Future Alpha's arranged Mate

Chapter 4 - Board meeting

Nick's POV

When I opened my eyes, it felt like a thousand drums were banging inside my head. I screamed in pain and at once my servants lined up in front of me.

"Sir, are you in pain? Do you need a doctor?" The head of the servants asked.

"Get me some painkillers for this headache." I ordered, and within seconds a glass of water with the pills was presented in front of me. I took the pills and ordered them.

"Throw away that powder. Just flush it off." I pointed at the package on the side table. I should have just gotten drunk rather than consuming that drug. 'I will never ever touch that again', I swore to myself.

I looked at the time and it was already 7 in the evening. That means I have been on hold of the drug for about 7 hours. I have just wasted my time instead of thinking of a way to save myself from this marriage. Dad has just given me 24 hours and I have already wasted one third of it.

"I am hungry."

All the servants hurried out at once after hearing me. I know the table will be set within no time. I went to the washroom and to a nice shower before heading out to the dining table. You can call my apartment a condo because I own the whole floor. Other floors actually have four apartments, but my floor just has one big condo. It has got all the facilities you can get at a five-star resort. It has four bedrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped gym, an entertainment room and even a small pool on the balcony. For some reason, I have never brought any girls to my home. It might be because I didn't want any one of them to be close to me or my things. For me, they were just an object of pleasure for which I paid them. I don't have any regrets because I have given them what they need. It's always been a give and take policy.

I do have a lot of friends who actually are with me just because of my money. The circle of people around me was always because of money and they called themselves my friends. I know the truth and that's why I have never allowed any one of them to be closer to me. I always kept a borderline and I never allowed any one of them to cross it. I have never brought any of my so-called friends to my apartment because this is my Empire and I will never allow anyone to intrude.

After coming out of the shower, I went to the dining area. All my favorite dishes are served on the table. After filling my growling tummy, I went to my study to think. I went through my list of girls I know but didn't find a single one that could at least stand a chance to be my wife. It was 4 in the morning when I finally decided to go with the flow. With that decision I went to my gym and started my workout. By 7, I got ready in my office attire to attend the board meeting.

It was already 9.00 when I reached my office. My secretary, who is also a man, was waiting for me at the entrance. It was dad's decision to appoint a male secretary for me. He handed me a file which had the agenda of the board meeting.

"Roy, get me my usual coffee," I said, and went to my cabin.

I had almost finished the file when Roy came in with my coffee. He kept the coffee on the table and waited for my order. It was just the usual stuff and I wondered why dad wanted me to attend the board meeting. It's going to be boring as always.

"Roy, do you know why this urgent meeting is called?" I asked, because it's rare to have a board meeting without prior notice.

"No sir, but there are rumors that Mr. Louis Gareth is going to make some important announcements at the meeting. Your cousin Frederick is also invited to the meeting." Roy said, making me shocked.

"But he isn't even a member of the board. He has nothing to do with our business, so why on earth is he invited to the meeting?" It felt as if I was going to lose my mind.

"Do I have to make some preparations?" I asked again.

"If you could please go through the monthly report I have attached. It's not been a good month for the company. The share prices have gone down like never before. I am sure the shareholders are waiting for a reasonable explanation," Roy said,.

"I don't have the presence of mind to go through the report. Just give me a brief explanation. What's the main reason for the share price fall?" I asked.

"As far as I have understood, Gareth Communications is the one going to lose. The main reason behind this is our new rival, JR communication. They have made tremendous growth in just a few months. They are nowadays on the news because of their new venture which is again going to affect our business. They are entering the steel industry soon and, as you know, Gareth, the industry leads the field, they are definitely going to target us." Roy said.

"Did you find anything suspicious?" My secretary is the best personal detective.

"I didn't get any evidence but I suspect that there is someone inside our office who helps them to know our secrets. In the last three months, whatever strategies our team prepared, JR communications applied it before us." Roy said,

"That means there is a traitor among us."

"Yes."

"Did you find out who it is?" I asked.

"Not yet sir, you know we have a large number of employees and to check each and every employee takes time." Roy said,

"I can help you with that." Roy didn't seem to believe me.

"Do you think I am boasting?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, but I haven't ever seen you working." He said in a low voice.

"That's true, because I don't have to. There are people who work for me," I said,

"Yes, there are people to work for you, but if you don't keep an eye on them they are going to destroy you," Roy advised.

"You are right and that's why I am here to solve the problem. By the way, let me tell you that I am a tech expert. You just go and get me the account details of all the employees of Gareth communications." I said,

"I will mail you the details right now." He said, opening up his tablet.

Within 2 minutes, the details of the entire staff members were in my email. I started to check the bank account details of every employee by hacking their accounts. Soon I found three accounts which have made huge transactions in the last three months. I got the details and took printouts. I just felt proud of myself.

Walking to the board room, I met Frederick on the way. He wished me good morning but I ignored him and walked forward. It's always been like this. He was always a good boy and he always behaved well with everyone, especially with me. How hard I tried to avoid him, he always smiled. I don't know why, but I don't like him. It might be because my father likes him and gives him everything that's mine.

Dad had not yet come for the meeting and so I took my seat right beside his chair. Within 10 minutes, all the board members came and at last met my dad. He came and took his seat beside me.

"First of all, thank you so much for coming on such short notice. As you all know that Gareth's communications are not doing well, we have to take a decision. That's why I have invited Mr. Frederick Gareth. Frederick has some new ideas about reviving our business. I know he is not a member of the board and I request everyone to consider him as our advisor at this crucial time. I would like to invite Mr Frederick Gareth to explain his proposal."

No one raised any objection. It's always been like this. Dad really has a dominant power and no one dares to offend him. I wanted to raise the objection but stayed back thinking that it might help the business, ultimately giving me profit. When Frederick finished his presentation, I stood up and got dad's permission to keep my part.

"Frederick has presented a good proposal and this might help our business. But what's the use of this proposal when our rivals are going to apply it before us?" I said,

"What do you mean, Nick?" Dad asked.

"I mean our secrets are being leaked."

"Do you have any proof?" Dad's nose became red in anger.

"Yes, I do have proof." I said, passing the printouts to dad. He became more and more angry as he went through the papers. Next thing he did was to call his bodyguard and whisper something in his ears. The bodyguard left and the entire room fell silent.

"I never knew that my son was so smart. Now all my worries about him have gone. My son has become responsible and is definitely prepared to take over the business from me. I never thought that I was going to make this announcement today or ever in the near future." Dad turned to me and said,

"I am proud of you, my son, and I am happy that you are ready to take responsibility." She then turned to the board members and said,

"I declare my son, Mr Nicholas Gareth, as the future CEO of the Gareth business. He will take charge of the CEO after his wedding." I just couldn't believe my ears.