The Tycoon's Odyssey

Evan stepped out of the room, his expression shifting from cold determination to a lighter mood as he spotted Mac waiting by the door. Mac, with his ever-calm and dependable demeanor, greeted Evan with a warm smile as he approached.

"Mac," Evan said warmly, extending a hand for a firm handshake. "It's been months since I've seen you. How have you been?"

Mac clasped Evan's hand with a wide grin on his face. "I've been good, sir. How about you?"

Evan nodded, his lips curling into a brief smile. "Busy, as always. It's good to see you."

He then gave Mac a pat on the shoulder—a rare gesture of camaraderie from someone who rarely showed much emotion. The two men exchanged more words before Mac motioned toward the exit.

"Let's get moving," Mac said, leading the way to the car he had arranged.

As they settled inside and the vehicle began to glide through the bustling streets of Dilli, Evan turned to Mac. "What's the situation here?"

Mac delivered a brief update, his tone steady and professional. "Everything is under control. Dilli is calm for the most part. There are still a few protesters going strong, but the police have managed to keep them in check. The mindwash has worked effectively and most people are falling in line, following the call as expected."

Evan listened intently, nodding occasionally as he glanced out of the window. The city was buzzing with activity, the streets bustling with people, yet a sense of underlying order lingered, evidence of the plan Mac had described.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Soon, the iconic Sansad Bhawan came into view. Evan's eyes lingered on the majestic structure, admiring its grandeur and historical significance. The circular form, with its stately columns and sprawling lawns, stood as a testament to the legacy of the country's democracy. Its cream-colored sandstone glowed softly under the sunlight, a symbol of resilience and governance.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Mac said, noticing Evan's gaze.

Evan nodded. "It always has been. This place carries the weight of generations—decisions that shaped the nation, for better or worse."

The car soon came to a smooth stop at the gates, where a group of NSG commandos stood ready, their black uniforms crisp and their demeanor sharp. As Evan stepped out, the commandos snapped to attention, saluting him with precision.

Evan felt a swell of pride as he returned the salute without hesitation. Unlike others who might have feigned indifference, he respected these men and their unwavering commitment to their nation.

"Thank you for your service," Evan said, his voice firm yet genuine.

The commandos nodded in acknowledgement, their expressions unreadable but respectful. Evan walked past them, his posture steady and composed, with Mac by his side.

Inside, the air was cool and still, a stark contrast to the chaos of the city outside. Yet, Evan's mind was already focused on the upcoming steps.

Mac led the way confidently, stopping briefly to address a staffer stationed outside the conference hall. "Is everything ready?" he asked in his deep, authoritative tone. The staffer nodded quickly, glancing nervously between Mac and Evan before stepping aside to let them through.

As Mac pushed open the grand double doors, a wave of hushed murmurs swept through the room. All eyes turned to Evan as he walked in with an air of quiet authority, his sharp gaze and deliberate steps silencing the crowd within moments.

The conference room was a massive, regal space adorned with intricate wood paneling, high-vaulted ceilings, and glittering chandeliers casting a soft flow over the polished mahogany table that stretched across the room. The walls bore portraits of historic leaders and plaques commemorating pivotal decisions made within these walls, decisions that had shaped the very fabric of the nation.

The room was packed with ministers and high-ranking officials, their faces betraying a mix of fear, respect, and curiosity.

At the head of the table sat Rajesh Patel, the Prime Minister. Though outwardly composed, the faint bruises on his face and the stiffness in his posture betrayed the treatment he had endured—enough to feel Evan's wrath, but not enough to incapacitate him.

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As Evan approached, the ministers rose to their feet in order to greet him with cautious reverence. He acknowledged them with a curt nod but did not stop to exchange pleasantries. His gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on Rajesh Patel before settling on a free chair near the head of the table, ignoring the implied expectation for him to claim the head position.

Leaning back slightly, Evan exuded a mix of confidence and indifference while a faint smile played on his lips as he broke the tense silence.

"I never imagined myself sitting here, but…" He glanced around, letting his words linger, "Here I am."

The room remained heavy with silence as Evan's piercing gaze swept across the assembled officials. Many avoided his eyes, shaking under the intensity of his scrutiny.

Evan straightened, his voice cutting through the stillness like a blade. "You, the members of the Indra People's Party, have been rampaging unchecked for far too long. You've turned governance into a business, prioritizing profit and power over the welfare of the people you swore to serve. Corruption has seeped into every corner of this administration, and not by accident, but because you've allowed it…no, encouraged it—to fester like a disease."

Evan's turned hardened, growing colder. "The public that once trusted you now lives in fear. You've suppressed dissent with brute force, manipulated the media to spin your lies, and lined your pockets with the blood and sweat of honest citizens. You've betrayed the very foundation on which this nation stands: democracy, integrity, and justice."

The ministers shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their discomfort palpable. Some of them glanced toward Rajesh Patel, who remained stoic, his hands clenched into fists on the table.

Evan continued, his words cutting like an unrelenting blade. "Your negligence and greed have fueled protests, unrest, and chaos. Instead of addressing the issues, you've silenced voices, cracked down on freedoms, and left the people to fend for themselves in a fractured system. And now here we are—your failures are laid bare for all to see."