Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 222: Got a bit Heated

Bradford’s smirk faltered. "With all due respect, Mr. President, there is nothing to discuss. They killed our soldiers."

Matthew’s eyes locked onto him. "With all due respect, Assistant Secretary, you are not the Secretary of the Navy, nor the Secretary of State. You are a glorified administrator, not a policymaker, and certainly not someone who dictates foreign policy."

Bradford’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Matthew continued, voice cold and firm.

"You are out of line and out of the chain of command. If you were anyone else, I would have you thrown out of this room. So tread carefully."

The room fell silent.

Bradford’s smirk had completely vanished. The other officials shifted in their seats, exchanging wary glances. No one had ever seen the President so openly confront someone in a meeting before.

But Bradford, ever the opportunist, refused to back down. "Mr. President, with all due respect—"

Matthew cut him off. "I’ve heard enough ’with all due respect’ from you, Bradford. I’m not blind to what you’re doing. You’ve been pushing for war since day one. You wanted to annex the Philippines, you wanted to expand into the Pacific, and now you want Mexico."

Bradford straightened. "And why shouldn’t we? The people want security. They want to ensure that no foreign power ever threatens us again. If we take northern Mexico, we secure our southern border permanently."

Matthew clenched his fists. "This isn’t about security. This is about expansion. And I refuse to let Amerathia become an empire built on fabricated wars."

Bradford scoffed, shaking his head. "Fabricated wars? Now that is some serious assumption, Mr. President."

Matthew’s glare hardened. "Then answer me this, Bradford. How did we so conveniently discover ’Mexican documents’ and weapons at the scene of the attack mere hours after it happened? How did every major newspaper in Amerathia have a full report published the same morning? You expect me to believe that in the dead of night, a rogue Mexican unit crossed our border, slaughtered our men, and left behind every piece of evidence we needed neatly in place?"

Bradford met his gaze without flinching. "War is chaotic, Mr. President. The Mexicans made a mistake."

Matthew exhaled sharply. "No, Bradford. The mistake was letting you get this far unchecked."

Bradford rolled his eyes. "A meeting won’t change anything."

Matthew’s expression darkened. "We’ll see about that. Now get out of my office."

For a moment, Bradford remained still, as if considering a final challenge. Then, with a knowing smirk, he turned toward the door.

"I hope you’re ready for the consequences of hesitation, Mr. President."

Matthew didn’t respond. He simply watched as Bradford walked out.

Once the door shut, the room exhaled collectively.

Collins ran a hand down his face. "Sir, I don’t like Bradford’s methods either, but I won’t lie—if you don’t take control of this situation fast, he and his allies will do it for you."

Matthew’s jaw clenched. He already knew that.

"Schedule the meeting," he said firmly. "And tell Congress that no declaration of war will be made until I say so."

Collins nodded. "Understood, sir."

As Collins left the room, the remaining officials stayed silent, watching Matthew with cautious eyes. Admiral Welles finally spoke. "Sir, I have to ask—what do you really hope to accomplish with this meeting? The public is already convinced Mexico is guilty."

Matthew leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "I want the truth, Admiral. If Mexico really did this, then we’ll respond accordingly. But if this was a staged incident, if someone is pulling the strings, I will not allow Amerathia to be dragged into another war for political gain."

Sinclair sighed. "You realize if you go against the tide, you’ll make powerful enemies?"

Matthew gave a weary smirk. "I already have."