CHAPTER 004
1094 Words
I arrived at work earlier than normal the following morning. Today is the day I will finally implement my plan.
One of the security officers grinned and said, "Hey, Herr Kaufmann, you look as if you won something."
I smiled placidly, the kind that concealed everything.
It buzzed on my phone. My heart pounded with anticipation as I saw the name on the screen. I immediately picked up.
"Hi!"
Good morning, Herr Kaufmann. It's prepared. The voice said, "I am just waiting for you."
"Excellent. I'm en route.
After hanging up, I turned to face the two security officers stationed at the lobby entrance.
"Pay close attention," I said. "We should not allow Greta Lindner inside today." Regardless.
Both of them said, "Yes, sir."
"All right. I'll add a small bonus if you do that correctly. Make sure she doesn't enter.
"Thank you, sir!"
They grinned broadly. I had a wider one.
I saw my reflection as the elevator doors closed. I appeared to be the place's previous owner. And I would soon.
The boardroom was already starting to fill up when I arrived at the top floor. I entered the building as if I owned it.
"Good morning, everybody!" I said with a smile.
While some of them appeared perplexed, others nodded.
"Herbert Kaufmann, why did you call this meeting?" He questioned Frau Becker.
She sounded a little too acerbic for this early.
I leaned a little forward. "Easy. I would like to talk about replacing our CEO.
That stirred the room up. Some muttered. Some scowled.
"You wish for her to leave?" Herr Braun raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
I shrugged quickly. She never attends meetings. She is hardly known to half of you. For what duration should we continue to operate in this manner?
The door flew open before I could finish speaking.
Greta.
I tensed up.
How on earth did she enter?
I warned those fools to keep her out!
My hands clenched beneath the table, but I maintained a straight face.
This woman always shows up at the worst moments.
I sat there and glared at her. She appeared composed, even arrogant.
Is this what she's doing now?
I could barely hear what Greta was saying. My head was whirling. Everything was going to be ruined by her. I had to move quickly.
What is she trying to say? That smile is more than just courteous. It's alerting me.
There was a problem.
Hold on. No. No, no, no. She didn't.
Then I heard it.
"Liesl Hartmann."
My heart stopped beating.
That name.
I hate that name.
We expected her death.
She cannot be living. I ensured it.
Legs numb, I shifted in my seat. My body felt as though someone had sprayed me with cold water.
The door to the boardroom opened again just as I was ready to get up.
She entered.
Liesl Hartmann is present in the real world.
alive.
Be calm.
chilly.
assured.
At first, she remained silent and walked deliberately. There was silence in the room. The ticking of the clock was audible.
She gave me a look.
She didn't grin.
I pushed one out.
She didn't give it back.
Rather, her gaze pierced me. My hands began to perspire.
I didn't recognize this girl.
This wasn't the reserved little i***t who listened to others talk over her.
This woman could break my heart.
She spoke to the board from the front of the room.
Her voice was steady as she said, "Thank you for being here on short notice." "We need to clarify a few things."
People leaned closer. Like smoke, the tension rose.
Someone whispered to their neighbor, "Is this related to the recent money transfers?"
I was filled with nausea.
How was she aware?
I glanced over and I saw Herr Braun glancing at me.
Greta crossed her arms and sat quietly near the back. She was also aware.
This is not good.
I ought to have gone.
I ought to have fled as soon as she entered.
Liesl continued to talk, outlining the names, numbers, and facts. Everything was clear and sharp. She appeared to have been expecting this.
I clenched my jaw.
She is good. Too good. How did she find out?
Members of the board began to nod. There was a murmur of agreement.
Frau Becker tapped the table with her pen. She muttered, "Looks like we were misled about some things."
They're turning. Each and every individual is turning.
I required a strategy.
The numbers were fictitious, I suppose. Let's say Greta got into something. Speak up.
Liesl turned to face me, though.
"Ahem." Herbert Kaufmann?"
She turned them all.
Everyone is watching me.
I went cold.
"What else would you like to add?" she inquired.
I parted my lips. Nothing was revealed.
This isn't possible.
She moved in closer. Every step was louder than the one before.
I was holding onto the edge of the table with my hands until my knuckles turned white.
"You would like to explain why your name is associated with multiple missing funds," she said.
"What—what are you discussing?" At last, I succeeded.
There. The best I had was that.
"Oh, you were unaware? She c****d her head and said, "Hmm," that's odd. The transactions are filled with your name.
I looked around at the others.
I had no one to defend me.
"They might have been phony entries," I blurted out. "Errors."
Frau Becker's eyebrows went up. "All those errors in your name?"
I blurted out, "Greta was helping with records." "Perhaps she—"
Greta got up.
"I only do as I am told. You are aware of that.
Her voice was abrasive.
Liesl grinned. It was a slightly chilly day.
She whispered, "You attempted to take me away." "I'm here now. And I believe it's time for you to go.
Quiet.
"I didn't—"
"You did," Greta remarked.
Herr Braun reclined in his seat. "Perhaps it's time for a vote."
"What do you vote on?" I lost my temper.
"Whether you stay or leave."
Liesl gave a nod. "Let's move quickly. We have tasks to complete.
They cast ballots.
I was defeated.
It's as simple as that.
Don't shout. There are no second chances.
There was nothing but quiet.
I got up slowly. My legs were weak. My entire body is numb.
No one looked at me while I walked to the door. Not even Greta glanced my way.
My own heavy footsteps were the only sound, pulling me away from the dream I nearly stole.
- Writer
