Chapter 59 Old Personality Returns
Adrian's POV
I chug the twelfth glass of whiskey for the day, but the burn does nothing to drown the rage in my chest.
Files scatter all over the place but I still can't figure out anything. It's as if I'm trapped in someone's game but as a pawn.
I ball my hands into fists and grit my teeth. I'm supposed to be back home with my family, back to a peaceful life.
But here I am trapped in something that drains me every second.
My phone rings and I quickly grab it. However, my hopes come crashing down as I see a name, different from who I was expecting.
I brush back my hair with my fingers and straighten my back as I answer the call, placing the phone over my ear.
"Tell me you have something tangible for me," I say in a low cold voice.
"Yes...sir, I think I do sir," the financial secretary replies quietly.
My eyes darken. "You don't expect me to take you seriously with that flimsy response, right?"
He hiccups and that is the last straw. I hang up immediately, tossing the phone on the bed.
Whoever is behind all of this should pray I don't catch them because it won't end well for them.
The door bell rings and I let out a tired sigh before walking to the living room to open the door.
I turn away to sit down and I watch as my secretary walks in with more files in his hands.
"Good day sir," he greets and bends to drop the documents on the table.
"Did you analyze those files before bringing them here? I'm not willing to waste my time over junks again," I groan.
He swallows nervously and stands upright, still holding the papers.
"I didn't go through them thoroughly but there are some observations I made," he replies.
I raise my hand, urging him to continue.
"The numbers are not adding up with the expenses. The expenditure is more than the approved budget and somehow the project is substandard," he explains.
I listen attentively, my knuckles cracking because of how tight I balled my hands.
From the beginning, I knew the numbers were off the moment I saw the reports. For the construction project, I approved a good amount of money just so there won't be any future loss but look what's happening.
"Call for an emergency meeting," I command and stand up and take my phone. I don't bother to change my outfit.
Soon we arrive at the company. Employees bow slightly as I walk past them but I don't respond.
My steps are as calculated as my breathing. My face remains emotionless even as fury burns beneath my skin.
Everyone stands up as I push the door open, striding in.
I face the head of the project and raise my eyebrow. " Start explaining."
He lowers his head slowly and glance at the financial secretly from the corner of his eyes.
"I hate waiting," I groan.
"Hmmm," he clears his throat. "Like I said sir, the cost of the project far exceeded the budget. And to make sure the company doesn't run at a loss, we had series of negotiations with the contractors," he says a bit firmly.
But I can see through him. The mask.
"I must commend you for your effort," I tap my finger on the glass table and he gulps before smiling.
"It's my duty, sir"
My secretary stands behind me, leans closer and whispers. "The person has been found."
"Indeed," I agree nodding. "Do you know what I hate the most? People who think they are smart enough to fool me." I add, looking at their faces.
The room falls silent. The guilty ones maintain eye contact for a second, yet the profuse sweating betrays their calm facade.
"Mark?" I call out and the financial secretary jolts up.
"Yes, sir" he answers.
"Before now, someone has been manipulating the company's stock market," I announce and pause. "Who is he?" I demand.
He chuckles, "I don't understand what you're talking about, sir"
I tilt my head, amused that he actually feigns ignorance but unfortunately, I'm in no mood for jokes.
"Everyone can leave except Mark and Mr. Project manager," I order and the rest rush out as I send a message to my fixer.
"Send it now!"
A loud gasp grabs my attention as I look at Mark's terrified face. His eyes widen as his phone slips out of his hand.
Perfect reaction.
He snaps his head to look at me. I stare back at him as I cross my legs.
"Tell me what you know and your son avoids prison."
He raises his hand and points at me. His lips quiver and tears fill his eyes. "You're a monster! How can you do this? The law won't spare you?" His voice is shaky.
The corners of my lips stretch out in to a cold smirk. "The law? What has that got to do with me? You disappoint me you know."
"You!"
"Not only were you stealing from me, you paved the way for your son in my company as the head stock broker. I still don't know what made you think you could escape punishment after messing with me," I kiss my teeth.
"Please... Sir, forgive us. We had no choice," he stutters and staggers toward me.
"But I gave you a chance,"
The tears break free as he pulls his hair. "Not you!" He shouts. "That person didn't give us a chance!"
I squint my eyes. That person?
"Male or female?" I question.
"I don't know," he sobs. "The person is too mysterious. Never revealing a face or real voice."
My voice is laced with silent fury. "Your son only does what he is told. So, I'm guessing you know the account, the money is sent to. No?"
He shakes his head vigorously. "I'm saying the truth, I have no idea. The person is extremely cautious."
At first, this whole thing wasn't a big deal. On the surface, it looks like ordinary embezzlement, but one mistake exposed a bigger scheme.
Something cold settles in my chest. Different thoughts run through my head. Who is this person? Is he or she just after my money or something more?
Darcy. Hazel.
My heart gets caught in my throat. Are they safe? This is the longest that I've been away from home.
"Hand them over to the police," I instruct my secretary before walking out of the room.
I fish out my phone from my pocket as I place a call across to Darcy. Her phone rings for a while before ending.
Before I can call again, my phone buzzes - an alert notification. A certain payment to a security agency.
The description is for CCTV all-round installation. My hand tightens on my phone and my heart races frantically.
Darcy told me she wants the money for shopping but now, I see a totally different transaction.
Did something happen at home? If yes, why didn't she inform me? I'm the man of the house. I need to protect them.
I continue calling her phone but it doesn't go through. My breathing becomes shallow.
This trip ends now.
I call my pilot immediately.
"I apologize sir, but flights have been suspended until tomorrow. The weather isn't favourable," he explains.
What the hell? I hang up the call.
Darcy doesn't pick my calls or reply my messages.
Julius.
I call his phone and it disconnects almost immediately.
My eyes darken. My knuckles crack and get white from gripping the seat too tight. Carefully my eyes scan the lines of the message.
"Your new woman is smart. But too bad, you can never get rid of me."
I've been calm for way too long. It's my turn to overturn the game and this time, my old personality will return.