Chapter 15

Jake was someone who excelled in strategy. Every action he took was intentional, calculated, and designed for maximum effect. His recent choice to recruit Mason Garcia was no different. The young assistant had demonstrated his capabilities at a smaller firm, impressing Jake with his keen intellect and ability to foresee moves before they materialized.

Mason wasn’t your average corporate ladder-climber. He dressed impeccably—tailored suits, polished footwear, and a watch that whispered luxury—but what distinguished him was his flexibility. Whether analyzing figures in a dim office or maneuvering through the complexities of a bustling boardroom, Mason understood how to navigate the game. Jake had snatched him from relative anonymity, and now, as they stood in Jake’s office, Mason was about to face his first significant challenge.

“Amelia plays a vital role in this,” Jake stated, breaking the silence as he leaned against his desk, his intense gaze fixed on Mason. “She’s intelligent, resourceful—but she’s stepping into a war zone. Catherine and Ronald will do everything possible to undermine her.”

Mason nodded, maintaining a straight yet relaxed posture. “Do you want me to monitor them?”

“Not just monitor,” Jake responded, his voice sharp. “I need you to think ahead. Predict their moves, find leverage, and keep me updated. If Amelia falters, this whole operation could fall apart.”

Mason inclined his head, contemplating Jake’s words. “What about Amelia herself? Is she aware of how delicate her situation is?”

Jake’s lips curved into a slight smile, although it didn’t genuinely reach his eyes. “Amelia is aware. She’s tougher than she appears, but even the fiercest need a safety net. That’s where you come into play.”

*******

Amelia sat in her office, a space that felt both alien and stifling despite its sophistication. The burden of the morning meeting still loomed over her, with Catherine’s subtle digs echoing in her mind like a damaged record. She was absorbed in a financial report when a gentle knock at the door broke her concentration.

“Come in,” she replied, her voice sharper than she had meant to sound.

The door swung open to reveal a tall young man with pronounced features and an aura of quiet assurance. He entered, holding a sleek tablet in one hand and a folder in the other.

“Ms. Rodriguez?” he inquired, his voice firm yet courteous.

“Yes?” she responded, setting her pen aside and giving him her undivided attention.

“I’m Mason Parker,” he introduced himself, flashing a small smile. “Jake’s assistant. I thought it was time we introduced ourselves.”

Amelia scrutinized him for a moment, evaluating his composed demeanor. “Pleasure to meet you, Mason. How can I assist you?”

Mason stepped forward and placed the tablet on her desk. “Actually, I’m here to assist you. Jake thought you might appreciate some extra support.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Support?”

Mason swiped through the tablet, showcasing a series of charts, emails, and notes. “Catherine has been holding private meetings with key board members. She’s laying the foundation for a campaign against you—subtle for now, but it’s intensifying.”

Amelia’s jaw clenched as she reviewed the information. “Jake is aware of this?”

Mason gave a small nod. “He knows. But he wanted you to receive the details directly. The question is, how do you intend to respond?”

Amelia leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. “And you?” she asked, her tone controlled. “What’s your role in this situation?”

“I’m here to ensure you have what you need to navigate this situation,” Mason replied plainly. “Information, strategies, resources—whatever it takes.”

The atmosphere in the boardroom was charged with tension as Amelia and Jake entered side by side, with Mason trailing a few steps behind. Catherine was already seated, her impeccably styled hair and fitted suit sharply contrasting the barely masked hostility in her gaze. Ronald occupied the head of the table, his expression unreadable.

“I appreciate everyone coming on such short notice,” Catherine began, her tone as sweet as venom. “I’ve convened this meeting to address some issues concerning the company’s current trajectory.”

Jake reclined in his chair, his face inscrutable while Mason settled in next to him, prepared to take notes. Meanwhile, Amelia maintained her focus on Catherine, her posture rigid and her determination unwavering.

Catherine’s presentation was a textbook example of manipulation. She spoke in broad strokes, intermingling concerns about the company’s future with subtle jabs at Amelia’s abilities. Her carefully selected words aimed to instill doubt without making outright accusations.

Once she finished, silence enveloped the room for a moment, the tension palpable.

Amelia took a moment before responding, her tone steady yet incisive. “While I value your concerns, Catherine, I’d like to remind everyone that the company’s recent successes are a direct result of the strategies we’ve put in place. It’s simple to criticize from a distance, but the data illustrates a different story.”

She pressed a button on her tablet, projecting a series of charts and graphs onto the display. The murmurs in the room grew as the data showcased a definitive upward trajectory in revenue and market share—proof that Amelia’s approaches were effective.

Catherine’s smile grew strained, yet she remained composed. “Data can be analyzed in numerous ways,” she countered smoothly. “My point is merely that we should exercise caution when making unilateral decisions without consulting the broader team.”

Jake seized this opportunity to speak, his tone calm yet commanding. “Catherine, we’re all here for the same objective: the prosperity of Wellington Enterprises. If you have concrete concerns, I suggest you share them along with actionable solutions instead of vague criticisms.”

The atmosphere in the room shifted as Jake’s words resonated, a subtle yet impactful rebuke. Catherine’s gaze darted to Ronald, who offered a slight nod, signaling her to relent—for the moment.

*******”*

Following the meeting, Amelia retreated to her office, her mind racing. She had stood firm, but the conflict was far from resolved. A few minutes later, Mason appeared at her door, a folder in hand.

“That was quite impressive,” he remarked, placing the folder on her desk. “You not only defended yourself—you changed the entire narrative.”

Amelia offered a small, weary smile. “Thank you. But Catherine won’t back down easily.”

Mason acknowledged her with a nod. “No, she won’t. But we won't either.”

As he prepared to exit, Amelia called out to him. “Mason?”

He paused and looked back.

“Thank you,” she said simply.

He returned her small smile before shutting the door behind him.

Amelia reclined in her chair and noticed an envelope resting on her desk. With a frown, she tore it open and unfolded the enclosed letter.

Her heart raced as she read the graceful handwriting: a summons to a private dinner hosted by Ronald.

She examined the letter for an extended moment, her thoughts swirling. What was Ronald’s intention this time?

**********

Later that evening, Jake and Mason gathered in the dimly lit bar they often visited for late-night strategy discussions. The atmosphere between them was charged yet purposeful as they reviewed the events of the day.

“She’s standing firm,” Mason remarked, indicating Amelia. “But Catherine isn’t going to drop this.”

Jake swirled his drink contemplatively. “Catherine poses a challenge, but she’s not the only threat. Ronald’s up to something as well, and I dislike being in the dark about his motives.”

Mason grimaced, his sharp intellect already analyzing scenarios. “Do you suspect the dinner invitation could be a trap?”

Jake’s grin was chilling and strategic. “With Ronald, it’s always a setup. The real question is, who’s the target?”

As they exited the bar, Jake received a message on his phone. It was from Amelia: We need to discuss this. Immediately!