Chapter 41
Alaric’s voice echoed through the office as he kicked open the door with his foot. “What do you think you’re doing, old man?” He growled, pushing into Dawson’s office. His anger was palpable, and his voice rose with each step.
Dawson looked up from his laptop, his expression calm and collected. He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on Alaric’s face before returning to his work. His fingers continued to dance across the keyboard, a contrast to Alaric’s agitation.
Alaric wheeled forward, his movements abrupt, and stopped just short of the chairman’s desk. “What are you doing?” He demanded.
Dawson ignored him, his focus fixed on the laptop screen as if Alaric weren’t there.
Alaric moved closer, his eyes blazing with intensity. “You don’t hear me, or you’re pretending not to?” He asked.
Dawson’s fingers paused, and he stared downward for a moment before snickering softly. He raised his gaze, his eyes locking onto Alaric’s face. “I heard you. But why’d I bother responding when I have no business with you?”
Alaric’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve got no business with me? Really?” He repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. “What do you mean, you’ve got no business with me?”
Dawson’s expression remained calm. “This is a working space, not a parlor. Whatever we discuss should be about business, not personal issues or affairs.”
Alaric chuckled. “You know why I’m here, don’t you?” He threw the question out, but before Dawson could respond, he scoffed, adding, “Why’d you pass such a task to her?”
Dawson’s gaze didn’t waver. “Why can’t I? She’s a managing director. Taking responsibility for contract proposals is part of her duties.”
Alaric shook his head, his eyes flashing with anger. “Yes, it is. But you know she’s not equipped to handle this. You’re setting her up for failure.”
Dawson’s expression turned innocent. “Setting her up?” He repeated, his brows furrowed. “Why’d I do that? I simply want the best for the organization. Nothing else.”
Alaric’s laughter was cold. “This isn’t about the organization… it’s me. You want to ruin me. You’re targeting me, and want to get back at me through her,”
He paused, his eyeballs turning outrageous red as he looked into Dawson’s eyes. “Why not come for me instead of painting her as a failure?”
Dawson leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’re invested in her success, aren’t you?”
Alaric’s face darkened, his eyes blazing with fury. “You think you can use her as against me? You think I’m that easily threatened?”
Dawson’s smile grew wider. “I’m not using her as leverage—I’m simply stating the facts. If Cressida cannot secure the project, she’ll be stripped of her position. And your share will be collected permanently.”
Alaric’s eyes widened. “You can’t be serious. You’re willing to risk my investment just to get back at me?”
Dawson’s expression turned cold. “I’m not risking anything, Alaric. I’m simply playing the game. And if you’re smart, you’ll play along.”
Alaric ground his teeth, his hand balling into a fist as the air thickened with tension as they stared each other down, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.
Alaric’s body tense with restraint, while Dawson’s expression turned calm, but his eyes betrayed a glimmer of satisfaction.
Without breaking eye contact, Alaric slowly turned and steered out of the office, his anger and frustration clear in every move. As soon as he reached the hallway, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
“There’s fire on the mountain. We must meet right away.”
The call ended, and his eyes narrowed, his mind racing with strategies and countermeasures. He knew he’d to act fast, to protect Cressida and outmaneuver Dawson. Another game was on, and he was ready to play.