Chapter 3: A Shocking Revelation
Adivin's patience wore thin as he continued to wait in the Minister's office. The minutes turned into an hour, and he couldn't help but grow increasingly frustrated. He knew the importance of punctuality, especially when it came to meetings with high-ranking officials.
Finally, the receptionist returned, her face etched with concern. "I'm sorry for the delay, Mr. Adivin," she began hesitantly. "There seems to have been a misunderstanding. The Minister's office claims they never scheduled a meeting with you for today."
Adivin's heart sank further. This couldn't be a mere mix-up. He had received confirmation for this meeting, and his preparations had been meticulous. "This is highly unusual," he replied, trying to contain his disappointment. "I have emails and documents confirming this appointment. Could you please recheck?"
The receptionist nodded and made another phone call, her voice hushed. After a brief conversation, she hung up and looked at Adivin, her expression grim. "I'm sorry, Mr. Adivin, but there seems to be no record of any scheduled meeting with the Minister today. It's as if it never existed."
Adivin's frustration turned into suspicion. Something was amiss, and he couldn't simply dismiss it as a clerical error. "Is there anyone else I can speak to about this matter? Perhaps a senior official who can shed some light on what's going on?"
The receptionist hesitated before replying, "I can try to arrange a meeting with the Chief of Staff, but I can't promise anything. Please wait a moment."
As he waited once again, Adivin's mind raced. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being played, that someone had deliberately sabotaged his meeting with the Minister. But why? And who could be behind this conspiracy?
Soon, the receptionist returned with a sense of urgency. "Mr. Adivin, please follow me. The Chief of Staff is willing to see you."
Adivin followed her down a labyrinthine series of corridors until they reached the Chief of Staff's office. The Chief of Staff, a stern-looking man with a meticulously organized desk, gestured for Adivin to take a seat.
"Mr. Adivin," he began in a measured tone, "I understand there's been some confusion regarding your meeting with the Minister. I assure you, it was not intentional. We value your contributions to the field of technology, and we would never want to waste your time."
Adivin studied the Chief of Staff's face carefully, trying to discern any hint of deception. "Then can you explain what happened? I had a confirmed appointment for today."
The Chief of Staff sighed and leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Mr. Adivin, there are forces at play beyond our control. It seems there's been a concerted effort to prevent your meeting with the Minister. We suspect that there may be a larger conspiracy at hand."
Adivin's eyes widened in shock. "A conspiracy? But why? What would anyone gain from sabotaging my meeting?"
The Chief of Staff shook his head. "We don't have all the answers yet, but we are looking into it. In the meantime, I would advise you to exercise caution. Your work has garnered attention, and there are those who might see it as a threat."
As Adivin left the Chief of Staff's office, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled in his mind. Betrayal, conspiracy, and the shadowy forces that seemed to be working against him left him feeling vulnerable and exposed.