Chapter 20
At that moment, seeing and hearing what just happened, James couldn’t even say anything.
He just stood there, completely frozen eyes wide, lips parted, breathing slowly as if he was trying to understand whether what just happened was real. But it was. It was all real.
His ears were ringing with the words "blacklisted by the Victors" and "Global Investments pulled out." The atmosphere inside the VIP room had changed completely. What was once a warm room filled with powerful men and high expectations was now drowned in dread and disbelief.
At that moment James blinked slowly, still processing what was still happening. he looked at the television screen where the breaking news was being broadcast live. the other businessmen seated beside him, was boldly displayed. Each of them powerful men in their own right now looked like helpless children. One was still standing, trembling. Another had already slumped back into his chair, his face pale, lips trembling. Another one was gripping the edge of the table as if he was about to faint.
James didn’t know whether to sit or stand. He didn’t even know how to breathe at that point. His thoughts were scattered. A minute ago, he was sure the contract was back in his hands. A minute ago, he was full of confidence. Now... now he was speechless. Completely lost.
His throat felt dry as he finally spoke up, voice lower than usual, but filled with disbelief.
"What the hell just happened...?" he muttered, then looked at the others. "You guys called me here... for a meeting. Just a normal meeting. And now this? This...?"
He turned around, almost stumbling backward as he tried to gather his thoughts. "How? How is this even possible?" His voice rose, slightly shaky now. "How can this just happen to all of you at the same time? Did... did any of you do something wrong? Did any of you offend someone?"
The room remained quiet. Everyone looked confused. No one had an answer. That made James feel even worse.
He ran his hand over his face in frustration, trying to breathe properly. "No. No, this can’t be a coincidence. this... this isn’t just something random. You don’t just gather for a business meeting and then, boom your names show up on a blacklist in the same moment."
He looked at each one of them carefully, his eyes narrowing.