Chapter 48: Camelo Corporation Faces Internal Pressure from Antony's Allies
The atmosphere in the Cameloe corporation's headquarters had shifted. Ariana could feel the weight of it in the air, a tension so thick that even the soft sound of the air conditioning seemed louder than usual. The rising of Ariana influence in the company is been affected by Anthony's allies who have started to show themselves. They were coming for her.
As she walked into her father's office, her heels clicking against the polish marble floor, the sound was echoing as the hallway was quiet and empty. She have been briefed on the situation earlier that morning, rumors have started circulating among the board members. There was even scalls for her to make public appearance to make sure all her efforts to take control of the company didn't go to waste. It was no secret that Anthony's allies were watching her like vultures ready to eat her the moment she falls. She needed to act quickly.
Her father's office was exactly as she remembered, it was sleek, modern, and filled with expensive pieces of art. He sat at his desk, a lot of document on all corners, his brow furrowed in concentration. As always, he wore a sharp suit that made him appear even more formidable than he already was. But today, Ariana noticed a hint of worry in his eyes that was not there before. It was a look she have not seen in years.
"Ariana," he said, his voice a little softer than usual. "Sit down. We need to talk."
She took a seat in the chair across from him, keeping her posture straight but relaxed. Her father had always been a man of few words, but when he spoke, it carried weight.
"I have heard the rumors," he continued, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "Antony's allies are making their move. They have started to question your leadership, your authority and most importantly, your position as the rightful heir to the company."
Ariana remained silent, trying to keep her emotions in check. She had been anticipating this moment for months. Antony and his faction within the company had always been a threat, lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to reclaim what they believed was rightfully theirs. And now, they were making their move.
"Father," Ariana said, her voice calm but firm, "we need to strike first. I can't afford to wait for them to make the next move. I have already gotten tired of being looked down by them."
Her father raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "You want to go after them directly?"
"I'm not talking about a public confrontation. I'm talking about leverage. We have the power to shake the foundation of their influence if we play our cards right." Ariana's voice became more assured with each word. She had learned the art of corporate tactics from the best and that is her father and now, she was ready to put her skills to the test. "But we need to act quickly, and we need to do it fast."
Her father studied her for a long moment, his sharp eyes searching for any sign of doubt. Ariana met his gaze, unwavering. This was her moment to prove not just to the board but also to herself that she could take control of her destiny, that she could run this company in her own way. The years of playing the passive role in the shadows of others were over.
"You are right," her father finally said, leaning back in his chair. "But be careful, Ariana. Antony's allies are not to be underestimated. They have been in positions of power here for years. If we make the wrong move, it could backfire, and the damage will be far worse than if we did nothing at all."
Ariana nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'm not underestimating them, Father. But I have a plan."
He tilted his head, intrigued. "Tell me."
Ariana leaned forward, lowering her voice just enough to add a sense of secrecy to the conversation. "We know they are the key players who have been loyal to Antony for years. We also know that they are weak, that they are dependent on the corporate structure that he built. If we can convince them that their loyalty to Antony is wrong, we might be able to turn the tide in our favor."
Her father remained silent for a moment, considering her words carefully. "What do you have in mind?"
"I want to call in favors from people who owe us contacts we have made over the years. We will use their positions in the company to influence the board. We will also need to keep a close eye on any moves Antony makes, especially now that he is aware of the growing tension. If we can make it seem like there is instability within the company, it might convince his allies that they are backing the wrong side."
"And what about Antony?" her father asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Ariana smiled, a glint of determination in her eyes. "He will be distracted. His focus is too narrow. He always underestimate me, and now he will pay the price for it. I'm going to make sure that by the time he realizes what is happening, it will be too late for him to do anything."
Her father regarded her with an expression that bordered on approval, but was still concerned. "You are taking a dangerous risk, Ariana. If this doesn't work, it could jeopardize everything we have built. You could lose more than just control of this company."
"I know," she replied, her voice steady. "But I'm not afraid of losing control. I'm afraid of losing the fight before it even begins."
There was a long silence between them, one that felt heavier with each passing second. Ariana could feel the weight of her father's gaze on her, searching for any hint of hesitation. But she had made up her mind. She would not back down.
Finally, her father nodded, his face a mask of resolve. "Then let's begin. I will make the necessary arrangements with the board members who are on our side. You will have the leverage you need, but I need you to stay focused. One misstep, and it will be over."
"I understand," Ariana said. "I won't let you down."
As she stood up to leave, her father's voice stopped her. "Ariana... be careful. Not everyone you trust will have your best interests at heart."
She paused, meeting his eyes once more. "I know, Father. But sometimes, you have to trust your instincts. And right now, they are telling me to take the risk."
After saying that, she turned and left the office, her mind racing with the steps she needed to take next.
___
Ariana had spent the rest of the afternoon meeting with shareholders, both inside and outside the corporation who could help her turn the tide in her favor. She spoke with Lincoln Park, Jesse Secretary, and received his full cooperation in gathering information on Antony's allies. She also made a few calls to old contacts who owed her favors, quietly reminding them of what was at stake.
But it wasn't just the corporate tactics that weighed on her mind. It was the underlying tension that she could feel building in every corner of her life. Her marriage to Jesse was still a fragile secret, one that she could not afford to let slip. The pressure from Antony's camp, the whispers among the board members, and the growing pressure from her father all of it had become a storm that threatened to consume everything she had worked for.
Later that evening, as she sat in her penthouse, Ariana found herself staring out the window at the bustling city below. The lights flickered like stars, distant yet always present. She was used to being alone, but tonight, the loneliness felt heavier than usual.
Her thoughts drifted to Jesse. He had been absent for the most part, caught up in his own affairs, as if he were simply following through on an obligation. Yet, there were moments, fleeting moments, when he had shown her something different. A look, a gesture, something in the way he carried himself. It was as if he, too, was struggling to make sense of everything.
Ariana sighed and turned away from the window. She couldn't afford to get distracted by Jesse, by any of it. There was too much at stake. She had to protect her father's company, protect herself, and, most of all, she had to prove to everyone especially Antony that she was not someone to be underestimated.
With a deep breath, she grabbed her phone and called Lincoln. The time for preparation was over. It was time to make her move.