Fire And Flame

A video started playing in front of the people who looked at the screen with hatred and anger.

The video was about the meeting Gabriel had with Paul Kirk, where they decided about their next plan and Gabriel disclosing every single detail of Maple by handing a file.

The whole room grew silent and all eyes shot daggers at Gabriel, the traitor.

"So choose, option 1 or 2?" Brandon grew impatient.

"Will you speak for yourself of shall I decide?" he spoke in high tone this time.

"Second.. Second!" Gabriel thought of exposing Arial as a better option than getting arrested. But still, he had to declare himself to be a traitor in the end.

"All of you reach the convention hall for a press conference." Brandon fixed his tie as he stood up looking at Laura, gesturing her to go along with him.

"Please give me company." He extended his right hand forward, offering his help for Laura to get up from her seat. She found it awkward but she couldn't deny his help in a room with people inside. That would be rude.

She placed her hand on his as he secured her hand which appeared small in comparison to his big hands. The sudden touch made Laura feel awkward but as they got out of the room, Brandon released her hand politely by smiling at her. James and the other employees along with Gabriel went inside the common elevator whereas, Laura and Brandon went into his private elevator.

"I am forever grateful to you, Ms. Williams. Thank you very much." Brandon thanked Laura as he slightly bowed his head, paying his respect to his savior. A beautiful savior.

"You're welcome." Laura felt happy. Happy seeing the smiling face of Brandon as a sign of victory.

"I had transferred the amount to you bank account." Brandon didn't like taking help without paying for it.

"It wasn't needed, you know. I just gave you ideas on how you could gain what you had loss." Laura didn't feel it was right to take such a huge amount just for a single plan. But the plan she had proposed, was very efficient and promised a better stay in the market. Being in the corporate world, you give and you take, this is how this side of the world worked.

"This is the least I can do for you..." his voice was calm and magnetic.

Soon they reached the convention hall where only a few reporters were allowed to get seats in the hall. Brandon went to the stage walking in long strides, the aura around him was cold and aloof, just like how it should be for a man who achieved success and fame with his hard work and dedication. Flashing his charming smile and fixing his suit buttons, he wished all the members present in the hall.

"A very good afternoon to each one of you. Today, we have assembled for a very important event. I would like to announce the launching of new mL.a.p Laptop series." He continued explaining them about the specifications of the product and the pre-booking dates for it as well. Laura, who was among the audience, admired how perfect this could be. He, indeed set an example of self-made billionaire. Now that she could be of little help for him, she felt proud and happy at the same time. They all clapped when Brandon had finished his speech and walking to his seat. But then, he suddenly stopped, gesturing James to proceed this meeting further.

"I see all the famous reporters are here. I have a very fresh and good piece of news for you all. Gabriel, you can now speak." Gabriel was standing on the stage the whole time. James gave the microphone to Gabriel and politely asked him to speak.

"Speak." He was being polite but at the same time, his voice showed signs of irritation.

Gabriel hands shook out of nervousness and, of course, guilt.

"I am G-gabriel… I am here to confess something." His lips quivered.

Looking at this state of Gabriel, the press focused all their attention to him. Something wasn't right.

"I had leaked all important information of Maple to Arial Mobile, as I was paid a hefty amount for this. The CEO, Mr. Paul Kirk was the man who wanted to bring down Maple. I am really sorry for the betrayal." Gabriel couldn't process his thoughts on this. This was the greatest insult one could ever face.

The same video played in front of all… shocking everyone. This was normal in the corporate world where the enemies try to bring down each other, but seeing the live proof, shown to the whole world was definitely new.

Maple Inc. had shown this video for two reasons...

First, this was a direct message as well as warning to other enemies of Maple Inc. that they should be careful and think twice before taking any actions against them.

Second, the main objective was to not mess with Brandon Reynolds.

And regarding Arial, Brandon would himself handle the company.