Richard leaned his back against the black leather seat of his luxury car. He took a long breath, trying to purge the lingering, stale scent of the prison cell that seemed to cling to his skin. Though his appearance remained calm and commanding, the sharp glint in his eyes revealed a man orchestrating a grand strategy.
"Lucas, tell me," Richard's voice was heavy and low. He watched his assistant through the rearview mirror. "Is Leo trying to influence the board of directors to remove me as chairman?"
Lucas, sitting in the front passenger seat, nodded slowly without daring to look back. "That is correct, sir. Mr. Leo has been moving behind the scenes throughout your detention. Tomorrow morning, the board will hold an emergency meeting to discuss a Vote of No Confidence and the appointment of a new leader."
