"No," I groan, "no, no, no! What the hell are they doing?"
"My, my," the host muses, trying to control his own surprise. "That is quite the discovery. Indeed, it is. And what's even more remarkable is the fact that the three of you have chosen to reveal this shocking revelation on live television. After what happened last time, I must say, I'm impressed by your audacity."
The CEOs exchange knowing glances, a twinkle of mischief dancing in their eyes as they chuckle. Pure mortification fills my body as they chuckle. Why are they laughing? Last time they were attacked!
"Well, Will, sometimes you just have to face your fears head-on," Leo says, his voice laced with a touch of defiance.
Caleb nods in agreement. "Absolutely. BioCore Solutions prides itself on integrity and accountability. We won't let one bad apple tarnish our reputation or compromise the groundbreaking work we do."
The audience erupts into thunderous applause, their admiration for the CEOs growing with each word. But my mind is spinning, struggling to comprehend what I'm witnessing. I stand frozen, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. They're playing a dangerous game, revealing their vulnerability to the world. How could they be so calm? So composed? Have they completely lost their minds?
Or do they know exactly what they're doing?
As the applause dies down, the host leans forward, a glint of intrigue in his eyes. "Can you tell us who this employee is? The one responsible for betraying your trust?"
Jackson's smile fades ever so slightly, replaced by a steely resolve. "We cannot disclose their identity just yet, Will. But rest assured, we have someone on the job. I'm sure the world will know. Very soon."
The studio audience hangs on Jackson's every word, caught up in the drama unfolding before them. The onlookers beside me exchange whispers, speculating on who could be the traitor lurking within BioCore Solutions.
I stumble away from the screen, glowing like a box of doom. Forget about Debbie, I have to get to them. I have to get to them now, do my job, and protect them.
"Son of a bitch," I curse under my breath.
And why do I feel like this is exactly what they wanted?
54
CALEB
"So," Will begins, leaning against his big wooden desk. "Just how much damage has this leak of yours done? Do we need to worry about BioCore Solutions?"
The lights beaming down on us are too bright, so obviously artificial. I know they won't translate that way on the screen, though, not that it matters. We don't need to look good, we just need to catch attention. I doubt Debbie is able to tear her eyes away from this, though. I mean, we're talking about her on live, national television.
Still, the lights shine so brightly down on us that it makes it next to impossible to see any of the people sitting in the audience bleachers. That, naturally, makes me shift uncomfortably. The memory of some random man throwing himself up onto the stage to knock the three of us off the couch is not one I welcome. Not that I think anyone would be stupid enough to try something like that again.
Leo chimes in to answer, and whatever he says entices a hearty laugh from the audience and even the host. My thoughts wander further, to the reason we're here at all. Does Charlie know that we're here? Is she taking advantage of it, and taking Debbie by surprise?
Fuck, I hope so.
We carefully choose our words, striking a delicate balance between revealing enough information to expose the existence of the traitor while withholding critical details that could jeopardize anything.
The host leans closer, captivated by Leo's response. "That's good to hear. Especially with the recent announcement of your partnership with Mannon Pharmaceutical. Jackson, I heard that must be thanks to you?"
Jackson sits up straighter in his chair, a gleam of pride dancing in his eyes. He adjusts his tie, feeling a surge of satisfaction as he takes in the moment. The host's mention of the partnership with Mannon Pharmaceutical sends a wave of excitement through him.
"Indeed," Jackson replies with a smile that radiates confidence. "Just a few weeks ago, we successfully closed the deal with Mannon Pharmaceutical. It has been a culmination of months of tireless negotiations and building strong relationships."
As he speaks, the lights above dim slightly, casting a warm glow on the stage. The audience leans forward, captivated by every word that spills from Jackson's lips. His voice resonates with authority, carrying an air of certainty that fills the room.
"I truly believe that this partnership will pave the way for great things in our industry," Jackson continues, his tone steady and assured. "Together, BioCore Solutions and Mannon Pharmaceutical will drive innovation to new heights, revolutionizing the medical field as we know it."
Will chuckles and reminds the world, "Yes, you've stepped into a world of controversy with that ambition of yours."
Jackson grins. "There is no progress unless it comes from controversy, Will."
"Speaking of, I've been hearing rumors. Is it true that you've appointed yourself a bodyguard?" Will asks, curiosity evident in his voice.
I raise an eyebrow, meeting his gaze with a playful smile. "Rumors, huh? Well, let's just say that we've taken certain precautions to ensure the safety of our operations and wellbeing," I reply cryptically.