The CEO's Secret Obsession-Chapter 98: Shift of power

Alexander turned to look at him sharply.

"I didn’t admit anything," Benjamin snapped but the damage was already done.

Investors exchanged loaded glances and someone whispered, "Cover-up."

Another muttered, "Internal conflict—unacceptable in leadership."

The atmosphere grew even heavier.

Alexander stepped forward. He then said with his voice steady and controlled, "The company is investigating every angle. Until then, let’s not jump to conclusions."

The board’s attention shifted to him. It was clear that they trusted him more than his father.

A woman from the finance board crossed her arms.

"Alexander, we expect daily updates. This project is costing us millions by the hour."

"We understand," he replied. "You will receive reports directly from me."

Benjamin’s jaw clenched at that. The subtle shifting of power was impossible to ignore but he kept quiet because today, the room was not on his side.

A senior investor then spoke up. "If the investigation confirms internal involvement, the consequences must be severe. We cannot function with traitors in the house."

Alexander nodded once but Benjamin remained silent and for the first time, he looked cornered.

When the meeting finally adjourned, everyone left in a rush of whispered suspicion. Only Benjamin and Alexander remained in the room.

Benjamin exhaled harshly. "That damn slip, they smelled blood the second I said it."

Alexander folded his arms. "You are losing control of this."

Benjamin shot him a glare. "Then regain it for me."

Alexander didn’t react but something hardened in his chest because this wasn’t just business anymore.

Jack had started a war and the family was standing on a fault line that could explode any moment.

...

[Alexander’s Office]

Alexander spent the next hour in his office going over documents, satellite photos, digital reports and Carl’s notes but nothing made sense.

Every file he opened raised the same questions like how did the violations appear all of a sudden and who informed the regulatory board about it.

He pushed the files away sharply and muttered, "Enough—"

Carl was startled. "Sir?"

"I am going to Heinberg."

Carl blinked. "You mean personally? Today?"

"Yes. Someone on-site knows something and they won’t talk through email or phone."

His voice hardened. "If someone staged violations, then someone saw it happen."

The office door flew open.

Lucas leaned against the frame with two coffees in hand. "Good evening, sunshine. Why do you look like you are about to burn down the company?"

Alexander didn’t bother explaining. "I am leaving for Heinberg immediately."

Lucas raised his brows. "Why? Don’t tell me you are running away again."

"No, it’s not that," Alexander sighed and explained the whole situation to Lucas.

"So you think Jack is involved?" When Alexander nodded, he clasped his hand together. "Oh, great. I will grab my bag."

"No," Alexander frowned, "I am not taking you.."

Lucas snorted. "Yes and I am the Queen of England." He stepped forward, placing the second coffee in Alexander’s hand. "You are not going alone. Not when Jack is acting like a Disney villain with a trust fund."

"Lucas—"

"Nope, save your breath. Your father is hiding something, Jack is hiding something and the whole company is practically vibrating with secrets. Someone needs to watch your back."

Alexander stared at him for a long moment then sighed.

"Fine."

Lucas smirked. "Thought so. I will drive us to the airport."

.....

[On the Way to the Airport]

Lucas was talking about strategy, risk assessments and possible whistle blowers when Alexander’s phone vibrated.

When he saw who it was, he immediately answered.

Her voice was soft, concerned. "You didn’t call. I was worried."

Alexander exhaled and some of the weight lifted. "I am sorry. Things got complicated."

"I figured. Carl told me you weren’t in your office anymore. Where are you?"

"On the way to the airport."

"Why?" she asked. "Are you going somewhere?"

"Heinberg," he said quietly. "I need to look at the site myself, and talk to the teams because something doesn’t add up and I don’t want the board breathing down our necks before the wedding."

There was another pause but this one was heavy with unspoken worry.

"How long will you be gone?" she asked.

"Just a day or two."

Her voice softened. "Okay."

It was just an ’okay’ but he could hear the tremor she tried to hide.

He leaned his head back. "Evelyn."

"Hmm?"

"I will call you every night and morning," he added, a faint smile ghosting his lips.

That finally made her breathe out a tiny laugh. "You better."

Lucas made a gagging noise from the driver’s seat. "Stop before I puke in your expensive car."

Alexander glared at him and continued, "I don’t want you to worry. I am going there to check facts. The moment I know what is going on, I will tell you."

Evelyn took a slow breath. "Just be careful, Alexander. Whoever messes with the project, they will be extra careful and I am sure they are not harmless."

"I know." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Is Lucas also there?" Evelyn asked.

"Yes, he insisted on following me," Alexander’s lips twitched.

Lucas on the other hand raised a hand proudly. "Hi, Evelyn."

"Hi Lucas," Evelyn chuckled.

Alexander quickly turned on the speaker.

"Don’t worry, I will keep your future husband safe and sound," Lucas added.

She laughed softly. "Good, now I feel a little better."

"Let’s hang out when we are back," Lucas said. "It’s been ages since I met you."

Alexander’s voice dropped into something tender, rare and reserved only for her. "I will come back soon."

"I will wait," she whispered.

For a moment neither of them spoke.

It was the kind of silence that wasn’t empty but full of trust and something deeper neither of them dared to name yet.

Finally, she said, "Call me when you land?"

"I will."

They hung up but Alexander kept the phone in his hand for several seconds before lowering it.

Lucas glanced at him and chuckled. "You are in deep, man. You are completely ripped."

Alexander didn’t deny it because he was.

....