They swiftly surrounded Robert’s man, restraining his movements. Daniel, who was still weak, kept staring at the man with courage.
The henchman was cornered, trying to find a way out, but the police officers restraining his movements made him realize that the game was over. In a state of tension, the man finally gave up.
Richard, with a relieved smile on his face, walked over to Daniel. When Daniel regained consciousness from his coma a few days ago, they discussed planning a trap for Robert’s man. They agreed to keep Daniel’s recovery a secret from anyone, including Emily, so that their plan would not be uncovered.
Daniel worked closely with the detective team to execute their plan. Even though he was still recovering, Daniel still contributed significantly in the effort to trap the henchman.
“We finally caught him, sir,” Richard said with a smile to Daniel, who just nodded in understanding of Richard’s words.
***
The next morning, a board of directors meeting was held in the company’s boardroom. The atmosphere was tense and full of speculation about Daniel’s fate as CEO who had been absent for a long time because of being in a coma. The board members doubted Daniel’s ability to return to lead the company after such a long absence.
When the meeting began, the Chairman of the Board led the meeting seriously. “Today we are gathered to discuss the future of the company and the CEO position currently held by Mr. Daniel. We need to consider the best course of action for the company’s survival.”
Some board members voiced their concerns. “As CEO, Daniel has been absent for too long because of his health condition. Can we maintain absentee leadership for this long?” said one board member.
In the middle of the board meeting, Robert sat among the board members with a sly smile on his face, quietly observing the situation. However, suddenly the meeting room door opened with a bang. Daniel entered the room accompanied by his personal assistant, Richard. The sound of wheels from his wheelchair echoed in the silent room.
“Daniel,” Robert muttered, unable to believe his vision that Daniel had risen from his coma so quickly.
Daniel, with a steady and courageous gaze, faced the assembled board members. His voice echoed in the room. “Mr. Chairman and all honorable board members, I am here to declare that I am still fit and ready to lead this company as a responsible CEO.”
With a firm and courageous voice, Daniel continued, “I have gone through a difficult recovery period and come back with a stronger determination to lead this company towards a better future. I am ready to fight for the company’s vision and mission.”
As Daniel expressed his determination to continue leading the company as CEO, Robert set his plan in motion. With a sly smile on his face, Robert stood in the center of the meeting room and voiced his doubts.
“Mr. Chairman and board members, I doubt whether Daniel is still fit to hold the CEO position after such a long absence. We need to consider wisely the best decision for the sustainability of this company,” Robert said in a doubtful tone.
Some board members who shared Robert’s view voiced their doubts. Voices were in favor of ousting Daniel as the CEO was heard in the meeting room.
However, Daniel was undaunted by the challenge. With a confident demeanor, he looked at Robert and the board members. “I am ready to prove with concrete actions I am still worthy and capable of leading this company in a better direction.”
With a calm yet authoritative voice, Daniel said, “During my leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones. We have improved our financial performance, won awards, and expanded our business network.”
After explaining his achievements and contributions to the company, Daniel bowed his head firmly, signaling Richard.
Richard, who had prepared strong evidence, carefully played a video in the meeting room. The video revealed where several board members were seen entering a restaurant with Robert. In the video, this meeting was not related to the official company business, but seemed to be a secret meeting arranged by Robert.
Some of the board members’ faces look panicked, as if a hidden secret has been revealed in front of them.
“Can anyone explain why I’m playing this video?” Daniel asked, but no one dared to answer.
“It’s just a normal dinner meeting, there’s nothing suspicious about the video,” Robert replied in a voice that tried to be calm.
Daniel then signaled to Richard, who carefully projected a photo in the boardroom. The photo revealed the fake interim CEO appointment document drafted by Robert, complete with Daniel’s forged signature, as well as the money transactions from the branch company used to bribe the board members.
“What about this? Can someone explain it to me?” asked Daniel, his eyes staring directly at Robert.
“Can you explain it to me, Mr. Robert?” asked Daniel, but Robert remained silent, not answering the question.
“You have created fake documents and bribed several board members so that you can quickly realize your ambition to overthrow me, haven’t you?” asked Daniel with piercing sarcasm.
The room became tense and silent. The board members were stunned and terrified as the truth was revealed that Robert had bribed them using the branch company’s money. They felt trapped in the web of lies and manipulation that Robert had designed.
Daniel stared intently at Robert. “You have sold your pride and integrity for personal ambition, Mr. Robert. Your actions have already cost the company dearly, not to mention your shameful act of bribing some of the board of directors.”
Daniel’s face radiated a rage that was hard to contain as he stared intently at the several board members who were proven to have accepted the bribe money from Robert. “How could you, as leaders of the company, get caught up in such dirty and despicable deeds? You have tarnished the integrity and dignity of your positions as board members.”
“By accepting this bribe, you have not only harmed the company, but have tarnished the company’s good name and shown how fragile your morality and honesty are.”
Daniel again showed the final video in which a man dressed as a nurse entered his room at hospital. “Is there anything you want to explain about this?”
“What do you mean?” asked Robert with a panicked face.
“You attempted to kill me, Mr. Robert. Is it that easy for you to forget your evil deeds overnight?” asked Daniel with an angry gaze, his jaw hardening against the rage rising in his chest.
Suddenly, the meeting room door opened loudly, revealing the arrival of several police officers, along with a public prosecutor. They entered the room with serious and stern faces, showing that they had come with a clear purpose.
“We come to arrest Mr. Robert on charges of attempted murder, forgery of documents, and corruption involving company money,” said the public prosecutor in a firm and straightforward voice.
The police officers swiftly approached Robert, who looked surprised and stayed where he was. They made the arrest under applicable legal procedures.
“Please, let me go! Daniel, you can’t do this to me. I’m still your uncle, after all,” Robert said in a panicked and agitated tone.
“Daniel!” shouted Robert, trying to call his name, a look of fear and panic on his face.
Police officers also secured several members of the board of directors involved in the corruption case, perfecting law enforcement and justice in exposing the fraud that occurred in his company.
“Are you alright?” asked Richard to Daniel, worry clear in his expression.
Daniel nodded slowly before replying, “I’m fine. Thank you for being so helpful.”
“Alright, I’ll take you home,” Richard said, helping push Daniel’s wheelchair.
But halfway there, they stopped in their tracks when they saw Emily standing right in front of the meeting room.
“Daniel,” Emily murmured with reddened eyes.