The Traps of Black Swan

The middle-aged man was panicking at how Leon's confident words changed affected everyone. He hurriedly dropped a message to the person he was working for. [Leon Harmon is safe.]

Then he shoved his mobile into his pockets and looked at everyone. He needs to keep everyone distracted until the man reaches and takes control. He stood up suddenly, trying to be brave, and voiced, "Don't fall for his words. Did you all forget how he beats his wife? He had kept Chairman Harmon locked. He is just trying to escape. He has no solution. He is bluffing."

Not just him, everyone knew who Leon was and his behavior. However, what they cared about most was the company. Yet, most of the shareholders couldn't voice their opinion due to Leon's threat. Others weren't particularly sure how to question Leon as Leon had addressed each of the questions.

"Although President Harmon has a point, we couldn't just sit and wait for negligible time. The situation could also get worse if we stay quiet." An old man voiced his opinion, looking at Elder Harmon.

The middle-aged man hid his smirk as he took a seat. 

Another one from the middle of the right side pushed the microphone up and spoke, "If President Harmon is sure there is an ear in this meeting hall, we can understand it. But, how could we just trust the words? If we need proof to believe him and his words."

"I agree with that," A man at the left side, in the last, stood up to get the attention, "If President Harmon couldn't reveal the arrangements in front of us, if he couldn't trust us, he could obviously speak to Chairman Harmon. How about President Harmon letting the Chairman know about the whole situation? If Chairman Harmon could assure us, I am ready to wait. What do you all say?" The man in his fifties looked at the shareholders for opinion.

The middle-aged man was getting happy hearing the negative opinions. However, he furrowed his brows when he heard the last one's idea and saw everyone nodding in agreement. If Leon could threaten others, he could do it for Elder Harmon too. So he didn't want it that way either.

He interjected as he shot up from the seat, "Have you thought of Leon Harmon terrorizing Chairman Harmon for his work? I can't believe it."

Everyone fell silent hearing him. Leon watched the man who was confident that his position would be taken away. While everyone addressed him as President, that man was calling him by name. 'Aarvi's choice couldn't be this lousy.' He thought.  Leon wanted to laugh if that middle-aged man was the one appointed by Aarvi. Leon wouldn't be surprised if that man wasn't one. Aarvi always had smart people work for her unlike teaching them word for a word.

Leon wanted to taunt that man but he wanted to see what his grandfather was up to. So he turned to Elder Harmon. The latter shook his head in resignation. Even if Aarvi stops all her plans, Leon could get the company out of misery. So he could see that middle-aged man was up to no good. 

He could go against Leon but Aarvi had told him to show his support to his grandson. He doesn't have to be a bad grandfather in the business world. So he played along with her plan.

"Leon isn't new to the business. He is well experienced and has seen the depth of the business world. More than any of us, Leon craves to build the company to further heights and rule in every field." Elder Harmon smoothly changed the greediness of Leon in good words.

Leon: "..."

Elder Harmon continued, signaling the middle-aged man to take a seat, "I am more than certain, Leon would find a way out and fight back harder. I hope you all could give him a chance to quickly solve it." Elder Harmon stated what nobody expected. However, the old man had worked alongside him for many many years so they trusted Elder Harmon. Many of the shareholders trusted Elder Harmon so he gave a nod in response. 

"Wait for negligible time would be difficult so," Elder Harmon turned to speechless Leon, "Is three months are enough for you, Leon?"

Leon knew his relationship with his grandfather was beyond repairable. The day Elder Harmon got to know Leon was behind the accident and death of his sons, daughters-in-law, he had cut off every tie with him. Hence Elder Harmon being a supportive grandfather could never happen.

So, Leon couldn't understand what Aarvi was up to by putting Elder Harmon in his favor. He couldn't understand her plan. This was the best time for her to use Elder Harmon, bring Aeon, and throw him out.

Being questioned, he was about to nod but paused. Three months? Was this the trap? Leon tried to be over smart, "A month is more than enough, Chairman Harmon."

A month to solve and another a month or two to recover the company. The shareholders were satisfied that they wouldn't miss out on quarterly profits.

Elder Harmon continued to play along without understanding why Aarvi hasn't come yet. She had told him that Leon wouldn't get the chance to step back in his office once he leaves. Then why wasn't she here yet?

"You have heard Leon. A month. It's quite quicker than I expected. So does anyone have any more questions?" He sounded calm but he wasn't patient. The meeting will come to an end very soon.

Excluding the anxious middle-aged man, the rest were fine with the arrangements. They could demand if Leon fails.

Leon stood up at last. He faked his respectful bow, "Thank you for having the trust in me." He was going to end with the 'Trust.' Then he turned to Elder Harmon and was holding back his expression. 

Leon continued to end the meeting before any bad news hits the ears, "With that, we will see again after a month."

Everyone stood up. The middle-aged man was edgy. Emma watched the door hundreds of times. 'Didn't my message reach her?' She was nervous thinking something might have gone wrong.

Elder Harmon clutched the cane head tightly and looked at the door. 'Where are you, Aarvi?' He thought. He hesitantly stood up, anxiousness all over his face.

Leon simpered. To irritate the old man, he whispered, going a step closer to him, "Did your new granddaughter flee?"

Elder Harmon gritted his teeth. Recalling Leon had tried to sleep with Aarvi three years ago, "Why don't you help me find your younger sister then?" He scoffed.

Leon's face darkened significantly. Elder Harmon's words were like a slap on his face. He might be a monster, he could kill and torture but he would never think of sleeping with a sister. Hearing Elder Harmon, he couldn't describe how disgusting he felt about himself.

'Knock, knock…' Suddenly everyone's attention shifted to the door.

Leon turned back to Elder Harmon and witnessed his grandfather's eyes light up at the knocks on the door. 'Aarvi?'

Everyone saw an unknown man, who looked like an assistant, holding the door. Another well-groomed young man in a brown slim-fit business suit stood at the door. He stylishly flipped his sunglasses when he took them off and expressionlessly watched everyone.

Elder Harmon's head tilted without identifying the person. 'Did Aarvi send him? She would have told me.' He held back his patience as this man seemed to have some motives.

Nevertheless, Leon's face turned to pitch dark, he clenched his teeth looking at the young man. He expected this final battle of Aarvi would bring him more trouble.. And there it was, standing at the door, smirking at him provokingly.