A few days earlier, at the Hall Family's mansion in Backlund.
Earl Hall stared at the newspaper before him, his expression dark. After a long while, he could no longer contain his anger. He snatched it up with both hands and tore it to shreds in a decidedly ungentlemanly manner.
Among the scraps scattered across the floor, words such as "asset transfers," "defection," and "Intis" were still faintly visible.
"How dare they publish something so utterly shameless..." Earl Hall took several deep breaths, forcibly calming the emotions roiling in his chest. Then he turned toward the old housekeeper, who had been standing quietly beside him with his eyes lowered.
"Where's Dan?"
He had entrusted all matters concerning the transfer of assets to Intis and the tentative overtures to this secretary. Now that the information had been exposed, Dan was naturally his first suspect.
"Where did he go? Did he run away?"
When the old housekeeper remained silent for some time, Earl Hall spoke again.
"Sir, Dan should be at sea right now..." The old housekeeper lowered his head and paused, seemingly weighing his words, before adding quietly, "You sent him to Intis some time ago to oversee the arrangements. Judging by the timing, he must still be at sea. He hasn't reached shore yet."
"..."
At that answer, Earl Hall fell silent and slumped back against his chair.
After so many years in politics and business, he was still confident in his ability to judge people. Though young, Dan had served him for several years and had always been loyal. He did not believe his personal secretary would betray him for a little profit. It made no sense.
But how had that information leaked?
"Beyonder methods...?"
He muttered to himself. That was the only explanation he could think of.
As