It'll Be An Even Bigger Loss

"Speak." Xander answered in a cold tone.

This sudden call made him feel cold all over, as if he knew the caller was bearing bad news.

"A fire broke out into the curing area and our latest products to be supplied for the upcoming elections are affected. About twenty firetrucks are trying to put out the fire. I-I'm afraid we won't be able to make it to the deadline. I was about to keep things under wraps, but the media are already here minutes before I arrived. A-and the stupid manager went missing."

Xander was greatly taken aback by this news that had left him speechless. After a while, a dangerous light flashed his eyes. His immediate thought went through his conversation with his grandfather.

Grandpa Baylis warned him that his enemy might make a move and this was what he heard.

"I understand. We'll deal with the fire first. Make sure none of our employees are hurt. If there are any, provide treatment and compensation as soon as possible. Also, as much as you can, keep away from the media, journalists, or any reporter that tries to get a word from you. Notify everyone that not a word should come out from the company's side. Not even from the employees. I'll get Joie to work immediately on the PR. Wait for my call."

He hung up, pulled out his burner phone and pressed on speed dial.

"Aww, Dragon, you missed me already?" Silver Spoon playfully answered on the first ring.

"Yeah, I missed kicking your ass. Call your other friends. They're going manhunt."

They talked a while longer with him leaving a few instructions. By the time he hung up, they were already pulling up into the entrance of Baylis Empire Headquarters.

Getting out of the car, he smirked, "This game is getting more interesting."

A silent five minutes later, soon as he stepped out of the elevator, Jake met him right there with his tablet at hand, showing him the photos of the factory that was caught on fire.

While they were heading towards his office, Jake briefed him. "Joie's supposed to be here at any minute for your instructions on PR. He already talked to Toni, and had him tell the media that Baylis Empire will further investigate this incident before releasing any official statement."

He paused when they were at the doorway, "Sir, you have two hours until your first meeting for today."

"First, send someone to get me a cup of coffee, double shot. Next, email those photos to me. While you're at it, call Bellison back and tell him to get as much information as he can from the lead detective, and assure the authorities that the company will cooperate fully during their investigations." Xander fired off as he sat down on his leather executive chair.

"Right on it." Jake immediately bolted out the door.

About half an hour into reading the materials, he heard a knock on his door and Jake entered, "Boss Xand, Toni sent a message that the fire has been put under control. It would take at least an hour or so to put it out completely. He'll go back here soon as he finished talking to the authorities."

He looked up at his assistant and replied, "Alright. All the remaining goods affected by the fire, burn them all too. Destroy anything that has traces of our latest patent."

Jake was shocked by the sudden order, "But Boss, isn't it a big loss for the company to do that?"

"It'll be an even bigger loss if we launch those products in the market. A fifty-million dollar patent will never compensate a five hundred billion dollar revenue."

"I understand now, Boss. I'll make preparations immediately. Also, your 10 o'clock has arrived."

"Show him Conference A, please. I'll be out in a moment."

Jake acknoweldged with a nod, as he closed the door.

He sighed heavily before standing up, grabbed the materials and his notes for his meeting and headed out.

About an hour later, Xander was wrapping up the meeting. The door to the conference room opened and a pair of gentlemen walked out. One of them was an elderly man.

"Thank you for trusting our products, Mr. Baylis. We will definitely hold on to our words of commitment and service." Mr. Jace Moon, Sunpower President held out his hand towards Xander.

"I am looking forward to our cooperation then, Mr. Moon." Xander took the offered handshake.

"While I was on my way up here, I've heard about the fire incident in your factory. I'm sorry to hear about that. If anything, our company, I personally, still have confidence in you." Mr. Moon had a sincere look on his wrinkled face.

It was a rare chance for him to meet someone as competent as this young man. And in all his years doing business, anyone who encounters a huge incident like this would be stumped and lose control. However, from the moment they started discussing their collaboration, not once did he see panic and worry on Xander's face.

On the other hand, Xander was surprised by the old man's words and sincerity. In the business world, ruthlessness means more power, wealth, and authority. A business leader will not be successful in his ventures if he wears his heart out on his sleeve. But this Mr. Moon gave him a different feeling. Like a father guiding his son.

======

The rest of the afternoon, Xander spent his time giving out instructions to his people. Settling a huge incident such as this one could really make the guy look older.

Jake noticed his boss' worn out look. "Boss, you should take a rest first. Everything can be settled in the next few hours."

"Hm.." Xander leaned his head back on his chair, his tired eyes closed.

Jake took that as his cue to leave the room.

In a beat, he took out his special phone and made a few calls.

Call #1: Green Day

"Boss, everything is as expected. Thanks to our early preparations, we're already halfway through the new batches. We're still short of people, but we can finish up two batches by end of the month."

Call #2: Blue Bear

"Boss, the program has been upgraded and we already started the installation. We're simultaneously installing programs and manufacturing the machines to meet your deadline."

Call #3: Silver Spoon

"How's the manhunt?" Xander got straight to the point and didn't give Silver Spoon a chance to make a jab.

"They found your guy. Apparently, they tasked one of their lackeys to follow him. Took them just a few hours. He's right in front of me now."

"Still alive?" Dragon secretly sighed a relief. To go searching for someone who doesn't want to be found can be like looking for a needle in haystack.

"He's still... breathing?" Silver Spoon sounded as if he regrets that the man was still alive.

Xander chuckled at his friend. He understands the quirks of this guy. He knew that Jethro wanted to kill that man. But he can't allow that - for now.

"Good. Take him to the White Poison."