His Devious Rule

Doctor Bose hesitated for a second while submitting the pen drive which had her session with Anya and medical reports. Considering that she was doing the right thing, she came to the main detail that might affect Anya's career.

"Anya's Owen's PTSD has relapsed the day Alvin Matthews returned to her life. Therefore there are high chances her decision thereafter directly or indirectly might have affected her judgment." It depends on the officers to assess Anya's actions regarding her work.

"I have submitted the detailed report for further analysis..." She abruptly paused when she caught the old man's awful mood.

The Chief Justice's face was dark after hearing the doctor. He was purposefully austere with Anya due to Alvin. He never sensed anywhere that Anya's actions were affected by her relapse.

The Chief Justice glanced at Jason. If not for him, Jason would have spotted the changes in his teammates. Jason would have become the first person to report the issues.

Then, was Anya so smart to conceal her mental health condition?

He clenched his teeth and instructed his assistant, "Assistant Wen, put Anya's award on hold."

If the award was withdrawn, it would be an insult to Jason as chief of Team Ace, and the Chief justice for recommending her. Most importantly, Anya will have to face severe backlash from the media, administration, and public. It would become impossible for Anya to return to work and worse, she couldn't even live in her home country.

Nevertheless, the Chief Justice wasn't going to change the rules just because he recommended Anya. "Form a team to assess her last mission. I need the report in less than a week."

The team will contain top-level officers and a psychologist. If the majority of them vote against awarding Anya, then there could be severe consequences and interrogation of Anya.

He held back from instructing Jason to hold back on Anya's mission due to the doctor.

Doctor Bose stood up to leave but she couldn't hold back from completing her words. She modestly bowed in apology for speaking, out of her work scope, without knowing the depth of the situation.

"Anya Owen maintains confidentiality about her mission, hence I have no idea about her actions and decide accordingly.

However, as per my experience and knowledge, Anya is struggling with her private life. It might not concern her job at all." She bowed again and walked out of the office.

The Chief Justice watched the doctor leave. He always finds two kinds of people around Anya. Ones who hate Anya to their gut and ones who admire her. Anyway, they can't make decisions based on a doctor's personal opinion. They need medical reports and statistics.

He turned to Jason. Jason was oddly silent and undisturbed. It wasn't something good. So. "Chief Jason, what's wrong?" He cautiously asked.

Jason looked at the Chief Justice. The award wasn't a fluke to take away due to a piece of paper. Anya earned recognition for her hard work. Time and again, he started to dislike the rules and laws.

Anyway, he broke the bomb, "I will reign if Officer Owen is stripped of her award."

Chief Justice: "..."

Anya Owen was the most trouble-free officer they had in the team Ace. As soon as Alvin Matthews entered her life, they discussed Anya every week and Jason took a stand for her every time.

Narrowing his eyes at Jason, "Are you threatening me?" The Chief Justice demanded a response. If Jason and Anya leave, Team Ace dissolves as other team members would also agree with Jason. Their bond and resolution were much stronger than the blood-related family.

Jason didn't make that decision because of Anya. He would step down because "I'm unfit for the post if I was negligent of my officers."

He knew what Anya had been through. Hence he was heedful of her actions when Alvin entered her life. She did take some stupid decisions but all of them have proved right for her and the situation. Even when struggling with her private life and pressure from them, she completed her job dutifully.

If all his analyses are wrong then how was he fit for his position?

Baffled, Chief Justice watched Jason take his leave. Jason's words still sounded like a threat to him. "He is influenced by Anya Owen." He muttered as it was always Anya who would be ready to leave the job if she felt unfair or anything wrong.

––––––

Friday, a day before the shareholder's meeting,

Casper was on edge till midnight waiting for Alvin to make his move against him. He restlessly went over the possible situation. He wasted all the resources, time, and peace behind Alvin and his two associates.

Even after all his efforts, he failed to find Alvin's plan. None of the shareholders seemed to have met or heard from Alvin. Even the university board members hadn't met or spoken to Alvin.

With the throbbing headache, Casper grimaced when the thought of reaching Carozza struck his mind. Bringing Carozza between their trouble is like having a time bomb. Casper wouldn't take the risk.

After another overtime, Liam was heading to the bedroom from his study room. He paused when he got a glimpse of his father pressing his forehead.

They were taking things under control at the company. Cordelia and Gianna didn't have an influence on Casper. So it could only be Alvin.

Honestly, Liam had no idea what Alvin was up to. They did speak about how Liam could get more control over the company and make Casper retire. However, they hadn't come to any conclusion.

Did Alvin do something?

'Knock, Knock…'

Casper opened his eyes and looked at Liam. He truly underestimated Liam. While Alvin and his plans consumed his mind, Liam was managing the company alone with numerous meetings and making critical decisions.

Liam plainly suggested, "You should go to bed." Handling the shareholders' meeting wasn't an easy task when the company and the Matthews family were going through a crisis.

Casper observed his son. Liam did look stressed and exhausted but there was no fear or panic in him. He worries about his company whereas Liam is concerned about the employees. Then why wasn't Liam anxious?

"Wait," Casper called out in fluster when Liam was leaving.

Liam looked inside to find his father speechless by his actions. Nevertheless, he patiently waited for Casper to speak.

Casper tried to bury his urge to ask Liam about Alvin. He never asked anybody or depended on anyone. He paid people to do the job. So he was mortified by his actions.

It took a lot of effort for him to kill his pride and ask, "What is Alvin up to?" Well, he sounded cold and irked without showing his emotions.

Liam softly sighed and slacked his shoulders. His father will lose sleep if he doesn't answer. Casper might even think he was working with Alvin to destroy the company.

"I have stopped Alvin from selling the company to foreigners." If Alvin had sold his shares, he would have encouraged them to buy more and get the majority. Thus, Alvin was more or less ready to sell the company.

Casper's eyes sharpened the anger building back in his nerves. What are the chances Alvin wouldn't choose the same?

Liam: "..."