Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

As soon as the Crown Prince left their station, Poul immediately convened an emergency meeting in the private room. Inside were Caroline, Jonathan, Sara, and him.

"Shit I think the Crown Prince knows," Jonathan said, shaking his head. "I always have taken into account that this could have happened, and it will happen. Poul, I thought your plan was foolproof?"

"The Crown Prince knows nothing, Jonathan, and calm down. He is simply posturing, trying to get a reaction from us," Poul countered. "Look, if the Crown Prince really knows, then he wouldn't waste his time talking to us and would immediately incarcerate us."

"Then what should we do? If the world found out about your secret, our company, our reputation that we have built for the last nine years would be over. Imagine the anger of every British citizen thrown at you," Jonathan exclaimed, his voice filled with desperation.

Caroline leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "We can't afford to panic," she said, her voice steady. "Jonathan is right. We need to have a contingency plan in place."

Sara spoke up. "Let's assess the situation objectively. Poul, what evidence does the Crown Prince have, if any?"

Poul sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on the table. "I'm not entirely sure. It's possible that he's bluffing, trying to gauge our reactions. But if he does have some information, it could be disastrous."

Jonathan ran his fingers through his hair, his frustration was evident. "How did we let this happen? We were so careful, so meticulous in covering our tracks."

Caroline placed a reassuring hand on Jonathan's shoulder. "Blaming ourselves won't help now. We need to focus on finding a solution."

"The only solution that I could see is that me and Sara leave this place immediately," Poul suggested. "I have met the Crown Prince and had an impression of him. He is a very mysterious person that won't show himself so easily despite me having a good ability to read people."

"But won't that make the Crown Prince suspicious?" Jonathan asked. "You leaving so suddenly without warning might raise more questions."

Poul nodded, understanding the concern. "You're right, Jonathan. It's a delicate situation. But you also have to remember that we are businessmen, and businessmen are always on the move. That being said, I could simply tell everyone that there is an emergency back at Pittsburg that requires one of our attention. And for that case, I'll go with Sara," he continued. "Look, if the Crown Prince has evidence, sooner or later he might decide to arrest me. France may not be Britain but it sure as hell wouldn't give a damn about me. It's best that I return to the United States where I can have some protection."

Caroline and Jonathan exchanged glances, contemplating Poul's suggestion. They knew that separating themselves might be the safest option, even if it carried its own risks. The consequences of the Crown Prince's knowledge could be catastrophic for their company and their personal lives.

Caroline finally broke the silence. "Poul, if you and Sara leave, we need to ensure that your departure is seamless and doesn't raise any suspicions. We'll have to maintain the appearance of business as usual, at least until we gather more information."

Sara nodded in agreement. "We'll need a carefully crafted plan to ensure our exit doesn't draw unnecessary attention. Jonathan, can you handle the day-to-day operations while we're away?"

Jonathan hesitated for a moment, weighing the responsibility. "I can handle it."

"Good, then we are all settled then?" Poul glanced at everyone and saw that no one was objecting. "Very well, dismissed, and I apologize."

Jonathan and Caroline left the room, leaving Poul and Sara alone.

"Poul, we have expected this, should the Crown Prince find out about us, we should be ready."

"But your people aren't going to accept it so easily," Poul replied. "You are the hero, a symbol, to the British people, and if they found out about you going out with a frowned upon minority. They might do something to you. You know there are fanatics out there who are so obsessed with their hero figure?"

"There's no point in worrying about it right now as I have committed, Poul. I know the risk. Why do you think I left my family there so I can be with you? That goes to show how much I love you, ever since in our previous world."

Poul sighed heavily. "I will speak with the President of France tomorrow, and inform him that we are leaving."

Poul's words lingered in the air as they both realized the magnitude of the decisions they had made. Their relationship, once a secret hidden away from the world, was now at the forefront of their existence.

Sara reached out and took Poul's hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "We've come this far, Poul. We can't turn back now. We knew the risks, and we chose each other over everything else. We have to stay strong."

Poul nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and concern. "You're right, Sara. We can't afford to falter. We'll face whatever challenges come our way, together."

They spent the rest of the evening making preparations for their departure, ensuring that everything was in order and that their absence would go unnoticed as long as possible. Poul contacted the necessary authorities and arranged for their journey back to the United States.

The next day, Poul met with the President of France in the presidential office.

He approached the President with a respectful nod and took a seat opposite him.

"Mr. President, I appreciate your willingness to meet with me under such short notice, but I'll make it brief. Unfortunately, Mr. President, I and one of my associates have to cut our trip short."

"Why?" President Carnot asked.

"There was an emergency back at home and I needed to be there. Jonathan would be here, so our station would still be running until it's due," Poul explained.

"That's a shame, I was planning on visiting your station one day to see that automobile that everyone is talking about. Well, can't help it then. Good luck on your journey back home."

"Thank you, Mr. President."