After exiting the elevator, I moved down the corridor in the direction of Amelia's office, the office hum gradually diminishing from my ears. A frenzy of board meetings, hostile takeovers, and Amelia's unwavering will to preserve her company had characterized the last few weeks. The business environment was as ruthless as any combat I had ever encountered, and every day seemed like a war. I couldn't get rid of the impression, though, that things were about to get much more convoluted.
I could hear Amelia's anxious, low voice coming from her slightly open office door. I hesitated, not wanting to bother, but also too interested to turn away. Her tone was tense, even if I couldn't hear what she was saying. That was not the voice of the world-famous, self-assured CEO. It was the voice of a lady under attack, attempting to maintain composure.
I gently knocked and pushed the door open a little further. Startled, Amelia looked up and hastily put her phone on hold. I didn't hear you enter, Lucas.
"I apologize for listening in on you without intending to," I murmured as I entered and shut the door. "Is everything going well?"
With a sigh, she leaned back in her seat and ran her hand through her hair. It's just more of the same. Every move I make is questioned by board members, and opponents work hard to discredit me. It resembles a game of chess where every piece is set up to be against you.
I approached her and sat down across from her. "You realize that you don't have to handle this by yourself. I am present. We work as a unit.
Her gaze was guarded even as she gave me a softer-than-normal look. "Yes, Lucas. And you don't know how much I value it. However, this isn't simply business anymore. It's intimate.
Her words hung in the air, laden with unsaid struggles and anxieties. I desired to let her know that she didn't have to handle everything alone and that I would take on anyone who dared to threaten her. I knew better than to push, though. Amelia was fiercely independent and didn't take well to being let in, even by me.
"Who was doing the talking?" I asked in an attempt to sound nonchalant.
Her eyes darted to the window, as though trying to find a way out. It was Leo Jaxon. He has been pressuring me to face a vote of no-confidence. Statements that I'm unfit to be a leader. He's not alone, either. A minority of the board members is beginning to unite in support of him.
I felt a wave of wrath and balled my fists. Like a snake, Leo Jaxon was always hiding in the shadows, waiting for a chance to strike. What's the plan of action? Do you honestly believe he can manage this business more skillfully than you?
With bitter laughter, Amelia laughed. "Leo isn't keen on managing the business. He intends to take it apart, sell the parts to the highest bidder, and pocket a tidy salary in the process. He doesn't give a damn about the staff or Prospera's history. Power and profit are the main concerns.
Her eyes were filled with frustration and tiredness as if the whole burden of it was bearing down on her. My fingers brushed hers as I reached across the desk. We are going to stop him somehow. He can't defeat you, I promise.
She relaxed for a brief period and placed her hand in mine. "Lucas, you have my full trust. But now it's not just about me in this war. It concerns everyone who depends on me to sustain our business. Currently, I feel as though I'm losing.
Her lack of protection seemed like a knife to my stomach. I knew no one as strong as Amelia, but even she had her moments of weakness. I gave her a tight grip and promised her I would always be there for her.
She pulled her hand away and stood up straight, saying, "I've been thinking." "Our approach needs to be modified. We can't afford to keep responding since Leo is acting dishonestly. We must attack from the front.
Intrigued, I nodded. "What do you envision?"
With a gleam of resolve in her eyes, Amelia inclined forward. You should research Leo's past, please. Discover the skeletons he is hiding and who he is working with. We can stop him in his tracks if we can uncover his allies since he is not acting alone in this.
I nodded, experiencing a comforting rush of anticipation at the thought of attacking first. My abilities were put to use in this situation, and I was more than willing to go to whatever lengths to keep Amelia and the business safe. "I'm going to get to work excavating. I promise to uncover any dirt about Leo.
Her eyes barely met the smile that escaped her lips. I'm grateful, Lucas. I'm happy you're here, and I don't say it enough.
I wasn't prepared for how much the words warmed me. I had encountered many dangerous circumstances before, but this felt unique. It was intimate. And now it was more than just keeping Amelia safe. I had scared myself with the way I had grown to care about her somewhere along the line. She was more than just my boss, my make-believe girlfriend. She was someone I cared about and wanted to keep safe, not because it was my duty.
I devoted the remainder of the day to going over Leo's past, getting in touch with former acquaintances, and assembling the pieces of his goals. The workplace was almost empty and the sky outside had become a deep blue by the time I had a lead. After gathering my belongings, I went to Amelia's workplace to give her an update.
Upon nearing, I noticed her positioned at the window, gazing out at the city below. My heart hurt because she appeared so tiny and so preoccupied with her thoughts. I gently tapped on the door, and she turned to see me, her face softening.
With a hint of hope in her voice, she questioned, "Did you find anything?"
I gave her the notes I had made and replied, "Maybe." "A hostile takeover specialist private equity firm is in contact with Leo. They've backed corporate takeovers and profit-stripping businesses in the past. It will damage his reputation with the board if we can demonstrate that he is collaborating with them.
Amelia's eyes narrowed with focus as she skimmed the notes. Lucas, this is excellent. Very nice. It's insufficient, though. Emails, audio files, or anything else that connects him to these individuals directly is necessary hard proof.
I nodded, planning my next course of action already. "I'll continue to dig. Some of my contacts owe me favors. We'll obtain the necessities.
With a rare vulnerability, she looked up and met my eyes. "Lucas, without you, I don't know what I would do."
Although I tried to act casual, I couldn't help but feel that what she said meant more on the inside. "There's no need for you to find out."
The air between us thickened with unsaid tension as we remained there for a time. I wanted to reach out, embrace her, and reassure her that everything would be alright. Yet not yet, not yet, could I cross that line. In a convoluted sense, Amelia was also my boss, my ally, and my friend. Regardless of how much I desired more, I couldn't risk losing that.
At last, I broke the silence and said, "Let's take him down." "Collaboratively."
Her eyes glowed with furious determination as she nodded. "Collaboratively."