Charles got to the conference room later than he thought he would, and he felt that the party members would think he wasn’t serious as that wasn’t a good start. But they surprised him when they all welcomed him with smiles on their face. “So, now, let’s start. Mr. Charles Lincoln, I hope you do not come late to our meetings again, because we tend to wait for each other until we are all complete. And we can all agree that time is passing by without us doing anything.” The leader voiced out as he sat down. “Yes, I understand. And I apologize for getting here late.” Charles apologized humbly, and sat down as well. “It’s fine. Alright, let’s get to business. First, I congratulate us all for being lucky enough to have Mr. Charles Lincoln by our side as we can all feel in the air that there is a high chance that we’ll win this election.” “Yes, that’s true.” Another member attested, nodding positively at others who reciprocated. Charles smiled, and felt revered and capable. “I’m so glad you all trust in me, and I promise you that we won’t let you down.” Charles assured them with a smile on his face. “We are proud to have you in our midst.” Mr. Dawson responded. “But then, there is something I have observed, Mr. Charles” Mr. Dawson said, now serious. “Oh! What’s that about?” Charles asked, hoping it wasn’t something that would destroy his plans. “Looking at your accomplishments so far, you don’t look like someone who was or is really interested in the political line. Is this perhaps a short-term goal of yours? Please communicate to us better, so we can know how to help you.” Mr. Dawson spoke out, and exhaled sharply through his nostrils. Normally, Charles wouldn’t have been comfortable enough to come out clean on his plans as he liked to keep his strategies and plans most times, to himself. But this time, it was going to be even better if he made his party members, know of his goal. “Yes. It is a short-term goal, but it would still be in favor of the party because when I resign, my assistant is going to become the acting governor. At the end of the day, we both get what we want.” “That’s also brilliant, Mr. Charles. Just as you believe in us to help you on your goal, we will support you with anything we can do to ensure you come out victorious.” After the day’s meeting which ended in the afternoon, Charles got a call from one of his men, and he answered it even when he wasn’t in the mood to.“Hey. Any update?” he asked as he got into his car. “Yes sir. She met with a reporter today. Although, I couldn’t get what she talked about with the reporter, but it’s certainly something bad as she handed a file over to him.” The man reported to him over the phone. “Hmmm.” “Also, an information which I got from an expert was that he noticed she now goes to the governor’s office whenever she wants to, and she’s always with a positive demeanor when she goes there, and when she comes back.” “She’s definitely up to something.” Charles muttered under his breath. “You know what? Fish out that reporter, and bring him to me in the evening to my residence, and I want him blindfolded.” Charles instructed the man, and hung up. Charles let out an exhausted sigh, loosen his tie, and laid back on the car’s seat. He knew very well that Angela was smart, and he was going to show her that she can outsmart her, and ridicule her just the way he did to her brother, Mark. Soon, he got home, and changed into something more comfortable. He sat down on the sofa in his sitting room with a glass of wine in his hand, and was listening to opera music. One of his guards came up to him, and bowed his head a little to get Charles’ attention. “What do you have to say?” Charles asked as he shut his eyes, and exhaled peacefully. “Mr. Grayson, the CEO of Gray-tech has come to see you. He said he has a business offer for you, and will love to see you.” The guard informed him, respectfully. Charles opened his eyes instantly. He had heard of Mr. Grayson, and how stinking wealthy he was, and had multiple tech companies, but was picky with whoever he chose to be his partner. “Wow. He came to me for a business offer. How interesting can this get?” Charles thought to himself with a pleased smile. “What do you want me to do, sir?” The guard asked, waiting for a reply. “Tell him I’m busy.” Charles instructed calmly. Just then, Vera walked in hastily, with a glow of excitement on her face. “Mr. Grayson is outside, Charles. He says he has a business offer for you.” Vera informed, with a slight smile on her face. She also knew who Mr. Grayson was, and was more than excited to have him come to Charles for a business offer. In fact, she felt accomplished that she and Charles had gotten to this level, but she became baffled when she noticed Charles’ unbothered look. “Charles?” She called his name, looking baffled at him. “The guard here just told me about him. But I won’t be seeing him tonight.” Charles replied, and sipped his glass wine. “What!” Vera exclaimed in shock. “Charles, you know we could lose this opportunity, and it will never come back.” Vera said, still feeling shocked. “Tell him I’m busy.” Charles said to the guard again, and the guard left. Vera couldn’t understand what was going on, and why Charles wasn’t stoked as she believed he would. Who wouldn’t want Mr. Grayson as his or her partner? Everyone wanted him, and here he was, giving an exclusive offer on a platter of gold. “Put a call through to James, Vera. Tell him to come over.” Charles instructed her, ignoring her surprised, and curious look. “But…but…” “We have work to do, Vera. A master mind plan in fact.” Charles voiced out, and smirked as he looked into mid air.