Glancing across the bright city, the weight of the growing drama fell largely on my shoulders. The secrets, lies, and personal betrayals were gathering in a way that would destroy what I had created. About my family and the moral compass starting to tilt as much as about the empire now.
Elena's questions of Olivia set off a chain reaction. Elena's search for the truth-challenged the thin layer I had painstakingly developed. The accidental hearing of Zoe's child drew attention to the complexity of the situation given her outstanding intelligence and strong sense of justice. The problem had a great possibility of spiralling out of control.
The disclosure of the email trail by Jake Thornton marks an unexpected change of direction. He has always been a capable operator even though I had not expected him to be applying leverage.
Under Vincent Reeves, corporate sabotage was a very real and urgent worry. The mole in Blackwood Tech was a very real and immediate danger.
Elena visited; I sat by myself in my office, the skyline a sobering reminder of the distance separating my dreams from the falling reality. Olivia's announcement of her pregnancy had meant to mask the more urgent problems of our circumstances, but it had merely brought additional attention.
One rap on my door caught now-here. The way Jake Thornton looked seemed to mix with fear. "Mr Blackwood, I have to address something very important...."
I nodded to indicate where he should sit as my ideas spun trying to sort out the many hazards. "What is happening, Jake?" asked stated.
Slanted forward, he paused. "I have seen something rather nasty." Marcus Holloway also wrote a courteous email. It most definitely talks about Olivia's most likely pregnancy and manipulation.
My pulse started to pick up faster. "Soft topics?!"...
Unknown, Jake said. Looking separately at managing these diseases for advantage, it does seem to hint something. Though I'm not sure exactly yet, clearly someone is engaged in a dangerous game.
I requested for explanation on this new jigsaw piece while running a hand over my hair. You are also suggesting someone is demolishing business property.
Jake responded just as I asked. Vincent Reeves could be it given the dates as well. For some time, he had been acting strangely.
The knowledge set up new waves of fear. This was more than simply economic espionage; this was a truly emotional and occupational hazard to my life, even if Vincent's reputation as a mole had long troubled me.
"We cannot afford extra leaks or betrayals," I added, standing "I have to take quick care of this." Tell me what you find; make sure this object stays in this room just as it is.
The weight of the events fell on me as Jake left and turned me back toward the city. Personal questions, business risks, and possible scandals whirled throughout my thoughts. Though there was no looking back, the route forward was hazardous.
Marcus had to bring up the matter, stress the growing Vincent threat, and get ready for the inevitable outcome. It was thread-work; I had to retain the careful balance of my existence.
Stake levels never have been greater than they were when Marcus came. Threats draped over Blackwood Tech, my family, and the fabric of my life. Every movement pulled me down by weighing the situation. The time arrived to perform front stage. Originally considered a strength, the walls soon proved to be a jail catching me in a web of complexity.
Marcus had promised me he would be from a neutral ground—a private conference room at a neighboring hotel—far from the close view of our competitors. The third time I watched; the minutes seemed to stretch out eternally. The weight was almost physical, like a chord about breaking.
Data flashed in my head: Olivia's pregnancy, Marcus's probably influence, and Vincent Reeves's urgent threat. Every element seems to feed the already roaring storm. Marcus was meant to indicate his readiness to follow our strategy, but I also had to be ready for the possibility he could challenge me with personal ambitions or back-off.
When the door opened at last Marcus came inside. He looked strained; the weight of the decision he was about to make clear on his face. I waved to indicate where he ought to settle across from me at the big polished table.
Marcus began with "Ethan," his voice low and dubious. Your questions motivated me to give this some serious thought. I took no attention at all.
Still nodding vehemently during the conversation, "I admire you showing up here. Olivia and I especially rely totally on this.
Marcus had keen eyes that mixed annoyance with gloom. "I let Elena know about it. She is pretty worried; it is plain should it go public; this may have far-reaching implications I have to be clear about what you want of me.
"Exactly what we covered," I said. "You would remain anonymous although you would genetically contribute to the child." Olivia never could know the truth.
Marcus focused on his temples; his manner suggested he would soon lose it. But Ethan, with his ethical connotations—" but Ethan, the moral consequences—"—
"Marc," I said to him, "right now we have no time for ethics. This calls for defending our future.
Time passed; the door rumbled open before he could reply; Vincent Reeves materialized, obviously startled. I mean not to stop here. I ought to have started as soon as I learned the conference was set for.
Marcus closed his eyes to think through his viewpoint. Vicis: You find yourself in what role here?
Vincent replied, slamming the door behind him, "I felt this conversation was more complicated than it seemed." I nodded too.
I shake behind me. "What do you search for?" Vincent investigates topics.
Vincent nodded deliberately, precisely, and tightly. Oh, you most surely know exactly what I want. You know, apart from its secrets, I have been watching the business. And your little plot seems to be headed very interestingly.
Marcus's worst features sank into darkness. "You take part in this??"
Vincent twisted around on his chair, hungry-looking. "I have always made sure the appropriate people go with the appropriate cards. Still, let me point out that even with my vast power. About this secret agreement, I know some fairly concerning facts.
My heart whirled fast. "What exactly do you mean?" inquired.
Vincent initially looked at Marcus and then at me. You truly have little negotiation leverage. I know your bargain with Marcus and your way of keeping Olivia undercover. And I know how much this pregnancy means to you.
Marcus shot fast to his feet. Running hazard with us here puts you in. You most definitely want to keep from crossing the line.
But Vincent said very coldly, "I already have." I had talks with Elena Holloway. She gives the truth some quite careful thought. Should she decide to come forward, Blackwood Tech and your personal life will suffer.
The space seemed small at once. Marcus's face changed to reflect a tempest of wrath and anxiety. Vincent had run his hand masterfully keeping all the cards in this dangerous game.
"How do you live as you do?" I stayed with rather tremendous vigor. Your final objective?"
Vincent started to widen his smile. Ethan: "Power," " Authority," I wish the management of Blackwood Tech was set up differently. Given your reputation in devastation, negotiating into a strong state will not be difficult.
I started to become somewhat hungry at first. Our jobs from here lie ahead. Tell me exactly what you wish for.
Vincent turned his eye without flutter. " All I ask is that you accept my nomination to the board and fully concur on the need for fresh leadership. I will thus under trade cover hide the truth from Elena and the public. Blackwood Tech will remain under my direction; you will have your family.
Vincent's ultimatum then followed a spark of clarity. Simple reactions from this did not exist. Vincent had made everything to fit him; the painstakingly created universe was implacably collapsing.
Marcus first spoke angrily then, with resignation. Our choices seem to be scant.
When the story came to an end—a man ready for the presidency—Vincent's smile became wider. Now the stakes were clear: Vincent Reeves was spinning my family's future, my company's, and my integrity online. My depressed attitude was fact-based.