Fifteen - Antebellum
"I'm very sorry, madam. They insisted." Mr. Smith apologized for the intrusion of three strangers. One was proud of his profession as he wears such an indication.
Descending from her high ground, Aberdeen ferociously stepped down. Eyes locked to the rude visitors. She was barely covered by her nightgown. The three strangers stared in awe.
"Yes, how can I help?" She strictly inquired.
"Good day, Miss Alderige," The middle-aged man introduced himself first. "I am attorney Zach Stephenson. The legal advisor of the Alderige International."
The lawyer withdrew his words after Aberdeen's eyebrow ominously rose. His hand was ignored by the lady. He saved himself the embarrassment with an awkward smile and glances.
"We are very sorry for this uninformed visit, ma'am. We know Lady Nathalia has just passed, but the board has expressed their, concerns." Zach paused. He was trying to find the right words. Scared to offend the lady. "Since you suffered such terrible losses. First was Mr. Martin then Lady Nathalia. They would like you to undergo some evaluation. If you are, still emotionally fit to run the company."
"I see," Aberdeen fixed her gown. "And if your, evaluation, resulted in such conclusions?"
"That depends, of course, with the results, ma'am," Zach explained carefully. "Regardless of the result, our person assigned to do the evaluation will have his remarks, as advice for your next decisions."
"My decision or the board's?" Aberdeen almost cackled. Amused to the euphemism of the lawyer. "So, to put it simply, I have to undergo some psychiatric evaluation? How thoughtful."
"I wouldn't suggest the term, ma'am." Zach immediately watered it down.
"Nonsense, and if I refuse to this mere suggestion?"
"I would strongly recommend this assessment, ma'am. Before the board decides to be more, assertive, to your current status." The lawyer respectfully said.
The Alderige holds the biggest share in the company. When they acquired Drax Industries, their influence grew wider. They hold the majority of the stocks. Leaving the Drax family to own only 40% of its entire corporation. In the event of Nathalia's death, the board fell to the control of Hector. Aberdeen was respected by the mere fact that Martin and Nathalia were her adopted parents. Now that she has neither, her position elevates but became vulnerable. She will inherit everything by law but the underground society only merits blood. Her weakest point is herself.
***
NEW YORK CITY
Hector Exconde's black Lexus parked outside Imperium. The heart of Viktor's oil empire. The guards were informed of his arrival. He was immediately assisted to the executive elevator and his security escorts were forced to remain in the lobby. All his effects were confiscated.
Like walking to the gallows, the closest he gets to the elevator, the more powerless he becomes. With one last nod, the person who assisted him pushed the top floor. One floor to another. The indicating beeps on every floor fueled his anxiety. When he reached the top floor, the speaker blared, "Imperium Tower, Gratia Plena."
It revealed him to a marbled hallway, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, crystal chandelier, renaissance statues, huge Greek-inspired pillars, and a portrait of Viktor Samira at the end. Every step was torture. He looked away from the judging eyes of Viktor's huge canvass. A gentleman in his forties was the only person on the entire floor. He was ushered immediately to the door. The Samira coat of arms was engraved on the door.
"Dr. Exconde, just right on time." The gentleman muttered and stood. Hector was not offered a handshake nor was he expecting one. "Lord Viktor will see you now."
No further delay and Hector found himself face to face with the notorious personality of the High Council and in the Underground Society. Viktor Samira, all poised, looked at his visitor in contempt. Hector was glad to witness no hypocrisy.
"You asked for me, my lord." He respectfully said.
"Why, yes," Viktor motioned the seat across from him. "A drink perhaps, doctor?"
"No, thank you. Let's drop the pleasantries, my lord. Why am I summoned like a pet?"
Viktor was quite impressed with Hector's bravery. Over the years, the house of Drax has learned to live with the great houses of society. Leeching to their every triumph.
"I must say, I'm not disappointed with the rumors. You have the attitude below your presumed class," Viktor shook his head. "Anyway, I asked you here to personally tell you to withdraw any desires to the highest seat in the council."
"All these to warn me? You could have called me, my lord." Hector responded with a mocking laugh.
"I don't like repeating myself, doctor, so this will be the last time. If your kind, by any chance show any aggression towards the council, I will be forced to banish your house from the organization."
"You cannot do that." Gone was the mockery. The arrogance floated to the air. "We are the outer council! Our duty is to uphold the High Council if it fails to execute such commitments."
"And it will remain so if you stop this incessant attacks on the Council members. The Underground Society will have its first conference in decades and we will discuss your house to be stripped off with all the privileges it provided." Viktor's tone remains. "The Morningstar Corporation will no longer fund the Drax Industry. 10 Billion dollars annually will have to be used, elsewhere."
Morningstar Corporation is under the control of Constantine bank. The Constantine has continued their neutrality until the attacks. They may have been silent for years but they were holding the true power in the council, even in the Underground Society. Viktor Samira was wised to marry his grandnephew to a Constantine to secure their position.
"I believe I must protest, my lord! Our only desire is to return to the inner circle after my father died! This is an execution."
"It will be an execution if you refuse to agree to our terms." Viktor ring the bell, summoning his assistant. "Consider this a warning, doctor."
"How dare you do this to us! Our family, my father, did everything to keep the organization together. Where were you when Nathalia's father died? He took the weight out of Nathalia's shoulders and now that the storm has passed, you all just going to snatch it out from the very people that worked all their lives to save the empire."
"It was expected of your father. All of us were not ready for such responsibility and your father was ambitious enough to take it." Viktor snickered a bit. "And don't fool yourself, son. He is not your father. We both know he never was."
Their heated argument was wildly interrupted by the head of security. The rest of the security details flooded inside, securing every corner. Three men locked the main door of the office. Viktor and Hector were vacated to a more secure room.
"What in the world is happening, Eric?" Viktor furiously asked. Still disoriented to the sudden displacement.
"Imperium is breached, my lord."