CHAPTER 138: BREACH OF CONTRACT
"First, I'd like to thank everyone for coming here on such short notice," James began, his voice calm and measured, a stark contrast to the commanding expression on his face. As he spoke, he recalled his wife's advice and decided to dial back the intensity of his aura. The moment he had taken earlier was not just for composure, but also to soften his intimidating presence, if only slightly.
The shareholders nodded in unison, sensing the subtle shift in his demeanor.
"Now," James continued, his voice cutting through the silence, "we are pleased to welcome a new member to our board, who will be joining us with a five percent share: Timothy Hutchkins." James turned his gaze directly on Timothy. "Would you please stand so everyone can properly meet you?"
Timothy didn't react at first. It wasn't until James repeated his name, "Timothy," that he visibly started. He was genuinely taken aback. This man was supposed to be his adversary, yet here he was, being introduced with warmth and friendliness. It was a complete reversal of what he had anticipated.
The board members turned to look at Timothy, surprise evident on their faces. Still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, he gave an awkward laugh and slowly rose to his feet. Jared, watching the scene unfold, was utterly bewildered. What exactly is my brother playing at? he wondered.
"A round of applause for Mr. Hutchkins," James announced suddenly, a wide smile spreading across his face. Another round of applause filled the room as Timothy offered a sheepish smile and a small wave.
"Thank you all, and thank you, Mr. Chairman," Timothy said, glancing at James before resuming his seat. But he couldn't shake his confusion. Is this the same James Alfred I know? What the hell just happened?
James, however, paid him no further attention and moved on. "Now, the primary reason I've called you all here," he said, tone tightening, "is to address a serious breach of contract by one of our board members. If you'll observe closely," he added, pausing for effect, "you'll notice that one of us seems to be missing."
The board members exchanged glances and murmurs spread as they realized Valentino Fraiser was absent.
"Jared, over to you. The slides, please."
Jared nodded and walked to the projector, switching it on. A series of photos appeared on the screen, each one sending shockwaves through the room.
In the photos, Valentino Frazier's face was unmistakable as he signed a document. The other person's face was obscured, barely discernible. Jared zoomed in to reveal the contract header at the top of the page. In another slide, Valentino was seen accepting a box of money from the same shadowy figure. The final slide showed the signed contract clearly, proof in black and white.
Jared narrated with clinical precision as he progressed through the slides. By the end, the tension was suffocating.
Timothy's face betrayed a flicker of panic. His hands tightened into fists on the armrests as his breath came quicker. Then, suddenly, he relaxed. A flicker of confidence returned to his features.
James saw it all.
Go ahead, Timothy, James thought. You have no idea what's about to hit you.
He let the murmurs build to a crescendo before speaking.
"Jared," James said, his voice slicing through the room, "what does the shareholder agreement state about this kind of breach?"
Jared straightened. "It states that if shares are sold or transferred in a manner that contravenes the rules outlined in the shareholder agreement, it constitutes a breach."
James leaned back, scanning the room like a predator.
"Thank you, Managing Director." He nodded at Jared. "As you can see, the situation is quite clear."
A middle-aged man raised his hand.
"Speak," James said, his jaw tightening.
"Shouldn't Valentino be here to either refute or acknowledge his actions?"
"Yes!" a few voices echoed. "What if he's out of the country already?"
Timothy smiled subtly, enjoying the growing confusion.
James clapped his hands sharply, silencing the room. His smile was cold, never touching his eyes.
"Oh, Valentino Fraiser is here, alright."
"What?" Timothy exclaimed, standing up in shock. Realizing the attention he'd drawn, he quickly sat back down, trying to mask his panic with a weak laugh. "I mean… I don't think Fraiser would just stick around to be caught after committing such a… crime. Don't you think?" He turned to James. "Mr. Chairman, please tell us this is real. There really isn't time for jokes."
Jared sneered and glanced at his brother.
James simply nodded.
Jared picked up his phone and made a call. "Bring him in."
The room stilled. A few board members exchanged uncertain looks. Others sat frozen, the air buzzing with anticipation.
And Timothy… Timothy gripped the armrests tightly, his mind spinning.
This wasn't supposed to happen. We covered every trail… didn't we?
For a moment, his thoughts drifted back to that night; the whispers, the handshake, the promise of silence. Valentino swore he could handle the risk.
But James had always been the wild card.
The double doors creaked open. Two security guards stepped in, flanking a hunched figure in a crumpled suit.
Gasps echoed through the room.
"My God," someone whispered. "Is that…?"
James rose slowly, straightening his jacket as a slow, calculating smile spread across his face.
"Gentlemen… meet Mr. Fraiser."
Author's Note:
The snake has been caught, but will he strike back before he's crushed? Secrets still linger in the shadows, and not everyone in that boardroom is as innocent as they seem. Saturday's chapter will not just answer your questions—it will raise new ones.
Who is the real puppet master behind the breach?
What deal did Timothy make that he thinks will save him?
And why is James smiling… like he's only just begun?
See you Saturday.
Brace yourself. The game has only just begun.