The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 15

A SECRET UNTOLD 

“Mr Keith–” she started, fiddling slightly with her nails while clutching the tablet tightly to herself.

A fresh wave of emotions enveloped Manuel. This was rather unusual for a woman known for her influence.

“If you're wondering about your father's poisoning–”

“You know about it?” Manuel sprung up on his feet instantly. His countenance was nothing close to excitement.

“And nobody told me a word about it?” He was devastated. Just when he'd grown to trust his new surroundings, he was now forced to discern if Laura was one of the enemies he should be worried about.

“I'm sorry, I failed you–” she tried to say but Manuel was done listening.

“I have an annual general meeting to attend tomorrow, I should prepare for it. You're dismissed.” His tone was less harsher but Laura knew she had to give him his space.

The ancient whispers came again. Manuel knew he couldn't do anything here at the office. Without checking out at the reception, he drove to his villa.

The Bloodroot herb helped him ascend into a new realm the previous day and Manuel was sure it hadn't finished it's purpose.

He placed it before him as he did previously, then sat cross-legged. Hours passed and nothing happened. The feeling he felt the first time wasn't there. 

Frustrated, he picked up the herb to dispose of it but as soon as he touched it, his environment seemed to change. He was now standing in an ancient battlefield.

The dust on the ground was red with blood. There were fallen soldiers everywhere but one seemed to stand out. Although he was dead, impaled through his heart by a spear.

Manuel proceeded forward to get a better look at him. Just as he was about to lift up the warrior's head, his leg was grabbed tightly, nails digging into his flesh.

Manuel flinched. 

The soldier raised his almost decayed head to face Manuel who was obviously terrified. The whole scene felt bizarre to him. 

“Find my essence!” The words were lifeless but the power knocked Manuel out of this bizarre environment and he instantly opened his eyes in the real world.

He was lying face first on the ground and his grip on the Bloodroot herb was tight. He rolled over and slept on his back, facing the ceiling.

There was just too much for him to handle alone and he couldn't bring himself to trust Laura anymore. There was also Christopher Wykes. Manuel could tell he wanted something but somehow a part of him just wanted to believe in Christopher.

The night slowly crawled into morning and anticipation became high for the annual general meeting. The company was already bustling with life even before executives arrived.

Laura was already at Manuel's villa as early as 7pm. Manuel flowed through the awkward gestures even till they got into the Rolls-Royce.

“If you're still interested in the poisoning, you shouldn't search for it from twenty years ago.” She began as soon as the journey commenced, grabbing his attention.

Manuel was silent.

“Seven years ago, I'd just returned from the company after standing in for your father.” 

Manuel adjusted in his seat, dropping his full focus on Laura.

“Upon getting to the gate of his villa, I noticed it was slightly unlocked. My instincts instantly told me that someone had just left the house in a hurry and they'd forgotten to lock the gate completely.”

“When I got to where your father was, he was seated with his legs crossed, with bloodstains on the side of his mouth.”

“I was too bewildered to say anything. So I just stood there watching your father for hours. Then he stood up, placed his hand on my shoulder and told me not to worry.”

When she said this, she sniffled. She was crying already.

“I knew your father was poisoned because I couldn't find his butler anywhere around the villa. Not only did I fail to protect your father, I also failed to catch the perpetrators.” 

Manuel sat behind silently processing the information he'd just heard. 

“How long did the butler stay with my father?” Manuel finally said.

“What is the name of my father's Butler?” He asked again.

Before Laura could reply him, she aggressively smashed on the brakes. Manuel looked outside from the window beside him, there was a car beside them. 

“We're surrounded.” Laura said.

“Stay inside, I'll handle this.” She pushed open the door and walked outside. 

Indeed there was a car in front of them, one behind them and two beside them. Upon seeing Laura, the people inside the four cars began to alight from their cars. Some held barbed baseball bats while others were with long iron rods.

“Laura Ivanovich!” A thick masculine voice called from behind the mob.

Laura knew the voice. He was an old acquaintance of hers whom she eventually bested as time went by. Because of their difference in status, he chose to become the lapdog of the higher-ups to make a name for himself. 

“Danny Drexel!” Laura called out too.

Using one hand, Danny pushed aside one of his men, sending him flying into the car beside the Rolls-Royce. 

“Danny Drexel is dead. Call me the Direwolf!” He said, stomping the head of the baseball bat on the ground. The impact left a crack on the ground.

“You're not our target. Give us the man inside and you'll walk away with your pretty face.” Danny said, picking his nose with one hand.

“Who paid you to make me attend my own ceremony late?” 

Laura recognized that voice. She spun around hastily. Behind her was Manuel without the jacket of his suit. He was slowly wrapping his black tie around his right palm.

“Mr Keith. I told you not to come outside.” Laura said with concern written all over her face.

“You should have listened to her pretty boy! Now we might have to roughen you up a bit.”