Crimson Inheritance

Chapter 8: The Windsor Connection

Simon was still reeling from Arthur's question the day before, the inquiry gnawing at the edges of his thoughts. What did he mean by that? The question echoed, a dark undercurrent beneath the surface of his mind. Why would Arthur ask something so pointed? Simon had never encountered such suspicion from Arthur before. The implications were unsettling.

Then, like a thunderclap, the realization struck. A wave of fury surged through Simon, igniting his blood with indignation. How dare he question my loyalty? The thought seared through him. Ten years! Ten solid years I've devoted to this company, to Arthur himself. And this is the thanks I get? The anger boiled over, a scalding mix of hurt and disbelief. He thinks I've taken a bribe? He believes I was the one who allowed the deal to slip into Beaumont's hands? The sheer audacity of it left Simon seething. After all my selfless service, this is how he repays me?

Resolute, Simon made a decision. I must confront him, even if it means risking everything. The thought of the consequences did not deter him; the injustice could not go unaddressed.

With a firm knock, Simon announced himself at Arthur's office door. Arthur, seated with a commanding presence, was watching the news. Without turning, he gave a clipped command. "Come in."

"Sir, I need to—" Simon began, his voice brimming with restrained emotion.

"Shhh," Arthur silenced him with a sharp gesture, not even glancing away from the screen. He pointed towards the television, his eyes fixated on the live broadcast.

Simon's gaze followed, his words faltering as he recognized the figure on the screen. There, in full view, was Nicholas Beaumont, speaking in a live interview that held Arthur's undivided attention. 

The reporter leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So, how do you feel about your acquisition success?" she inquired, her tone laced with anticipation.

Nicholas Beaumont, ever composed, smiled with a hint of satisfaction. "I am elated," he began, his voice smooth and confident. "I have worked tirelessly for five years to build Beaumont Corporation into what it is today. This acquisition is a major leap for our business, one that will open doors to even greater opportunities. It will allow us to challenge ourselves and push Beaumont to new heights." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing with a light chuckle. "Though I admit, it wasn't easy."

Arthur's expression remained stony, his eyes narrowing as he listened intently. The room felt charged with tension, every word from Nicholas driving the dagger deeper.

The reporter, sensing the gravity of the moment, pressed on. "How did you make this happen, considering Mindsmith is a tech giant and had been a target for the powerful Remington Group for months?"

Nicholas's smile widened, a glint of triumph in his eyes. "It's all about the right moment, the right opportunity. We meticulously planned every step, ensuring that we catered to all of Mindsmith's needs, giving them what Remington couldn't." He leaned in slightly, his voice taking on a tone of subtle challenge. "The proposition was carefully crafted by our team, with no detail overlooked. You see, one must work hard for what they want, and perhaps Remington should learn from this—never let your guard down."

He's brave, Simon thought, his eyes absorbing the words of the man on television. 

Arthur's eyes darkened, a storm gathering in their depths as the weight of Nicholas's words bore down on him.  

The reporter's voice cut through the tension. "Does this not spoil your relationship with the Remington Group?"

Nicholas, unruffled and almost smug, responded with a casual shrug. "We have no relationship yet," he began, his tone laced with an air of superiority. "But I trust Mr. Arthur Remington is no child. He understands the way business works, the way this world works. It's about who crosses the finish line first. He said this himself in an interview a few years back." Nicholas paused, letting the reminder hang in the air like a challenge.