THE REALIZATION

After three years and seven months of relentless innovation, international expansion, and lucrative partnerships, Raymond Tech had officially become a multi-million-dollar powerhouse. Their flagship product — the VRS (Virtual Reality Simulator) — revolutionized the global tech space. With contracts amounting to over $50 million in pure cash flow and continued endorsements from elite companies, the brand stood proudly among global titans.

Hayden, once marred by scandal and personal failings, had managed to ascend the corporate ladder and was now officially the CEO of Raymond Tech. Standing beside him in both authority and influence was Mr. Lockwood, his strategic adviser and corporate partner. Despite the applause and celebration surrounding their success, a new kind of storm brewed quietly beneath the surface.

During a routine executive meeting held in the expansive boardroom — its walls lined with polished mahogany and LED monitors displaying live data — the tension became undeniable.

"Sir," began Melissa, the head of public relations, nervously adjusting her blazer. "Over the past few months, we've noticed a steady increase in customer complaints regarding the VRS unit."

Hayden barely looked up from his tablet. "Complaints?" he repeated flatly.

"Yes," she continued. "Some users are reporting adverse reactions — skin rashes, muscle cramps, even disorientation. At first, we dismissed it as improper use. But the pattern has grown too consistent to ignore."

Before Hayden could reply, Mr. Lockwood let out a short laugh, folding his arms casually as he leaned against the long conference table.

"Please, do you still believe everything you read on the internet?" Lockwood said with a smirk. "It's called sabotage. Competitor tricks. These claims are tactics to slow us down. VRS is a revolution — it's the future."

He chuckled again and waved his hand. "Let's keep producing and expanding. We're on a roll. Let's not kill our golden goose just because of a few tweets."

Hayden smirked, glancing around at the others. "Okay, if you say so."

But not everyone in the room shared their confidence. Mr. Emmanuel, the company's Chief Operations Officer — a man who had been there since the conception of Raymond Tech's first prototype — cleared his throat.

"With all due respect, this is not about rumors or sabotage," Emmanuel said, his voice calm but firm. "This is about public safety. The complaints are legitimate, and if we don't act now, we risk lawsuits, recalls, and irreparable damage to our brand."

Hayden's smirk vanished.

"You think I don't know how to run this company?" Hayden snapped. "I'm the CEO. You're standing here questioning my judgment over unverified gossip?"

"I'm not questioning your position," Emmanuel replied, unmoved. "I'm asking you to look at the facts before this escalates."

Hayden's temper flared. His eyes narrowed.

"You know what? Since you care so much about 'public opinion,' maybe you should go join them."

The room froze.

"You're fired, Mr. Emmanuel," Hayden said coldly. "Pack your things. Security will escort you out. I make decisions here — not you, not the internet, and definitely not public hysteria. Even Granddad Raymond would agree."

The air was sucked from the room. Gasps. Silence. Eyes darting nervously.

Mr. Lockwood grinned in approval, but the rest of the board sat in quiet disbelief. Mr. Emmanuel, who had helped build the foundation of Raymond Tech, stood slowly, eyes locked on Hayden.

He picked up his folder and tablet, tucking them neatly into a box provided by his assistant. As he turned to leave, he paused.

"If Jedidiah were here," he said softly, "things would've been different."

Those words struck Hayden like a slap.

Without another word, Mr. Emmanuel exited the boardroom. As he passed through the corridors, employees who saw him leaving looked stunned. He had always been a respected, calm force in the company — someone many looked up to. Now he was walking out with nothing but a cardboard box and a broken legacy.

Back in the boardroom, Hayden sat down heavily, trying to control his breathing.

A younger board member, Mr. Daniels, cautiously spoke. "Sir… Mr. Emmanuel was our COO. Without him, our production logistics are deeply compromised."

"Then we'll find someone else," Lockwood cut in smoothly. "No one is irreplaceable."

Hayden nodded curtly. "Meeting dismissed."

But even as the executives filed out, murmurs filled the hallways. For the first time in a long while, fear began to replace the admiration that once followed Hayden.

That evening, Hayden arrived at Dr. Raymond's estate for dinner. The estate, still regal and majestic, felt warmer than the corporate walls he'd just left. Inside the grand dining hall sat familiar faces: Dr. Raymond himself at the head of the table, Kate chattering beside Jane, Michael deep in his phone, and Kennedith pouring himself a glass of wine. Sophia, graceful as ever, was arranging the salad tray.

Alice's absence was notable. Since Jedidiah left, she'd remained distant — physically and emotionally.

"Hayden," Dr. Raymond greeted as he entered. "Sit, join us."

Hayden forced a smile and took the empty seat beside Michael.

"Busy day?" Jane asked.

"You could say that," Hayden replied, loosening his tie. "Actually… I came to talk about something serious."

Everyone quieted.

He recounted the events at the office — the complaints, Mr. Emmanuel's warnings, and finally, the termination.

"You fired him?" Sophia asked, eyes wide.

"He challenged me," Hayden said defensively. "I'm the CEO. He crossed a line."

Kate scoffed. "Good. That old man always thought he knew better."

Dr. Raymond raised his hand. "Enough. That man built most of our systems from scratch."

"I had to make a call," Hayden insisted. "He questioned my leadership in front of everyone."

Before the conversation could continue, Kennedith's phone rang. He stood to take the call, stepping into the adjacent corridor.

The table fell silent as they waited. Minutes passed.

Kennedith returned, his face pale, eyes wide with disbelief. His hands trembled as he placed the phone on the table.

Dr. Raymond narrowed his eyes. "Kennedith, what is it?"

Kennedith swallowed hard.

His voice low and trembling with shock and fear "We have a problem"