Chapter 145 The Mysterious Invitation
Chapter 145 The Mysterious Invitation
A few days after his emotional meeting with Grandfather Gerald, Alpha Rolex was once again consumed by the mountain of clan affairs that had piled up since his appointment as the new leader. Financial reports, territory ledgers, and inter-sector disputes formed high stacks across his desk.
Amidst the exhausting workload, a soft knock came at his study door. Maya entered with a broad smile, carrying a thick envelope sealed with gold wax. The official letter, bearing a luxurious crest, was addressed specifically to Madagascar—his company that had previously been seized by Cassen.
Maya, who happened to be in the study with Alpha Rolex, quickly grabbed the letter out of intense curiosity. Her eyes sparkled bright as she read the contents aku an exclusive invitation from AXIOS, a mysterious company whose name had recently been echoing throughout elite business circles.
"Alpha Rolex, look at this!" Maya said excitedly, stepping closer and holding out the letter to Alpha Rolex, who sat behind his desk. "We received a special invitation from AXIOS. This is a massive opportunity to expand our business network."
Alpha Rolex took the heavy paper, scanning the header and the poetic phrasing inside. His eyebrow raised slightly upon recognizing the same company Cassen had mentioned before—a mysterious entity that had managed to lure away numerous major investors from Moza Group. The lingering suspicion he had set aside now resurfaced to disturb his mind.
"I think we need to be careful with this invitation," Alpha Rolex said guardedly, placing the letter back onto the mahogany wood. "I've heard odd things about AXIOS before. Their growth is far too rapid and unnatural."
Maya frowned, slightly disappointed and caught off guard by his cautious response.
"But this is a rare opportunity, Alpha," Maya countered, staring at him intently. "Many prominent businesspeople would kneel just to get an exclusive invitation like this. Why should we just let it pass? It could open new doors for Madagascar."
"I am currently focusing on many urgent matters within the company and the clan," Alpha Rolex answered firmly, leaning back against his office chair. "I have clan stability to maintain. I cannot attend this event for the time being."
"Are you sure?" Maya pressed again, trying to soften his stance. "Just for a few hours, Rolex. We can see who is playing behind AXIOS."
"My decision is final, Maya. We must not recklessly step into the dark," Alpha Rolex asserted without hesitation.
Disappointment showed clearly on Maya's face at his firm refusal. She sighed softly. However, she did not want to openly display her frustration, keeping in mind her position and the need to maintain good relations with the newly appointed supreme leader of the clan.
"Very well, I understand," Maya said in a forced calm tone, though curiosity, annoyance, and ambition continued to burn inside her. "If you are indeed too busy, let me handle external affairs."
After reflecting alone in her room for a while, Maya ultimately decided to attend the event by herself, without Alpha Rolex. She was convinced this was a golden moment to prove her own capabilities.
\---
The night before the event, Maya's room was a flurry of activity. She spent hours preparing her appearance, choosing a luxurious gold evening gown that accentuated the elegant curves of her body, alongside shimmering diamond jewelry to symbolize her new status as the Luna of the Moreno Clan.
Her personal assistant fastened the final diamond necklace around her smooth neck. Maya stood up, turning in front of a large carved mirror.
"How do I look?" she asked softly to the maid beside her.
"Extremely elegant and breath-taking, Lady Maya. You will surely be the center of attention tonight," the maid praised sincerely.
"I must look flawless," Maya whispered, continuing to admire her reflection as a confident smile curved on her face. "I want to see for myself who actually owns this mysterious AXIOS company. I cannot look weak in front of them."
\---
Meanwhile, in his study, Alpha Rolex received a report from the front gate guards that Maya's private vehicle was being prepared for the AXIOS event. Realizing that Maya was recklessly going to attend the gathering alone, Alpha Rolex's jaw clenched.
Without wasting time, he grabbed his phone and called one of his friends, Salto—a financial genius who had been secretly managing various stocks and investments on Alpha Rolex's behalf.
The phone rang three times before a voice answered from the other end.
"Hello, Alpha? Is there an emergency?" Salto's voice sounded over the line.
"Salto," Alpha Rolex said through the phone, his voice firm, deep, and inquiring. "What exactly are you doing sending out so many invitations under the name of AXIOS lately?"
On the other end, Salto sounded startled and flustered by the sudden, blunt question hitting him out of nowhere.
"Al—Alpha... what do you mean?" Salto stammered briefly before attempting to explain. "I... I was only carrying out instructions given to me. I didn't know there was an issue with those invitations."
"Don't beat around the bush, Salto," Alpha Rolex cut in sharply. "That company keeps approaching our key partners, even Madagascar. Whose instructions are you actually following?" Alpha Rolex asked, his suspicions growing rapidly.
Salto remained silent for a long moment. His heavy breath was clearly audible through the speaker.
"Answer me, Salto," Alpha Rolex urged in a demanding tone.
"From Mr. Tama, Alpha," Salto finally answered in a hesitant whisper. "He asked me to distribute as many invitations as possible. He said... it was a key strategy to introduce AXIOS to the city's business elite."
Hearing that name spoken aloud, Alpha Rolex felt his chest tighten. He took a long breath, trying to suppress the storm of questions and anger brewing inside him. Mr. Tama, his longtime ally in his revenge mission alongside Maya, was working behind his back with an agenda he did not yet fully understand.
"Is Mr. Tama with you right now?" Alpha Rolex asked again.
"No, Alpha. He is orchestrating everything from behind the scenes. I only handle the financial documents and legal distribution," Salto explained frantically. "Did I make a huge mistake, Alpha?"
"You should have told me from the start, Salto," Alpha Rolex said coldly.
"Forgive me, Alpha. Mr. Tama insisted that this was part of the grand plan that was previously agreed upon, so I assumed you already knew..."
"Enough," Alpha Rolex interrupted. "Do not make any further moves without my direct authorization from this second on. Understood?"
"Yes, Alpha. Completely understood," Salto replied submissively.
"Alright," Alpha Rolex said at last, trying to settle his emotions and thoughts. "I will find out myself what Mr. Tama is actually planning."
Alpha Rolex unilaterally ended the call. He set his phone down on the desk with a heavy thud.
After hanging up, Alpha Rolex sat lost in thought in his dimly lit study. His sharp gaze fixed on the grand window overlooking the night view of the city. His mind was now filled with deep apprehension about a web of conspiracy that was turning out to be far more complex, dark, and vast than he had ever imagined.
This game was no longer just a struggle for clan power. Mr. Tama was making moves in the shadows, Maya was being driven by her own ambition right into the wolf's den, and AXIOS was embracing every influential party around. The conspiracy involved far more players, each with hidden agendas ready to threaten the hard-won stability he had just achieved. Alpha Rolex clenched his fist on the desk, realizing that the real battle had only just begun.