Chapter 46
The boardroom was bustling with energy as Victoria stood at the head of the long table, her eyes scanning the group of executives. The Kane Industries logo behind her gleamed under the fluorescent lights, a reminder of the legacy she was determined to restore. But the task was daunting. The company had been battered by scandals, arrests, and plummeting investor confidence. Now, she was left picking up the pieces.
“Let’s review the updated investor report,” Victoria said, her voice steady but firm. “Have we made any progress in reassuring the key stakeholders?”
One of the executives, Mrs. Patel, adjusted her glasses and nodded. “We’ve managed to secure some interest from smaller firms, but the larger investors are still hesitant. They’re waiting to see how we handle the fallout from Damian and Selena’s actions.”
Victoria pressed her lips into a thin line, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. “Then we need to move faster. Transparency is our priority. If they see we’re serious about rebuilding trust, they’ll come around.”
Jonathan, who was seated to her right, leaned forward. “We’re already working on restructuring the PR strategy. But let’s be honest, V—investors are spooked. Selena’s arrest was the tipping point. They’re going to need more than promises.”
Victoria met his gaze, her expression determined. “Then we give them results. Clean financial audits, a clear plan for the future, and no more skeletons in the closet.”
Jonathan smirked. “Easier said than done, but I like the fire.”
She allowed herself a small smile before turning her attention back to the room. “I want weekly updates from every department. We can’t afford any missteps. Let’s make it clear that Kane Industries is still a force to be reckoned with.”
As the meeting wrapped up, Jonathan lingered behind, waiting until the last of the executives filed out. He leaned against the table, crossing his arms. “Alright, spill it. I know that look. What’s eating you?”
Victoria sighed, rubbing her temples. “It’s Xanos,” she admitted. “That name keeps replaying in my mind. Whoever they are, they’re the real threat. Damian and Selena were just pawns.”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Still no leads on them?”
“None,” she said, frustration creeping into her voice. “I need you to dig deeper, Jonathan. Find out who this person is and how they’re connected to all of this.”
Jonathan’s smirk faded, replaced by a serious expression. “You know I’ll try, but it won’t be easy. People like Xanos don’t leave trails.”
“Try anyway,” Victoria insisted. “If we don’t figure out who they are, this won’t be over.”
Jonathan nodded. “Alright, I’ll see what I can do. But you owe me a drink when this is all said and done.”
Victoria chuckled softly. “Deal.”
Later that evening, Victoria sat in her office, poring over financial reports and investor summaries. The warm glow of her desk lamp illuminated the papers spread before her, but her focus kept drifting. Xanos. The name hung in her mind like a storm cloud, dark and ominous.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She reached for it absentmindedly, expecting a message from Tobias or Zayden. But when she unlocked the screen, her heart stopped.
“You thought you won.”
The message was simple but chilling. It was from an unknown number, and there was no indication of who had sent it. But deep down, Victoria knew. This wasn’t just anyone. This was Xanos.
Her breath quickened as she stared at the message, her mind racing. How did they have her number? What did they mean by “you thought you won”?
She quickly dialed Jonathan, her hands trembling slightly as she held the phone to her ear.
He picked up after a few rings, his voice casual. “What’s up, boss?”
“Jonathan,” she said, her voice tight. “I just got a message. From Xanos.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “What did it say?”
“‘You thought you won,’” Victoria replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “They’re taunting me.”
Jonathan cursed under his breath. “That’s bold. Sending you a direct message like that—whoever this Xanos is, they’re not afraid to make themselves known.”
“Or they’re trying to scare me,” Victoria said, her grip on the phone tightening. “They want me to know they’re still out there.”
“What do you want me to do?” Jonathan asked, his tone serious now.
“Track the number if you can,” Victoria said. “And double-check our security measures. I don’t want anyone getting access to company records—or my personal life.”
“On it,” Jonathan said. “But V, you need to be careful. If Xanos is watching, this could get dangerous fast.”
“I know,” Victoria said, her voice firm. “But I’m not backing down. Whoever they are, they won’t win.”
Jonathan sighed. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. Alright, I’ll call you as soon as I have anything.”
“Thanks, Jonathan,” she said, hanging up the phone.
Victoria leaned back in her chair, exhaling shakily. The message replayed in her mind, the words echoing ominously. Xanos wasn’t done with her—or with Kane Industries. But if they thought she was going to roll over and let them win, they were dead wrong.
Her phone buzzed again, and for a moment, her heart jumped. She grabbed it quickly, but it was just a message from Zayden.
“How’s my favorite CEO? Don’t forget to eat something.”
A small smile tugged at her lips. She replied quickly: “Thanks, Dr. Protective. I’ll eat soon.”
