Chapter 86: Chapter 86

Everyone gathered in the room where a large oval table stood in the middle. At the near end, next to a whiteboard and other computer devices, sat a man who calmly looked at each member of the Group Azure's board of directors. This included Alef Walker, who sat between two other men on the right side. Iklima and Akmal also took positions not far from the man on the left side.

Everyone appeared serious, paying close attention to the report sheets that were the core of today's meeting. Each division had reported their respective parts except for the man. He held the final decision to reach a new agreement, including the changes that would be made and implemented for Group Azure within a specific time frame.

"I assume everyone has understood the report I provided?" Sebastian's voice broke through the murmurs that had been going on for a few minutes, during which each of them had reached the end of their presentation.

"What does this mean, Mr. Sebastian?" Hendri, one of the Group Azure board members, asked. He held roughly 10 percent of the total shares that were publicly traded on the stock exchange. "Why did Group Azure's profits plummet drastically while many investors are eyeing us? We've had a lot of collaborations, right?"

"Right. Didn't our policies start expand internationally? Why did it suddenly stop?" Dicko, another director, questioned with a disdainful look. "How is this even possible, Mr. Alef? How could Mr. Sebastian make a decision like this?"

Alef felt empowered at the moment. He could express his displeasure at Sebastian's interference with him. Even if it could backfire on him, he didn't care. Bringing Sebastian down was his current goal.

"Let's ask Mr. Sebastian directly then. What kind of policy is he currently formulating?" Alef rubbed his palms slowly. A cunning grin surfaced. His gaze fixed on Sebastian with great interest. His heart raced, the tension suddenly palpable. Especially with Sebastian now being the center of attention. It was no longer him who was cornered like before by the presented reports.

Meanwhile, Sebastian remained as calm as ever. Observing each of the condescending glances directed his way. He also caught numerous overt sneers. He cleared his throat briefly to normalize the situation, even though the commotion was still very much evident.

"Please remain calm," Vino stated firmly. He had to quickly regain control of the situation. "Mr. Sebastian will explain everything that has left you all curious." Actually, Vino could easily perceive the situation where his boss was always being cornered. Impressively, Sebastian always managed to slip away and knew how to read the room. Not to mention his laid-back style that was never trivial when explaining all the existing programs, which greatly impressed Vino even more.

Sensing that things had calmed down enough, Sebastian cleared his throat again. "Addressing the curiosity about Group Azure's profits for this quarter." Sebastian rose slightly, taking a standing position beside the whiteboard situated right behind him. "We can see it here. But I apologize, I just sent this report to your emails. You can check it now."

Suddenly, there were small gasps and puzzled furrows on the foreheads of the board of directors, including Alef. Their eyes darted back and forth as they scrutinized Sebastian with investigative glances. Alan, at his side, appeared watchful, reading the situation.

"Oh my God!"

"Oh my goodness!"

"Is this... Is this report just a joke?"

Almost on average, those words slipped uncontrollably from everyone present who had read the report that Sebastian had expertly summarized, hitting many of the things Alef had done within Group Azure. Misappropriation of funds where the amounts were not insignificant. The profits of Group Azure had gradually decreased, and without realizing it, their expenditures had increased. Add to that the new investors who were starting to doubt collaborations with Group Azure due to the increasingly questionable quality.

All of this was instigated by Alef Walker.

"This... this can't be true, right, Honey?" For the first time, Iklima, Alvin's youngest sibling, spoke up. She understood Alef's moves to take control of Group Azure. But she never imagined that what Alef was doing would actually lead to the downfall of Group Azure.

Meanwhile, Alef? He looked stunned as he stared at all the reports displayed on his screen. He hadn't anticipated that the report he'd carefully concealed to cover his deceit would be exposed. Supporting documents also revealed the numerous shady transactions he had conducted.

"This can't be allowed, Mr. Sebastian. Clearly, Mr. Alef has caused significant losses. Money laundering and embezzlement, sir!" exclaimed one man who looked angry as he glared at Alef. Sebastian understood why this man was so furious. It was disgusting to think that someone would stoop to these actions. Not to mention, Sebastian was quite convinced that Alef's motives were not just about enriching himself, given Alef's history as the mastermind behind all the events within the Alvin family.

"Exactly. I can't let this slide. Right when, very soon, Mr. Alef was about to take my seat. Isn't that right?"

Alef felt like he wanted to unleash all his anger on Sebastian. His facade was now exposed. And for some reason, he felt that this Clara Sebastian wasn't just an ordinary man who could be easily pushed around.

"Even though the pinnacle was almost within Mr. Alef's grasp, I never imagined that Group Azure would fall into Mr. Alef's hands."

In unison, they all nodded in agreement.

"It's possible... Group Azure could be on the brink of bankruptcy in less than two years." Then, Sebastian directed his gaze at Alef, who was also looking back at him now. Intense. Like a predator poised to pounce, ready to grab hold mercilessly. Until his life force was squeezed out under those claws.

He cast a unique aura in the room, full of voices of doubt about the decisions that Sebastian would make now. There were also scattered remarks questioning how this case would eventually be resolved, including its connection to the police.

"Mr. Alef himself said that he loves Group Azure." Sebastian sat back in his chair. He rested both his hands on his elbows, intentionally propping them up. "Love that's destroying Group Azure until there's nothing left, isn't it?"

"SEBASTIAN SACHDEV!!!"

"I'm right, aren't I?" Sebastian still spoke in a low, soft voice, but truly, his aura was chilling and eerie. Alef's earlier shout silenced all the prior commotion.

"You!" Alef rose, quickly supported by Alan who was behind him. "Don't toy with me, Sebastian! You intend to embarrass me, don't you?"

"Why would I embarrass you, Sir? I have no intention of doing that. Not at all. I was just explaining why the profits in Group Azure have fallen. I've implemented many strategies, but it turns out Group Azure has been eaten away. How can we achieve profits as per the reports we discuss with the marketing team, when someone's been trimming it beforehand?"

Alef groaned in frustration. He would make a special calculation for Sebastian now. He couldn't be defeated so easily over this.

"Oh, if only your accusations were proven, I would never be afraid to give a rebuttal because what I've been doing has a reason. The flow of funds is also clearly documented," Alef tried to calm himself. Although it was clear evidence of his wrongdoing in front of him, he needed to figure out how to extricate himself.

"Please, Mr. Alef, prove it to the authorities."

Alef was taken aback. Accompanied by the entrance of several uniformed men and... a girl who seemed familiar.

The middle-aged man was trying to remember who this girl was. A hazy image spun in his mind as he walked into Sebastian's office. That girl. Yes. The girl wearing an office girl uniform, round glasses, and a mask partially covering her face. But why? What's her connection?

And then... Ronald Nasution also entered the meeting room. What was actually going on here?

"We've submitted all the documents about Mr. Alef's fraud within Group Azure to the authorities." Sebastian continued to stare at Alef intently. "Also... the suspicion of being the mastermind behind the accident involving Alvin Mehram Claire and his family."

Everyone present at the meeting was shocked. Their eyes displayed an undeniable surprise. Including Alef.

"What did you say?" Alef clenched his fists. "That's defamation, Sebastian." Alef pointed at Sebastian without hesitation. "And I assure you that you'll pay for the accusations you just made!"

Is Sebastian afraid? Not at all.

"I've handed over all the evidence, including how Mr. Alef sabotaged Mr. Alvin's car."

Alef's face went pale. He stared stiffly at Sebastian. His mind kept replaying the sequence of events in which he had instructed Alan as the executor and the places he had designated to make the sedan appear fine when it wasn't. Brake and fuel leaks that gradually made the vehicle uncontrollable. And just as the mechanics he had paid a hefty sum to tinker with Alvin's car's engine had calculated, the accident occurred. The collision and bam! A massive explosion as a climax triggered by the fuel leak.

Then... that mechanic disappeared not long after. Given a three-month breathing space after the incident because Alef didn't want any evidence left behind.

"You won't be able to accuse me of that, Sebastian. You won't," Alef grunted in a terrifying manner. His face reddened further as he suppressed his anger. His fists clenched tightly, and he vividly remembered that all the evidence had been destroyed. Including...

Sebastian shook his head. "I've handed everything over, Mr. Alex. Also, a high payment to Mr. Brandon, but unfortunately, that mechanic has been buried for a while."

Alef's body grew even more tense.

"And one more thing." This time, Sebastian moved. He approached the girl who was under tight security. She looked down, visibly trembling in his hands. Sebastian felt like he wanted to hug her tightly to alleviate the fear she held. "The main heir of Group Azure."

A cold breeze felt like it was piercing through when Sebastian spoke. Goosebumps rose on his skin. One by one, Sebastian observed the eyes that were now fixed on him, standing right next to the unfamiliar girl who had suddenly entered the meeting room like this. All their questions were conveyed through their gaze.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you're all curious about this girl." Sebastian gave Fathia's shoulder a quick pat. Giving her the strength she needed not to be afraid. As long as he was around, even though Sebastian had his doubts, he would do his utmost to protect and look after her. "Speak, Fathia," Sebastian whispered softly. His gaze was fixed on Fathia without hesitation.

As for Fathia? She didn't know how she should hide her nervousness. However, when her eyes met Sebastian's, she knew what to do. Trust in what he said. Slowly, she lowered her mask and glasses.

Once again, a room full of bewildered voices filled the meeting space.

"It's... Fathia Bernessa Claire, who, thank God, survived the threat of danger."

"But the news on TV?"

"Wasn't Fathia already buried?"

"What kind of drama is this?"

"Oh my God! What is this now?"

"Fathia?"

Immediately, the atmosphere became noisy, and a single cough loud enough drowned out the echoing voices there. "Correct. All of Clara's questions are true. Fathia is still alive. The funeral was staged. But the most important thing of all this is...," Sebastian looked at Alef again without any doubt. Ignoring many other gazes that were also directed at him. As if they were thrown into another dimension just to understand what was really happening.

"And Mr. Alef Walker as well, the mastermind behind the explosion that happened at Fathia's campus."