Chapter 17 – The First Trap
Author's POV
London – Watson Enterprises
Three days had passed.
Keifer's one-month training was becoming more demanding with each passing day.
Early that morning...
He entered the executive conference room carrying several files.
Every board member was already seated.
Mr. Ryder looked at him with a proud smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Watson."
"Today's task is different."
He placed a thick file on the table.
"This is a proposal from one of our international partners."
"You have one hour."
"Find every mistake in it."
Keifer nodded.
"I understand."
The room became silent.
Everyone watched him carefully.
Even Clyde was paying close attention.
Page after page...
Keifer carefully analysed every document.
Exactly fifty minutes later...
He closed the file.
"There are seven major problems."
The directors looked surprised.
"Seven?"
Keifer nodded confidently.
"The projected profits are exaggerated."
"The tax calculation is incorrect."
"The shipping costs have been reduced unrealistically."
"The legal clause on page twenty-three would put Watson Enterprises at risk."
He continued explaining each point one by one.
When he finished...
The room was silent.
Then...
Mr. Ryder smiled proudly.
"Perfect."
"Those were exactly the seven errors."
Several directors nodded with satisfaction.
"Excellent observation."
"You noticed things that even experienced executives missed."
Across the table...
Clyde's smile disappeared.
"So..."
"You're smarter than I expected."
---
Later that afternoon...
Clyde entered his private office.
He locked the door before making a phone call.
The call connected almost instantly.
Keizer answered.
"Did he fail?"
Clyde's expression darkened.
"No."
"He passed every test."
Keizer clicked his tongue.
"Then stop testing him."
"Start destroying him."
Clyde slowly smiled.
"I already have a plan."
"Tomorrow..."
"He'll walk straight into it."
---
Philippines – Fernandez Mansion
That evening...
Jay finished checking a few documents for JJM Enterprises before closing her laptop.
Her phone vibrated.
A message appeared.
Keifer:
"Finished today's training."
A small smile appeared on Jay's face.
She immediately called him.
London...
Keifer looked at the caller ID.
Jay.
Without hesitation...
He answered.
"What?"
Jay laughed softly.
"That's your greeting?"
"What do you want?"
"I wanted to know if you survived another day."
Keifer leaned back in his chair.
"Barely."
"They're making me read enough paperwork to last a lifetime."
Jay smiled.
"I told you being a CEO isn't easy."
"Hmph."
"I'll manage."
There was a brief silence.
Then Keifer spoke again.
"...How's everyone?"
"Everyone's fine."
"Kerian misses you."
"Tita Gemma keeps asking if you're eating properly."
"And Ci-N almost got thrown out of class again."
Keifer smirked.
"Sounds normal."
Jay laughed.
"It is."
Then her voice softened.
"...Take care of yourself, Keifer."
"Don't skip meals."
He stayed quiet for a moment.
"...You too."
"I know you."
"When work piles up..."
"You forget to eat."
Jay blinked.
"You noticed?"
"I always notice."
For a second...
Neither of them spoke.
Finally...
Keifer cleared his throat.
"...I have work."
Jay smiled.
"I know."
"Good night."
"...Good night."
The call ended.
Neither of them realised...
Both of them were smiling.
---
Somewhere in London...
Scott stood on the rooftop of a nearby building.
One of Shadow Reign's agents landed beside him.
"Commander."
"Our spies have confirmed it."
"Clyde is preparing something for tomorrow."
Scott looked toward the illuminated Watson Enterprises building.
"What kind of trap?"
"We don't know yet."
Scott folded his arms.
"Keep watching."
"Boss's orders haven't changed."
"We only interfere..."
"...if Mr. Keifer's life is in danger."
The agent nodded.
"Understood."
Scott's eyes remained fixed on the building.
"Good luck, Mr. Watson..."
"Tomorrow will be your hardest day yet."
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Hello, my lovely readers! 💖
Keifer has successfully passed another challenge... but Clyde has finally made his move.
What kind of trap is waiting for Keifer tomorrow? 👀
Will he overcome it on his own, or will Shadow Reign be forced to step in from the shadows?
Don't forget to vote, comment, and support me! ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂✨
Your Author 💕