The Setbacks

At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion

"What are you planning to do about it?" William asked Alexander as the two sat at the bar after dinner, their drinks untouched as they discussed both company matters and the brewing scandal.

"I'll talk to Eric about it first," Alexander replied with a frown. The gossip circulating within the company had reached him, and it was beginning to grate on his nerves.

"Speak of the devil," William muttered, his expression souring as Eric appeared, panting as if he'd run all the way to meet them.

"It's my fault," Eric blurted out, still trying to catch his breath. "I forgot to shred that damn contract like you instructed. I checked the drawer it's still there."

"Then how did a copy of it manage to circulate through the entire company?" Alexander snapped, his frustration boiling over.