Chapter 9
821 Words
SHADOWS IN THE BOARDROOM
The Nairobi skyline shimmered beneath the morning sun as Catherine stepped out of the matatu and walked toward the headquarters building — a tall glass structure that looked like it was carved from pure authority.
Her stomach twisted.
She had come here many times for training, but today felt different. Today felt like walking into a storm.
Inside, the reception area buzzed with energy. People moved with practiced urgency, screens flickered with company updates, and the air hummed with ambition.
Catherine approached the front desk.
“Hi… I’m here to see HR. Catherine Wambui.”
The receptionist typed quickly, then looked up with a polite, unreadable smile.
“Yes, they’re expecting you on the 12th floor.”
Expecting her.
The words felt heavy.
When the elevator doors opened onto the HR floor, she was met by a tall woman in a maroon suit.
“Catherine? This way, please.”
The walk down the hallway felt endless — each step echoing louder than the last. The woman led her into a small meeting room with warm lighting and a bowl of mints on the table. A classic HR tactic: soften the room before delivering bad news.
“Please, sit.”
Catherine sat.
Two HR managers entered the room, both with calm professional smiles — too calm.
“Catherine,” the older one began, folding her hands, “thank you for coming on short notice.”
“Is everything okay?” Catherine asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
They exchanged a quick glance.
“We’ve received a concern,” the younger manager said carefully. “Regarding… a potential conflict of interest involving you and a senior member of our leadership.”
Catherine’s heart thudded.
A senior member?
Did they know? Had Alfred’s mother already moved against her?
“I… I don’t understand,” Catherine said honestly. “I barely know anyone in senior leadership.”
More exchanged glances.
The older manager cleared her throat. “It has come to our attention that you may have a personal relationship with someone who could influence your role in the company.”
Catherine blinked.
“At this time,” the younger one added, “we just need clarity. Could you confirm whether you are romantically involved with anyone in a managerial or executive position?”
There it was.
A trap laid by someone who wanted to destroy her.
“I’m not involved with anyone who works here,” Catherine said truthfully — because Alfred never claimed to work at this company.
The HR managers relaxed slightly.
“That’s helpful,” the older one said. “We appreciate your honesty.”
Before Catherine could exhale fully, the door opened — and a man in a crisp suit walked in, holding a file.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, “but this matter concerns the board. We need to handle it properly.”
The HR managers both straightened, surprised.
Catherine froze.
The man placed the file on the table and opened it.
Inside was a printed photograph.
Catherine felt the blood drain from her face.
It was a picture of her and Alfred at the music festival.
Laughing together.
Arms around each other.
Clear as day.
The man tapped the photo. “This was anonymously submitted to the board yesterday.”
Catherine’s heartbeat roared in her ears.
“They identified the man in the picture as Alfred Mureithi.”
One of the HR managers gasped softly.
The other’s eyes widened.
The man continued:
“The board is concerned that Mr. Mureithi may be making unsanctioned decisions influenced by a… romantic entanglement.”
Catherine’s mouth went dry.
“Sir,” she whispered, “I didn’t know he was… him.”
“We’re aware,” the man said. “Security footage from the small-town office he uses shows he introduces himself as ‘Alfred Karema.’ So we understand the deception wasn’t from your side.”
Catherine swallowed hard.
“So… what happens now?”
He looked at her with empathy — but also a seriousness that chilled her.
“We need you to cooperate with the board’s investigation. If Mr. Mureithi is compromised, the board may move to strip him of certain powers — possibly even remove him as CEO.”
Her breath caught.
He continued:
“We need to know if Mr. Mureithi has shared any confidential information with you, made any unusual decisions because of you, or attempted to influence the company using personal motives.”
Catherine felt sick.
They wanted her to betray him.
“I know this is difficult,” the man said gently. “But please think carefully. Your job could depend on your transparency — and this company’s future might depend on your answer.”
Catherine stared at the table.
Her pulse echoed in her ears.
Alfred could lose everything.
Because of her.
And she was being asked to decide whether to save him… or save herself.
- Writer
