Investigating Mr Billionaire

LOLA'S POV

The alarm blares. It's 6am in the morning and I'm already out of bed. The sun is out which is not surprising considering Atlanta's weather. I hurriedly freshen up and on my way to work.

Being an investigative journalist, life is always hectic, being on someone's death list and all of that, but yeah i don't scare easily. On my way I grabbed coffee for myself and Celine. It's 7am and I'm finally at work.

'You got here early', Celine says with a tone of surprise. Yes, I'm not the earliest riser but I can make sacrifices...sometimes.

'Of course I had to get here early. Lucas is always looking for any means to scold me' I reply.

Celine laughs.

Honestly, she makes work easier for me, especially since I refused to go out with Lucas.

'Have you seen the news lately?', she asks.

'Yeah I have' I replied. 'Wait which exactly?'

This causes another wave of laughter from Celine. For someone who's in the journalism field I always seem so clueless to things.

'The one of the tech billionaire', she says. 'He's been accused of stealing data using his new AI tech'. Celine doesn't even finish before Lucas calls for me.

A wave of anxiousness washes over me.

Lucas is my boss but he thought it was okay to make moves on me and ever since I turned him down he's been making life at work quite unbearable for me.

I walk into his office and close the door quietly behind me, trying my best not to do anything to upset him.

'Good morning Miss Castle' he starts. 'I see you've included office gossip into work activities.'

'Not at all Lucas.' he clears his throat.

'I'm sorry, Mr Rashford' I rolled my eyes.

'I hope the gossip you're having during office hours entails how you're going to get me new headlines?' he asks.

'I'm still working on it sir'. 'There are a lot of stories happening right now and I'm trying my best to pick whichever one would make the supernova be on top of it all'.

'You know that without any new stories your position as head journalist is on the line?' he continues, while taking a sip of his coffee.

I'm speechless. 'I-i don't understand?', I replied.

He chuckles.

'Let me break it down for you. You need to get me a new story or else your position as head journalist is threatened.', he says calmly, making sure to drag on every word.

This catches me off guard. I've been working so hard to get to this position and just because I turned down his advances, my job is now on the line. I clench my fist but he doesn't see it.

'I actually have a story', I say confidently and it seems to catch him off guard.

'And who might it be about?' he asks

'The tech billionaire who's been accused of stealing user data'. I blurt out.

Lucas visibly chokes on this coffee. 'WHAT! How were you able to get on that story?' he asks, surprised.

'I have my contacts', I reply. From the way Lucas replies this story seems to be very important, I think to myself.

'Okay', he says in an irritated tone. He clearly didn't like that I was on that story. 'Make sure to follow this story to the letter. I want every detail on it. Don't leave any story unturned'

'Yes sir!', I replied. 'I'd commence the investigation immediately'. 'Would that be all Mr Rashford?', I ask in a mocking tone.

'Yes, that may be all. You're dismissed', he says with a wave of his hand and that's my cue to leave his office.

I leave his office and feel his eyes burning into my back.

'What was that about, girl?', Celine asks.

'He wanted me to get a new story,' I replied. ' and I may have blurted out the one of the tech billionaire', I say wincing.

'You what!?' Celine shouts but tones down once our other colleagues start to look our way.

'Girl! You don't even know his name', Celine says matter of factly.

I know she's right but I don't want to let her know that Lucas threatened my position. Celine is a really feisty person and she won't hesitate to call you out on your shit irrespective of who you are.

'That's why I need your help', I say. 'I need to get any and every information on him'

She sighs. 'Okay. but only because you're my favourite person here'.

I smile. 'Thank you so much'

'You owe me big time'

I nod, smiling as I get to work.

In a short time, Celine and I find out his name 'Orion King' and we sweep through numerous articles with him in it.

'He's giving off major Bruce Wayne vibes here girl', she says. 'He's going to be a tough nut to crack for real'

I think about what she says and honestly i couldn't agree more.

'Girl! Look at this picture of him.' she says pointing to her laptop's screen.

I'm completely taken aback by his looks. He looks so good and well put together–muscles pushing against the buttons of his shirt type of put together but I push those thoughts behind my mind. I've never been one to get involved with guys, especially since my job poses a big threat to whoever I'm with.

'I'd definitely jump that', Celine says with bright eyes.

She's always been very straightforward with her sexual urges that it's almost scary.

'Well thank God that I don't care for stuff like that or else I have fallen for every mafioso, crime boss or billionaire I've ever investigated', I say.

Celine laughs rolling her eyes. 'I hear you'

AT HOME

I hurry home to finish my 'snooping' on Orion. I'm settling into my couch when I get a call from Celine.

'Girllll! Turn on your tv now, your man is on!', she says.

I hurriedly turned on the tv to see Orion having a press conference.

'What do you have to say about the allegations made about Starsigns Tech Mr King?', one reporter asks.

'Starsign is looking into the AI model as we speak. We believe this is a case of sabotage and we'd try our best to resolve this'. He replies way too smoothly.

He's hiding something.

He doesn't respond to any more questions and is escorted off by his bodyguards.

'He definitely isn't a man of many words', I say to Celine.

'Girl, you know that don't stop you', she replies.

And she's not wrong. I do not take no for an answer.

I finish over the phone with Celine and get ready to go to call it a day but there's still a couple of questions on my mind, 'who is Orion King and what is he hiding behind that mask?'

I guess we're about to find out.

ORION'S POV

I just get out of the shower with my towel hanging low on my waist when I turn on the tv.

'Tech genius or digital criminal?. Today we'd be looking into...

I change the channel.

'Is Orion King watching your every move? These are the questions on our minds...

'The billionaire who knows too much'...

Channel after channel my company pops up with my picture by its side.

Sighing in frustration, I turn off the tv. I don't need this kind of energy.

For the past few weeks I've been dealing with allegations of Polaris stealing people's information.

Polaris was designed to help with diagnosing immune system glitches in humans and would move on to animals after a few upgrades. It was designed to help diagnose health issues faster to ease the stress on doctors.

Now we're being accused of illegally collecting data and sharing them with rival nations.

I sigh again, calmly this time.

'The truth has never been as profitable as a lie.' I think to myself.

I go through my morning routine without any distractions and I'm on my way to the office.

Unlike the conventional billionaire, I don't like to flaunt my wealth. I like being by myself and I detest social gatherings. My wealth does not define my style in any way. I'd rather sit indoors reading a book than be seen at a party.

AT THE OFFICE

I arrive at the office and my bodyguard opens the door for me.

'Good morning sir.'

I wave him off

I'm not a man of many words.

I notice the change in the atmosphere once I'm at the office. And it's not because my employees fear me, it's more of respect.

'Julia, how's your mom now?', I ask.

'Oh, she's a lot better sir. Thanks for asking', she replies.

I make my way to the tech wing.

'This is brilliant, Jo! Now the security on the app is amped.' I say tapping his shoulder.

He beams.

I'm in my office now and Stacy walks in.

'You have a meeting with the board in 45 minutes sir', she says as she drops my coffee

'Thank you Stacy. I'll be on my way'

She runs me through my other programs for the day.

Honestly she makes things really easy for me. She tracks my meetings and manages basically everything concerning administration. I don't know what I would've done without her.

There's a knock at my door.

Adrien walks in just as Stacy leaves.

'You know she definitely likes you'

'And you know I don't have time for all of that', I retort.

He laughs.

I've seen the way she looks at you man. She's really into you'

I shake my head smiling.

Adrien has been my friend since forever. We basically grew up together. Our mum's were friends and it wasn't hard for us to become friends too. When he lost his mom he basically became my brother and we've been inseparable ever since.

'We have a meeting with the board and I assume you know about this?' I ask.

'Of course. I'm here to drag your ass down there. I know you don't like meetings or socializing in total'

'Can't you just handle it for me. I'll call in sick'

'What! No way you're ditching this meeting. It's your company man and the scandal is growing'

He's right.

'Okay okay. I'll be there in a few'

He leaves for the board room.

I take some time to think about everything and also to wear my mask of confidence again. Public appearance matters to me a lot, even if I try my best to avoid the public.

At the board room Stacy, Adrien, Victor and a few important board members are present.

Victor is our chief financial officer.

Once I walk into the board room everyone stands on their feet to acknowledge my presence.

'Let's begin.', I say

'So I know we've all been seeing the controversial reports going on online. Someone is definitely trying to sabotage the company and we have to try our best to keep this a secret until investigation is done'.

'But there's definitely no way to keep this hush hush. I mean it's all over the news', one board member blurts out.

I stare at him and he regains his posture. I definitely am all for inclusivity but there's no need to be rude about it.

His statement causes murmurs to erupt.

'I think we should sue the newspapers. They don't have enough information on this matter and they haven't even conducted proper investigation', Victor says.

Some board members nod in agreement.

'Suing the newspapers would only attract negative backlash from the public and it'll make them think we actually have something to hide', Adrien says. 'I think we should have a press conference to update the public on the things we've found out during the course of our investigation.'

I give all these ideas some thought.

'Defending yourself against every accusation only teaches people where to aim next', I say. 'I don't think we should do anything for now'

My statement surprises everyone at the meeting.

Considering the amount of damage the media is causing over this scandal their reactions are right. I have a knack for being calm in messy situations.

We finish up with the meeting and everyone goes about their work.

I decide to head to the AI laboratory where Polaris was developed.

'At Starsign Tech we aren't just another software firm, we develop Artificial Intelligence, Medical Diagnostic Systems, Cybersecurity platforms and Disaster prediction software.' an AI voice says on the monitor.

I stop beside a wall displaying the company's motto.

Technology should protect people not control them.

'The public thinks otherwise tho', I think to myself.

I walk around the lab again trying to notice any subtle thing that'll point to sabotage but I don't see anything.

I'm in my office again when Adrien walks in.

'There's a journalist that has submitted interview requests almost every week'

He hands me a file.

'Lola Castle', I read.

'Isn't she the journalist from The Supernova?'

'Yes she is. It's either she's incredibly determined or incredibly stubborn'.

I'm unfazed.

'Decline it.'

'Again?'

'Again.'

I drop the file Adrien hands me on my table not bothering to read her proposal.

Did I mention that I don't like the press...at all.

After everyone leaves, I open a secret drawer in my office and bring out an old photograph.

It's one of me and Karina, smiling, showing off her ring.

I don't know why I still keep the picture with me. I put the photograph on my table face down and pour myself a cup of whiskey.

'Some betrayals never stop bleeding', I think to myself as I take a swig of the drink.

LATER AT NIGHT

I'm still at the office trying to push the thoughts of the scandal from my mind when the alarm system blares.

I run down to the security department.

The system detects someone remotely trying to access classified company files. It happens for only a few seconds and the alarms go off.

The cybersecurity team dismisses it as a system glitch but I'm definitely not convinced.

This is the fifth time in two weeks.

It's definitely not a glitch.

I return to my office once things are calmer and I look out to the city and for the first time in years I feel uneasy, but I brush off the feeling.

3RD PARTY POV

Somewhere in the city, someone watches Starsign Tech from a laptop screen

The hacker smiles.

'Soon, everyone would believe he's exactly who i say he is'.

3 months later.

LOLA'S POV

The Supernova is bustling. Being the country's leading investigative newspaper you can easily feel the tension in the room. Reporters are rushing between desks, editors are barking orders and the phones are ringing nonstop.

I sit at my desk filled with notebooks, newspaper clipping amongst other things. But one thing stands out. There are photographs, numerous photographs of one man, Orion King.

My computer screen displays the message that has now become very familiar,

'Interview request declined'

I sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

I'm still reeling from the declined request when I'm summoned to Lucas' office.

I walk in and he barely looks up from the papers on his desk when he speaks.

'You've spent 3 months chasing a ghost Castle'

'I don't believe he's a ghost sir.'

He leans back into his chair.

'I need a front page story, Castle. Not another failed interview request'

He tosses the newspaper onto the desk.

The headline reads;

'STARSIGN TECH UNDER FRESH INVESTIGATION'

'This is your story,' he says, 'and you know that everyone wants a piece of Orion King. Find something no one else has.'

I hesitate.

'I don't want to write rumours'

He smirks.

'Then find facts Castle.'

I use that as my que to leave the office but before I leave he adds,

'If you come back empty handed again, I'll reassign the story to someone else.'

He points me out and I leave hurriedly.

Back at my desk, I begin researching Orion from scratch. I refuse to rely on gossip from other newspaper companies.

I throw myself fully into work mode, studying company financial reports, patent registrations, charity records, interviews with former employees, anything that will point him to the crime.

The more I investigate, the more confused I get. The accusations against Orion are serious, yet there is no evidence connecting him personally to the crime.

The deeper I dig I find records of scholarships funded anonymously, rural hospitals equipped with AI diagnostic systems, cybersecurity tools provided freely to schools, none of which were made public.

'Who are you really, Orion King?', I whisper to myself.

I met up with Celine at a nearby cafe. She's off duty today since she doesn't have any important story she's working on.

She laughs once I mention the rejection to her.

'Girl, thats gotta be number 10 or something'

'Number 12 actually, but oh well.'

'You're obsessed, girl'

'I'm persistent.', I corrected her.

'What's the difference?' she says laughing. 'You know powerful people don't like journalists asking difficult questions, girl. You gotta watch yourself.'

'I'm not after power.' I say, taking a sip from my coffee.

'Then what are you after?'

'The truth.' I say, staring out the cafe window.

'That's why you'd either win a Pulitzer prize or get yourself killed, girl!'

We both laugh at her statement but I know that Celine isn't joking in any way.

BACK HOME

I rewrite my interview proposal on my laptop and I really hope on this one.

Instead of accusing him, I write honestly.

'Mr King,

Every newspaper has already decided who you are. I haven't.

I don't want your lawyers' statement or your company's press release.

I want your story.

If you're innocent, you deserve to be heard.

If you're guilty, the truth should prove it.

Either way, let the facts speak'

I go over my proposal again before hitting SEND.

NEXT DAY (AT STARSIGN TECH)

ORION'S POV

Adrien walks into my office carrying a tablet.

'You've received another interview request'

'Decline it.', I reply without looking up from my tabloid.

He hesitates.

'Come on man. It's been 3 months and she's been very persistent'

I'm still not convinced.

'This one's...different'

That catches my attention and I collect the tablet from him.

I read through the proposal and I hand the tablet back to Adrien.

'Decline it.', I say after a long silence.

Adrien raises his brow.

'You read the whole thing?'

'I did.'

'And?'

'If she's truly after the truth...', I pause. '...she won't stop.'

'I think you're right', he says smiling.

LATER THAT AFTERNOON

I'm leaving my office when I notice a woman across the street speaking with a security guard while holding a press badge. The security officer pays no heed to her.

She makes gestures trying to convince the guard to let her inside.

My guess is that she's Lola Castle.

I watch from a distance and she has no idea.

The guard shakes his head, the only expression she's been able to get from him for the past minutes.

She nods politely and walks away instead of causing a scene.

She's clearly disappointed but she's very composed which I find intriguing.

I watch her keenly until she disappears into the crowd.

I get into my car on my way home.

BACK AT THE SUPERNOVA

LOLA'S POV

I'm going through reports when an email comes in.

I open it with little hope.

|Subject: Interview Request.

I click on the mail.

|Request Declined.

I exhale slowly, closing my laptop and whisper to myself

'Fine, Mr King.' A determined smile spreads across my face.

'If you won't come to me, I'll come to you.', I say, picking up my notebook.