Page 98 of Claimed By Fur and Fangs

"Send me the reports. Email them to me now," I said, already moving toward my laptop. I needed to see the full scope of the damage before making any decisions.

As soon as the email came through, I opened it, scanning the details. The number of warehouses burned, the financial loss, the damage to the infrastructure, it all pointed in one direction.

"Shit! This has Vera written all over it. No one else had the resources, the knowledge, or the motive to target my business like this," I muttered to myself, my heart sinking.

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I thought about my next move.

"Julian, send the helicopter to pick me up from the safe house," I said, my tone curt. I wasn’t going to let Vera’s games distract me from what needed to be done.

But before I could hang up, Amelia’s voice cut through the tension in the room.

"Aidan, no. It’s too dangerous for you to go out there. I’m already worried sick about Finn. I can’t…" She broke off, frustration and fear lacing her words.

Has she been standing here all this time?I thought as I turned to look at her, my chest tightened.

I knew she was right. But the thought of leaving this crisis unresolved wasn’t something I could stomach.

"I know you're worried, but my company needs me. The shareholders are about to tear everything apart," I said, my tone softer now, though my mind was still racing. "I’ll be back as soon as I can."

Fergus, who had been standing off to the side, now stepped forward.

"Aidan, I’ll go in your place," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Let me handle the situation at the office. I’ll take care of everything there, and when I get there, I’ll report back to you immediately. This could be part of Vera’s plan to lure you out. She’s clearly trying to get under your skin."

I hesitated, considering his offer. It was tempting to stay here with Amelia, to keep her safe and calm. But the crisis at the office couldn’t wait.

"Alright," I said finally, nodding my agreement. "Go. But I want regular updates. Keep me posted on everything."

Fergus nodded, already pulling out his phone to plan.

After Fergus left, Amelia walked closer and hugged me tightly.

“I know how frustrated you must be feeling but I need you to hang in there and I’m sure all these will come to an end soon,” she said.

“I really hope so … I’m about to lose it…” I said as I continued hugging her.

“You are strong and I’m sure you’ll find a solution to this. I believe in you,” she said as she looked straight into my eyes.

“I really needed to hear that,” giving her a kiss on her forehead.

While in my office, I got a text from Fergus.

“Aidan, I have arrived at the office, I want to put something’s in order and then I will set up a meeting with you and the shareholders. I’m thinking it would be best to make use of the hologram for the meeting,” I read out loud.

The call came quickly, the holographic projection flickering to life. The shareholders appeared, their stern faces reflecting the panic consuming the company.

"Fergus, I’m here," I said, standing up as the meeting loaded.

The room settled into a tense silence as the shareholders began their tirade.

"You’ve been absent, Aidan,", Mr. Harrow said. "The company is in crisis, and you’ve been dealing with personal matters. You’veneglected your duties, and now we’re paying the price. What kind of CEO are you?"

"This is unacceptable. We need answers. We need someone who’s going to take charge. Your absence is damaging our bottom line, seems like the person responsible for the fire incidents has a personal issue with you," another Mrs. Denvers, chimed in.

The call came quickly, the holographic projection flickering to life. The shareholders appeared, their stern faces reflecting the panic consuming the company.

"You think I’m neglecting the company?!" I growled; my voice was dangerously calm despite the rage inside me. "You don’t think I’m aware of what’s at stake? My company is being torn apart by a fucking fire, by a planned attack. And I’m the one who’s supposed to keep things together while you sit here and judge me?!"

The room fell silent, all eyes on me. I could see the fear flickering in their eyes. They had underestimated me before, and now I was going to make sure they never did again.

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