Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 229: Preliminary Investigation

Elias Vaughn sat at the bar of the Arlington Club, a well-known gathering spot for Washington’s most powerful men. His drink—bourbon, neat—sat untouched as he subtly observed the room. He wasn’t new to this game. Years in military intelligence had taught him that patience was a weapon just as deadly as any blade.

Across the room, at a private booth in the back, William Bradford sat with his closest allies—Senators Macias and Carter, along with three other war-hungry congressmen. Their table was partially shielded by the room’s dim lighting and the hum of conversations from other patrons, but Vaughn had positioned himself well. Close enough to listen, but not close enough to raise suspicion.

A waiter approached their table with a bottle of whiskey and glasses. The men seemed at ease—laughing, sipping their drinks—but Vaughn knew better. This wasn’t just a casual gathering. This was where war was being decided.

Vaughn kept his posture relaxed, swirling his drink as he strained to hear. The key was to look uninterested, just another man enjoying his evening. A quick glance confirmed what he already knew—Bradford and his men weren’t even bothering to lower their voices.

"This delay is unacceptable," Carter grumbled, taking a sip of his drink. "Hesh is digging in his heels. He thinks he can outmaneuver us."

Bradford chuckled, swirling his glass. "Hesh is an idealist. He still believes this is about policy, about principle. He doesn’t realize that this war is inevitable—because we are making it inevitable."

Macias leaned forward. "You’re sure the override vote will pass?"

Bradford smirked. "It’s already done. We’ve secured the final votes we need. Once Hesh’s veto is overridden, he’ll be politically crippled. He can’t fight Congress and the military at the same time."

Vaughn took a slow sip of his bourbon, masking his reaction. The override was a foregone conclusion. That meant Matthew had only a few days left before the war became law.

But what Bradford said next made Vaughn’s blood run cold.

"I don’t intend to wait for Hesh to make another speech," Bradford said, voice dropping lower. "We need to keep the momentum going. The people are hungry for war, but if they start questioning, we lose control of the narrative."

Macias nodded. "Another incident, then?"

Vaughn’s pulse quickened.

Bradford smirked. "Yes. But not just any incident. We need something undeniable, something catastrophic. Something that will force Hesh’s hand."

Carter set his drink down. "What are you proposing?"

Vaughn stepped forward, his face grim. "It’s worse than we thought. Bradford is planning another attack—something bigger than Fort McKinley. Something that will make war unavoidable."

Matthew’s stomach tightened. "Details."

Vaughn recounted everything—the meeting, the plan to stage an attack, the intention to eliminate any hesitation from Congress or the public. By the time he finished, the room was heavy with silence.

Collins cursed under his breath. "They’re manufacturing another attack. And if it’s as big as Vaughn says, it won’t just be another border skirmish. It’ll be an act of war."

Matthew exhaled sharply. "Do we know where or when?"

Vaughn shook his head. "Not yet. But it’ll happen soon. Bradford knows you’re running out of time."

Matthew leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "We need to stop this before it happens."

Collins frowned. "How? We don’t have proof. If we come out with this now, they’ll call it a conspiracy theory. The press won’t believe us. Congress won’t believe us. Hell, half your own cabinet won’t believe us."

Matthew’s jaw tightened. "Then we get proof."

Vaughn straightened. "If you give me more time, I can find out more. I can track the money, the communications. Someone in their operation is handling logistics—whoever they are, they’ll leave a trail."

Matthew nodded. "Do it. Whatever you need."

Collins hesitated. "Sir, if we go public with this, Bradford will retaliate. He’ll use every resource at his disposal to destroy you."

Matthew met his gaze. "Then we hit first."

Vaughn and Collins exchanged a glance.

Matthew stood, his expression hardened with resolve. "I want names. I want documents. I want anything that ties Bradford to this plot. Because if they think they can manufacture a war, they’re about to find out that I’m willing to fight to stop it."

Vaughn nodded. "I’ll get you what you need."