Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 123: The Truth Came Out

Matthew Hesh walked out of the Oval Office’s reception room and into the heart of the building. He wasn’t there to play politics or respect protocols. He had come to the White House to get answers, and he wasn’t leaving without them.

President Theodore Clay sat stiffly in a chair near the fireplace, staring at the documents Matthew had just laid out. His normally composed demeanor was cracking, and his silence said more than any words could.

"Mr. President," Matthew began firmly, standing across from Clay, "we both know these documents raise serious questions. I’ve pieced together enough to understand that your trip to Vienna wasn’t just diplomacy. So let’s skip the denials and get to the point."

Clay’s jaw tightened. He reached for a glass of water on the table beside him but didn’t drink. "You’ve done a lot of digging, Matthew. Perhaps too much."

"I don’t think you’re in a position to make veiled threats," Matthew replied, his tone sharp. "These documents point to something personal—something sensitive—that the Japanese could easily exploit. The letter, the donation, your time in Vienna. It all adds up."

Clay remained silent, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair.

Matthew leaned forward. "This isn’t just about you, Theodore. It’s about the Republic. You’re compromising its credibility and security because of your personal mistakes. So, I’ll ask you directly: did the Japanese use this information to force your hand?"

The president looked up, his face pale. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke slowly. "They didn’t outright say it, but it was clear they had the upper hand. When they presented the dossier, it wasn’t just about me. It was about the consequences for the entire country if my reputation were destroyed."

"So, they hinted at exposing this," Matthew clarified. "And you decided it was better to comply than to risk the fallout."

Clay exhaled heavily, his composure faltering. "You don’t understand the position I was in. If this had come out, it wouldn’t just be me ruined. It would destabilize the administration, erode public trust, and invite chaos. I had to act."

Matthew straightened, his voice cold. "You didn’t act for the Republic, Theodore. You acted for yourself. Don’t try to spin this as some noble sacrifice."

The president flinched but didn’t respond.

Matthew continued, his tone measured. "You’re the leader of this nation, and yet you’ve allowed foreign powers to dictate our policies. Your personal failures have put us in this position, and now we’re scrambling to fix it."

Robert Anders was waiting for him near the entrance. His expression was tense, but he said nothing as Matthew approached.

"Well?" Robert asked after a moment.

"He cracked," Matthew replied simply. "The Japanese had leverage, just as we suspected."

"And now?"

"Now, we level the playing field. Prepare the contracts for China. Hesh Industries is going to arm them the same way we armed Japan."

Robert nodded, though his face remained grim. "And the president?"

Matthew paused before answering. "He’s on thin ice. One more misstep, and he won’t have a presidency left to salvage."

As they walked toward the car, Robert glanced at Matthew. "Do you think it’ll make a difference—arming both sides?"

Matthew sighed, his expression unreadable. "I don’t know, Robert. But it’s the only card we have left to play."

The car pulled away from the White House, leaving behind a leader who had been brought to his knees by his own failings. For Matthew, the confrontation wasn’t the end of the fight—it was just the beginning. The world was still on the brink of chaos, and the Republic’s future was far from secure. But at least now, he had taken a step toward balancing the scales.

As the car navigated the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., Robert glanced out the window at the sprawling government buildings.

"Matthew, this move could put us in the crosshairs of both Japan and China if they suspect our involvement. Are you prepared for the fallout?" Experience tales at novelhall.Côm

Matthew stared ahead, his jaw clenched. "We’ve been in the crosshairs since the first shipment left the docks. The difference now is that we’re taking control of the narrative. Let them speculate—it won’t change the fact that we’re ensuring balance."