A Move on the Chessboard

Chapter 9: A Move on the Chessboard

The atmosphere at Wright Enterprises had become increasingly charged as Adrian intensified his efforts to sabotage Ethan. Rumors spread among the employees, fueled by Adrian's carefully sown doubts. Meanwhile, Ethan was determined to keep his grip on the situation, refusing to let his brother derail his ambitions for leadership.

During a weekly board meeting, Adrian made his move.

"I've been looking over some of our recent projects," Adrian said smoothly, locking eyes with Ethan. "And I've spotted some troubling trends. Delays, budget overruns—issues that require our immediate focus."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Which projects are you talking about?"

Adrian pushed a stack of papers across the table. "The ones you're overseeing, naturally. I assumed you'd be aware of them."

Ethan glanced through the documents, maintaining a calm demeanor while his mind raced. The figures didn't add up, and he recognized that Adrian had distorted the data to fabricate a narrative of incompetence.

"These numbers are incorrect," Ethan replied, his tone unwavering. "I can have the accurate reports ready by the end of the day."

Adrian pretended to be surprised. "Inaccurate? I'm just working with the information I have. Maybe there's been a misunderstanding."

Richard, who was sitting at the head of the table, let out a heavy sigh. "That's enough. I'll go over the reports myself. Let's move on."

Adrian leaned back, a smug smile creeping onto his face. But Ethan wasn't finished.

"Father," Ethan said, his voice steady, "I'd like to suggest an audit of our reporting systems. If there are any discrepancies, it's crucial for the company to address them right away."

Richard nodded slowly. "That's a reasonable suggestion. Adrian, you'll be in charge of the audit."

Adrian's smile wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Of course. I'll make sure it's done thoroughly."

As the meeting came to a close, Adrian's mind was racing with frustration. Ethan's quick thinking had thwarted his plan, but Adrian wasn't ready to give up.

In the days that followed, the audit turned up nothing of significance, further enhancing Ethan's reputation for honesty. Meanwhile, Adrian began plotting his next move.

Danielle felt herself getting more entangled in the Wright brothers' rivalry. Despite her efforts to concentrate on her tasks, the tension in the office was inescapable. Ethan's fierce determination and Adrian's sly tactics fostered an environment of ongoing discomfort, making her question how long she could steer through the chaos without being caught up in it.

For Ethan, this conflict was deeply personal. For Adrian, it was a quest for dominance. And for Danielle, it turned into an unexpected challenge of her endurance.

That evening, Adrian made his way back to the Wright family mansion, a grand estate rich in history and elegance. The mahogany doors creaked as he stepped into the living room, where his mother, Eleanor Wright, occupied her usual spot by the fireplace. Her silver-streaked hair was perfectly styled, and her sharp features radiated sophistication, yet her piercing gaze held a chill that even Adrian found disconcerting.

"Adrian," Eleanor said, her voice crisp. "You're home earlier than I expected."

"Things at the office are under control," Adrian replied, pouring himself a glass of scotch. "Ethan's little act doesn't bother me."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, setting her teacup down. "Act? What has he done this time?"

Adrian took a deliberate sip of his drink before answering. "Father is so blinded by his 'golden boy' that he fails to see Ethan for what he truly is—an outsider. He suggested an audit today, undermining my authority once again. And, naturally, Father backed him up."

Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression growing more frigid. "Your father's favoritism has always been maddening. But Ethan... he doesn't belong, Adrian. Not in the company, not in this family."

Adrian clenched his jaw. "You think I don't know that? Yet here I am, fighting tooth and nail to claim what's rightfully mine while Ethan glides through life, soaking up Father's approval."

Eleanor stood, her silk robe flowing as she crossed the room to stand before her son. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm. "You are Richard Wright's firstborn. You have every right to succeed him, not some illegitimate child with a conveniently tragic backstory."

Adrian's eyes darkened. "Father doesn't care about that. Ethan is everything he wants in an heir—disciplined, competent, respected. Meanwhile, I'm always the one who's too 'emotional,' too 'reckless.'"

Eleanor's voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "That's because Richard doesn't see the big picture. Ethan's mother was never more than a fling, a distraction. She had no place in this family, and neither does her son."

Adrian smirked bitterly. "You think reminding me of that helps? If anything, it makes me despise him more. But I can't just sit back and let Ethan win. I need a strategy—a way to discredit him once and for all."

Eleanor's gaze turned calculating. "Then you must outmaneuver him at every turn. Use his weaknesses against him. And if you can't find any... create them."

Adrian nodded slowly, her words igniting a fresh wave of determination. "He thinks he's untouchable, but no one is invincible. Not even Ethan."

Eleanor's icy smile matched his. "Good. Keep this in mind, Adrian: the Wright empire is your birthright. Seize what is rightfully yours—by any means necessary."

The fire crackled as Adrian finished his scotch, his determination solidifying. He was no longer just vying for a position; he was battling to reclaim his identity, his rightful place as the heir to the Wright legacy.