Luke Callas; The Underworld King

Executive Authorization

A few minutes later, the door opened, and a man in his early forties stepped inside.

Daniel Reed has worked with Luke for almost four years, he is responsible for overseeing the company's financial operations and administrative departments.

"Good morning, sir." Daniel gave a slight smile.

"Take a seat." Luke didn't bother to look at him.

Daniel pulled out a chair, then Luke turned his monitor towards him.

"Do you recognize this company?" His voice was different from what Daniel knew for the first time.

Daniel adjusted his glasses and examined the screen.

"Northbridge Holdings?"

"Yes, clearly that's what is written on the screen."

He stared at the transaction records.

"I don't think so, sir."

"Eight million dollars have been transferred to them from our reserve account, Daniel."

Daniel's expression changed.

"E-eight million?"

"in over six weeks."

"W-what? That's impossible. I review the financial reports every week."

"I know, nevertheless, someone has been moving money without attracting your attention."

Daniel leaned forward.

"Sir, I'll have the finance department investigate the matter immediately."

"No." Luke lowered his voice.

Daniel looked at him.

"Sir?"

"Listen, I want you to investigate these issue quietly on your own. Don't alert anyone in the finance department until we know what's happening."

"Do you suspect an internal breach?"

Luke leaned back.

"It might be possible, but I don't yet." He tapped his fingers against the table. "But someone has access to our financial records, and I want to know who."

Daniel nodded.

"Understood, chief."

"Also, get me everything you can find about these Northbridge Holdings, their registration documents, directors, business partners, everything."

"It will be done, sir."

Daniel stood up, but Luke stopped him.

"One more thing."

"Sir?"

"Who authorized the transfers?"

Daniel looked at the screen again.

"According to the records, they were approved using executive authorization."

Luke's expression remained unchanged.

"Whose authorization, Daniel?"

Daniel hesitated.

"Y-yours, sir."

Silence settled inside the office, Luke slowly straightened his back.

"I see."

He stared at the screen for several seconds, his knuckles turning white while resting on his laps, his thoughts raced back and forth—nothing came to mind, he didn't authorize anything, not even in his sleep.

"Sir? Are you alright?"

"Print everything." Luke waved his hand. "You may leave now."

"Yes, sir."

Daniel turned around and left the office.

Luke remained seated, he wasn't particularly worried about the money. Eight million dollars was a considerable amount, but it wasn't enough to cripple his company.

What troubled him mostly was the access, someone had deliberately used his authorization to move company funds, and whoever did it understood very well how the company operates.

He picked up his phone and called the company's chief financial officer.

There was no answer, he tried again, still nothing—Luke stared at the number for awhile before lowering the phone.

Something smelled fishy, and he could feel it like a smell that refuses to go no matter how much perfume is used.

---

At 12:40 p.m., Luke arrived home earlier than expected, he had already cancelled his afternoon meetings and instructed Daniel to continue the investigation.

He wanted to speak with Victoria, as she had once helped him review some of the company's early financial documents. Although she wasn't directly involved in its daily operations, she understood the business far better than most people.

More importantly, he trusted her.

He entered the apartment and found her sitting on the living room sofa.

She was speaking on the phone.

"...I told you to give me more time."

Her voice was low.

Luke stopped near the entrance, arms crossed, Victoria glanced up, their eyes met, she immediately ended the call.

"Honey. You're home early."

Luke placed his briefcase on the table.

"Meeting was cancelled."

"Oh."

He began to loosen his tie.

"Do care to tell me who that was?"

"Just one of my friends." She responded calmly.

"Everything alright with you guys?"

"Of course. Why?"

"Nothing."

His eyes left her. He marched towards the kitchen, Victoria watched him disappear around the corner before slowly lowering her phone, her expression changed and for several seconds, she remained still.

Then she opened her contacts and deleted the last number she called.

---

That evening, Luke sat at the dining table with Victoria, a bottle of expensive wine stood between them, and the food was still very warm.

The dinner was prepared by Victoria herself, something she rarely does these days.

Luke noticed.

"This is nice."

"What?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Dinner. We haven't done this in a while."

She smiled.

"You're making it sound like I never cook or don't know how to."

"When was the last time?"

"Luke!"

He laughed.

"Alright, I'm sorry."

For a while, they ate in comfortable silence, then Luke placed his cutlery down, his face showed every sign of a man bothered.

"Victoria, I need to ask you something."

She looked up.

"What is it?"

"Have you heard of a company called Northbridge Holdings?"