the song of waves

Chapter 3 (Vēnor)

    Amelia comes back to the office and finds an  anxious looking alex,  her right hand man who has been walking back and forth since waiting for her arrival.
"Amelia, thank goodness you're here," Alex says, his voice laced with urgency. "We have a situation."Amelia raises an eyebrow, her mind already racing with worst-case scenarios. "What is it?"

"It's your one of your uncle max Brandon ," Alex replies, his eyes darting around the room as if fearful of being overheard. "His here. In the conference room. He arrived about an hour ago, demanding to speak with you."

Amelia's expression darkens. She had been expecting this, but not so soon. Her father's siblings and their children had always been a thorn in her side, resentful of her position and eager to undermine her authority."What do they want?" Amelia asks, her voice firm but controlled.

"It's Mr. Brandon and he did not say, but...Amelia, his being really aggressive. I think he is trying to make a move against you," Alex warns, his face tense with concern.
       Amelia's eyes narrow, her mind racing with strategies and countermeasures. She takes a deep breath, her shoulders squaring as she prepares to face the challenge ahead."Let's go find out what he wants ," she says, her voice cold and commanding.                 
        Amelia gets in the conference room and finds her uncle there . " Well is n't it my favorite niece", he greets standing up "hello Mr. Brandon , I see that ur  in good health", she responds coldly as she sits down on her office chair crossing her legs and gestures to him  to sit. Alex makes his  way and stands behind her . " So what brings you here , Mr. Brandon." She asks coldly. 
      Uncle Max smirks, his eyes gleaming with a knowing glint. "Ah, Amelia, always the poised and polished CEO. But I'm not here to exchange pleasantries. I've come to discuss the future of this company."Amelia's eyes narrow, her grip on the armrests tightening. "I'm listening, Mr Brandon   But please, get to the point. I have work to do. Uncle Max chuckles, his voice dripping with condescension. "Oh, I'm sure you do, dear. But this is important. You see, I've been talking to some of the other shareholders, and we're not pleased with the direction you're taking the company."Alex shifts uncomfortably behind Amelia, his eyes fixed on Uncle Max with a mixture of distrust and hostility. Amelia's face remains icy, her voice firm. "I'm aware of your concerns, Mr Brandon. But I assure you, I have everything under control."Uncle Max snorts, his expression mocking. "Oh, really? Well, we'll see about that. You see, we've been considering a...reorganization of the company's leadership. And I'm afraid your position is up for discussion." Amelia's eyes flash with anger, but she keeps her tone even. "I see. And what makes you think you have the authority to make such decisions, Mr Brandon?"The air is thick with tension as Uncle Max leans forward, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "Let's just say, Amelia, that I have... allies. And together, we'll make sure the company is run the way it should be".
         Amelia's eyes never leave her uncle's face, her gaze piercing and unwavering. "I see," she repeats, her voice dripping with ice. "And what makes you think I'll let that happen, Mr Brandon?"Uncle Max sneers, his confidence clearly fueled by his "allies". "You don't have a choice, Amelia. You're outnumbered and outmaneuvered. It's time for you to step down and let the adults take over."
     
       .....Alex takes a step forward, his presence as a silent threat, but Amelia raises a hand, halting him. "Not now, Alex," she says, her eyes never leaving her uncle's face.Uncle Max's smile grows wider, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Ah, Amelia. You really are as naive as your father was. You think you can run this company without us? Without our influence and connections?"
          Amelia's face goes white with anger, but she keeps her tone even. "I've run this company just fine without your interference, Mr Brandon. And I'll continue to do so, no matter what you and your allies try to do."Uncle Max's expression darkens, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "We'll see about that, Amelia. You're playing with fire, and you're going to get burned.
             Uncle Max stands up, his movements slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving Amelia's face. "I'll give you a choice, Amelia," he says, his voice dripping with malice. "Step down as CEO, and we'll let you leave with your dignity intact. Or...refuse, and we'll make sure you regret it."
       Amelia's eyes flash with anger, but she keeps her tone even. "I'll never step down, Uncle Max. And I'll never let you and your allies take control of this company."
      Uncle Max sneers, his face twisting with contempt. "We'll see about that," he repeats, his voice dripping with venom. "You're making a big mistake, Amelia. A mistake that will cost you everything."
   With that, he turns and walks out of the office, leaving Amelia seething with anger and frustration or so he thought .
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       Amelia's smirk grows wider as she leans back in her chair, steepling her fingers together. "Oh, this is just the beginning, Alex. My uncle thinks he's so clever, but he has no idea what's coming."
Alex raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "What have you got planned, Amelia?"
       Amelia's eyes glint with amusement. "Let's just say, I've been preparing for this moment for a long time. My uncle and his allies think they can take me down, but they're in for a surprise."_
       Just then, the phone on Amelia's desk rings, shrill and insistent. She picks it up, listening for a moment before a slow smile spreads across her face._

_"Ah, perfect timing," she says, hanging up the phone. "It seems my uncle has just been arrested for illegal trading. And as for his wealth...well, let's just say it's been 'redistributed' by the government."_
Alex's eyes widen in shock. "How did you...?"Amelia's smile grows wider. "Let's just say, I have my ways. And my uncle is not the only one on the list."