Beneath Her

George's POV

The date and time on the wall clock read Monday 26th, 9:30am.

The weather was cold. Clouds had gathered and darkened, giving an eerie look to the atmosphere.

From the 21st floor, I looked outside–strong winds swept through trees, grasses, and flowers, making them sway in different directions as if dancing to the beat of a melodious tune.

The occasional rumbling of thunder was heard and was accompanied by lightning.

I looked back at the people still sitting before me in the boardroom. Their coffee had gone cold-barely touched even.

The look of panic rested on each of their faces. And the smell of the cold coffee hung thickly in the air.

"What did you just say?" I asked, still in disbelief.

No response.

I walked away from the window to sit at the head of the table.

"Explain it again", I said, rubbing my temples, "slowly this time".

With a shaky voice, the CFO managed to reply.

"The stock prices have...plummeted. The banks denied the loans we requested. The bid for the Southland...w-we've lost it. And the hotel expansion in Monaco...it's frozen. Alongside the money in the banks...all frozen..."

He paused and shifted uncomfortably, scanning round the room, as if asking for permission to go on.

He cleared his throat nervously and continued.

"Also, the airline's permit was abrogated. The board members...they want a meeting. And as for the Feds...well...um, they're...they're seeking to hold someone accountable".

Silence swept through the room once more. You could hear a pin drop.

I stood up, throwing my hands in the air. "All of these, happening so suddenly? Who could be behind this? Why now?"

They all kept quiet, heads hung low, feeling defeated.

A shift in the market couldn't be responsible for all of these. It wasn't just bad luck either.

It was not uncommon that a man like me who wielded much power and influence, oftentimes than not had enemies. Still, there were indications that this may as well be targeted.

It felt personal.

After I had signed that deal three months ago, everything took a downturn for me and I never saw it coming.

I pushed my chair backwards and walked to the window again. The view from up here overlooked the magnificence of the city. I stared at nothing in particular, and somehow, I was engulfed by the feelings of nostalgia.

For years, my empire had been untouchable–spanning across construction, aviation, and the hospitality industry.

The very company I had built from the ground up, with my blood, sweat, and tears now lies on the brink of total collapse.

My chest tightened and I instinctively flung my hand over my chest swaying lightly. My assistant quickly rushed over to steady me but I waved him off with a hand.

I had to put up a front to act strong. I couldn't risk looking weak or acting sickly in front of them.

"You all may leave now," I said, "thanks for coming".

Having said that, they gathered up their things, bowed respectfully, and left the boardroom.

"Sir, it's time for you to take your pills," Eric said. 

I chuckled.