"Okay, sir. Copy."
Alpheus's secretary said before hanging up. She immediately began typing rapidly on her computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard as if racing against a deadline. Then, she picked up her phone again and made another call.
The three men in the room—Dave, Calyx, and Rome—turned their attention to her.
"Hi, is this the director of the Integrated Community School in **** City? May I ask how much the school currently costs? The Monteverde family is interested in buying it—today."
She paused, then continued.
"Do I sound like I'm joking? Mr. Monteverde said so himself. He's interested in your school and is offering double the original price. He also wants the current school principal removed. So name your price—right now. The Monteverde Group will buy out all the shares, whether you like it or not."
She hung up after that, then calmly returned to her work as though nothing unusual had just happened.
Rome leaned forward, narrowing his eyes.
