The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 19

ANOTHER ATTEMPT 

The words descended on Manuel like a boulder. His feet almost gave out upon hearing these words. Manuel didn't know how to react– if he should take it personal or address it professionally.

“Ms Laura Ivanovich is an important asset to Nightingale, she's not someone I can give away easily.” Manuel said, a half baked smile across his lips.

Mr Hyde wasn't pleased with this reply so he pressed further.

“I am one of the company's biggest share holders, do you know the accomplishments that await us once my son joins the board with Laura by his side?” he asked.

Even though Manuel understood the opportunities that surrounded this matchmaking, it still didn't sit well with him.

“I'm sorry Mr Hyde but Ms Ivanovich is off limits.” Manuel concluded.

“So that's a no?”

“I'm afraid so.” Manuel said and walked away. Laura trailed behind him unaware of what had just happened. 

Manuel interacted with a few of the board members. The rest of the evening went by smoothly and Manuel made sure to avoid small talks about his father, dismissing them with the assurance that he was undergoing private medication and would make an appearance soon enough.

The night ended and everyone slowly evacuated the hall but the night was far from over for Manuel.

“How did you even become the chairman's heir?” This was directed to Manuel and the voice was just too familiar.

“You stayed?” Manuel turned back, flashing a gaze of disbelief towards Lisa. 

Despite the news surrounding Jamie and Lisa, somehow, she still had people showering her attention. As soon as Manuel entered the spotlight, cameras clicked nonstop.

Lisa walked to him and stood just beside him but there was a gap between them– almost unnoticeable.

“I just wanted to satisfy my curiosity.” She smiled as the cameras clicked.

Manuel began to walk on the red carpet towards where his car was parked and Lisa walked behind him absorbing the fans' affection.

“Just a few days ago, you were running errands for me and now here you are.” She praised him but Manuel could smell the mockery laced within it.

“I want you to enjoy your victory while it lasts.” Lisa smirked and increased her pace.

Then she stopped.

“Because once Jamie is back on top, you're the first person who goes down.” She shot him one final smile before heading to her car.

Manuel just raised his brow in surprise. He didn't expect Lisa to have waited for the whole meeting to end just to say these words. He knew he'd to be a very stubborn person but today's own was personal.

“Mr Keith!” He was jolted to reality by Laura's call.

She opened the car’s backseat door and gestured for Manuel to get in. He gave a slight nod before entering. 

The ride back to the villa was longer than usual. Manuel was drowned in thoughts– his father's predicament, Lisa, Jamie, Lucas and the other members of the board. He couldn't discern who the enemies his father was talking about were but their agenda, he knew. They wanted the company.

Christopher had given him the clues he needed to save his father but then, finding a butler whom he'd never come in contact with in his life. He could ask Laura but that would be tomorrow. He was fired and so was she.

“We're here.” She said as the car came to a stop.

She came down first before opening the door for Manuel. Without glancing at her, he walked straight into his house, shutting the door behind him. He turned on the lights and threw himself on the chair.

“What a stressful day.” He muttered.

At least for the time being, he wasn't the centre of attraction. Freedom! That's the one thing Manuel missed about being his old self. 

He stood up, took off his suit jacket and threw it on the chair, then he walked into his room. He contemplated taking a shower before cultivating but the whispering words in his head won the vote.

He sat down on the floor, crossed his legs and shit his eyes. He took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled. There was a low hum, the dragon vein was alive. The room soon became hot and Manuel's aura began to rise.

Just when Manuel was about to break through to the next level of cultivation, everything sizzled off– the heat, the aura and the humming all died out. 

“What?” Manuel frowned.

That was not supposed to happen. Manuel searched deeper in his ancient mind, hoping to find the answers. Indeed, he was right.

There was a catalyst needed. Two catalysts precisely– behemoth's tears and longclaw's bark. A mixture of solid and liquid. These were ancient materials for cultivation which could never be found in the modern world.

What a pain! Just when he could already feel the power resonating within him. 

Then Manuel's ears twitched.

He slowly stood up already feeling fatigued from exerting too much of his strength. He thought he'd heard a sound so he walked to the living room to satisfy his curiosity. 

When he got there, there was nothing. Everything seemed perfect, just the way he'd left it. He turned back and made to return to his room but he heard the sound again.

He turned back sharply but the result was the same. Perhaps the dragon vein had enhanced his hearing so much, he could hear movement from miles away.

Manuel had barely taken a step when the stench of blood lust enveloped his nose. He was quick to dodge but the knife’s edge grazed his shoulder.

The assassin, clad in all black barely showing his eyes, backed off to regain his stance.

Manuel rolled his eyes. His ears hadn't been deceiving him after all.

“I think I've had enough assassination attempts in one day. Kindly tell Lucas that he's not getting away with this one.” Manuel said cockily.

The assassin tilted his head slightly and the pressure in the room increased.

“Who the hell… is Lucas?!”