Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 226: Okay, You are Really Persistent

The room was silent, save for the rhythmic tapping of President Matthew Hesh’s fingers against the polished oak desk. He had barely slept in the past few days, the weight of the nation’s future pressing down on his shoulders. The war declaration sat before him, an inked document awaiting his signature. Ten days—he had ten days to act before Congress forced his hand.

And time was running out.

Collins entered the room, his expression grim.

"Sir, we’ve received word from the Mexican government."

Matthew straightened. "And?"

Collins hesitated. "They have nothing."

The words hung heavy in the air.

Matthew inhaled deeply. "Damn it."

Velásquez, the Mexican Ambassador, had promised proof—something tangible that could expose the lie, something that could put this entire war to rest. But now, Mexico had come up empty-handed.

Collins continued. "Mexico City has searched every military record, interviewed every officer stationed near the border, and reviewed their logistics reports. They swear they had no involvement. But without proof... it’s just their word against ours."

Matthew clenched his jaw. "That’s not enough."

He had hoped—prayed—that Mexico would uncover something undeniable, something he could present to Congress and the public as irrefutable evidence that this war was built on deception. But with nothing to counter the pro-war faction’s claims, he was cornered.

"Sir," Collins said carefully, "without proof, your veto will only delay the inevitable. The Senate will override you, and the House won’t hesitate to follow."

Matthew leaned back, rubbing his temples. "And if I sign it?"

Collins sighed. "Then Amerathia marches to war."

The newspapers had already begun their assault.

"HESH STALLS WHILE MEXICO LAUGHS!"

"A PRESIDENT WHO CAN’T LEAD—TIME TO REPLACE HIM?"

"AMERATHIA DEMANDS ACTION!"

Bradford and his allies were tightening the noose. The Senate was already shifting, with undecided members swaying toward war. Some who had voted against it were now reconsidering, fearing backlash from an enraged public.

Even within the White House, Matthew could feel the growing rift. Some of his own cabinet members were losing confidence, quietly aligning themselves with the war faction to protect their political futures.

He wasn’t just fighting for the truth anymore.

Bradford’s smirk deepened. "Then we make sure Hesh understands that this is no longer his decision to make."

The room fell silent as the weight of Bradford’s words settled in.

As the hours passed, Matthew knew he was out of time.

The war declaration would be on his desk soon, and with Mexico unable to provide proof, he had no way to justify rejecting it.

He turned to Collins. "How many days do we have left?"

"Five, sir," Collins replied.

Matthew nodded slowly. "Then we use every damn second."

Collins hesitated before speaking. "Sir... if you veto, they will fight back. If you sign, they will control you. Either way, Bradford is winning."

Matthew clenched his jaw. "Then we have to find another way to beat him."

Collins nodded. "What do you have in mind?"

Matthew looked out the window, his mind racing. "A move that they won’t see coming."

Because if he couldn’t stop the war with diplomacy—

Then he would stop it with something far more dangerous.

Collins frowned. "Sir, what exactly are you planning?"

Matthew turned from the window, his expression hardened with resolve. "If we can’t win in the Senate, then we change the battlefield."

Collins exhaled sharply. "Sir, you’re not seriously considering—"

Matthew cut him off. "I’ll go to the people."

Collins hesitated. "The people? Sir, you’ve seen the newspapers. The war hawks control the narrative. They’ve stirred the public into a frenzy. What makes you think they’ll listen to you now?"

Matthew straightened. "Because I’m still their President. And I will not allow this nation to march into war based on a lie."

He grabbed his coat. "Schedule a national address. Tomorrow night."

Collins’ eyes widened. "Sir, this is a direct challenge to Bradford and his allies."

Matthew nodded. "Good."

Collins hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I’ll make the arrangements."