Chương 7: Chapter Six

"The details of the company will be sent to your phone shortly." The system added.

Alex felt his heart skip a beat. He had never imagined himself as the owner of a company. "What kind of company is it?" He asked, attempting to keep his excitement contained.

"It is a company comprising of many of their companies. Nexus Corporation. The most and top of it is its technology firm specializing in innovative software solutions," the system replied.

As the system spoke, a notification appeared on Alex's phone. He opened it to find detailed information about the company—

Assets Of The Technology Firm:

- NovaTech Industries Headquarters (state-of-the-art research facility)

- Advanced Manufacturing Plant (producing cutting-edge robotics and AI systems)

- Global Network of Research Centers (specializing in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity)

- Intellectual Property Portfolio (patents and copyrights for new technologies)

- Financial Resources ( substantial funds and investments)

Transfer of Ownership:

"Transfer of Ownership Complete."

Nexus Coporation is now under your ownership and control, Alex Thompson.

Access to all assets, projects, and financial resources has been granted.

Please review the attached documents for detailed information."

Attached Documents:

- Deed of Transfer

- Shareholder Agreement

- Asset Inventory

- Project Briefs

- Financial Reports

Alex's eyes widened as he scanned the documents.

"This is incredible," Alex said, skimming over the information.

The company was worth billions of dollars and boasted multiple patents and cutting-edge technologies.

"Remember, Alex," the system added, "with great power comes great responsibility."

***

"I told you to reach out," Williams said, looking around. His gaze locked on Alex.

"I'm not a kid. You didn't say anything of such. You only gave me your card, and that was it," Alex retorted, his voice steady.

Williams rolled his eyes, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "You should know I meant to call me."

He reached out and pulled Alex back, with a firm grip but not aggressive. "What are you doing here? What business do you have here?"

"I have an appointment here," Alex stated plainly.

Williams' eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in his eyes. "With who? Why? For what?" he fired off questions causing Alex to roll his eyes. .

Alex turned to fully face him. "Okay. Make me understand. What is your business with me?"

Williams paused, clearly struggling with how much to reveal. "It's... complicated," he began, choosing his words carefully. "Your father and I... we were close. I promised him I'd look out for you."

Williams nodded. "There is still a lot you don't know. But right now, you need to trust me. This place... it's dangerous for you. Not now."

Alex's brow furrowed. " Make me understand."

Before Williams could respond, the CEO of the company, Mr. Randall, walked into the hallway, his presence immediately commanding attention. "Mr. Thompson? There you are. We were just about to start the meeting."

Williams' expression shifted to one of alarm. "Meeting? With who?"

Mr. Randall extended a hand to Alex, ignoring Williams' presence. "With our new owner, of course."

Williams' eyes widened in shock. " Alex, what is going on here?"

Alex looked between Williams and Mr. Randall. "I was just about to find out," he said, shaking Mr. Randall's hand.

Mr. Randall smiled, ignoring the tension between him and Williams. "Please, follow me to the boardroom. We have much to discuss."

As Alex followed Mr. Randall, Williams grabbed his arm one last time. "Alex, be careful. These people are dangerous. If you need help shout my name."

Alex nodded. "I'll be fine, Williams. Thanks for the heads up."

Williams watched as Alex walked away, his heart heavy with worry. He knew the danger that lay ahead, but he also knew that Alex was no longer a child. Alex was grown now, and it's high time he admitted it.

He would have to trust that the system would protect him. Somehow worried why the system would send Alex to the company in the first place. Was it hacked?

Inside the boardroom, Alex sat at the head of the table, facing a group of executives.

Mr. Randall began the discussion by discussing the company's existing projects and plans. Alex listened attentively, trying to absorb as much information as possible, but his mind was occupied with questions and Williams' warning echoed in his mind.

As the meeting progressed, Alex noticed a shift in the atmosphere. The executives' polite interest turned to hostility. One of them, a sharp-eyed man named Victor, leaned forward, his gaze piercing through Alex.

"Mr. Thompson," Victor began, "we've been discussing your recent purchase. Frankly, we find it... unexpected."

Alex met Victor's gaze evenly. He nodded in response. "Legitimate."

Another executive, a woman named Lydia, chimed in. "Legitimate or not, we have concerns about your ability to manage this company. Your... background…." She took a pause.

Alex's eyes shifted amongst the executives.

Victor exchanged a knowing glance with Lydia before turning back to Alex. "There are certain... expectations and traditions that come with this position. Traditions your father understood very well."

Alex's heart skipped a beat. "You know my father?" Alex asked.

"A very good friend of the company." Mr. Randall said.

Lydia leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "He gave an Order, Mr. Thompson. Your father."

Alex's mind raced. The Order?

Victor's voice grew darker she smiled. "We have a vested interest in this company, and we cannot allow an outsider to jeopardize our operations. We strongly suggest you step down."

Alex felt a chill run down his spine. "Step down? I have no intention of doing that."

Lydia's smile was cold and calculated. "You misunderstand. This is not a suggestion. It's a directive."

Before Alex could respond, the door to the boardroom opened, and two men entered.

Victor spoke again, his tone now openly hostile. "Consider this your only warning. Step down, or there will be consequences."

Alex clenched his fists under the table, his mind racing for a way out. "Are you threatening me?"

Lydia's eyes gleamed with hate. "We're simply informing you of the reality of the situation. Your father knew how to navigate these seas. We hope you can learn quickly."

Alex took a long breath, attempting to settle the swirling emotions within him. He couldn't show them his fear, he said calmly. " I'm not stepping down."

Victor's expression hardened. "Very well. But remember, we are watching you closely. Make the right decision, Mr. Thompson. Otherwise, you will be sent to your parents."

Alex's eyes widened. As the meeting concluded, he felt their threats bearing down on him. He exited the meeting angry and determined.

They'd underestimated him, and he was determined to show them wrong. As he strolled through the company's corridors, Williams grabbed him again. "Alex, what happened there?"

His lips pressed into a tight line, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he stared ahead.

"Where is the ring I gave you?" Williams asked.

Alex rolled his eyes, a flicker of impatience crossing his face. "No drama," he muttered, turning and walking away.

"Have you activated it? I know." The words froze Alex in his tracks. He turned slowly, his heart pounding as his gaze locked with Williams'.

Standing firm, Williams' eyes bore into Alex's, unblinking and filled with a quiet intensity that made it impossible to look away. Alex took a step closer, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.

"I see. Are you sure your system isn't getting you into trouble by sending you here?" Williams asked.

Alex shook his head, dismissing the thought. This could be just another task assigned by the system, and he couldn't afford to jeopardize his chance to settle the score with his ex-wife's family and everyone who had belittled him. Determination surged within him; he was ready to seize this opportunity.

"What do you mean?" He spat defensively. "Of course not."

Alex was walking away but then stopped to look at Williams, ain't you one of them? Why are you here and not with them?"

Instead of responding, Williams pointed his card to Alex. "Call me this time around. We have a lot to trash out."

He was going to tell Williams all that had happened in there but didn't trust him. "Otherwise you will be sent to your parents." The words kept popping in his head.

Alex shook his head, slipping the card into his pocket with a faint sigh before turning to leave.

As he walked away, his fingers brushed against the card, the smooth surface pressing against his palm. He glanced down, the bold letters of Williams' name catching his eye. "Call me, we have a lot to discuss," Williams had said.

His phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket. The screen lit up with an unknown number.

"You shouldn't have come here, Alex. You shouldn't have taken what's ours."

A chill ran down his spine as he stared at the message. His fingers trembled as he quickly typed a reply, "Who is this?" The anxiety in his chest tightened, waiting for a response that he wasn't sure he wanted to receive.

"You'll find out soon enough. Meet us at the old dub room on 5th and Main now. Come alone... or else." The message ended with an image: a photo of his father's grave, with a single word written as a caption: "Traitor."