One of the other team members, a tall man with gray hair, intervened:
"We suspect that they are part of a gang known as 'The Black Dogs', which operates in the city's underworld. They are mercenaries hired for specific services, intimidation, kidnapping and, in some cases, murder. But their pattern is not to follow someone without reason. Someone paid them very well to face us that night."
Aiden turned, staring at the screens once more. The situation was beginning to take shape but it was still an incomplete puzzle. Someone was targeting him.
"What about the prisoners? Has anyone managed to get anything out of them?" Aiden asked, his voice calm but firm.
Karlos smiled, but it was not a friendly smile.
"Not yet, but it is only a matter of time. Our specialists are working on it. Someone will talk, sooner or later."
Aiden nodded.
" Speed it up. I want answers as soon as possible."
Karlos looked serious, nodding in agreement.
" Considering the latest events, we have already mobilized two cars to provide discreet escort during your travels. In addition, our online surveillance team will be monitoring all your routes in real time."
Aiden let out a short sigh, relieved to have competent professionals by his side.
" Great. I don't want any surprises. If someone is trying to play with me, I want them to learn the hard way."
Before leaving the room, Aiden's phone began to ring. He looked at the display and saw an unknown number. For a moment, he hesitated, but decided to answer it.
" Hello?"
On the other end, a distorted voice sounded:
" I hope you enjoyed last night's "gift." Consider this just a warning, Aiden. Stay out of our way, or next time, it won't be just a car."
The call ended before Aiden could respond. He stared at the phone for a few seconds, feeling his anger rising. Gripping the device tightly, he turned around
"Trace this call. I want to know where it came from, and who dares threaten me."
Karlos immediately gave orders to the team, who began working frantically on the computers.
"We're going to catch these bastards, boss. Don't worry."
Aiden nodded, his eyes cold and calculating. He didn't like being threatened, much less intimidated. Whoever was behind these attacks would soon realize that messing with him was a mistake.
"They messed with the wrong person."
With those words, Aiden left the room, his mind already planning his next steps.
The sun wasn't yet fully up when Aiden arrived at Star Corp. His Lamborghini stopped smoothly at the entrance of the imposing building, and the sound of the engine turning off echoed in the parking lot. He stepped out of the car wearing a tailored dark gray suit, impeccable as always. Despite recent events, his face was calm, but his eyes were sharply attentive.
"Good morning, Mr. Aiden!" the receptionist greeted him with a practiced smile.
"Good morning. Have Arthur and Ada arrived yet?"
"Yes, they're in the conference room reviewing the reports. They asked me to let them know as soon as you arrived."
Aiden nodded, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt and jacket before heading to the elevator. He liked the routine at Star Corp., especially since the chaos of the outside world didn't seem to reach him here. At least, it almost never did.
The elevator rose smoothly to the penultimate floor, where his executive office and the administrative heart of the company were located. When he stepped out, he found Arthur and Ada waiting for him, both standing with busy expressions.
"Late, huh, boss?" Arthur teased, holding up a large folder.
Aiden shrugged.
"Give me a break. I've had an... interesting few days."
Ada raised an eyebrow, letting the comment hang in the air.
"Well, I hope you're feeling rested because we have a lot to deal with today. The reports are backlogged, and there are updates on projects in Asia, Africa, and North America."
Aiden sighed, walking over to his spacious desk and sitting down with a resigned look.
"Why did I know you were going to say that? Okay, show me what we've got."
Arthur opened the folder he was carrying and began to speak as Ada projected graphs onto the room's digital board.
"Starting with Asia. We're finalizing agreements to launch the urban infrastructure project in three major cities in China. The demand for smart grid and energy technology is growing, and our plans include direct supply through partnerships with some local conglomerates."
Aiden looked at the graph with calculated interest.
"Okay, but what's the estimated return? The investment is high, I want guarantees."
Ada took the floor, adjusting the charts.
"Our total investment in the first phase will be 1.2 billion. The expected return is 8% per year, with a staggered growth as we expand to more cities in the region."
"And what about the problems with the Chinese government's policies? Are they still dragging their feet on releasing the licenses?"
Arthur smirked.
"We're already on their radar. As you suggested, we've made "unofficial" contacts and offered some incentives to speed up the process. It should be out in the next two months."
Aiden nodded, looking satisfied.
"Right. We can't waste any time. What about Japan? Have you managed to contact Naka?"
Ada sighed.
"Not yet. It seems he wants a face-to-face meeting before making a decision."
"Then schedule it for next week. I want to resolve this issue."
Arthur exchanged documents while Ada changed the charts.
"Now, Africa. Solar projects in Kenya and South Africa are delayed due to lack of skilled labor and logistics. Imported parts are taking longer than expected."
"How long?" Aiden asked, drumming his fingers on the table.
"Four months, minimum, if we don't intervene."
"This delay is unacceptable. Solar is one of our vital projects. What alternatives do we have?"
Ada replied, "We are looking into hiring local teams and importing components through alternative routes. This could speed up the process by up to six weeks."
"Then do it. I don't want any excuses. Star Corp. has to deliver what it promises."
Arthur made a quick note, smiling.
"Understood. That will be taken care of."
"Now, the projects in the US." Ada began, showing a detailed map of regions under development. "Our investments in sustainable transportation technology are gaining popularity in New York and Los Angeles. Partnerships with local startups are paying off, and the public feedback is positive."
Aiden leaned back in his chair, interested.
"What else?"