The Web of Influence

July 25, 2009 – 7:30 PM

Blackwood Manor, Switzerland

The dimly lit hall of Blackwood Manor echoed with quiet conversation as Nathaniel Blackwood stood before the grand fireplace, the flickering flames casting long shadows against the dark wood-paneled walls. His most trusted advisors were seated around him, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and silent understanding.

Lucas Hawthorne cleared his throat, breaking the contemplative silence. "We have all the information we need. His parents are ordinary people—far removed from the empire he has built. They live in Dakshin Barasat, a quiet town on the outskirts of Kolkata. If we approach them with undeniable evidence of his involvement in the bribery case, we force his hand. He will have no choice but to comply."

Nathaniel nodded slowly, his sharp eyes gleaming with calculation. "The key to controlling a man like Aritra is not through direct confrontation but through the strings he cannot sever—his family. He may be untouchable in the corporate and political world, but at his core, he is still a son. And a son will always protect his parents."

Richard Graves exhaled. "So we present him with a choice—marriage to Katherine or public exposure of the bribery case. He will have to protect his empire, his reputation, and most importantly, his parents' well-being. He will see no alternative."

Lucas smirked. "And with Katherine placed in Jadavpur University's Mechanical Engineering Department, she will be in his immediate sphere every day. A constant presence. A carefully crafted distraction."

Nathaniel took a measured sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down on the polished table. "I will make the necessary calls. First, I'll contact Vinod Malhotra, the Vice Chancellor at Jadavpur University. He has been one of our silent benefactors in the Indian education sector. With a simple instruction, he will ensure that Katherine's enrollment is processed immediately, no questions asked."

He turned toward Richard Graves. "Reach out to Suresh Varma, our legal consultant in New Delhi. He will ensure that all official paperwork for her student visa and residential arrangements proceed without interference."

Lucas Hawthorne added, "We'll also need Manish Kapoor, the real estate liaison, to finalize the transfer of our safehouse in Alipore. He has managed multiple high-profile properties under our network before. Katherine must have unrestricted access to movement while maintaining discretion."

Nathaniel nodded, his expression unwavering. "And most importantly, I will personally speak with Rajeev Thakur, our deep-seated connection in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He will smooth out any administrative roadblocks regarding Katherine's prolonged stay in India. We need full autonomy in this operation, and he will make it happen."

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the wood. "Make the calls immediately. We don't have time to waste."

Katherine, who had been quietly listening, tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable. "And what if he resists? What if he doesn't yield so easily?"

Nathaniel turned to his daughter, a slow, calculating smile forming on his lips. "Then we ensure that resisting becomes the most painful choice he has ever made."

Katherine's eyes flickered with an emotion too complex to name, but she nodded once, understanding the role she had been assigned. "Then I suppose I have a new home in Kolkata."

Nathaniel lifted his glass. "To new beginnings."

The room fell silent as the men around the table raised their glasses, sealing the next phase of their calculated game.

July 26, 2009 – 8:00 AMBlackwood Private Jet Hangar, Geneva, Switzerland

The preparation for their departure was swift and meticulous, handled with the precision of a military operation. Nathaniel did not believe in leaving anything to chance, especially not an endeavor of this magnitude.

Their private jet, a customized Gulfstream G650, was being loaded with everything they would need for an extended stay.

"How many men are traveling with us?" Nathaniel asked, watching as luggage was carefully stowed inside the aircraft.

"A core team of six," Lucas responded. "Three security personnel, a legal strategist, and two logistical coordinators. They will handle every detail on the ground."

Nathaniel nodded in approval. "And the documentation?"

Richard stepped forward, holding up a thick leather-bound folder. "Passports, visas, business papers—everything under the guise of expanding Blackwood International's interests in India. No suspicions will be raised."

Katherine approached the steps leading to the jet, glancing back at the convoy of black sedans that had transported them to the airstrip. "What about housing arrangements? I assume we are not staying in a hotel?"

Lucas smirked. "Of course not. We've secured a private estate in Alipore, Kolkata's most exclusive neighborhood. It has been prepared to operate as a fully functional base for our operations."

"And Jadavpur?" she asked, glancing at her father.

Nathaniel gestured to Lucas, who handed her an enrollment confirmation letter. "You are now officially a student of Jadavpur University, Mechanical Engineering Department. Classes begin in two weeks. That gives you enough time to settle in and **establish yourself as an undeniable part of Aritra's daily life. Additionally, you will be staying in his house, under the guise of cultural immersion and convenience, allowing you to monitor him constantly. This ensures he has no escape from your presence, day or night."

Katherine read the document carefully before folding it neatly and slipping it into her bag. "It's almost poetic, isn't it? Embedding myself in his world so effortlessly."

Nathaniel smiled. "It is necessary. He must see you as inevitable, not as an intrusion."

Richard adjusted his tie. "We also need to ensure that he sees us before we approach his parents. If he feels like he's losing control before we even deliver the ultimatum, he may act rashly."

Nathaniel nodded. "Then we let him become aware of our presence first. A subtle encounter, something to unsettle him. Let him feel the weight of our arrival before we make our move."

Katherine smirked. "A ripple before the storm. I like it."

Nathaniel turned to the pilots, signaling for them to prepare for takeoff. "Then let's begin. We leave for Kolkata now."

As they boarded the aircraft, the wheels of Blackwood's grand strategy began turning. The game had shifted, and soon, Aritra would realize that his world was no longer his alone.