Chapter 023

23.

SULLIVAN GROUP

"Not only have we lost a deal with Mrs. Thompson to the Salvador Group, they have also been able to win over the board of directors. They have influential people on their side, and I'm beginning to doubt if we can pull through with this plan." Mr. Will complained as he took a seat on a chair facing Mr. Sullivan. He had been present at the meeting and was the one who tried to oppose Samantha and got shut up by Aiden.

He was one of the Salvadors directors but his loyalty lied with the Sullivans, and he was ready to do anything even if it meant betraying the Salvadors so as to bring the Sullivans to the top.

Mr. Sullivan leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he thought. "We need to think of something, and fast. We can't let the Salvadors get the upper hand."

"I agree," Mr. Will sighed, the frustration in his voice was evident. "But what can we do? They have the board on their side, and they have the resources to back them up."

Mr. Sullivan's eyes narrowed. "There must be something we can use against them. A weakness, a vulnerability. We have to find it and exploit it."

Mr. Will raised an eyebrow. "A weakness and vulnerability? What do you think could be the weakness of such a powerful group? Are you even aware of the kind of power they have and the forces backing them up? They chose a woman as the CEO this time around, and I don't think Samantha is any ordinary woman. She has the ability to command attention and not just that, she is engaged to Aiden Callymore."

"What!" Mr. Sullivan stood to his feet. "Aiden Callymore? Engagement? How on earth? When was that plan made that I wasn't aware of?"

"What significance do you have that they would tell you about their plans?" Mr. Will scoffed. "Look, if Samantha gets married to Aiden Callymore, it's over. Do you have any idea of the power that billionaire has? He is the first out of the Big Five. He is not someone to be treated likely."

Mr. Sullivan paced to and fro. He couldn't believe what had been happening and he had no idea about it. He might be under the Salvadors but heck... he didn't even know the last of what was happening. His mind raced with plans on how to go about bringing the Salvadors down and gaining control.

"We have to think of something, Will. I'm sure there is a way we can find their weaknesses. We can't just sit and watch things go down the drain." he facepalmed.

Mr. Will massaged his temple as he thought of something. "I think the best way to strike is to make people find a fault with Samantha's leadership."

"How do we do that?" Mr. Sullivan asked.

"We need to find a way to discredit her in the eyes of the board and the public," Mr. Will said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Maybe we can dig up some dirt on her past, or create a scandal that will tarnish her reputation."

Mr. Sullivan's eyes lit up with interest. "Go on."

"Well, everyone has a secret and I'm certain Samantha isn't excluded. She might have a secret that could ruin her career. If we can just find out what it is..."

Mr. Sullivan nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, that's it! Find out what it is and use it against her. We can't let her get away with this."

Mr. Will pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "I have someone who can help us with that. He's a private investigator, and he owes me a favor."

As Mr. Will waited for the investigator to answer, Mr. Sullivan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He was finally going to take down the Salvadors and claim the top spot for himself.

"Hello?" a voice answered on the other end of the line.

"Hey, it's me, Will. I need your help with something."

*****

Samantha was done with work for the day and cleaned up her table. She glanced at the small bag Aiden had brought for her to take her drugs and smiled before picking it up.

The door opened and Linda walked in. "It's time to go. You ready?" Linda asked and she nodded.

They walked out of the company together and Linda drove them home. When they got home, she was shocked to see her father dressed in a suit and his security men putting some luggages into the car booth.

She got down from the car and rushed to him. Her mother, Jessica was hugging him with a sad expression on her face.

"Do you really have to go?" she asked her husband, who patted her back lovingly.

Samantha was confused. "Dad, what is going on? Where are you going?" she asked.

Mr. Ray pulled away from the hug and smiled at her. "I need to take care of some business abroad. You don't have to worry about me. I'll be gone for only two weeks."

Samantha blinked. "Two weeks? You can't just leave. I just took over the company and there is a lot you still have to tell me."

"The library is there for you to check, Sam. And I know you can handle whatever problems arise. You're trustworthy and shouldn't be like this. Believe in yourself more."

Samantha sucked in a breath. "But, Dad, the library isn't you. This just came out of the blue and I'm worried about you." she pouted.

Mr. Ray chuckled softly and hugged her. "I'll be fine. It won't take long. I'll be back before you know it!"

Samantha nodded with a smile. "I'll miss you."

"Will miss you too, Dear," he pulled away from the hug and faced Estella, who stood at the corner. "Estella dear, won't you give me a hug before I leave?"

Estella rolled her eyes. "No." She turned and walked into the house.

Mr. Ray sighed and turned to face Samantha. "You two shouldn't go at each other before I return. You can just ignore her, okay?"

Samantha nodded.

"Linda, take good care of them, okay?"

"I will, sir." Linda gave him a slight bow and he smiled.

He hugged Jessica one more time before getting into the car. They bade him farewell as the driver brought the car to life and drove out of the compound.

"Don't worry, Mum, he will be back soon." she patted her mum's shoulder.

Jessica nodded as she walked into the house, followed by Samantha and Linda, who later joined them. When they got in, Estella stood to her feet and approached them.

"Dad is gone, and that automatically makes me the head of the house. From today, you all will be taking orders from me.”