Richard Paige: They Chose the Wrong Enemy

008: Invitation Nobody Wanted

Daniel placed the weekly business reports on the table. "Our share price keeps dropping another three percent."

A shareholder sighed.

"We're losing confidence every day."

Another added, "If this continues, investors will completely pull out."

Victoria looked around the room. "We need something that restores public confidence."

Then another shareholder spoke.

"Our annual Investors' Gala is next week."

Several heads turned. He continued, "If we can make the event a success, perhaps the market will calm down."

Daniel nodded slowly. "That's our opportunity."

The fourth shareholder frowned. "But who will attend? Our biggest partners have already left. Our strongest supporters are gone."

Victoria thought for a moment, then she quietly said,

"What if we invite Chairman Morgan?"

Gaps filled the space. One of the shareholders almost laughed.

"Chairman Morgan? After everything that's happened?"

"He'll never accept."

Daniel looked at the table and slowly smiled.

"I'll invite him personally."

The following afternoon, in Vance Global Headquarters. Morgan finished reviewing a financial report.

His assistant entered with a silver envelope.

"Chairman. This has just arrived."

Morgan accepted it. The gold seal on the envelope immediately caught his attention.

Sterling Horizon Group.

He calmly opened it, and his assistant watched quietly. After reading for a few moments. Morgan placed the invitation on his desk.

His assistant asked,

"Shall we decline?"

Morgan stroked his beard in thought. "No."

The assistant blinked. "You'll attend?"

Morgan nodded.

"Sure. They hope my presence will strengthen their image."

The assistant smiled with mischief. "And will it?"

Morgan calmly picked up his coat.

"We'll find out."

***

Westbrook Academy. The school auditorium filled with applause. Kimberly smiled as she stood beside a large chessboard.

The final match had just ended, and her opponent extended his hand. "You played really well."

Kimberly smiled warmly. "So did you."

Her teacher walked onto the stage holding a small velvet box.

"Congratulations, Kimberly. You are this year's regional junior chess champion."

The audience applauded loudly. Kimberly accepted the trophy with a brightened smile.

The object was shaped like a white knight; she gently ran her fingers across it.

For a moment, she remembered the mysterious puzzles. She smiled softly.

"I wish Daddy could see this."

Her teacher laughed. "I'm sure he'd be very proud."

Kimberly looked down at the trophy.

"So do I."

***

Two days later, luxury cars screeched toward Sterling Horizon Group's grand hotel ballroom.

Photographers gathered outside, with bright camera flashes lighting the entrance.

Inside, Daniel adjusted his tie while Victoria checked the guest list one last time.

Everything had to go perfectly.

A board member hurried over. "The guests are arriving."

Daniel nodded.

"Beautiful."

Another board member approached. "What about Chairman Morgan?"

Before Daniel could answer, a security officer spoke into his radio.

"A black Rolls-Royce has just arrived."

Everyone instinctively turned toward the entrance.

Outside, the chauffeur stepped out first. He walked around the vehicle and opened the rear door.

A polished black shoe touched the red carpet. Then another…

Morgan Vance stepped out in a bespoke, perfectly tailored midnight-blue suit.

Camera shutters constantly flashed as reporters rushed forward.

"Chairman Vance! This way, please!"

"Chairman, one photograph! Chairman, welcome!"

Within seconds, the crowd that had been waiting for Sterling Horizon Group's executives completely shifted toward Morgan.

Daniel stood frozen near the entrance. The gala belonged to the Sterling Horizon Group, yet every eye, camera, and microphone was focused on one man.

Morgan adjusted his cufflinks calmly. He acknowledged the reporters with an observant nod.

Then, without a trace of arrogance, he walked toward the entrance.

Daniel watched silently, for reasons he couldn't explain… He suddenly felt like a guest at his own event.

Indistinct chatters filled the ballroom. Dozens of guests had gathered to celebrate Sterling Group. Yet almost every conversation stopped the moment Morgan Vance entered.

"That's Chairman Morgan… I've heard so much about him."

"They say he turned Vance Global into a powerful empire."

Investors, CEOs, and reporters slowly surrounded him. Morgan greeted each person with a calm smile.

"Good evening. It's a pleasure to see you." His voice was steady with simple manners.

He didn't try to become the center of attention, but somehow… He already was.

Daniel forced a smile and walked toward him.

"Chairman Morgan. Welcome to Sterling Horizon Group's Investors' Gala."

Morgan shook his hand politely.

"Thank you for the invitation. I appreciate your hospitality."

Daniel gestured toward the ballroom. "Please, allow me to introduce you to our board."

Morgan nodded.

"I'd be delighted."

One after another, the directors introduced themselves. Most wore astonishing smiles.

One of the board members finally spoke. "Chairman Morgan, perhaps one day Vance Global and Sterling Horizon Group can build a lasting partnership."

Morgan smiled gently. "I value partnerships." He paused just long enough for everyone to listen.

"However, they're built on trust, preparation... and consistency."

No one could disagree, yet Daniel felt as though the words carried a deeper meaning.

Dinner was served.

Victoria happened to be seated only a few chairs away from Morgan.

A waiter approached. "Chairman, would you like some tea?"

Morgan nodded.

"Thank you."

Without thinking, Morgan placed the cup on the saucer and poured the tea slowly, then stirred it once, with no sugar.

Then the spoon rested neatly beside the cup. Victoria's eyes widened ever so slightly as she mused

‘Richard… had always prepared tea exactly that way. Even the small pause before the first sip was the same.

She quickly looked away.

‘No… I'm imagining things. I'm losing my mind.’

When she looked back, Morgan was calmly discussing international markets with another guest.

His expression revealed nothing.

Near the stage, a famous billionaire investor accepted the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen… I'd like to make a brief announcement."

The ballroom became silent.

"Our investment fund has decided to expand its presence in New York."

Applause echoed across the hall.

Daniel smiled.

This was exactly the kind of news Sterling Horizon Group needed.

Then the investor continued.

"After careful evaluation… our first strategic partnership will be with Vance Global Holdings."

The applause became even louder. Many guests immediately turned toward Morgan.

Daniel's smile slowly faded, and several Sterling Horizon Group board members exchanged hardened glances.

The investor stepped down from the stage and walked straight toward Morgan.

"Chairman Vance. I look forward to building something extraordinary together."

Morgan rose and shook his hand.

"The feeling is mutual."

Across the room, Daniel quietly lowered his glass in shame and shock. This was supposed to be Sterling Horizon Group's night. Yet once again, the biggest victory belonged to someone else.

The gala slowly came to an end, and luxury cars lined the entrance. Guests thanked their hosts before leaving.

Morgan stepped into his waiting Rolls-Royce. His assistant handed him a slim black folder.

"We've completed the investigation, Chairman."

Morgan opened it.

Inside were copies of financial statements, wire transfers, and internal approval records.

And one page is highlighted in red.

He calmly read every document, then closed the folder.

His assistant glanced at him. "What are your instructions?"

Morgan hummed for a moment. "Not yet. They've only started to reveal their mistakes."

He handed the folder back, and the assistant nodded.

"I understand."

Morgan's car pulled away into the New York streets, while Daniel remained standing at the entrance of the hotel.

The gala had ended, and the fake smiles had finally faded. He stared at the empty driveway where Morgan's car had zoomed off.

For the first time, a question quietly entered his mind: Who exactly... is Morgan Vance?

Unknown to him, the next move was already in motion