Grumpy, true to his name and his nature, delivered the dossier to Andreas's desk with an almost imperceptible flick of his wrist. It was a thick file, meticulously organized, detailing the White Cosmetics takeover, focusing specifically on the board members and key partners who had voted against Snow. The list was extensive, a roll call of names Snow had once trusted, now tinged with the bitterness of betrayal.
Among the eleven names, two immediately caught Andreas's eye. Mr. Frank, a seemingly loyal senior board member, had reportedly resigned abruptly after the takeover. And Miss Cassandra, a sharp, insightful executive, had simply vanished, her whereabouts unknown since the day of the vote.
"All former employees or partners of White Cosmetics, sir," Grumpy stated, his voice flat, devoid of judgment. "None of them currently work for Queen Ravenna or any of her affiliated companies, as per your request. We've compiled their current positions and public profiles, where available."
Andreas nodded, his eyes scanning the names, a frown deepening on his face. "And their reasons for leaving White Cosmetics after the takeover? Especially Mr. Frank and Miss Cassandra?"
"Varied, sir," Grumpy replied, consulting a tablet. "Some claimed 'creative differences' with the new management. Others cited 'strategic shifts.' A few mentioned 'burnout' or a desire to pursue 'new opportunities.' A common thread, however, was a significant increase in personal wealth in the months following the takeover, disproportionate to their known salaries or investments at the time."
Andreas's eyes narrowed. "Disproportionate wealth. That's a flag. Did any of them express remorse or regret about their vote against Ms. White?"
Grumpy paused, a rare moment of hesitation. "Informal inquiries suggest some discomfort, sir. A few have quietly distanced themselves from Queen Ravenna's current ventures. But direct expressions of regret? None on record. They've been very careful. As for Mr. Frank, his resignation was sudden and without a clear public reason. And Miss Cassandra remains untraceable, a complete ghost."
Andreas leaned back in his chair, a familiar calculation playing in his eyes. He knew hostile takeovers often resulted in a purge of old management, but this felt different. The collective exodus, the sudden financial upticks, the careful silence – it smelled of coercion, or worse, outright bribery.
"Alex has also requested we track them down," Grumpy added, his voice a low monotone that barely concealed the underlying implication. "He wants to know why they're no longer working for 'her stepmother.'"
A muscle twitched in Andreas's jaw. Alex was playing his own game, trying to uncover weaknesses, to use Snow's vulnerability against her. He was a wild card, and a dangerous one. He wasn't just after money or power; he seemed to relish chaos, to thrive on manipulation. He wanted to possess what Andreas cared about, simply because Andreas cared about it.
"Tell Alex that I am handling this investigation personally," Andreas stated, his voice laced with an unyielding steel. "He is not to approach any of these individuals. If he attempts to interfere, there will be… severe repercussions." He wanted Alex to know that this was a line he wouldn't allow to be crossed.