Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Meanwhile, in Paris, Amelia and Timothy were conducting their usual daily work until a newspaper was handed out by one of the employees.

"Ms. Weiss, Mr. Anderson, you might want to see this," he said.

Amelia and Timothy checked the newspaper that was handed to them and the moment they saw the headlines, their eyes widened in surprise.

"Mr. Nielsen is caught in a scandal by kidnapping the daughter of the British Prime Minister, Penelope Ascart…" Timothy spoke.

"Further investigation shows that Penelope Ascart was forced to take a new identity as a nurse working for the Axelsen and Nielsen Company. Though there hasn't been any contact with Penelope, it is certain that Poul Nielsen, the founder, was the sole responsible for deceiving the entire population of the British Empire. He is currently being held in London for the crimes he committed," Amelia finished.

"Wait…so the new nurse in town was the British Princess herself? All this time?" Timothy exclaimed. "Damn, I didn't expect this. So that's the reason why Mr. Nielsen disappeared huh? He was taken by the British."

"Possibly, and neither do I," Amelia added. "Now everything is making sense, the reason why she didn't go through normal procedure was because it has already been prepared for her. But one thing that I don't get is if Penelope Ascart is kidnapped, then shouldn't she be repulsive towards Poul? Why are they acting like lovers?"

"Maybe Mr. Nielsen has threatened her not to make a hint?" Timothy guessed.

"That's impossible, as a woman myself, I can read the signs of manipulation and coercion. There has to be something more to their relationship," Amelia mused, her mind working to unravel the complex web of deceit.

Timothy nodded in agreement. "You're right, Amelia. There's definitely more going on here than meets the eye. But I wouldn't waste my time unraveling it. Because I'm too busy working on a new project of mine, and neither should you, Amelia. We shouldn't interfere in the affairs of our founders."

"But, as their executive secretary who handles the optics and public image, it is our responsibility to ensure the company's reputation remains untarnished," Amelia argued, her voice filled with determination. "If we turn a blind eye to this scandal, we would be complicit in the wrongdoing. Our duty is not just to the founders but also to the employees and stakeholders who have put their trust in us."

Timothy paused, his gaze shifting between the newspaper and Amelia's resolute expression. Slowly, a flicker of realization crossed his face. "You sure are idealistic, Amelia. But this is more a personal matter than just the company's reputation. I'm sure the founders have found a way to soften the fall."

"Why didn't they tell me this," Amelia wondered.

"Maybe because it's a scandal? And that's why they are keeping out of it?" Timothy suggested, his voice tinged with skepticism. "But regardless of their intentions, I must say, Poul did dirty on this one."

As they were having a conversation, a voice sounded from behind.

"Oh, you two have time to talk about other things instead of working?"

The two immediately recognized the voice, it was Caroline. She was put in command by Jonathan who is in the United States with Morgan to lobby for Poul's release.

Amelia and Timothy turned to face Caroline, their superior, who had a stern look on her face. They exchanged a quick glance, realizing that they were caught in a conversation they probably shouldn't have been having at work. They straightened up, regaining their professional composure.

"Lady Dupont, we apologize. We were just discussing some urgent news that came up," Amelia replied, trying to gather her thoughts.

Caroline's eyes flickered over the newspaper in her hand, and her expression softened. "I see that you have learned of the issue huh?"

Timothy tilted his head to the side. "Wait, Lady Dupont, do you also know about this?"

"Yes, I do, for quite a long time I must say," Caroline revealed.

Amelia and Timothy exchanged puzzled glances, taken aback by Caroline's admission. The revelation raised more questions than answers, deepening the mystery surrounding the scandal and their founders' involvement.

Caroline noticed their confusion and sighed, her eyes filled with a mix of weariness and determination. "Look, there are certain things that you both need to understand. The situation goes far beyond what you see on the surface. Poul Nielsen may have made some questionable choices, but there's more at stake here than just his personal actions."

Amelia's voice was tinged with curiosity and concern as she asked, "What do you mean, Lady Dupont? What could be at stake that would justify such drastic measures?"

"That is something I cannot tell you," Caroline said, her voice tinged with regret. "Believe me, I wish I could be more transparent, but there are forces at play that demand secrecy. The safety of the company, our founders, and even our own lives could be compromised if certain information were to be exposed."

Amelia's brows furrowed in frustration, her determination reigniting. "But Lady Dupont, we can't simply ignore the truth and turn a blind eye to the actions of our founders…"

"The British are just making a big deal out of the situation," Caroline interrupted. "Poul Nielsen never kidnapped Penelope Ascart as the princess herself came willingly with him to the States and changed her personal identity."

"If that's the case, then why did Penelope Ascart go with him? Do they have a history with one another?"

"I'm afraid I can't also tell you that. Look, Amelia, sometimes there are things that we shouldn't inquire about, especially for something that doesn't have benefits for us. If I tell you the truth, what are you going to do with it?"

Caroline raised a point. If Amelia were to learn the truth, then what's next? Yes, she learned the truth but what she is going to do with that information is the question that loomed over her.

"So do you understand now, Amelia?" Caroline asked and Amelia was left speechless. Timothy remained silent, not wanting to discuss something that doesn't benefit him.

Moments later, Timothy broke the silence. "I'm going to return back to work, ladies. I will leave you be."

Amelia watched as Timothy walked away, his footsteps echoing in the hallway, leaving her alone with Caroline.

"Amelia, you know me. I told you a lot of things about unfortunately, this is not one of them. In time, you would soon understand the reason behind their actions. For now, focus on the task at hand left for us."

"Understood, Lady Dupont," Amelia lowered her head and curtsied.

***

Three days later, back in Washington D.C.

Jonathan and Morgan were summoned by the President of the United States. The letter that was sent to them sounded urgent, and they wasted no time to get there.

As soon as they arrived at the Oval Office, the two immediately noticed the serious expression on Harrison's face. It was as if he was holding on to something grave.

"What's the matter?" Jonathan asked, preparing himself for the worst. "Did the British take back their words?"

"Please take a seat first, Mr. Axelsen, and Mr. Morgan," Harrison gestured to the seat in front of them.

Jonathan and Morgan exchanged a quick glance, their apprehension growing as they took their seats. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, and they waited anxiously for the President to reveal the purpose of their summons.

Harrison took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. "Gentlemen, I'm afraid I have some distressing news," he began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of urgency. "There was an explosion on Mr. Nielsen's convoy on their way to the Port of London. Lots of marines were seriously injured according to the reports."

"Wha…" Jonathan stammered. "What happened to Poul?"

"Mr. Nielsen is safe, having sustained minor injuries. It is truly a miraculous outcome considering the direct hit the carriage endured, as reported by eyewitnesses. As for his current whereabouts, he is being accommodated at the Embassy. Unfortunately, the perpetrators responsible for the attack remain at large, posing a significant risk. It would be unwise to relocate Mr. Nielsen at this moment, given the potential danger involved."

Jonathan heaved a sigh of relief. He thought his partner was gone after hearing the news from the President.

"So, what did the British say about this?"

Harrison's expression grew more solemn as he continued. "The British government has condemned the attack and expressed their utmost concern for Mr. Nielsen's safety. They have pledged their full cooperation in investigating the incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice. But we all know that is BS, considering the fact that they hated Mr. Nielsen for what he did."

"You're right about that," Morgan interjected cautiously. "There is a possibility that the government is behind the bombing, but making such a serious allegation without concrete evidence could have severe consequences. For now, it's best to keep our suspicions to ourselves."

"Is he safe in the Embassy?" Jonathan asked. "Like, are there any guards stationed there?"

"Of course, Mr. Axelsen," Harrison replied. "The Embassy has increased security measures to ensure Mr. Nielsen's safety. They have stationed additional guards and implemented strict access control protocols. We're taking every precaution to prevent any further attacks or attempts on his life. I will inform you of the next schedule for his leave in the letter. Thank you for coming here, and I apologize for bothering you to come in person. In a serious situation like this, I believe it's best to deliver the information personally rather than sharing it over the telephone."

"No problem, Mr. President, thank you for telling this to us," Jonathan said.