Six

Another day passed, and although my mind was still rumbling with the contents of the flashdrive I had opened last night, I decided not to rush. I needed time. I needed a calculation. This wasn’t just about Lucas anymore—my father was involved, and if I was rash, I could destroy more than just their business. I could destroy my own family name.

This morning I came early to the office. Rachel looked surprised to see me already sitting at my desk, sipping the coffee she usually brings me every nine o’clock.

“Good morning, ma’am. You… came earlier than usual.”

I smiled briefly. “Just don’t want to waste time.

Rachel nodded doubtfully. “There was news from S&Lu’s side. They sent a follow-up email, saying they are ready to adjust the price, and are willing to sign a new addendum. They… seem very keen to maintain the cooperation.

I nodded expressionlessly. “Let them wait. We’re in no hurry.”

Rachel didn’t answer. She knew that when I spoke in that tone, there was no room for negotiation.

After she left, I opened the email sent by S&Lu’s legal team. The tone of the letter showed their despair.

Tried to remain professional, but there was clearly pressure from Lucas behind it. I read it quickly, then turned my attention to today's agenda.

At eleven o'clock, I was scheduled to meet with a representative of the new vendor, a small company called GreenFlare. I had the purchasing team schedule it. This was part of the first step: getting Lucas to see that his position was starting to be threatened, but not quite falling. I wanted him to be on edge—that was part of the plan.

At exact eleven o'clock, two people arrived. A middle-aged woman who introduced herself as the owner of GreenFlare, and a young man with a serious but eager face. They came with a neat proposal, and from our brief conversation, I could see great potential in this company. They were small, but had a clean distribution system, loyal local farmers, and most importantly, they didn't have any dark connections with S&Lu.

"We can't offer prices as competitive as S&Lu now," the woman said honestly. "But we can guarantee quality and honesty. And... if given the chance, we can grow with Smith Inc."

I stared at them for a while, then smiled faintly. "I like your honesty. Maybe, that's what we need right now."

The meeting ended with a light handshake, but I could see the hope in their eyes. I knew it wasn't just about business. It's about giving a place to those who have been marginalized by Lucas and his devious system.

During the day, I went downstairs to the food court where all the sales girls and staff eat lunch. I haven't been down there since I was promoted and took on a managerial role. But today, I wanted to see with my own eyes: what is the quality of the vegetable supply from S&Lu that they have been using.

And sure enough, little complaints started to appear. Tomatoes that spoiled too quickly, lettuce that wilted before it even made it into the kitchen, and prices that went up without notice.

"In the past, when my mother directly arranged the vendors, the quality was really good," said one of the chefs. "Now it seems to be going downhill every day."

I just nodded. "Thank you for your input. I'll take note."

From there, I climbed back into my room with one conclusion: the time was getting closer. Lucas was starting to let his guard down. He trusted too much.

However, I can not drop it today—the big bomb. Not today.

***

In the late afternoon, Rachel knocked the door again.

“There’s one more thing, ma’am. A guest without an appointment. Her name—" She opened her notes. “Michelle. She said… she is your old friend.”

My heart sank a little at the name. Michelle. A name I hadn’t heard in a long time. A friend from college. Someone who used to know all my wounds and dreams. But also… the one who disappeared without a trace after Lucas started coming into my life.

“Let her in.”

The door opened, and there she was. Michelle. With her hair now a little shorter, and the same smile—warm but mysterious.

“Hey,” she said softly. “You… look different.”

I stood up, hesitating for a moment before finally hugging her. “It’s been a long time.”

We sat down. A few minutes were filled with a brief exchange of news and pleasantries. But I knew Michelle hadn’t come just for a reunion.

“I know you’re dealing with a big problem, and I won’t be a smartass. But… Lucas isn’t just a threat to you, you know that right?” she said finally.

I look at her sharply. “You know something?”

He nodded slowly. “I work for a financial monitoring company now. There’s an investigation… and Lucas’ name is being monitored. I can’t help it if you move, there’s more to it than that. It’s on the list of things to talk about, but you have to be careful. There’s money behind all of this.”

I paused. Between relieved to have an unexpected ally, and worried about the direction that was starting to shift away from my control.

Michelle stood up, straightening her bag. “If you need help, I’m here. Don’t fight him alone. He’s more dangerous than you think.”

Before leaving, she looked at me once more. “And… if you have anything that could corroborate our suspicions, don’t keep it to yourself,”

I just nodded.

And as the door closed, I sat back down. Staring at the pendrive on the table, then at the window. The sky was getting dark. The city begins to turn on its lights.

My move had already begun. But as it turned out, the path ahead of me wasn’t as simple as a revenge plan. There were more pawns on this board than I thought.

And one question began to swirl in my head:

Who exactly is moving all these pieces—me, Lucas, or someone else who has yet to reveal himself?