Disclaimer: All Twilight characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. Any real life instance, situation, persons, or patented product, etc. that holds similarities to this story is purely coincidental. No copyright infringement intended.
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EPOV- Manhattan, NYC
It's been about 3 months since the Annual meeting and I found myself in my penthouse office trying to defuse the situation and get to the bottom of everything.
Confidential information about the new improvements on UMA have been sold to our competitors— Volturi Enterprises. Even if they hired the best and smartest engineers in the world, they couldn't replicate the technology I personally developed, and now it's in their hands…or so they thought actually. Whoever did this would pay dearly though. Nice try.
"How could this happen? If investors get a hold of this, they'll jump ship and our stocks would plummet!" I watched from my Italian leather office chair as the director of Public relations hysterically pulled his hair out of frustration. Other department heads present today exclaimed their concerns as I watched in amusement. Some scowled at me at my relaxed state.
I smirked thinking how ridiculous they were being right now. What these people didn't know was that all the information that were 'Stolen' and 'Sold' to Volturi were fakes. No one knew the real science behind the controller that made UMA work but myself and very select scientists who were off the map and were under my personal payroll.
On top of that, UMA was protected by a secret code that only I knew. Even if they do manage to replicate the software, it'll be impossible to re-produce the technology on a larger scale. The metal used to create the motherboard and the micro-components was one I discovered and synthesized back with my grandfather. We called it Midnimantium.
The components of UMA were built in a robot-operated factory in an isolated island an hour from New York— untraceable and impenetrable, I paid a pretty penny to keep the location off the map. The technology is then shipped to the Cullen Warehouses across America for assembly— all without a trace of where they came from. UMA was the main product of Cullen Robotics and made up 65% of our profits (the others being advanced equipment and nano chip technology). It did everything from sensitive surgery assistance to flying at bullet speed across the most remote areas and administering urgent medical attention when help is hours away.
Some time passed with the directors in heat and I just about had enough of it.
"As unfortunate as this situation seems, Volturi wouldn't know what to do with information they have. You're all dismissed for the day. Rupert, Alex, please see them out." The 8 or so people took that as their cue to leave as my butler Rupert ushered them towards the door. Alex started to gather the files to get ready for our next meeting.
I noticed James Hunter, a senior robotics analyst stay, as if he wanted to say something but was reluctant to do so.
I waited for the others to leave before I addressed him. "James, do you have something you wish discuss to me?"
"I'm sorry but what do you mean they don't know what to do with the information, Mr. Cullen?" He was a bit shaken up…
I took a good look at him before replying. He was trying to maintain a straight face but his eyes looked alarmed. I have a feeling this guy had something to do with the information leak.
I decided to trust my instincts and stood up from my chair. I went to go to an adjoining room, mentioning him to come follow me.
As soon as the door closed, I turned to look at him but found myself face to face with a pistol
I raised both hands in mock surrender, not expecting him to pull a gun on me. I slowly walked towards him…
"Don't even thinking about it, Edward" He spat pointing the gun harder at me. This guy was going nuts. His once naïve appearance changed to a menacing one.
"James, I had my suspicions that you'd be involved in this. Your behavior just further solidified that."
"What do you know about anything? You're rich and smart. You don't know how everyone just seem to fall to your feet. You don't even have to try so hard!" He was just really ranting now. I could now see that this guy had a personal grudge on me. How? I wouldn't know…
"What is your involvement in all this? Did you leak the tech to Volturi for money? How much?" I ignored his resentment towards me and tried to extract information about the situation at hand, not at all bothered by the gun he pointed at me. This guy didn't have the balls to shoot anyway
"You think I would tell you that? Its not even about money anymore, you know Volturi is involved in the underworld. You're not the clean businessman you portray yourself to be! Now, tell me why can't they use the information!" so it was about that now.
The Volturi allegedly dabbled on human trafficking and used their medical robotics empire as a cover for all the illegal activity. They traded large quantities of human organs in the black market. I almost pitied Mr. Hunter… emphasis on almost
"I'm sorry Mr. Hunter but this is your own doing. A security team of at least 10 ex-military will barge in here any second and hold you down. I suggest you put the gun down and surrender." He screeched in frustration and aimed at me. Just as he was to shoot he was tackled down by the said men.
"Take him to the police!" I called after them.
"Master Edward! Are you alright? I'm sorry we didn't come sooner, sir." I heard Rupert call as he came in the room and the men dragged James out.
"You'll pay for this, Edward! You think everyone's on your side huh? They'll come after me but not before WE kill you and all you hold dear." James hissed with so much venom. I glared at his direction, feeling the weight of what just happened come to me. With everyone except Rupert gone, I sat at a nearby chair and put my head between my hands.
"I've alerted your personal security team, should i do that for Mrs. Esme and Mr. Carlisle's as well?"
"Yes, Rupert. Double the security in Forks. Same protocol, my parents don't know I'm having them watched." I ordered. I wanted my parents to be safe at all times, even without the James threat, being a young and highly publicised billionaire came with a lot of set backs in terms of security. I paid millions a year for private protection, but I'm pretty sure James didn't work alone, its safe to say he'll do everything to follow through with his threats.
Rupert acknowledged and bowed his head to leave. But just as he did, I called him back. "Rupert, can you have Jenks locate a person for me? I want you to dispatch a security team once he finds her. With the utmost discretion as my parents' of course." I raised my head to look him in eye, trying to convey the importance of this order. Its never been this bad before, its about time I have her protected as well…
"The name and it's done, sir"
I took a deep breath and muttered the name of the one I could never forget and would do everything to protect.
"Isabella Swan."
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Author's Note: Hey, everyone. Just wanted to publish this short chapter, a sneak peak of some sort. How do you think they'll meet in the next chapter? ;)
See you in a couple of days 3
Xoxo, BOO
