Beneath Her Silver-Streak

George's POV

The date and time on the wall clock read Monday 26th, 9:30am.

The weather was cold. Clouds had gathered and darkened, giving an eerie look to the atmosphere.

From the 21st floor, I looked outside–strong winds swept through trees, grasses, and flowers, making them sway in different directions as if dancing to the beat of a melodious tune.

The occasional rumbling of thunder was heard and was accompanied by lightning.

I looked back at the people still sitting before me in the boardroom. Their coffee had gone cold-barely touched even.

The look of panic rested on each of their faces. And the smell of the cold coffee hung thickly in the air.

"What did you just say?" I asked, still in disbelief.

No response.

I walked away from the window to sit at the head of the table.

"Explain it again", I said, rubbing my temples, "slowly this time".

With a shaky voice, the CFO managed to reply.

"The stock prices have...plummeted. The banks denied the loans we requested. The bid for the Southland...w-we've lost it. And the hotel expansion in Monaco...it's frozen. Alongside the money in the banks...all frozen..."

He paused and shifted uncomfortably, scanning round the room, as if asking for permission to go on.

He cleared his throat nervously and continued.

"Also, the airline's permit was abrogated. The board members...they want a meeting. And as for the Feds...well...um, they're...they're seeking to hold someone accountable".

Silence swept through the room once more. You could hear a pin drop.

I stood up, throwing my hands in the air. "All of these, happening so suddenly? Who could be behind this? Why now?"

They all kept quiet, heads hung low, feeling defeated.

A shift in the market couldn't be responsible for all of these. It wasn't just bad luck either.

It was not uncommon that a man like me who wielded much power and influence, oftentimes than not had enemies. Still, there were indications that this may as well be targeted.

It felt personal.

After I had signed that deal three months ago, everything took a downturn for me and I never saw it coming.

I pushed my chair backwards and walked to the window again. The view from up here overlooked the magnificence of the city. I stared at nothing in particular, and somehow, I was engulfed by the feelings of nostalgia.

For years, my empire had been untouchable–spanning across construction, aviation, and the hospitality industry.

The very company I had built from the ground up, with my blood, sweat, and tears now lies on the brink of total collapse.

My chest tightened and I instinctively flung my hand over my chest swaying lightly. My assistant quickly rushed over to steady me but I waved him off with a hand.

I had to put up a front to act strong. I couldn't risk looking weak or acting sickly in front of them.

"You all may leave now," I said, "thanks for coming".

Having said that, they gathered up their things, bowed respectfully, and left the boardroom.

"Sir, it's time for you to take your pills," Eric said.

I chuckled.

"My pills you say...What use are pills to a dead man?" I said, gesturing to myself. "I'm finished...I'm a finished man".

"Sir, please do not talk like that. Things are indeed looking bad right now but it doesn't mean this is the end for you. I believe in you and your legacy. But your health is important and that should come first. So please, take your pills". He said as he stretched his hands forward, placing the small bottle of pills and a glass of water on the table.

A small bitter smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Eric," I called.

"Yes, sir".

"You are young and insightful. You have a way of saying the right things at the right time. Making you my P. A is one of the best decisions I ever made."

"Thank you for your kind words, sir. I will continue to do my best".

I popped open the pill bottle, took one out, and gulped it down. Then I set the empty glass down on the table, loosened my tie, and sat down.

"Do you want some more water, sir?" He asked.

"No, this is enough for me. Turn on the TV".

"Yes sir".

Taking the remote, he turned on the TV. As soon as he did, the news that came up screamed Ford's name with the headline:

'FORD'S GROUP IN THE MUD'.

He quickly changed it to another station with a similar headline.

'IS THIS THE END OF THE FORD GROUP?'

Tuning to yet another: SCANDALOUS FALL OF THE FORDS'.

"The news media will spare no chance in making a spectacle of one's name!" I said, hitting my fist on the table angrily.

Eric quickly turned off the TV, afraid to upset me further.

I got up and walked towards the window, staring out again.

My gaze shifted to the gathered clouds outside. The threatening storm–a reflection of the internal turmoil that I battle with–is dark and frightening.

I heaved a deep sigh. My thoughts drifted, not just to my legacy lying in ruins, but of my family-my wife-Tessa, and my son-Bradley.

I stood there for some minutes, lost in thought, till I felt a slight nudge on my shoulder.

I turned. Surprised.

"Oh! Bradley, when did you come in?"

"Some five minutes ago" he replied.

Then he added. "Why didn't you tell me things had gotten this bad?"

"Son," I said in a low voice, "I didn't want to bother you about things with the company just yet. I-"

He cut me off midway.

"This isn't about bothering me! We're a family. What good is a family if we don't share in the burdens we deal with, especially something of this magnitude?"

"I get your point son, but you have to understand that I had to give room for your dream before you finally take over the company."

"Irrespective," he said, with annoyance, but with a tone that still held an unmistakable glint of concern. "This is too much for you to handle alone. The condition of your heart...with all these happening, you may not survive another attack."

"I know...But I worry about you, son. I worry about your future and your Mother as well".

"I understand, Father. I will outsource for help if that's what it'll take to get us out of this crisis".

"We need more than just help". I said, looking straight into his eyes. "We need a miracle."