Secret Game

"Fuck! Who dares toy with Alfonso Adelaide?"

A loud voice filled with anger echoed through the room. In one sweep of his hand, all the objects on his desk of Alfonso Adelaide fell to the ground.

Alfonso had just finished a short business trip from the Netherlands. When he arrived, he was surprised by the high number of reports about the collusion and nepotism scandal that his company had carried out.

Of course, this managed to provoke emotions. The company is trying hard to participate in this prestigious smart city mega project. And now, the coffers of money that he should have gotten are in danger of being lost because of the news, which makes him want to quit.

Not to mention the company can be blocked by big developers. Even the worst thing would be paying the penalty as compensation. Truly, the fate of Alfonso is very unfortunate.

"Why can news like this be leaked to the media? I don't want to know! Find the culprit and teach them a lesson," said the man, still filled with anger.

Adrian, standing behind Alfonso's back, immediately got up and stepped forward. Take a position to stand right before the boss and then show a respectful attitude.

"Once this news circulated, we mobilized a team to silence several media. The rest are still in progress. We have also tried to investigate anyone who has the potential to be the main perpetrator. And this ..."

Andrian then took a step forward. The next second he put a few sheets of paper on Alfonso's desk, then spoke again.

"A list of rivals who might have done this to our company, sir."

Alfonso grabbed the sheet. Read it carefully and carefully. Come to think, who is likely to do all this. Before long, the man tightened his jaw sharply.

"Damn it! Adrian I don't want to know. Quickly investigate them all. If necessary, respond immediately with more cruel actions. How dare you play with fire with an Alfonso Adelaide!"

Adrian nodded obediently. Alfonso's orders were orders he had to carry out.

"But, sir..." said the man later. "There's one other thing you should know too."

Lifting his face, it was clear that Alfonso's forehead was deeply drawn.

"What's Problem?"

Swallowing his saliva slowly, Adrian was made awry. It was not easy to face Alfonso when emotions like now overcame him.

"As soon as this news broke, of course you knew Beckley's stock was in free fall ---"

"Yes, Adrian. I know that." Alfonso immediately cut in with an expression of displeasure. "Sorry." Andrian hastily interrupted. "But you have to listen to this one first, sir. When our company's stock plummeted, someone bought it this morning for a very large amount."

Alfonso was immediately taken aback. Guessing who the assistant was referring to.

"Who? Please don't mess with me!"

Adrian took a deep breath. Thinking for a moment to find the right words to express a moment. Before long, those lips opened to convey the news that Alfonso had been waiting for a long time.

"Your son-in-law bought 75% of Beckley this morning."

"For God's sake, Tristan Quartararo!" Alfonso stared intently at his assistant.

It was good that the emotions had subsided a little. After hearing the news on this one, he was provoked again. Moreover, the figure in question is a man who should have anticipated his movement.

"Sorry, sir. I'm sorry," said Adrian with a serious face. "It's possible to speculate, and there are two possibilities your son-in-law suddenly bought nearly all of Beckley's stock in freefall."

"What possibility?" Alfonso asked back.

Adrian could see how his boss didn't blink an inch to hear the presentation he wanted to convey.

"First, because as a son-in-law, he wants to save Beckley from the threat of bankruptcy by buying almost all of his shares. I hope that this is the goal."

"Yes," said Alfonso. "It makes sense. Tristan does that. Given Foxtail's immense wealth, his position won't be shaken, even if he spends a lot of money to buy two or three more shares of a large company."

Adrian nodded in agreement. "Or ... it could be that your son-in-law did this on purpose. I mean, he threw the news in the media. Then he bought the company's stock to shift your position."

A few seconds after Adrian explained his opinion, Alfonso was hitting the table hard. The man's face turned red with anger because his emotions were rekindled.

"I can't just let this happen, Adrian. I think Tristan may be the mastermind behind it all." It wasn't even a minute before the sentence left his lips, before long, he heard Alfonso hastily rectify it. "No. It looks like Tristan did."

"Then what do you want me to do, sir? Shall we repay him now?"

From the corner of his eye, Adrian could see how Alfonso, filled with anger, could now smile faintly. I don't know what that smile means.

"No need," he said confidently, shaking his head. "My daughter Sophia will celebrate her birthday in a few days. I'll tell Tristan who he's supposed to be fighting at the party. After that, we'll be spectators behind the scenes."

Adrian nodded again. He was a little relieved because his boss could control the anger and the situation. "Then I'll excuse myself from resigning. As soon as there's any new news, I'll let you know as soon as possible."

Alfonso nodded without answering. Allowing the assistant to leave the room.

***

In another study, a man seems to be smiling with satisfaction. So enthusiastically looked at the plasma screen in front of him.

Tristan was certainly satisfied with the performance that his assistant gave. Only a few days ago managed to uncover evidence of Beckley's cheating. Yesterday he officially asked Mario to throw this news to several major London media. Of course, Beckley's cheating has become a hot topic of conversation throughout Great Britain.

"We should celebrate this, Mario," Tristan said with a satisfied smile. His face had a really happy expression on it. "I'm sure my beloved mother-in-law must be throwing a tantrum right now in her office."

Mario, who was standing not far from Tristan's desk, nodded. After a long time, it was only today that he saw how the man who used to act cold every day finally smiled with satisfaction.

"But we'd better postpone the celebration, Mister. Isn't this only halfway?" Mario, of course, remembers that there are still many plans that Tristan has drawn up and waiting for orders to be carried out.

"You are right." Tristan immediately nodded. Confirm what the assistant said. "It's not much. There are many more plans to destroy Alfonso Adelaide slowly."

"Mister," Mario called then. "Sorry if my question is a little presumptuous this time. But for the sake of treating curiosity, I want to ask. If you believe Alfonso is at fault in this case, why are you still asking us to investigate Mr. Raphael's background? Wasn't he who helped you become as big as you are now?"

From his seat, Tristan took a deep breath several times. It was as if a weight was pressing on him for whatever reason. opened his mouth.

"So that you know, Mario. Since my Papa and Mama died, I can't 100% trust anyone else. I realized that Uncle Raphael was the person who had contributed to my life and career. But still, I can't necessarily believe it."

"But why are you only now investigating, Mister? Has anyone managed to provoke you before?"

Tristan was silent for a moment. His fingers were busy playing the ballpoint in his right hand. His mind suddenly remembered what Alfonso said at that time, when the two of them were in the forest, engaged in hunting together.

"Instead of looking for the faults of people who are not visible. Why don't you investigate the people closest to you first, Tristan? Everyone has the potential to be a criminal," Alfonso seemed to be saying earnestly.

"Don't distract me, Uncle Alfonso. I know you are responsible for the painful events of the past."

Alfonso narrowed his eyes. "There is no evidence that I killed or caused your Papa to die. After all, don't you realize the person who looks good next to you may be the one who has a certain purpose? Remember, Tristan. Foxtail Corporation is big. Many want it. At the same time, the ultimate power is in your hands. So, think logically. All possibilities can happen."

Because of Alfonso's words, Tristan had trouble sleeping at that time. There were many possibilities that he was thinking about until now. This was also what forced him inevitably to investigate Raphael's background which he might need to anticipate.

"There's a special reason, Mario," Tristan replied after he was silent for a while. "I just want to make sure the person beside me is sincere, not because of any particular purpose or purpose. After all, anyone can potentially commit a crime, right?"

Mario nodded in agreement. He understood what Tristan meant.

"Then I can only wish you the best, Mister. Hopefully all the plans that have been prepared in such a way can be successful and in accordance with expectations."

Before returning home, Tristan chose to stop first at a coffee shop not far from the office. While enjoying the sunset from behind the glass, his two friends were seen.

Namely, Nicholas and Jacob came to follow. It had been a long time since they were married the three of them didn't seem to be together again like before.

Pulling a chair in front of Tristan, Nicholas, without being invited to sit down immediately, grabbed the muffin already served on the table.

"What are you thinking, Young Master Quartararo? Are you tired from work, hmm?"

Tristan immediately turned around. Throwing a warm smile, the man replied quietly.

"Not really. I'm just having a good time. Besides, I really miss you both."

Jacob, sitting side by side with Tristan, gently patted the man's shoulder. As if to encourage his friend. Even though he didn't tell him what had happened, he seemed to understand that something was happening to the man next to him.

"Whatever you're going through, I hope you can sort it out well. I know, Tristan. You are a calculating man."

"Thank you," Tristan said with a smile and then invited the two of them to enjoy the coffee and cake he had ordered.

"Ah, I almost forgot," Tristan said later. Will have a small party at his parents' house. I hope you guys come and bring your respective partners."

Nicholas who had just finished sipping his coffee immediately nodded. He seemed enthusiastic to accept this invitation.

"Of course. Claire and I will come to the party. Then what about Edward?" he asked then. "Are you going to invite him to attend?"

Tristan nodded. Although he couldn't guess whether his best friend was willing to attend or not, he certainly has tried to be respectful by still inviting him.

"Since getting married, Edward seems to be avoiding me. But no problem, I'll keep trying to contact him. After all, you're all my friends."

"Yeah, we should know." Jacob chimed in. "It's not easy to accept that the woman we like chooses another man, even our own best friend."

"Oh, come on, Jacob." Tristan sounded lazy sigh. "Let's not talk about it anymore. I feel guilty when you say that."

Instead of feeling sorry, Jacob and Nicholas burst out laughing simultaneously.

"Sorry. Even though it's the truth, right?"

"Ah, damn it!" Tristan cursed, making his two friends laugh again.

Back to continue the conversation, the three of them were lost in the story. At exactly seven o'clock in the evening, they all decided to end the meeting and intended to return to their respective homes.

However, as soon as he left the coffee shop, Tristan's Netra found an event that provoked his emotions. How could he not? He saw clearly how Sophia, who happened to have just come out of a restaurant located right next to the coffee shop where he was hanging out. Especially his wife. It was with a man she knew so well, Edward.

"Tristan," Sophia rebuked as if on purpose. "Are you here too?" she asked pleasantly. So glad that Sophia could coincidentally meet her husband.

Staring sharply, Tristan immediately replied. "Where's Alexius? Why aren't you with your bodyguard?" Of course, Tristan was wondering where the bodyguard he had prepared to watch over his wife was.

However, it wasn't Sophia but Edward who answered the man's question.

"Why use bodyguards when Sophia is going with me? " he asked in a tone full of emphasis. "Do you think I'm a criminal who might take away his best friend's wife? Calm down, Tristan. I'm not the type who likes to take other people's property."

Such a striking expression made Tristan a little angry. Of course, Edward must have been sarcastic about him. Ignoring his friend's words, Tristan's gaze shifted to his wife.

"Sophia, we are going home right now."

Shaking her head, Sophia immediately refused. Intentionally angering her husband.

"I'm going with Edward. Allow me to go home with him."

Tristan's patience had run out. Without saying a word, he then grabbed her wife's wrist. Then took her to get in the car immediately. Not caring about his three friends who just stared at his attitude.