CHAPTER 12: THE DISCREET INQUIRY
948 Words
Noel drove straight back to the city, arriving at the Anderson Manor just as the first slivers of gray dawn were filtering through the enormous, leaded-glass windows. He didn't go to the suite. He went straight to the private gym, where he subjected his body to a two-hour physical scourging, stripping away the emotional residue of the last twelve hours with sheer exertion.
He emerged, cold and hyper-controlled. The man who walked into the Anderson Global headquarters that morning was not a broken husband and an enraged father; he was the Iron CEO, a construct of perfection forged over three years of lies. He knew his survival, and more importantly, Ariel's and the twins' survival, depended entirely on the flawless execution of this façade.
He met Henry first. Henry was in his element, reviewing merger reports and drinking imported coffee. He looked up, his expression one of paternal satisfaction.
"Good, Noel. You're early. I was concerned the 'distraction' might have extended your leave of absence," Henry said, casually underlining Ariel's absence as nothing more than a minor annoyance. "The merger requires absolute focus this week. We cannot have emotional instability in the C-suite."
Noel met his father’s eyes. He felt a terrifying urge to reach across the desk and crush the composure from Henry's face, but he forced himself to nod, projecting only cold professionalism.
"The distraction has been dealt with, Father," Noel replied, his voice flat. "I'm focusing entirely on the logistics of the Q4 integration. Personal matters are resolved."
Henry smiled—a genuine smile of pride and approval. "That is my son. Always choosing the legacy over the chaos. Good. Get with Victoria; she has streamlined the European tax documents I need you to sign off on immediately."
The interaction confirmed Noel’s worst fear: Henry felt completely secure. His arrogance was the key to Noel's plan.
Victoria Hayes was waiting for Noel in his office. She was a vision of corporate stability in an impeccable charcoal suit. She presented the documents efficiently, her demeanor unchanged.
"Welcome back, Noel," she said, her tone professional yet solicitous. "You look... energized. The time off did you good."
"The work is the only place where things make sense," Noel murmured, a statement that was true, but which Victoria misinterpreted as renewed devotion to the company.
Victoria, blinded by her own professional ambition, saw Noel’s intense focus as a sign that he was finally shedding the last vestiges of his past with Ariel. She saw a clear path to cementing her role as the premier partner.
"The board is very pleased with your handling of this phase," Victoria continued, leaning slightly on his desk. "Henry mentioned there was some brief personal turbulence, but you’ve clearly moved past it. That resilience is vital."
Noel simply signed the tax documents, his signature precise. He was acutely aware that he was signing paperwork for a criminal enterprise, but he had to play the part. He needed access to these files to eventually dismantle them. He knew Victoria was not just an accomplice to Henry, but an active participant in Operation Lighthouse. He observed her, not as a business partner, but as a dangerous enemy, watching for any tell that she suspected his mask was failing.
The true work began after hours. Noel had established a secure, encrypted communication channel with Mr. Finch—a specific email address used only on a clean laptop, never connected to the Anderson network.
Finch’s first message arrived late that evening, requiring immediate, discreet action.
Subject: Preliminary Request
Sir, to confirm identity and parentage without raising suspicion, I require two files. First: the full, unredacted medical file for Ms. Ariel Anderson from the date of the alleged accident. Second: her personal email records from the three months preceding her departure. This is necessary to confirm her physical condition and search for contacts used during the planning stage. Caution: Both files are likely monitored by the Principal. Use an external storage method.
Noel stared at the request. The medical files would confirm the pregnancy and Henry’s tampering with the records. The email files would confirm her contact with Betty and prove she was acting deliberately, not impulsively.
Getting Ariel’s private email records was easy; as CEO, he had administrative control over all internal accounts. The hospital records, however, were guarded by Henry and Dr. Chen.
Noel realized he needed to begin operating as a spy in his own house.
The next afternoon, Noel found a pretext to be alone in Henry’s study, citing a need to check an archive of old contracts. He used the opportunity to subtly assess the security around Henry's main computer terminal. The computer was locked, and the safe containing the most sensitive papers (which likely included the 'Lighthouse' master file) was biometric.
He noticed the air conditioning vent directly above the computer. Henry was meticulous about security, but even he relied on IT staff for hardware and climate maintenance.
Noel made a quick call to the IT director, citing a minor ventilation issue in the study that required an overnight repair. He then followed up with a call to facility management, scheduling a late-night access for a trusted, external engineering team for "unrelated work" in the main wing.
He was setting the stage for his own silent infiltration. He was not just gathering evidence; he was beginning the arduous process of breaking down the elaborate security Henry had built. The Iron CEO had become a secret agent, and his mission was to steal back his life, file by file.
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