Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 226: The Plan for Retribution

"Proposition?" Carter looked up to Michael with hopeful eyes. "What proposition do you have?"

"It's simple really. You'll tell us the name of your employer in a way that makes it seem like we discovered it on our own, rather than you revealing it. That way, we can lead your employer to think that they were compromised from another angle."

Carter's brow furrowed in confusion. "How would that work? They're going to ask how you found out."

Michael leaned in slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "We'll create a trail, a series of 'mistakes' on their part. Maybe a leaked email, a misdirected file, something subtle but undeniable. We'll make it look like they slipped up, not you."

Carter hesitated, the wheels turning in his head. "But if they find out it was me..."

"They won't," Michael interrupted, his tone decisive. "If you cooperate, we'll ensure you're protected. We have the resources to cover your tracks and make it convincing. All we need is the name."

Carter swallowed hard. "And if I refuse?"

Michael's expression hardened. "You're in no position to refuse, John. You're already caught. This is your only way out. Think about it—working with us is your best chance to salvage something from this mess."

Carter shifted uncomfortably in the chair, the cuffs biting into his wrists. He knew Michael was right. He had no other options.

"Okay," he said finally. "Okay, I'll do it. But you have to promise me that this won't lead up to me. My company can't end up dead because of this."

"You should have thought about that before you accepted the deal with your employer," Michael said, his tone cold. "But fine, I'll make sure it doesn't lead back to you. Now, who is it?"

Carter took a deep breath, steeling himself. "It's Elena Skies. She's the one who hired me."

Michael's eyes flickered with recognition. "Elena Skies. The CEO of Aegis Pharmaceuticals?"

"That's correct."

"And what do they want?" Michael asked.

"They want the schematics of the Medipod so that they can recreate it and launch a competing product," Carter explained, his voice barely above a whisper. "Elena believes it will revolutionize their cancer treatment offerings and give them a massive edge in the market, given their dominance on the market."

Michael nodded, processing the information. "I see. So, Aegis Pharmaceuticals is looking to cut corners by stealing my work. Typical."

Carter looked down, the weight of his betrayal heavy on his shoulders. "I'm sorry, Michael. I didn't have a choice. They have something on me."

"You know what, I'm curious what they have on you to make you betray me. What could possibly be so significant?" Michael asked, his tone edged with curiosity and skepticism.

Carter hesitated, glancing around the room as if the walls might somehow betray his secrets. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke.

Carter hesitated, glancing around the room as if the walls might somehow betray his secrets. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke.

"They have classified files involving scandals and illegal activities from my private security firm. If those files were to surface, it would ruin not just my career, but the entire firm's reputation. It's blackmail, plain and simple."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Scandals and illegal activities? Care to elaborate?"

Carter shifted uncomfortably. "It's not just minor stuff. We're talking about high-profile clients, cover-ups, bribery, and even some under-the-table dealings with government officials. If Elena exposes those files, it would mean prison for many of us."

Michael leaned back, considering this new information. "So, Elena has you by the throat. That explains your desperation."

"Yes," Carter admitted. "I didn't want to do this, but I didn't see any other way out."

"Well, I want to clear up something before we proceed, Carter. Both of us have nothing to do with our business, right? You do your business I do my business. Nothing overlaps and nothing crosses paths. This deal is strictly professional," Michael said firmly, looking directly into Carter's eyes.

Carter nodded slowly. "I understand. Once we've caught Elena and this is over, we'll go our separate ways. You won't have to worry about me or my firm again."

"Good. Let's get this done. Make sure you provide us with every detail you can about Elena's operations and her team. The more information we have, the better we can create this false trail."

Carter exhaled deeply, relief mingling with apprehension. "I'll give you everything I know. Just make sure Elena doesn't find out it came from me."

Michael's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "We'll take care of it. Remember, this is your chance to make things right. Don't mess it up."

With that, Michael turned and walked out of the room, leaving Carter with the security team. As the door closed behind him, Michael couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had the information he needed, and now it was time to put the plan into action.

Outside the room, Michael met Juliet. "I need you to gather our tech team. We're going to create a false trail to lead Aegis Pharmaceuticals into thinking they were compromised internally. Make it look like an internal error or a disgruntled employee."

"Wait…what? Elena Skies was the one who employed Mr. Carter?" Juliet exclaimed softly, surprised.

"Yes, Juliet. Elena Skies," Michael confirmed.

Juliet's surprise quickly turned into determination. "Understood, Michael. I'll get everyone on it right away."

Michael went back to his office and took a moment to collect his thoughts. This operation had to be flawless. Aegis Pharmaceuticals had made a bold move, and now it was time for Michael to show them that he was not to be underestimated.

Back in the secluded room, Carter began to detail everything he knew about Elena Skies's plans and her operations. He knew this was his only shot at redemption, and he was determined to see it through.

With the plan set in motion, Michael and his team worked tirelessly to create a believable trail. Emails were forged, documents were altered, and digital footprints were meticulously planted. Every step was calculated to ensure that Aegis Pharmaceuticals would believe the leak came from within their own ranks.

As the days passed, Michael remained vigilant, overseeing every aspect of the operation.

Finally, the stage was set. The false trail was complete, and all that remained was to watch as Aegis Pharmaceuticals took the bait. Michael knew that once Elena Skies realized her mistake, it would be too late for her to recover. She had underestimated him, and now she would pay the price.