CHAPTER FIVE
1036 Words
CHAPTER FIVE
MATTHIAS POINT OF VIEW
I realized I had underestimated Lena as soon as she entered the boardroom. The atmosphere changed. Discussions ended. Even the men who had built empires, the senior executives, sat up straight. She didn't simply walk in; she took over the room with a force greater than I could have ever guessed.
She sat down opposite me, a smirk playing on her lips. Her faithful shadow, Niklas Becker, took up residence next to her. I tightened my hold on the table. For years, I had been transforming my business into an unstoppable powerhouse. Nevertheless, the industry's whispers were becoming more audible.
It was Lena Fischer again. She wasn't here to be polite, either.
"Shall we begin?" she asked in a calm, collected tone.
Even though a storm was building behind her eyes, she maintained her composure. I looked at my advisors. None of them could look me in the eye.
Lena leaned forward and looked around the room, her gaze flitting over the men who had once brushed her off. "I think we all understand the stakes. Fischer Industries, my business, is ready to purchase the rights to the impending merger.
I tightened my jaw. She had no time to waste. "Wagner Enterprises is the owner of those rights. We have spent months negotiating this deal.
There was a quiet chuckle. "Oh, Matthias. If only sentimentality were addressed by business. However, you are more knowledgeable than that.
Niklas slid a folder across the table. After hesitating, one of my advisors opened it. His face lost its color.
"This—this isn't possible."
I became impatient. "What the hell is it?"
He swung the folder in my direction. I took a deep breath. Fischer Industries was given exclusive rights to the acquisition under the updated contract. Worse, the signatures were already there.
Lena drummed her fingernails on the table. "Fisher Industries has a controlling interest as of right now. Matthias, your deal is over.
The ensuing silence was oppressive.
I maintained a neutral expression, but inside I was roaring with rage. "How did you—"
"Oh, stop looking so shocked." With a ghost of laughter in her eyes, she c****d her head. "The best taught me. You always told me that, didn't you? Is war that business? Is that mercy reserved for the weak? Yes, I did listen.
I made an effort to smile. "You believe you've triumphed? It's only a battle. The conflict is still ongoing.
She didn't flinch. "May the best one win, then."
Following the conclusion of the meeting, the corridors were filled with whispers as the executives departed. I balled my hands into fists.
She had deceived me. in public. Without exertion. I had allowed her to do so.
I grabbed her arm and dragged her into a corner before she could get away. "Lena, you're playing a risky game."
She looked directly into my eyes. "I spent years playing your game. I play my own now.
Tension burned in the space between us. She didn't falter or flinch.
"Matthew, you wanted to erase me. However, you have no say in how my story concludes.
My heart was thumping in my ears. She was too close. She exhaled softly, and her perfume filled the air. I had the opportunity to kiss her here once, before the world caught up with us. However, those times were over.
She was my competitor now.
A slow smile pulled at her mouth. "See you at the next battle."
She left without turning around. And I experienced something new for the first time in my life.
Fear.
The headlines shouted Lena's victory a few days later. Everywhere I looked, her name appeared in whispered corporate circles and flashed across business news reports. I was getting calls from investors who wanted to know if Wagner Enterprises was losing its competitive edge. They wanted to know if I was losing control.
I paced my office, whispering to myself, "This isn't over." Unsure whether to interrupt, my assistant paused at the door. "What is it?"
"You have a visitor, Mr. Wagner."
I turned to see her instead of another irate board member.
Elena.
Her expression was unreadable as she entered with the same composed elegance. "We need to talk, Matthias."
"Not right now."
"Yes. Now."
I let out a sharp sigh and motioned for her to continue.
She cautioned, "Lena’s not stopping here." "She's coming for everything, and she has the momentum."
"I understand."
"So why do you appear to be lacking a plan?"
I tightened my jaw. "I don't take her lightly," I said. No longer.
Elena lowered her voice and took a step closer. "Then you must strike back more forcefully. Or she'll bury you.
I detested her accuracy.
I stayed in my office that evening long after everyone else had gone. I could see the city skyline in front of me, with lights glimmering like far-off stars. I mentally relived the entire meeting, including every word and every gesture. She had gazed at me with a look that went beyond mere retaliation or hatred.
There was a clear lack of interest.
She had lost interest in me. She was not involved in a personal conflict. She was merely demonstrating that she had already won, which was why she was fighting.
Someone knocked on my door.
"Come in."
Frederick Schneider, the media magnate known for exposing secrets, entered. He grinned as though he had already guessed the conclusion of this discussion.
"You might want to see something I have for you."
He moved a folder across my desk. I opened it after hesitating.
Then I noticed it.
Niklas and Lena records. Deals. And something else, something that chilled my blood, was present.
The secret has the power to alter everything.
Schneider reclined. "What are you going to do with this, Matthias?"
My thoughts were racing as I gazed at the papers. My chest roared with my heartbeat.
Lena believed she had triumphed.
However, this?
It was a war.
I also never lost a battle.
I called the following morning. I spoke steadily. Plan a press conference. I must make an announcement.
I wasn't just going to defend myself.
This was going to end.
- Writer
