Tomorrow was the dreaded board meeting that would decide who would be the CEO of Asika holdings. Today, however, was the presentation seminar to determine which managers of each unit was more resourceful and worthy of the post of CEO. The two food production managers were obviously the two eldest sons of the Chairman, Gabriel and Malcolm Asika.

Presently, Gabriel Asika sat in his swivel chair looking at the door of his office which was directly opposite where he sat. His elbows rested on his desk and his chin was resting on top of his linked knuckles as he brooded. He had just realized this morning that the processed sugar-free corn flakes he wanted to present at today's seminar may have been leaked out to his brother's team. If that was the case, then he had a mole in his team and was quite determined to find out who it was.

A knock sounded on the door before it was opened and his assistant, Gregory Ajala, walked in. Behind him was a junior worker, one Gabriel hadn't had the pleasure of meeting yet but was about to do so. Gabriel watched the two men approach his desk before sitting down on the two armchairs facing his desk.

"Sir, this is the man in charge of the packaging for the new product, Mr. Kenneth Odah," Greg said, pointing to the man on his right.

Gabriel's gaze flew to the younger man and then frowned. He didn't look like he would be much trouble but you can never be too cautious about trust.

Squirming under his gaze because it was his first time being this close to the manager, Ken blurted out instantly. "Hi, I'm Kenneth. Ken if you'd like. Everyone calls me Ken," And then he grimaced at his blunder.

"Do they now?" Was the remark from the icy glare.

Ken rubbed his sweaty palms across his pants repeatedly, trying quite futilely to stay calm. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Gabriel nodded, liking his approach. It meant this would go much faster than he anticipated. His eyes still on Ken, he mumbled. "Leave us, Greg. Ken and I need to have a chat."

Once the door closed to Greg's departing frame, Gabriel stood up from his chair and strolled to the fridge in his office. A cold drink could do wonders when you're stressed.

"Beer?"

Ken looked at him before declining. Was this a trick question? Everyone knew not to drink alcohol during official hours. "Umm, water would be fine," he replied instead.

Gabriel ignored his request and pulled two cans of beer before moving to set them on his desk. He took one and pulled it open, taking a deep gulp. He then pushed the recently vacated armchair to the side before perching on the desk, a few meters from where Ken sat.

"I don't drink beer," insisted the worker.

"During office hours, of course. But this is my office and I'm offering. If you want water, drink that when you get back to your desk."

Ken frowned before reaching for the can. Since the man was offering, he might as well accept. Tentatively, he opened it and took a gulp. Swallowing the bitter liquid, he grimaced. "Thank you."

"It's no problem." Gabriel shrugged it off. "I needed one of these to set the mood. You see, what I want to talk to you about needs you to be relaxed. The same goes for me. I've been told more often than not that I'm dangerous when I'm angry," he said, chuckling quite mirthlessly.

Ken nodded, afraid to join in the laugh or react even. The tension in the room was very thick. "What did you want to talk about, Sir?"

"Saboteurs."

Ken's eyes flew to his, surprised. "Excuse me?"

"Betrayal, working for the other team, accepting bribe or general corruption. You know what I'm talking about, don't you, Ken?" His tone was impassive.

Ken began to shake his head from side to side slowly. "I don't, Sir."

He nodded, bending to level his gaze with him. "Let's backtrack, shall we? I have been pretty busy to oversee how my ideas have been passed around my team because I focused all my attention on beating my brother at his own game. How was I to know he would stoop so low to ruin me, going as far as using my own people?

"You have been in charge of packaging for close to a year now. Six months ago, my brother's team launched their first product, a product eerily similar to mine a day before we were due. Then the same thing happened two months ago. Only this time, they made it better. We have a new product launch in the next two hours and I just heard from a reliable source that they are planning to launch the same exact product Gregory and I presented to this team last month. Coincidence, Mr. Ken? I think not."

Ken stiffened in his chair but tried to remain unfazed. "Are you accusing me of betrayal, Sir?"

"Actually, yes." Came the retort. "You are in charge of packaging. The final process of this team. Those at production cannot leak information for fear that Gregory or I would reject the product at the end of the day. The same goes to the factory. They produce what we tell them. If the test subjects react terribly to them, we start again. But at packaging, it means we have accepted it, approved it and is ready to be pushed into the market. Tell me, Mr. Ken. How long have you been working for my brother?"

"I do not work for your brother!" Denied the man vehemently.

"I find that very hard to believe. If it isn't you, it's someone else on your team. But I've ruled them out simply because you are the only one I sent the prototype for the new packaging to. In a bid to catch you in the process, Gregory and I have chosen to keep you out of our latest product. No, we are not unravelling the sugar free corn flakes anymore, and yes, Malcolm and his team thinks we are and are going for the same too. Frankly, it's becoming quite a bore."

Ken's eyes widened at the information and a thousand and one thoughts swirled around in his head. This cannot be happening. Malcolm and Jed would not take kindly to this.

"It's not me, Sir. It must be someone else on the team!" He cried indignantly.

"Your team denies the fact. They are still working to present the corn flakes, everyone is. So I'll let them. My own goal here is to see my brother's face when the board rejects his product because corn flakes, as nice as it sounds, is not really a good product for the Nigerian consumers," he finished before standing up from his desk.
He moved to walk towards the door, leaving a confused Ken staring at his back.

"For fear that the new product will be leaked too, I'll be keeping you in my office till after the presentation. Trust me, it's for your own good. Also, I suggest you hand over your phones to me."

At the man's raised brows, he amended, with a smile. "It's nothing serious. We are trying to eliminate suspects. You'll stay here till after the presentation is done. You'll have no contact with anyone. If the product somehow gets leaked, then we can prove your innocence. And perhaps it would be Greg on that chair instead of you, Mr. Ken."

Ken knew the rigidity of this plan. He was screwed, there was no escaping it. Gabriel would have his head for snitching and Malcolm too obviously. Well, it was probably best to not focus on that right now. Dejectedly, he handed over his cellphones to Gabriel's open hands.

"Since we are in agreement, make yourself at home, Ken. There's refreshment if you'd like that."

Gabriel said before turning to walk out of his office, locking the door firmly behind him.

++++++++

The board of directors were already sat, talking in hushed whispers with each other as they waited for the two executive directors to enter. The members of the two teams were already sited too, in the large conference room of the million dollar company. The room had been arranged in a rectangular box, with the two opposing teams on the length sides of the room and the board of directors facing the projector screen squarely. The chairman, Raphael Asika had not arrived yet but still gave them the go ahead.

Now the technical team were putting finishing touches on the projectors and the numerous microphones needed for the product launch. The waitresses were moving about discreetly setting down beverages on the table facing each audience or board member while everyone waited.

Cocksure Malcolm strode into the room, his eyes scanning for his brother. Gabriel would be pissed to realize he had screwed him over once again. He couldn't wait to see the look of anger on his brother's poker face, he thought grinning, as he moved to go take his seat. Already sitting was his assistant, Jed.

"Well, well. Today is going to be another victory for us," he said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.

Jed concurred. "If what He told us is true, then it would be a sure victory. We even got the production department to improve on the formula."

"I just made my brother's product better but that egotistical fool will never appreciate it. Little wonder his workers succumb so easily. You can't win people if you're so difficult to work with," Malcolm remarked, frowning at his brother's demeanor.

He then let his gaze travel over to the opposite end of the room where his brother's teams were sat. Gabriel was missing even though his assistant, Greg, was already sat. He noticed their friend was also absent and wondered briefly what could be keeping him.

"I don't see your friend anywhere. Don't tell me he has bailed on us," Malcolm whispered to Jed, a bad feeling settling in his stomach. He had never been one to trust outside help. They were hardly ever reliable.

"No, he can't do that and he isn't that sort of person. I know him very well. He may have some extra work to see to."

Malcolm sniggered, tugging at the cuffs of his grey suit. "Knowing my brother, he's probably overworking the fool. But no matter, we need him to continue so his loyalty will lie with us."

The door to the left of the room opened and Gabriel walked in dressed in an immaculate black suit, not looking apologetic since he was in fact thirty minutes late. He strolled to his chair and sat down.

The second in command after the Chairman, Mr. Ese, eyed him disapprovingly before starting.

"Now that we are all here finally, we may proceed. Since the Beta team submitted their portfolio first, they will be the one to present first. This product should have on it the winning jackpot to boost major sales at the company. The prize, as you are well aware, the post of CEO."

Mr. Jang spoke up. "We expect nothing but good surprises in today's presentation. This will not be like previous times when the Alpha team will claim their ideas were stolen or any of that nonsense." He finished, his eyes locked on Gabriel. It was obvious he was rooting for Malcolm.

Mr. Ese continued after that. "Since the chairman isn't here yet, he gave us permission to start without him. Please, Beta team. You may proceed."

Malcolm nodded before standing up from his chair. He moved to go stand at the screen, with Jed by his side. The technician slotted in their disk and the display came up. Malcolm allowed Jed to speak on the product, deciding to focus his gaze on watching his brother's countenance. He knew the minute Gabriel realized they had stolen his ideas again. He could almost see the cogs turning in his head as he tried to keep his anger in.

Soon the presentation ended and questions were being thrown around. Malcolm expected Gabriel to ask a question and then turn around to accuse him but Gabriel didn't say anything. In fact, he rested his elbows delicately on the desk and watched the screen with intense concentration. That was when Malcolm's hackles rose. Something was not right. Coupled with the fact that their friend had not yet shown up.

He went to sit after the question and answer session and Mr. Ese called up Gabriel on stage. As per arrangements, the screen displayed their PowerPoint slides and as it rolled by, Greg explained the product with great care and prowess. Gabriel devoted his time on watching the confusion settle quite rapidly on Malcolm's face. Let the games begin, he thought.

"I apologize for the delay. The cassava flour mixture we have come up with is still under testing, but in its last phase though. The aim of launching such product is to provide an all-purpose food mixture that can be used in every Nigerian home. By families, business people, and for all events. We aim for sugar free mixture as a side product for the older population.

"It has never been produced in such quantity and refined under such strict processing before. Once we reveal its launching logo and packaging, everyone would want a taste," Greg explained, watching the astonished audience.

Cassava flour mixture was not a new thing, yes, but to have it processed into such an easily attainable and healthy food product took them by surprise. They didn't even know someone in the company had gotten the means to make it happen and in such little time, too.

Questions upon questions were thrown at them from almost every angle. The corn flakes was a good idea, but the flour mixture was a brilliant one. And by the time they were allowed to get a breath in, it was obvious the Alpha team would win. Some board of directors were already discussing investment opportunities for them by the side.

Gabriel watched Malcolm grit his teeth so much that they looked like they were about to break. He whispered harshly to Jed so many times, asking him to call their spy. It was all in vain.

"We shall all take a recess now. The board of directors will convene with the chairman and the result will be announced tomorrow," Mr. Ese said, standing from his chair. As did all the remaining five members of the board. Mr. Jang wore a disgusted look on his face as he exited the room.

The rest of the audience filtered out too while talking about the new product, leaving the two managers behind with their assistants. Gabriel decided to use this opportunity to gloat.

"If only pigs could fly, little brother. How does it feel to have your arse whooped and hard?"

Malcolm seethed, glaring at him. "You are a pathetic loser. That product will not sell. The food agency will not approve it and you know it!"

"You wish. I already have a partnership with some German friends of mine. On my request, that product will be launched into the market faster than you can blink."

"It will never happen, you liar! You may think you fooled everyone into believing that crap you came up with, but I don't buy it. That product is a smoke screen!"

Gabriel smirked. "If it is, then why are you so worried they'll buy my idea, even push for its funding and neglect yours?"

Malcolm flinched at the possibility that his anger was based on that but pushed the feeling aside. "Like I said, your product is a joke. I will not be intimidated," he scoffed turning to move out of the room with Jed at his heels.

He collected the phone from Jed to dial Kenneth's number for the umpteenth time that afternoon. Suddenly, a phone started ringing in the distance just as he reached the end of the hallway. He noticed the call was dialing and then it was answered.

Annoyed, he slammed the phone closer to his ear and barked. "Where the hell are you, you bastard?!"

"Take it easy little brother, before you make me deaf," said the voice and Malcolm frowned before turning to find his brother sneering at him from the conference room door. He had answered the phone.

"You should be more ingenious if you plan to screw me over, Malcolm. Stealing my idea is desperate but using my own packaging executives is downright despondent. How low you have stooped, brother," he sniggered.

Furious, Malcolm marched back to where he stood to confront him. "You think you're so high and powerful, that you are better than everyone else..." He started.

"But I'm not better than everyone else. I'm only better than you, Malcolm," was the prideful retort.

"That's where you're wrong, Gabriel. You wish you are but you're not. You're a piece of crap, no one likes you, none of your workers wants to get close to you because you're evil. I hear the gossip going on around this place about the Chairman's remorseless and insensitive son. The man who overtasks his people just so he would get ahead, just so he could be number one," Malcolm seethed and watched as Gabriel's eyes narrowed into slits.

This was clear indication that he should have ceased talking but Malcolm was high on his adrenaline rush after his rage and paid no heed to the danger.

He continued. "You want to know why Kenneth sold you out to me so easily? It's because you're callous. You have no heart and no one can possibly love you or want to be with you, not even if you were to pay them!"

The minute the words were out of his mouth, he knew he would regret it. Gabriel did not hesitate as he swung his clenched fist at his nose, breaking it instantly and Malcolm fell, not prepared for the blow. Gabriel was not done with him. He knelt over his brother and grabbing him by the collar drove his fist into his face repeatedly even as Malcolm tried weakly to fight him off, or as Greg and Jed grabbed his shirt trying to pull him off of his brother.

When Gabriel stood up, he was breathing hard and his knuckles were bruised even though they were coated with his brother's blood. He glared at Malcolm, watching him push the handkerchief Jed handed him over his nose to stop the bleeding.

"Next time those words leave your mouth, I will end your life!" He gritted out.

But as he looked up, he saw the chairman standing at the end of the hallway glowering at his two sons.

Raphael Asika had witnessed everything and he was not pleased.

~~~~~~~~

Ah, there's always this feeling that comes with the start of a new book and I'm excited about this particular one. My baby, Gabriel, may have been on the shelf for far too long, so he's getting put on the spotlight. Enjoy.

Vote and comment per usual.

Thank you 😘😛