The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 442

The most dangerous enemy is the one you can't see. It's like being a sitting duck, with your adversary lurking in the shadows.

Flynn's mind flitted to a certain individual. "Boss, do you think it could be Joseph?" he asked.

Once upon a time, he'd joked that the Salstrom family needed more siblings. If they had a few more, he could live the life of a spoiled rich kid, without having to lift a finger. But it was like he'd jinxed himself. Not only was there another sibling, but one older than him.

Herman shook his head. "Joseph doesn't have the brains to orchestrate a scheme this big. Besides, he's still a Salstrom. His ambition is to best me, to prove to Dad, to the family, and to himself that he's better. But he wouldn't do anything that would cause a huge loss to Elysian Technologies."

That's why Herman never completely cut Joseph off. But as long as he was in charge, he wouldn't let Joseph darken his doorstep. He wasn't that forgiving.

Flynn was taken aback. "Boss, since when do you understand Joseph so well?"

Herman didn't answer, striding toward the abandoned factory with his long legs.

Nelson chimed in, "It's about knowing your enemy as well as you know yourself."

Flynn quickened his pace to catch up with Herman. "Boss, the goods are gone. What do we tell the clients? This is a setup. Should we just deny everything? This fire has got to be their doing, it's a conspiracy. We can refuse to acknowledge it."

"You're the one who signed the contract, you can settle it." Herman's face was a cold mask. "The contract is clear cut. If you didn't think things through when you signed it, there's no use blaming anyone now. Did you think they wouldn't have thought of this possibility? Even if we took it to court, you wouldn't be able to weasel out of it. Flynn, after all I've taught you, and with your business degree, is this really how you handle problems?"

Herman's words were sharp, like he wanted to physically shake some sense into Flynn. And he did, kicking Flynn lightly in the leg.

Flynn stumbled a bit but managed to stay standing, "Boss, I was wrong. I'll take whatever punishment you deem fit. You can even dock my allowance for this year and the next."

Herman's voice was chilling, "We can earn the money back, but what about those five lives that were lost? Can they be brought back?"

It was a wake-up call for Flynn, who had always been flippant and irresponsible.

Flynn stood frozen, looking at the wreckage of the factory, hearing the cries of the victims' families. Only then did he realize the gravity of his mistake.