Reprisal

Chapter 28 : Payback In Kind

“First of all, I'd like to inform you all that you are addressed to the CEO of Wilder Chemicals at the moment. Due to Foxen Wilder's unstable health, I have been handed over the responsibilities to look after everything.”

Christopher was addressed to the press that afternoon. After signing the letter of attorney, he had went straight to office, calling a meeting where he declared the same in front of the investors and board of directors. He also signed the guarantee which the investors were persistently demanding but he knew the company will not be in such predicament because of the statement he was going to give the press.

“On the behalf of the Wilder family, I want to announce that no one in the family or in the company is associated to Aiden Wilder anymore. The revelation of his involvement in drug trafficking has deeply hurt and infuriated us. Because of him, Mr. Wilder has suffered cardiac arrest and is still in a fragile condition in the ICU. I am assuring CBSA and the police department that they'll have our full cooperation in his arrest and if anything we can do to assist you in the task, we are available.”

That was a huge statement. One, he was giving without Foxen's order or even consultation. But he didn't care anymore. Everything will happen the way he wanted now. And nobody could do anything about it.

“Secondly, I am happy and proud to inform you all, specially our public, that the forensic has declared all our samples free of toxins and harmful drugs. This confirms that we never did compromise people's health and never will. The vision behind this company was solely providing people with toxin free products, easing up their daily life.”

A fond smile came upon his face, remembering his father. Harold had worked so hard literally for people's welfare. He will not let his father's hard work getting wasted.

“Mr. Watson, last question. What do you have to say on Mr. Wilder's health ? Are you sure about his recovery ?”

He heaved a long sigh, faking sadness. “The doctors are hopeful regarding his recovery but they are not giving me the guarantee that I want. They asked me to be prepared as a very small ratio survives to discharge in the case of cardiac arrest. I want you all to pray for the best to happen.”

And the best was Foxen leaving the world and decreasing some pollution from it.

“Even before becoming a part of this family, I had seen him in my father's place. I have learnt so much from him. Whatever I am today, it's because of him.” - he spoke straight facts, forcing moisture in his eyes to seem emotional. “Please pray for the best.” - he said in a constrained voice and backed off from the mics and cameras.

The guards immediately created a barrier between him and the press, giving him chance to move towards his car and leave for the hospital.

He had a very important meeting to hold. The one, for which he was waiting for seventeen years.

~

Isabel was seated on a chair outside the ICU room, flipping through a health magazine, when she saw Christopher walking down the hallway towards her.

An instant smile appeared on her face.

For the first time, apart from their wedding day, he was dressed up in a suit for the office — a black suit no less! Even when she had transferred her shares on his name and he had become a boss, he had not opted that attire. And now, looking at him in a black four piece suit, she agreed he shouldn't wear it often otherwise the heart attack ratio of Canada would overtake all the countries in the world.

His addictive patchouli fragrance reached her before him. A smile on his face as he came to a stop before her.

“I thought you'll be hard to catch now.” - she teased, closing the magazine and reclining in the chair.