Chapter 18: CHAPTER 18

Andrew's POV

As I walk into the office building, the staff stand up to honor my presence. Just like every time I enter, I do not wear a smile. Today is different, though. I really am unhappy.

My secretary, Jensen, approaches me, carrying an iPad. He bows the moment he sees me, and he seems unable to raise his head.

“Explain what has happened,” I order.

Jensen raises his head. “The technology our researchers have been working on for the past eight months has been breached. Our rival company, Starkville Group, has announced the same technology—one that matches our plans.”

I clench my fists.

“I know that too. That’s why I am here!” I shout at him. “What I want to know is the person who breached what was supposed to be a secret.”

“We still have no idea,” Jensen replies, his head bowed.

I can feel a headache incoming.

“I want a list of all those who had access to the blueprint,” I order.

“I have found out already,” Jensen says as he hands me his iPad, where a list has been compiled. I check the list eagerly. Apart from the researchers, six senior executives had access to the blueprint.

“I want everyone on this list located and called in for a meeting. I will see them face to face and find the culprit,” I say firmly.

I give Jensen his iPad back, then march into my office afterward.

I have barely sat down when a call from my father comes in. I check the phone and hesitate to pick it up. I end up answering on the second ring.

“Where are you?” he asks instantly.

“The head office,” I reply.

“Good. I didn’t expect you to be at a damn art school either,” he says. “I heard there was a breach of the tech that’s currently being developed. Did you find the culprit already?”

“I am here to find the culprit, Dad,” I reply.

“I am speaking as the chairman of the board!” Dad exclaims over the phone. “I made you the CEO because I believed you were qualified. How you handle this will determine if you will truly succeed me.”

“But you said I have been doing well so far…” I mutter in protest.

“Have you?” Dad asks sarcastically. “Left to me, I would say you’ve been spending more time at Veridian than at the company. You really don’t know your priorities. If you had paid more attention to the company, this breach wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

I hear a knock on the door.

“I will call you later, Dad,” I cut him short.

“What!” he exclaims. “Now I can’t even—”

“You will be notified when the culprit has been found. Bye for now,” I interrupt, cutting the call immediately.

The door opens, and Jensen steps in.

“Boss,” Jensen calls.

“Go ahead,” I respond.

“All the researchers have been gathered in one place. I have the IT team with them right now. They are checking all their devices and reviewing who they’ve been meeting for the past few weeks,” Jensen reports.

“Good. And the senior executives?” I ask.

“I have reached out to all of them. They will be in the meeting hall in twenty minutes,” Jensen replies calmly.

I nod. Showtime will begin soon.

I step into the meeting hall, and the senior executives stand up. There are five of them instead of six, so I turn to Jensen.

“Where is the last person?” I ask.

“He was informed. I don’t know why he isn’t here,” Jensen says, worry evident in his voice.

“Find his whereabouts,” I whisper. “I want to know everyone he has met with for the past two months. Pull up everything—his credit card records, his phone records, everything that matters.”

“Yes, boss,” Jensen replies as he walks out of the room.

I walk to my seat, and everyone sits down as well.

“You are all aware of the reason why you have been summoned,” I begin. “I find it hard to believe that someone would leak organizational secrets. But as unbelievable as it sounds, it is true. Who knows? The culprit might be with us right now.”

Murmurs ripple through the room. Each executive begins talking about how they are innocent. A single bang on the table ends their murmuring.

“The person who—” I am unable to complete my statement as Jensen rushes in. He walks straight toward me and whispers in my ear.

“The executive who isn’t here is Joel Markos. He left the country a few hours ago, and in his office is a resignation letter,” Jensen tells me.

I stand up. “Gentlemen, I will be back.”

I step out with Jensen so I can hear more details. Jensen has had little time to investigate, but he has gathered a lot.

“Joel Markos must be the culprit,” he says confidently. “His travel records say he departed from Paris, France, earlier today. He is expected to arrive in the United States soon.”

“The United States?” I say loudly.

“That’s where the headquarters of Starkville Group are located. He might have been offered a job at their company headquarters,” Jensen explains.

I sigh. It makes a lot of sense, but I don’t want to jump to conclusions.

“Did you find out who he has been meeting?” I ask carefully.

“The IT team is still on it. It will take some time to gather that information,” Jensen replies.

His phone beeps at the same time. He checks it, and a smile spreads across his face. He has I told you written all over his expression.

“What is it?” I ask.

“The IT team pulled something up,” Jensen says, showing me his phone. “Check the picture. See who he met with three weeks ago.”

“Who is that?” I ask.

“It is the chief secretary to the CEO of Starkville Group,” Jensen answers.

“I guess the mystery has been solved,” I mutter.

“What should we do?” Jensen asks. “He is already out of France. Won’t it be hard to bring him to justice? America isn’t one of our strongholds, you know.”

“No one toys with me and goes scot-free,” I mutter.