Chapter seven
1198 Words
“Our stocks have already dropped by 4 percent, and it’s not looking good,” Caius’ secretary said with a worried tone.
“Have you found the source of the leak?” Caius asked, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out at the city view from his office window.
His secretary stood near the desk, holding a tablet while checking the statistics.
“We haven’t found the person yet, sir. But we believe it’s someone from inside the company. No outsider knew about that incident.”
“And how is the media handling it?” Caius asked.
“They’re going crazy. Laurent Technologies has always been known as one of the fastest-growing and most successful tech companies in recent years. That’s why this is blowing up so quickly.”
Caius turned around slowly.
“We just need to release a statement saying these are false allegations,” he said firmly.
“Are you sure that’s going to work?” his secretary asked carefully.
“Trust me. It will.”
His secretary nodded and turned to leave.
“And make sure we find out who’s behind this. As soon as possible.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied before stepping out.
…
“Any updates?” Calista asked as her assistant walked behind her.
The two of them moved slowly toward the meeting room.
“Yes. Laurent Technologies is facing heavy backlash from the media. Their stocks have dropped by 4 percent,” her assistant replied.
Calista suddenly stopped walking.
A slow smile spread across her face.
She hadn’t expected something this small to cause such a reaction.
She was just testing the waters.
“Good,” she said calmly. “Keep monitoring every movement. I want real-time updates.”
Even if 4 percent didn’t sound like much, for a company like his, reputation meant everything. Investors didn’t like uncertainty.
She knew exactly what she was doing.
With a faint smirk, she walked toward the large conference room doors. Her assistant pushed them open.
Everyone inside immediately straightened in their seats.
Calista walked in confidently and sat at the head of the table.
All eyes were on her.
It was an emergency meeting.
She placed her hands calmly on the table.
“Laurent Technologies released a statement thirty minutes ago,” she said.
Her assistant tapped the screen and projected it on the wall.
The statement read:
“All recent claims are false and malicious attempts to damage our company’s reputation.”
A few board members exchanged looks.
Calista leaned back slightly.
“That,” she said quietly, “was their first mistake.”
The room went silent.
“Why?” one of the board members asked.
“Because when a company calls something false without providing proof, it sounds defensive. Investors don’t like defensive. They like transparency.”
She tapped her fingers lightly on the table.
“Within 48 hours, more questions will rise. And when they can’t answer clearly, panic will increase.”
One of the senior analysts spoke up. “Are you suggesting we act?”
Calista’s eyes gleamed slightly.
“Not yet.”
The room looked confused.
“We wait,” she continued. “Let them dig themselves deeper. Once their stock drops another three to five percent, then we move.”
“And how exactly do we move?” someone asked.
She gave a small smile.
“We offer help.”
The room went completely quiet.
“Novaris Capital will publicly express concern over market instability and offer strategic advisory support to Laurent Technologies.”
Her assistant looked surprised. “You want to help them?”
Calista’s smile widened slightly.
“Of course. Nothing ruins a man faster than thinking the person destroying him is actually saving him.”
Silence filled the room.
And somewhere across the city, Caius was preparing to defend his empire.
Without realizing he was slowly walking into her hands.
...
Calista had been watching Laurent’s stocks drop by a few percent in just a few hours.
She smiled, slowly twirling around in her chair.
It was only a matter of time now.
Either Caius was going to reach out to her, or she would make the first move.
But she didn’t want to seem desperate. Or suspicious.
Still, with how fast things were moving, she knew it wouldn’t take long.
Suddenly, her desk phone rang.
She sighed softly before picking it up.
“Yes?”
Her assistant Lily spoke immediately. “Laurent Technologies is on the line. Should I transfer the call to you?”
Calista’s lips curved slightly.
That was quick.
She honestly thought it would take at least a few days before they reached out.
“They’re desperate,” she thought to herself.
“Please do,” she replied calmly.
There was a short pause before the line connected.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Vale,” a male voice spoke politely.
“This is Daniel, Mr. Laurent’s secretary.”
Calista adjusted slightly in her chair.
“Good afternoon,” she replied smoothly. “How may I help you?”
“We’re calling regarding the recent situation with Laurent Technologies,” Daniel continued carefully. “Mr. Laurent is hoping to arrange a private meeting with you.”
“Oh?” she said lightly, pretending to sound surprised. “And what would that be about?”
“He believes Novaris Capital could provide strategic advisory support during this… difficult period.”
Calista let out a soft, thoughtful hum.
“I’m afraid Novaris Capital doesn’t involve itself in unstable companies,” she said calmly.
There was a small pause on the other end.
“With all due respect, Ms. Vale,” Daniel continued, his tone slightly more urgent, “Laurent Technologies is not unstable. We’re simply facing temporary media pressure.”
“Temporary problems often turn permanent,” she replied coolly.
She could almost imagine the tension in his office.
“We understand your concern,” Daniel said quickly. “But Mr. Laurent specifically asked to speak with you. He believes your firm’s reputation and influence could reassure investors.”
She stayed silent for a moment.
Then she said, “I’m very busy this week.”
Another pause.
“Perhaps,” Daniel suggested carefully, “we could arrange a dinner instead? Something private. No press. Just Mr. Laurent and yourself.”
A slow smile appeared on her face.
Dinner.
So he wanted something informal.
That meant he was worried.
She pretended to think about it.
“…One dinner,” she finally said. “Nothing more.”
“Of course, Ms. Vale. We truly appreciate it.”
“Have my assistant coordinate the time and location,” she replied smoothly.
“Yes, Ms. Vale.”
The call ended.
Calista slowly placed the receiver back down.
Dinner.
She hadn’t expected him to move this fast.
He must be feeling the pressure already.
She leaned back in her chair, satisfied.
Then her phone buzzed.
She picked it up casually.
But her expression changed instantly.
Unknown Number.
There was only one message.
“Be careful who you try to destroy. Some ghosts don’t stay buried.”
Her fingers froze slightly around the phone.
For the first time that day…
Her smile faded.
- Writer
