Chereads / The Human Code / Chapter 7 - Shadows of Power

Chapter 7 - Shadows of Power

In Logan's Grandfather's Company Headquarters.

Felix, a sharp-eyed, discreet man, stepped into the dimly lit office where Mr. Rowan sat alone, absorbed in the glow of his computer screen. Rowan was the mysterious figure who had taken Logan away from his mother years ago, delivering him into the hands of his powerful grandfather, George, the elusive, authoritative figure who controlled one of the largest corporations in the country. Rowan turned slowly as Felix approached, his footsteps nearly silent on the polished floor.

"We're following Logan closely, sir," Felix reported in a low, unwavering tone. "He just boarded a flight to the Czech Republic. One of our agents is on board as well."

Rowan's brows furrowed slightly, though a hint of satisfaction crept into his expression. "Thank goodness we found out… He booked two flights?" Rowan asked, clearly interested in Logan's motives.

"Yes, sir," Felix replied, keeping his gaze steady. "It's almost as if he wanted to divert attention, keep us off his trail."

Rowan's eyes gleamed, calculating. "Why would he go there, of all places? The Czech Republic has nothing of interest for him." His voice was low, as if speaking to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. "Never mind," he added sharply. "Make sure our man doesn't lose him. No matter what it takes."

"Yes, sir," Felix responded crisply, though he hesitated briefly, looking toward the grand podium at the end of the hall. "One day soon, sir, that will be your place, where the chairman used to stand." He gestured with a reverent nod.

Rowan smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets, but he couldn't resist glancing at the podium, a symbol of power and control. He had waited years for his chance, all the while playing his part as the loyal family advisor, quietly but relentlessly maneuvering the pieces on the board.

The company's boardroom was a vast, intimidating space, filled with an air of power and secrecy. George sat at the head of the room, his posture formal, his hands resting on the armrests of his chair as he watched the large screen before him. His gaze was fixed on a disturbing video that had been circulating in the media. The footage showed Logan in a furious altercation, shoving a woman, Hazal, one of the company's guards, who was sprawled on the ground, bruised and shaken. The scandal had taken over the news, a dark cloud casting a shadow over the family's reputation.

Lyra, an elegant woman with a sharp intellect, sat to George's right, watching the video with narrowed eyes. Her expression was inscrutable, but tension coiled around her as she observed the chairman's reaction. As Rowan entered the room, he quickly bowed, guilt etched into his face.

"I'm terribly sorry, sir," he stammered, choosing his words carefully. "I was preparing for the presentation and had no idea that Mr. Logan left the country."

"How could he do that?" Lyra's voice cut through the room, her anger barely restrained. "Does he want to destroy this company? Is he deliberately tarnishing everything his grandfather has built?"

Peter, Logan personally assistance and body guard, who stood beside Rowan, shook his head slowly. "He didn't do it intentionally," he muttered. "Maybe he just needs time to clear his head. He'll return."

George's deep voice rumbled through the room, calm but commanding. "And that makes it acceptable? Because it was 'intentional'?" His gaze hardened, his eyes piercing into Peter, who stiffened under the scrutiny. "Is it okay to strike an employee who's been 'problematic'? Shall we just bury them instead?"

Silence fell as the weight of his words sank in. Rowan, eager to smooth things over, took a step forward. "Perhaps it was the pressure of the presentation," he offered, his tone placating. "The presentation has always been vital, sir. It's where you demonstrate the influence of MB Company to the world. Perhaps I misjudged how he felt about it."

With a dramatic sigh, Rowan knelt down, lowering his head. "It's my fault, Mr. Chairman. I should have been more vigilant, should have understood his state of mind."

Remi, a woman with a wry smile and piercing eyes, was standing nearby, arms crossed as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Yes, Mr. Rowan, it may have been your fault," she remarked dryly. "But do drop the act. Get up; you look like you're auditioning for a film."

Rowan straightened, flushing with embarrassment. He stole a glance at George, whose gaze had shifted momentarily to Remi. But George's expression remained neutral, his thoughts opaque behind his steely gaze.

Lyra, catching the amused smirk that tugged at Remi's lips, gave her a mocking look. "Aren't you bold, Ms. Remi?" she quipped. "You don't even know where your fiancé is, and yet you're still confident enough to critique others."

Remi shrugged, unfazed. "He'll return when he's ready. It's not as though I have him on a leash." She straightened, turning back to George. "I'll reschedule the presentation, sir. However, we have a meeting scheduled in an hour. How would you like to proceed?"

George's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'll handle the meeting myself. You're all dismissed."

As the group filed out, Rowan hung back, casting a sidelong glance at Remi. Once the others had left, he cleared his throat. "Remi," he began, his voice lowered, "you don't really believe I'm to blame for Logan's recklessness, do you?"

Remi raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, Mr. Rowan, you know I was just being blunt. But don't let it get to your head. Logan might be the family's prodigal son, but he's your insurance policy." She stepped closer, her gaze challenging. "Don't start thinking you can replace him. You're merely a…safety net."

Rowan clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing with indignation. "I know my place, and I think you should know yours as well. Remi. Don't presume otherwise." He forced a smile, his tone suddenly dripping with sarcasm. "You've made that quite clear." And am not trying to collect your fiancée his inheritance. Why are you so mean to me, Remi. Am your dad, I hope you have not forgotten that.

She gave him one last piercing look before turning on her heel and striding away, leaving Rowan standing alone, fists clenched. His face fell, and for a brief moment, a shadow of bitterness crossed his features before he carefully masked it again.

"Was I too harsh on my dad?" Remi murmured to herself, feeling a pang of uncertainty. She paused, glancing back at Mr. Rowan, her dad! who was watching her leave with a look that was almost sorrowful. "Mr. Rowan…dad, Wait!"

George sat alone in his dim office, staring into the distance, lost in thought. The video played in his mind on a loop, his grandson, Logan, aggressive and unhinged, a behavior that George had feared might surface one day. Years of privilege and power had molded Logan, but they had also blinded him to the consequences of his actions.

The door creaked open, and Lyra stepped in, her expression carefully neutral. She approached George's desk and paused, waiting until he finally lifted his gaze to meet hers.

"I've always known," George began, his voice barely above a whisper, "that Logan is volatile. His mother…she had already spoiled him. Allowed him to think he could get away with anything."

Lyra listened in silence, sensing the deep-seated regret in George's words.

"This," he continued, gesturing vaguely as if to encompass the whole scandal, "this is the result of years of indulgence." He exhaled heavily, his gaze growing distant once more. "Perhaps I failed him."

Lyra moved forward, her tone gentle but firm. "You did what you thought was best, sir. Logan still has time to redeem himself…if he chooses to."

George's mouth twisted into a bitter smile. "If he chooses to. That's always been the issue, Logan's choices."

At a Private Hotel in the Czech Republic

Logan settled into his hotel suite, his mind churning as he replayed the events that led him here. He had escaped, he needed time to think, to breathe away from the prying eyes of his family, from the ever-watchful guards his grandfather had installed. Hazal had been a complication he hadn't anticipated, and now her accusations threatened to unravel everything. She just a victim I used to escape just because of her love for money. Thanks to her anyway am free!

As he poured himself a drink, he could almost feel the eyes of the agent assigned to tail him. His grandfather's men were everywhere, watching, waiting for him to make a mistake. But Logan smirked, confident that he could outwit them, at least for now.

Little did he know that across town, the man assigned to follow him had already contacted Rowan, reporting every move Logan made. Back at MB Company, the gears were already in motion, the family preparing for the fallout. They news of Logan, hire to the MB cooperation harassing an employee was top news in New York City. All the newspapers Industry carried it.