There had never been more at risk. I was sitting at my desk when the sound of Prospera's busy workplace started to recede. I had a laser-like focus and a single goal in mind: obtain enough information to discredit Leo Jaxon and his cronies. Amelia and I had found enough evidence of his plots already, but we still needed a smoking gun to make the board act and permanently remove Leo from office.
Scanning the pile of papers atop my desk, I noticed that each one was a piece of the puzzle that depicted Leo as a cunning manipulator. His development inside Prospera was neatly aligned with bank statements, insider trading recommendations, and backdoor deals. However, Leo was astute; he had maintained his distance from the grunt job, keeping his role unclear. Unquestionably, we needed something.
I looked down at my watch. I had an appointment with Claudia, a longtime employee of Leo's who worked as his assistant, at about noon. Being quiet, industrious, and unnoticeable, she was an ideal witness, having intimate knowledge of Leo's inner workings. But it would not be simple to get her to speak. Claudia was a strongly devoted person, and it would take more than a casual talk to win her trust.
We had made plans to meet at the cafeteria, so I got my coat and went there. The customary corporate hum was blended with the sound of subdued discussion and silverware clinking as the atrium filled with workers enjoying their lunch breaks. There she was, Claudia, seated at a corner table, her face reserved. As I drew nearer, she raised her head and appeared to be considering her decision to come. Her eyes narrowed a little.
As I took a seat across from her, I remarked, "Thanks for meeting me." I didn't want to frighten her, so I spoke softly. "It's a little unexpected, I know."
Claudia nodded while encircling a coffee cup in her hands like a shield. "Lucas, I'm not sure what you want from me. All I am is an assistant. In this company, I have no authority.
I answered, "You underestimate your power." You've observed stuff. Heard some words. Furthermore, you are closer to Leo than most. You have supported him through everything. But Claudia, I need you to be honest with me; this goes beyond business. It concerns right and wrong.
She looked from one side of the room to the other, to make sure no one was observing us. I could tell she was torn by the hesitancy in her gaze. Yes, there was loyalty, but dread as well. She had seen enough, I realized, to realize the risky game Leo was playing.
I leaned in a little farther and said, "You don't have to be afraid." "It's not worth it, whatever hold he has over you, or what he has promised you." This entire corporation is about to collapse due to Leo's actions, and everyone in his path will follow him down.
A mixture of emotions, including fear and doubt, as well as possibly a hint of resolution, flickered in Claudia's eyes. Her speech is hardly audible above a whisper; she put down her cup and turned to face me. Behind everyone's back, he has been negotiating deals. I have access to the contracts and the private meetings. He has been utilizing others to position himself for takeover.
I gave her a nod of encouragement. "Claudia, we need details. Times, dates, and any other information that links him specifically to his plans.
As though readying herself for what she was going to say, she inhaled deeply. He uses a server that is encrypted. Emails, bank information, blackmail material—all of it kept private and accessible to a select few. Even his closest allies don't inspire him with trust. But he always expects me to send the paperwork and schedule the meetings.
A direct line of access to Leo's operations was just what I needed. That server could hold the key to the breakthrough Amelia and I have been searching for. Claudia did, however, run the danger of cooperating. Her career—and maybe her safety—were on the line if Leo discovered she had deceived him; he wasn't the kind to forgive.
Could you let us in? I inquired thoughtfully. Claudia, we require those files. We can only demonstrate Leo's actions in this manner.
She hesitated, her dread becoming more obvious. "I suppose I could try. I'm done, though, if he finds out. Already, he's more paranoid than normal. To make sure no one is prying, he has been having me double-check the security logs every day.
I bent over and spoke in a stern yet low tone. "We'll protect you, Claudia, I swear to you. But we require your assistance. We have the finest opportunity right now to stop him before it's too late.
Slowly nodding, Claudia's determination hardened. "I will carry it out. I must exercise caution though. Leo will shut everything down at the first sign of anything being amiss.
I genuinely said, "Thank you." "What you're doing is correct."
I couldn't help but feel a wave of appreciation when Claudia stood to go. Few people would take the risk she was taking by placing herself in danger. However, we required those who were prepared to take a position and defend themselves at any cost.
I informed Amelia about the meeting when I got back to my office. Her countenance was a mixture of worry and resolve as she listened carefully. I showed her the notes I had made and remarked, "Claudia's our in." "We'll have everything we need if she can get us access to Leo's server."
Amelia looked at the screen and nodded. "Leo must not know that we are watching him. Until we have adequate information to address the board, we must keep this under wraps.
Yes, I concurred. We had to be careful because this was our one chance. I said, "We'll have to work quickly." "We have to move before Leo can hide his tracks once we have the evidence."
Amelia looked up at me, her self-assurance coming back. Lucas, this is how far we've come. We won't give up just yet. Gathering what we need to finish this up.
Encrypted texts, covert meetings, and meticulous preparation characterized the following few days. Even worse than we had anticipated, Claudia had managed to get us access to the server. Leo's avarice and brutality were exposed—evidence of bribery, backdoor agreements, and theft that would make a regulator's head spin.
The weight of what we were about to unleash was palpable as I went through the files. This went beyond a simple corporate power grab. In this full-fledged conflict, Leo Jaxon was about to discover he had chosen the incorrect opponents. We were prepared to fight this battle room, and once we were, Leo would have nowhere to hide except in the light.
I could feel the noose closing around Leo's neck with each piece of evidence we gathered. Amelia and I were fighting for justice, for everything that had been robbed from us; we were no longer just battling to keep Prospera safe. And we had no intention of stopping until Leo's false empire crumbled.
When we united, we were unstoppable.