Chapter 3 - THE GAME OF CHESS
Preston returned to the grand dining room, stepping back into the warm glow of the chandeliers as if nothing had transpired in the library.
Victor Langford was sitting near the head of the table, dabbing his mouth with a linen napkin, looking mildly anxious as he watched Preston resume his seat.
"Everything alright with the security detail, Preston?" Victor asked smoothly, pouring himself another glass of sparkling water. "You were gone quite a while."
"Just reviewing the final signature schedules for tomorrow morning, Victor," Preston replied effortlessly, cutting into his roasted lamb. "Ethan wanted to double-check the logistics for the press conference at the Ohio plant."
Victor’s eyes flickered with subtle impatience. "Ah, yes. The press conference. You know, Preston, I was thinking... considering the market volatility tonight, perhaps we should delay signing the final documents by a few days. Just to let the legal teams double-check the debt liabilities of the three regional factories."
Preston chewed calmly, taking his time before answering.
He’s waiting for the poison to work, Preston thought to himself. He wants to delay the signing so he can handle my sudden death without the merger contract being executed.
"Delay?" Preston raised an eyebrow, looking directly into Victor’s eyes. "Why would we delay, Victor? Four thousand factory workers are counting on us signing at nine o'clock sharp tomorrow morning. Unless, of course, someone stands to benefit from those factories going under?"
Victor paused, his fork hovering mid-air. He chuckled nervously, attempting to brush off the comment. "Of course not! I was merely thinking of your health, my friend. You’ve been working yourself to the bone lately."
"My health is absolute, Victor," Preston said, his voice carrying across the entire table, silencing the surrounding chatter. "In fact, I haven't felt this clear-headed in fifteen years."
Across the table, Victor swallowed hard. He looked down at his watch: 10:15 PM.
The poison should have taken effect twenty minutes ago.
May you like
Victor looked at Preston’s water glass, then at the empty wineglass that Ethan had cleared away earlier. A bead of cold sweat began to form behind Victor’s ear.
Did he drink it? Victor’s mind raced frantically. Or did that damn maid’s child ruin everything?
