Chapter 478
Chapter 478
The black van cruised steadily along the outer-city highway, far from the crowded center. Its windows were tinted, the engine quiet, and two other vehicles followed at a measured distance, keeping to the same lane. Harold sat comfortably in the middle seat, one leg crossed over the other, his suit immaculate-as if he’d just stepped out of a business meeting, not fled the scene.
He smiled in satisfaction.
“I knew it,” he said lightly. A cigar rested between his fingers; one he’d been enjoying for some time now. He didn’t seem to care that the cabin felt stuffy despite the window being cracked open. His other handheld a phone, used to stay connected with a select few people.
One of them had been Oscar.
“I was certain that when Oscar called me, he was already tracking my location,” Harold continued. “There’s no way someone who’s gone completely off the grid suddenly calls and starts asking questions p>
The assistant seated across from him—a man in his forties with an impassive face and sharp eyes—nodded. “ You really did account for this possibility p>
Harold gave a thin smile. “Experience has taught me to stay alert. If we’re going up against the Miller family, we have to be prepared for every scenario. They’re extremely cunning p>
“But they were still slower than you, Mr. Harold. They thought you were still there p>
Harold let out a short, mocking laugh. “They truly think I’m an idiot. Let them enjoy that assumption. I’ll keep pressing them from every angle-until they can’t think straight anymore about where the next attack will come from p>
The assistant clapped softly in appreciation. “You really are an expert p>
Harold merely smirked, took another draw from his cigar, and blew the smoke out the window. He turned his attention to the view outside, watching the white road lines rush past.
“It’s a shame Oscar got caught,” he said quietly. “I’d already given him everything he wanted-freedom to move overseas, a comfortable life with his family, a new identity p>
“Very unfortunate p>
Harold chuckled. “You’re right. Such a shame. Oscar was actually quite useful. Turns out, though, he could be careless p>
The van continued on. One of the guards in front glanced at the rearview mirror, making sure no one was tailing them. He nodded subtly to the assistant, signaling that all was clear.
“Our destination is still as planned?” Harold asked.
“Yes, sir,” the assistant replied. “The route has been confirmed secure. No one is following us p>
Harold’s smile widened. “Good p>
He tapped at his phone, and moments later, Bret’s name appeared on the screen. Harold leaned back, as if
Chapter 478
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settling in to enjoy this conversation.
“Harold,” Bret’s voice came through, energized. “You really did prepare everything perfectly p>
“I just don’t like being greeted by uninvited guests,” Harold replied casually. “How’s Callister Group doing?” “A mess,” Bret answered without hesitation. “Everyone’s scrambling to save themselves. Just like you predicted, they’re turning on one another. The board is starting to waver, questioning Daven’s performance. And our kind-hearted CEO is still stuck at the prosecutor’s office-plenty for him to answer for. Including the fabricated files, I sent over p>
Harold laughed in satisfaction. “I can’t wait to see that man splashed across the news. The fake stories I asked you to spread—you followed the plan, right p>
“Yes. You don’t need to worry. They were thrilled stories like this are rare. The media swallows anything we throw at them p>
Harold nodded, pleased. “Good. That means everything is unfolding exactly as planned p>
“You know,” Bret went on, his voice rising with excitement, “I must admit—you’re incredible. Everything is happening just like you said. Daven is trapped in there, forced to deal with things he never saw coming. He can’t even move to defend himself p>
“He’ll endure,” Harold said calmly. “He’s not the type to give up easily. But endurance isn’t the same as winning p>
Bret chuckled. “True. Tomorrow, the protest in front of Callister’s office is ready. I’ve made sure the numbers are big enough. Banners, demands-everything. Plenty of people have even reached out, asking to join in p>
“Make sure the demands are clear,” Harold instructed. “Call for Daven to hand over the CEO position to someone more competent. Emphasize the word competent. The public loves that p>
“It’s already done,” Bret replied quickly. “We’re also pushing the narrative that this is for the company’s stability. And the journalists-they’re incredibly eager to show up early p>
“Good,” Harold said. “Don’t attack him too personally. Let the public do that on its own p>
Bret fell silent for a moment, then said with admiration, “You really know how to bring someone down without ever touching them p>
Harold gave a thin smile. “That’s called grand strategy-taking down people who stand on solid ground p>
“And after this?” Bret asked.
“We watch his reaction,” Harold replied. “If he holds out too long, we increase the pressure. Investors. Overseas partners. They can all be mobilized p>
“And if he steps down p>
“Even better,” Harold said lightly. “That just speeds things up. You’ll need to step forward without hesitation. I’m sure plenty of voices will support you. Callister may belong to Daven, but leadership can collapse when the owner is deemed incompetent. And employees won’t want to work under an incompetent leader p>
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The call ended.
Harold slipped his phone away and turned to his assistant. “See? Everything’s moving smoothly p>
“As long as there are no new variables,” the assistant replied.
Harold chuckled softly. “There are always variables. Our job is simply to control them p>
The assistant’s words made Harold glance back at his phone. This time, he needed to speak with Selena.
“Have you seen the news p>
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