you left here."

Drek's tone was clear, dissatisfied.

"What's the matter with you?" Alice replied, her tone sharp.

"Nothing, just that since you left, you didn't even bother to contact us. I missed you so much, so I contacted you."

"Well then, since it's not important information, relay my greetings to the alliance," Alice said, about to hang up.

"No, no... erm, we have important information to relay. Someone is attempting to dig up records linked to your life over here in London," Drek continued, his voice serious. "Specifically, the years you spent abroad before your return."

Alice clenched her phone, and the light in her eyes dimmed. She didn't have any clue who was investigating her, but nonetheless, she smiled faintly and said, her voice steady,

"Well then, give them what they're looking for."

"Alright, alright, I will, but remember to stop acting like an unfeeling robot, okay? Try and reach—"

Beep, beep, beep.

Before he could finish his words, the line had already been disconnected calmly.

She dismissed all other thoughts and went to shower and prepare for the night. That night, as she walked the silent halls of her suite, Alice felt the faint sense of something out of place, a barely perceptible shift in the air. She scanned the room, her instincts on edge, but found nothing amiss. The feeling was subtle yet unsettling, as if someone or something was observing her from a distance. Perhaps it was merely the effect of returning to a place full of memories.