859)(Story_69) The Throne of Merit. _ Written by Junayed Ashrafur Rahman

 859)(Story_69) The Throne of Merit. _ Written by Junayed Ashrafur Rahman https://mywritingsjunayedmn1.blogspot.com/2019/12/about-me-junayed-ashrafur-rahman.html ✒ 

*A Complete Political, Crime, and Psychological Mystery Novel*

🌟 The video of how to translate my writings into your language.(আমার লেখাগুলো যেভাবে আপনার ভাষায় অনুবাদ করে পড়বেন,সেটার ভিডিও।) https://youtube.com/shorts/cB4L80u1IIc?si=jJV-G14OIP_qQeLA 🌟https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GuWS35Joi/ 

## Chapter One.

### The Legacy of an Invisible Empire

A massive building with old architectural features stood on the southern outskirts of Kharbesh City. From the outside, it looked like an abandoned aristocratic mansion, but inside, it contained modern offices, conference rooms, private communication facilities, and sophisticated security systems. Although government records listed several companies as the building's legal owners, its actual control rested in the hands of a secretive business group.

The leader of that group was Dravik Korvan.

Dravik had been a familiar name in the city's business community for many years. He held interests in construction, transportation, manufacturing, product distribution, financial investments, and various commercial enterprises. His business connections extended beyond the country's borders into several international markets.

However, there was another, darker side to his empire. For years, allegations had circulated about his connections to illegal businesses, extortion, the exercise of undue influence, and criminal organizations operating throughout the city. Most of these allegations had never been formally established because of a lack of evidence.

In public, Dravik presented himself as a successful businessman. He provided financial assistance to various social organizations, created employment opportunities, and attended important events throughout the city. As a result, some members of the public respected him, while others feared him.

Although people in the city had some understanding of Dravik's power structure, very few knew how it actually operated behind the scenes.

Four important individuals were directly connected to this system.

The first was Vrajil Sherk, a lawyer by profession. He handled various business contracts, court cases, legal disputes, and corporate documentation.

The second was Korvan Shelk, a skilled accountant and financial planner. He monitored the financial records, investments, loans, outstanding payments, and operating expenses of various companies.

The third was Mraiel Drub, a former military officer. He currently served as the head of Dravik's security division. In addition to personal protection, he oversaw the security of company assets, employees, and important facilities.

The fourth was Trishak Veran, who had served as Dravik's personal associate for many years. He was responsible for business communications, coordination among different companies, and implementing important operational decisions on the ground.

Each man had a separate area of responsibility, but their coordination was exceptionally strong.

The management boards, accounting departments, legal departments, and security divisions of Dravik's companies all operated according to their own established procedures. Each of the four men had a separate team working under his supervision. Consequently, even if one of them became unavailable, the other departments would not come to a complete standstill.

This was something the city's newly emerging power-seeking faction had failed to understand.

## Chapter Two.

### Impatient Ambition

A secret headquarters had been established on the second floor of a closed industrial facility on the western outskirts of Kharbesh City. The organization was called the Orkel Network.

On paper, it was a business consultancy. In reality, several individuals associated with it maintained connections with different criminal groups in pursuit of rapid wealth and political influence.

The organization's leader was Orvan Drek.

Orvan was thirty-eight years old. He had once been associated with a small product distribution company. Following business failures, disputes with his partners, and financial losses, he had begun pursuing a different path. He had mastered the art of identifying the weaknesses of influential people throughout the city and using those weaknesses to pressure them.

His associates included Drumel, Kairav, Shelmar, Tashrek, Brinash, Velk, and Norvel.

Each had a separate responsibility. Some gathered information, others arranged financing, some maintained contact with different organizations, while others managed operations in the field.

On a rainy night, all of them were summoned to a confidential meeting.

Sitting at one end of a long table, Orvan opened his laptop and displayed a document.

The name on its first page was Dravik Korvan.

Orvan said, "Right now, one man stands as the greatest obstacle in our path. He is more than just a businessman. He has influence over several important sectors of the city's economy and social networks. If we want to change the existing balance of power, we must first dismantle his power structure."

Drumel asked, "Are you planning to confront him directly?"

"Yes."

"What is the plan for the people working with him?"

Orvan displayed four photographs on the screen.

"If we can eliminate these four individuals, Dravik's position will become considerably weaker."

Studying the photographs, Kairav asked, "You mean Vrajil, Korvan, Mraiel, and Trishak?"

"Exactly."

Shelmar said, "Each of them has a different responsibility. One handles legal matters, another manages finances, another oversees security, and the last manages personal communications. But if we eliminate them, will Dravik's companies automatically come under our control?"

Orvan smiled.

"You're making this unnecessarily complicated. A large organization depends on trusted people to function properly. Remove those people, and the owner's decisions become difficult to implement."

Tashrek said, "But each of them has a large number of employees working under them."

"Those employees don't make the decisions. They follow instructions."

Norvel raised another question.

"Then is our objective simply to eliminate the four men, or do we intend to take over their companies as well?"

Orvan remained silent for a moment before answering.

"Both."

Brinash said, "What if Dravik appoints replacements?"

"We will bring the situation under our control before he gets the opportunity."

Drumel looked somewhat uncertain.

"There's something I don't understand. Do we actually know how ownership of Dravik's companies is distributed? How much of each company does every partner own? Which assets have been pledged as collateral for bank loans? What are the terms and expiration dates of their contracts?"

The smile disappeared from Orvan's face.

"What are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying that removing a few important employees from a company's headquarters does not change its ownership."

Orvan placed his hand firmly on the table.

"We didn't come here to take a business course. We're planning to seize power."

Drumel said nothing further.

Orvan opened a file and continued.

"First, we target Shelk. He has access to important information about the financial structure. Then Vrajil. After that, Mraiel. Finally, Trishak."

Kairav asked, "And after all four are gone?"

"We confront Dravik directly."

"Then what?"

Orvan stood up from his chair.

"Then a new center of power will emerge in this city."

Everyone in the room fell silent.

Looking at the four photographs on the table, Orvan said, "Our objective is not simply to defeat one businessman. We want to establish a position from which everyone else will be forced to accept our decisions."

The meeting ended shortly after midnight.

Although everyone else had left, Drumel remained seated in the office for a while. He reopened a document containing Orvan's plan.

Various comments had been written beside the names of the four individuals. However, there was no comprehensive analysis of the overall business structure, asset ownership, board of directors, banking agreements, or legal responsibilities.

Drumel could see that the plan contained a serious weakness.

But he did not yet know that this very weakness would eventually bring down the entire organization.

## Chapter Three.

### The Man Who Understood the Numbers

The following morning, an important meeting was held at Dravik Korvan's corporate headquarters.

Vrajil Sherk, Korvan Shelk, Mraiel Drub, and Trishak Veran were present.

Dravik opened a financial report placed in the middle of the conference table.

"I've reviewed the accounts for the past six months. Revenue has increased at several companies, but operating expenses have increased at the same time. What's the reason?"

Shelk pushed a document across the table.

"Three companies have purchased new machinery. Two transportation companies have added more vehicles to their fleets. In addition, one construction project has exceeded its estimated budget."

Dravik asked, "Who authorized the additional expenses?"

"Each expense has a separate authorization. However, I have concerns about one invoice related to the construction project."

"What's the problem?"

"The amount billed doesn't match the actual volume of work completed."

Vrajil said, "Under the terms of the contract, we have the right to verify the amount of work performed. We can appoint an independent auditor if necessary."

Dravik nodded.

"Do it. But don't accuse anyone in advance. No decision should be made before we have evidence."

Trishak said, "I've already asked the local project manager to send me the relevant documents."

Mraiel reported, "The security arrangements at headquarters have also been reviewed. Over the past few weeks, several unfamiliar individuals have tried to obtain information about our employees."

Dravik turned toward Mraiel.

"Have you identified them?"

"Not completely. However, the name of a newly established business organization has come up."

"Which organization?"

"The Orkel Network."

At the mention of the name, Trishak remained silent for a moment.

Dravik asked, "What have we learned about this organization?"

Mraiel replied, "On paper, it's a business consultancy. However, several controversial individuals appear to have connections with it."

Vrajil said, "If there are allegations against them, we must document them properly. We cannot take legal action based on suspicion alone."

Dravik agreed.

"Correct. No one in this organization will turn a personal dispute into a corporate decision."

The meeting ended, and everyone returned to their respective duties.

Shelk went back to his office and opened an old file. It contained the history of changes to the company's financial structure, previous audit reports, loan repayment records, and approvals issued by the board of directors.

For a long time, he had been working to introduce a new system that would prevent the company's financial operations from becoming paralyzed if any one individual became unavailable.

His plan involved assigning authorized officers to every department and making multiple levels of verification mandatory for important financial decisions.

Shelk knew that the financial security of a company could never depend on one person's memory.

At noon, Trishak entered his office.

"Have you finished working on the new financial system?"

"Almost. But it still needs approval from the board of directors."

"Does Dravik know about it?"

"Yes. He told me to have all the documents verified before granting approval."

Trishak sat down in a chair.

"There's something that's been bothering me."

"What?"

"People from the Orkel Network are collecting information about our employees."

Shelk closed the file.

"What kind of information are they looking for?"

"Departmental responsibilities, personal contacts, and the identities of those involved in financial decisions."

Shelk said, "Then we need to review our internal security arrangements. But we cannot suspend normal business operations."

Trishak replied, "I've already spoken with Mraiel."

"Good."

Shelk turned back toward his computer.

Then he said quietly, "Remember one thing. The real strength of an organization does not lie in one individual. Its strength lies in a system where responsibilities, accountability, and the continuity of information are maintained."

Trishak nodded.

Neither of them knew that the Orkel Network had already completed preparations for its first attack.

## Chapter Four.

### The First Strike

Several days before the planned operation, Shelk prepared an important financial report. The report was sent to the company's audit department, the board of directors, and Dravik.

At the same time, members of the Orkel Network were gathering information about Shelk's movements.

Sitting in his office, Orvan spoke with his associates one final time.

"Our first target is Shelk. Once he's out of the picture, we'll find out how effectively Dravik's financial structure can continue operating."

Kairav asked, "Are you certain there's no one who can replace him?"

"Someone with his level of experience won't be easy to find."

Drumel said, "He has an entire accounting department working under him."

Orvan responded irritably, "Are you starting that again?"

"I'm simply describing the actual situation."

Orvan's voice became stern.

"I don't want to hear any more questions about this plan."

That evening, shortly after Shelk left his office, he was attacked. He died at the scene.

The following morning, news of his death spread throughout the city, creating a major disturbance in the business community.

His colleagues were devastated by the loss. However, the company's financial operations did not come to a halt.

His responsibilities had already been distributed among different departments. The senior officer of the accounting department assumed temporary leadership. An emergency meeting was held with the audit department. Since duplicate copies of important documents had been preserved, there were no major difficulties in restoring the financial records.

Dravik was sitting in his office when he received the news of Shelk's death.

His personal assistant said, "Sir, the police are investigating the incident."

Dravik remained silent for a moment.

"Have we contacted his family?"

"Yes, sir."

"Make sure all outstanding payments and benefits due to his family are delivered without delay."

"Yes, sir."

"What about the accounting department?"

"The acting head has already assumed responsibility."

Dravik said, "Tell him that no documents are to be altered. All financial records must be preserved according to the existing procedures."

An hour later, Vrajil and Mraiel entered his office.

Vrajil said, "Shelk's death is not merely a personal loss. It could also be an attempt to put pressure on our financial department."

Mraiel added, "I don't believe this was an isolated incident."

Looking out of the window, Dravik asked, "Does either of you have direct evidence connecting the Orkel Network to this incident?"

Mraiel replied, "Not yet."

"Then don't present assumptions as evidence."

Vrajil said, "We should share all relevant documents with the police."

Dravik agreed.

"We will do everything required under the law."

Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Orkel Network headquarters was celebratory.

After hearing the news, Orvan said, "The first strike was successful."

Kairav replied, "But the financial operations haven't stopped."

Orvan said, "It will take time for them to feel the impact of losing an experienced man."

Drumel said, "The new system Shelk developed has already been activated."

Orvan turned toward him.

"How do you know that?"

"It was mentioned in the documents we collected about his plans."

"Then why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Drumel remained silent.

After thinking for a few moments, Orvan said, "What's done is done. We'll move on to the second phase."

At that very moment, a new report arrived on Orvan's laptop.

It showed that none of the company's bank accounts had been suspended following Shelk's death. Scheduled payments were continuing. Employees had received their salaries. A new auditing process had also begun.

Orvan stared at the screen.

For the first time, he began to question whether his plan would actually work.

## Chapter Five.

### Not Revenge, but Investigation

Four days after Shelk's death, a special meeting was convened at Dravik's corporate headquarters.

Vrajil, Mraiel, Trishak, and several members of the company's board of directors attended.

Dravik began by saying, "We've lost an important colleague. But we must not allow our emotions to push us into making the wrong decisions."

One director said, "Various rumors are circulating throughout the city. Some people are calling it a business dispute, while others believe it's an attempt to seize power."

Vrajil said, "Unless a statement is supported by evidence, it cannot be accepted as the company's official position."

Mraiel placed a report on the table.

"We've reviewed security-related information from the past several months. Several members of the Orkel Network have collected personal information about four of our key executives."

Trishak said, "Shelk wasn't their only target."

Dravik asked, "Who else?"

"Vrajil, Mraiel, and me."

Silence fell over the room.

One director said, "Then we should take immediate action against them."

Dravik replied, "Action will be taken. But it will be through lawful channels."

He turned toward Vrajil.

"All company records related to Shelk's death must be handed over to the investigating authorities. No one is to withhold any information."

Vrajil replied, "I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Dravik then turned toward Mraiel.

"Review the security department for any weaknesses and correct them. But don't harass employees unnecessarily."

Mraiel said, "Understood."

Finally, Dravik looked at Trishak.

"Maintain coordination among the departments. Also, make sure Shelk's family receives all the assistance they're entitled to."

Trishak nodded.

Before the meeting ended, Dravik made one important statement.

"Everyone must remember something. Losing an individual and losing an organization are not the same thing. If we build a system that depends entirely on one person, the organization itself will be in danger when that person is gone. Shelk was trying to solve this problem. We cannot allow his work to remain unfinished."

Following the meeting, the approval process for the new financial system was accelerated.

Meanwhile, the police began making progress in their investigation into Shelk's murder. They collected evidence from the crime scene, communication records, and statements from several eyewitnesses.

The Orkel Network also came under the scope of the investigation.

Orvan, however, still believed that events were unfolding according to his plan after the first strike.

He failed to realize that information about his organization's activities had already begun reaching investigators through several different sources.

And part of that information had come from someone whose name had not yet appeared on Orvan's list.

That person's identity would soon become directly connected to the events that followed.

## Chapter Six.

### An Attack on the Second Pillar

Following Shelk's death, Orvan Drek was forced to make the first adjustment to his plan. He was beginning to realize that Dravik Korvan's companies were far more organized than he had initially assumed. The fact that their financial operations had continued normally despite the death of a senior executive made him increasingly uncomfortable.

However, he was unwilling to abandon his plan.

He believed that a series of consecutive attacks would eventually make it difficult for Dravik to manage the situation.

One evening, Orvan sat in his office reviewing the information his organization had collected about Vrajil Sherk.

Vrajil was fifty-five years old. He had worked as a legal consultant for various business organizations for many years. He had known Dravik for nearly eighteen years. During that time, he had handled countless business contracts, court disputes, property-related complications, and administrative matters.

Orvan believed that removing Vrajil would expose Dravik's companies to serious legal difficulties.

Drumel asked, "What information do we have against Vrajil?"

Orvan replied, "We've collected details about his personal contacts, business relationships, and contractual arrangements with various organizations."

"Any evidence of criminal activity?"

"Not yet."

"Then what's our justification for targeting him?"

Orvan replied irritably, "Have you forgotten what we're trying to accomplish?"

Drumel said, "I haven't. But after what happened to Shelk, the police are monitoring our activities. Another incident will increase the pressure of the investigation."

Orvan picked up a file from the table.

"Then we'll have to be more careful."

Kairav asked, "What if the companies continue operating normally after Vrajil is gone?"

Orvan looked at him.

"Why are all of you thinking so negatively? If a lawyer leaves, someone else can take over his responsibilities. But a replacement will need time to understand everything."

Drumel said, "The real question is what we expect to accomplish during that time."

Orvan offered no answer.

Several days later, an attack was carried out against Vrajil.

However, unlike Shelk's case, this incident did not result in death. Vrajil was seriously injured and admitted to a hospital. After the attack, he was transferred elsewhere for advanced medical treatment.

Upon hearing about the incident, Dravik arrived at the hospital.

Vrajil's doctor informed him that the patient's condition was critical, but there was still a possibility of recovery with proper treatment.

Dravik stood silently for a while.

When Vrajil opened his eyes and saw him, he spoke in a weak voice.

"You came?"

"Yes. There's no need to talk. Concentrate on your treatment."

Vrajil said, "There are some documents in my office. They must be kept safe."

"Everything has been taken care of."

"Especially the paperwork related to the ongoing cases."

"Those are being handled as well."

Vrajil remained silent for a moment before speaking again.

"I don't think they were targeting me alone. They're trying to destabilize your entire organization."

Dravik placed his hand over Vrajil's.

"I understand. Get some rest now."

After leaving the hospital, Dravik went directly to the main headquarters.

Trishak was waiting there.

"Sir, Vrajil's responsibilities have been temporarily distributed among the other lawyers."

Dravik asked, "What's the status of all the cases?"

"A separate lawyer has been assigned to each case. Arrangements have been made to ensure that none of them miss their legal deadlines."

"Good."

Trishak continued, "The Orkel Network has come up again."

"Evidence?"

"The police are verifying several pieces of information."

Dravik said, "Cooperate with the investigators. No employee of our organization should withhold any information."

## Chapter Seven.

### Calculating Weakness

Seven days after the attack on Vrajil, Orvan received a new report.

It stated that although Vrajil remained hospitalized, the legal operations under his supervision had not stopped. The legal departments of various companies were continuing their work through alternative consultants.

Several important contracts had also been renewed on schedule.

After reading the report, Orvan threw it onto the table.

"How is this possible?"

Kairav replied, "Their legal departments have several experienced officers."

"Then what was the value of Vrajil's many years of experience?"

Drumel said, "His experience was certainly important. But not every operation of the organization depended exclusively on him."

Orvan stood up.

"Do you think we're heading in the wrong direction?"

Drumel replied, "I think we understood the importance of an individual but failed to understand the structure of the organization he served."

Orvan asked, "Then what do you suggest?"

"I'm suggesting that we reconsider the plan."

Orvan stared at him for a long moment.

"Do you still want to remain with us?"

Drumel said, "I've been part of this organization from the beginning. But if a plan is flawed, it's my responsibility to point that out."

Orvan sank back into his chair.

He felt that his authority was beginning to weaken even within his own group.

He decided that Mraiel Drub, the head of security, would be the next target.

He believed that eliminating the security chief would bring down Dravik's personal and corporate security arrangements.

What he did not realize was that Mraiel had already gathered considerable information about the Orkel Network's activities.

He knew that several members of the organization were not merely collecting information about Dravik's companies. They were also attempting to establish influence over several other business organizations throughout the city.

Mraiel prepared a confidential report and submitted it to Dravik.

The report contained details about Orvan's organization's financial transactions, its communications with various companies, and its suspicious activities.

After reading it, Dravik asked, "Do you think they're operating exclusively against us?"

Mraiel replied, "No. I believe they're planning to take control of several important business organizations throughout the city."

"Do we have evidence?"

"We have some preliminary information. The process of collecting comprehensive evidence is still underway."

Dravik said, "Don't confront anyone personally."

"Understood."

"Strengthen our security. But remember, no innocent employee should be harassed in the name of security."

Mraiel replied, "I understand."

## Chapter Eight.

### The Fall of Security

One night, Mraiel was attacked while leaving his office.

The incident spread rapidly throughout the city. However, during the first few hours, no reliable information was available about whether Mraiel had survived.

When Orvan received the news, he was delighted.

"Now Dravik will finally understand how weak his security arrangements really are."

Kairav said, "Mraiel's condition hasn't been confirmed yet."

"Regardless, he won't be able to perform his duties as before."

But the following morning, Orvan learned that Mraiel was alive. He had been transferred to another hospital for advanced medical treatment.

Dravik himself was monitoring his treatment.

At the same time, the deputy head of the security division had temporarily assumed responsibility.

Orvan's expression darkened.

He said, "We've attacked three of them, and still haven't accomplished anything!"

Drumel replied, "Haven't you understood yet how their organizational structure works?"

Orvan asked, "Are you calling me a failure?"

"I'm saying that our plan isn't producing the results we expected."

Orvan slammed his hand against the table.

"This time, I won't tolerate another failure."

Meanwhile, Mraiel continued receiving treatment. Once he was well enough to speak, Dravik went to visit him.

Mraiel asked, "Sir, is the security division functioning properly in my absence?"

Dravik replied, "Yes. Don't worry about that now."

Mraiel said, "Orvan's people won't stop."

"The investigation is underway."

"Trishak has a copy of the information I collected."

Dravik said, "I know."

Mraiel closed his eyes.

"I believe their final target is Trishak."

Dravik asked, "Why?"

"Because Trishak handles your personal communications and coordinates activities among the different companies. If they eliminate him, they'll think they've isolated you."

Dravik remained silent for a moment.

Then he said, "Your only responsibility right now is to recover. We'll handle everything else."

## Chapter Nine.

### Watching the Last Trusted Associate

Orvan now turned his attention to Trishak Veran.

Trishak was Dravik's closest associate. For many years, he had maintained communications among the different companies. He had good relationships with employees and was also familiar with numerous business partners.

Orvan believed that removing Trishak would dismantle Dravik's personal communication network.

However, Trishak was different from the others.

He did not merely follow instructions. He could make independent decisions when circumstances required it. He possessed extensive knowledge of the organization's history, business partnerships, important contracts, and employee responsibilities.

Nevertheless, Trishak had never considered himself a partner in Dravik's power.

He understood that his responsibility was to assist in managing the organization. He had no ownership rights or authority to make final decisions.

One afternoon, Trishak entered Dravik's office.

"Sir, I've received some important information."

Dravik said, "Go ahead."

"Orvan's people have contacted several of our business partners. They're claiming that your companies will soon face a crisis."

"What do they want?"

"They're pressuring them to cancel certain contracts and accept new partnership proposals."

"What have our partners said?"

"Most of them have informed us in writing."

Dravik took the file.

"Good. Preserve all communications."

Trishak continued, "There's something else."

"What is it?"

"I believe they'll try to eliminate me."

Dravik replied, "Your security has already been strengthened."

"I'm not worried about my personal safety. I want to make sure the company's operations never come to a halt under any circumstances."

Dravik looked at him.

"Do you think I depend entirely on you?"

Trishak replied, "You trust us. But the organization itself doesn't depend entirely on us."

A faint smile appeared on Dravik's face.

"That's exactly what I've been trying to establish all these years."

Trishak said, "After Shelk's death, we introduced the new financial system. The legal department has continued operating through its own structure in Vrajil's absence. Others are also handling Mraiel's responsibilities."

Dravik said, "Then you understand what we've built."

"Yes."

"A system that won't collapse because of the absence of any one individual."

## Chapter Ten.

### The Final Strike

Orvan decided that Trishak could no longer be allowed to remain untouched.

On his instructions, surveillance of Trishak began again. For several days, his movements, meetings, and personal communications were monitored.

One evening, Trishak was returning to his office after a business meeting. His vehicle was stopped along the way, and he was abducted.

Dravik was informed as soon as the incident became known.

He immediately contacted the police. He then instructed the company's security division to provide the necessary information.

Orvan had taken Trishak to an isolated location.

Sitting in front of him, Orvan said, "You've been with Dravik for a long time. You must know everything about his empire."

Trishak replied, "Which empire are you talking about?"

Orvan laughed.

"Do you think I'm a fool?"

"I don't understand your question."

Orvan placed a file on the table.

"I want to know who Dravik's business partners are, who owns each company, how much money is held in which banks, and which employees work under whose instructions. I want all of it."

Trishak said, "That information isn't held by any one individual."

"You're his right-hand man!"

"I'm his employee. All the company's information isn't my personal property."

Orvan became furious.

"You've seen what happened to your three previous colleagues. You'll suffer the same fate."

In a calm voice, Trishak replied, "You don't even understand what you're trying to achieve by eliminating four people."

Orvan leaned toward him.

"My goal is Dravik's throne."

Trishak said, "Before taking a throne, you need to understand the responsibilities that come with it."

Orvan silenced him.

"Did you come here to lecture me?"

Trishak replied, "No. I'm trying to make you understand your mistake."

Orvan stood up.

"We'll talk later."

That same night, an attempt was made to move Trishak to another location. However, acting on confidential information, a police team reached the area.

When the operation began, Orvan's men attempted to escape. Trishak was rescued, and several associates were arrested.

However, Orvan managed to escape.

Trishak was taken to a hospital. His physical condition was stable, but he was mentally exhausted.

When Dravik arrived at the hospital, he said, "You're safe now."

Trishak replied, "Sir, I knew they would target me."

"Why didn't you inform me earlier?"

"I did. But I didn't expect things to happen so quickly."

Dravik remained silent for a moment.

"Focus on recovering."

Trishak said, "Orvan is still out there."

"I know."

"He won't stop."

Dravik replied, "This time, he'll have to face the law."

## Chapter Eleven.

### Four Absences

Following Trishak's rescue, confusion spread throughout the Orkel Network.

Shelk was dead. Vrajil was seriously injured and undergoing treatment. Mraiel had not yet fully recovered. Trishak had been rescued by the police.

Orvan's original plan had been to eliminate all four men and isolate Dravik. However, their absence or temporary inability to perform their duties had not produced the results he expected.

Instead, Dravik's companies had strengthened their organizational structures.

Orvan was sitting in his office, trying to calculate his next move.

Drumel asked, "What should we do now?"

Orvan replied, "We have to attack Dravik directly."

"How?"

"We'll take over his main headquarters."

Kairav looked surprised.

"With all that security?"

"If we wait any longer, everything will be over."

Drumel said, "The police are investigating you. Your financial transactions are also being examined."

Orvan replied, "I know."

"Then?"

"We don't have much time left."

Drumel said, "Several members of our organization have already stopped communicating. Some are trying to escape."

Orvan said, "Stop them."

"How?"

"Just do what I tell you."

Drumel finally spoke in a firm voice.

"I no longer want to be part of this plan."

Orvan looked at him.

"Are you going to abandon me?"

"I joined this organization to establish a business position. You dragged us into criminal activities."

Orvan said, "You know everything too."

"Yes. And that's exactly why I want to reveal the truth to the investigators."

Orvan reached toward the desk drawer. But Drumel stood up before he could do anything.

"There's no need for any more decisions here."

Drumel walked out of the room.

Orvan realized that his organization was beginning to collapse from within.

## Chapter Twelve.

### Dravik's Silent Preparations

Another meeting was underway at Dravik's main headquarters.

Members of the board of directors, the new head of finance, representatives of the legal department, and security officials were present.

Dravik said, "We've suffered several consecutive attacks. Our colleagues have been harmed. Concerns have arisen about the safety of our employees and corporate assets. But I don't want anyone pursuing personal revenge."

One director said, "Sir, Orvan is intimidating our business partners."

Dravik replied, "Document everything."

The new head of finance said, "Our banking operations are normal. In addition to the system developed by Shelk, we've also introduced a new monitoring process."

Dravik said, "No financial transaction should depend on the approval of a single officer."

A representative of the legal department said, "All ongoing cases have been reviewed in Vrajil's absence. No important documents are missing."

Dravik replied, "Good."

The officer temporarily replacing Mraiel reported, "The security arrangements have been reorganized. Responsibilities at important facilities have been redistributed."

Dravik said, "Ensure the safety of our employees. But don't unnecessarily restrict anyone's personal freedom."

After the meeting ended, Trishak arrived at the headquarters with his doctor's permission.

Seeing him, Dravik said, "Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

Trishak replied, "There are some tasks that need to be completed."

"There will always be work to do. But your recovery is more important."

Trishak placed a file on the table.

"Information about several financial institutions connected to the Orkel Network."

Dravik opened the file.

It showed that Orvan's organization had received money through several companies. Some transactions were connected to fraudulent business contracts. The actual ownership of several companies had also been concealed.

Dravik asked, "Has this information been verified?"

"Preliminary verification has been completed. We'll submit it to the investigating authorities for a comprehensive review."

"Then do that."

Trishak asked, "Do you think Orvan will eventually manage to save himself?"

Dravik replied, "I'm not thinking about that. I want the evidence of his crimes to reach the court."

## Chapter Thirteen.

### The Last Meeting in the Darkness

Orvan was beginning to realize that no one around him remained as loyal as before.

Kairav had stopped communicating. Shelmar had left the city. Tashrek was under police surveillance. Brinash had contacted another group for his own protection.

Orvan summoned everyone for one final meeting.

But only three people showed up.

Orvan said, "We still have a chance."

Drumel was not there.

One associate said, "Drumel has decided to approach the police."

Orvan became furious.

"Where is he?"

"We don't know."

"None of you could find him?"

No one answered.

Orvan said, "The plan to take over Dravik's headquarters will not be canceled."

One associate said, "That's no longer possible."

"Why?"

"Security has been increased there. The police are also monitoring us."

Orvan said, "Then what do you want us to do? Surrender?"

Another associate said, "We need to speak with our lawyer."

Orvan slammed his hand against the table.

"I'm not surrendering to anyone."

But before the meeting could end, police vehicles stopped outside the building.

Orvan's associates panicked.

One of them looked through the window and shouted, "The police are here!"

Orvan realized that their location had been exposed.

He tried to escape through the back entrance.

However, the police had already surrounded the building.

Several associates were arrested at the scene. Orvan managed to enter a neighboring building and escape from there.

By then, investigators had obtained preliminary evidence supporting several allegations against him.

They began investigating Shelk's murder, the attacks on Vrajil and Mraiel, and Trishak's abduction as connected incidents.

## Chapter Fourteen.

### Before the Throne

Over the following weeks, the situation in the city began to change.

Dravik's companies continued their normal operations, although extensive changes were introduced to their security and legal systems.

Vrajil gradually recovered. Mraiel also completed his treatment and began preparing to return to duty.

New information emerged in the investigation into Shelk's death.

Although Trishak returned to his responsibilities, he no longer worked excessive hours as before. Instead, he developed a new system for distributing responsibilities among the different departments.

Meanwhile, Orvan remained on the run.

One night, he called Dravik's private number.

Dravik answered.

"Who's speaking?"

Orvan's voice came from the other end.

"Do you recognize me?"

Dravik replied, "Orvan?"

"That's right."

"Where are you calling from?"

"There's no need for you to know that."

Dravik remained silent.

Orvan said, "I've eliminated your four men. I've dismantled your entire structure. How can you still remain so calm?"

Dravik replied, "Do you really believe that attacking four people is enough to destroy an organization?"

"Your most trusted people are no longer in their previous positions."

"You murdered Shelk. You attacked Vrajil and Mraiel. You abducted Trishak. Those are your crimes. But you haven't acquired ownership of my companies."

Orvan asked, "Are you saying I've failed?"

Dravik replied, "You haven't achieved the objective you started with."

"I want your throne."

Dravik remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"It's easy to use the word 'throne.' But do you know how many decisions must be made every day by the person sitting on it?"

Orvan laughed.

"Making decisions isn't difficult for me."

Dravik said, "Making decisions and accepting responsibility for those decisions are two different things."

"I can manage everything better than you."

"Then why haven't you been able to build a stable organization of your own all these years?"

Orvan offered no answer.

Dravik continued, "You thought that by eliminating my four associates, I would be left alone. But you never understood what arrangements each of them had established within their respective departments."

Orvan asked, "Can you really manage without them?"

Dravik replied, "It's the responsibility of an organization's leader to establish a system that can continue functioning in someone's absence."

"Do you consider yourself exceptionally qualified?"

"I don't consider myself above making mistakes."

After remaining silent for a moment, Orvan said, "I'll come to your office."

Dravik replied, "You can come. But be prepared to speak with the police."

The call ended.

## Chapter Fifteen.

### The Final Confrontation

The following afternoon, an important meeting was underway at Dravik's main headquarters.

Suddenly, the security department reported that Orvan Drek had arrived at the building's entrance.

Dravik said, "Let him come inside. But follow the security protocols."

A few minutes later, Orvan entered the room.

His face showed signs of exhaustion, his eyes reflected anxiety, and his behavior lacked the confidence he had once displayed.

Dravik was sitting in a leather chair. Several files and a laptop were placed in front of him.

Orvan asked, "Did you send for me?"

Dravik replied, "No. You came here on your own."

"I wanted to see how you could still sit in this office."

"What do you think?"

Orvan said, "Your four trusted associates are no longer in their former positions. One is dead, two were receiving medical treatment, and another was abducted. Yet nothing seems to have changed for you."

Dravik slowly stood up.

"You attacked four people. But did you ever understand the work they performed?"

Orvan replied, "They worked under you."

"Vrajil didn't simply handle legal cases. He managed the legal responsibilities, risks, and accountability associated with our contracts. Shelk didn't merely maintain accounts. He developed a financial system that would keep the company's accounts running even if one individual died. Mraiel didn't simply recruit security guards. He established systems for training, assigning responsibilities, and maintaining accountability among security personnel. And Trishak didn't merely communicate with me. He coordinated operations among our different companies."

Orvan said, "I eliminated them."

Dravik replied, "Yes. But you couldn't eliminate the systems they had built."

Orvan placed his hand on the table.

"Do you think everything you own remains untouched?"

"No."

"Then?"

"I've lost four important people. The loss of one person cannot be replaced by another. That is especially true of Shelk's death. But the system we established to keep the organization functioning is still working."

Orvan asked, "Then people aren't important to you?"

Dravik looked directly at him.

"People are the most important part of any organization. But understanding the importance of people and making an entire organization dependent on one individual are two different things. You failed to understand that distinction."

Orvan said, "I wanted your empire."

Dravik replied, "You wanted my assets, my influence, and my position. But you never wanted to know how many years it took to build this position, how many failures had to be overcome, or how many decisions required someone to accept responsibility."

Orvan remained silent.

Dravik pushed a file across the table toward him.

"This contains a list of the evidence collected against your organization."

Orvan opened the file.

It contained information about various financial transactions, business communications, abductions, assaults, and murders.

He closed the file and asked, "Where did you get all this?"

Dravik replied, "The investigating authorities collected the information through their own procedures. Some of it also came from people within your organization."

Orvan realized that information about his own organization was no longer secret.

He asked, "Do you want to destroy me?"

Dravik replied, "I'm not your judge. The court will decide your fate."

At that moment, police sirens could be heard outside.

Orvan looked toward the window.

Dravik calmly said, "There's an arrest warrant against you."

Orvan stepped backward.

"Did you know everything beforehand?"

"I received information about your plans a long time ago. But I wanted the investigators to collect evidence of the crimes through a proper investigation."

A few moments later, police officers entered the room.

One officer informed Orvan of the charges against him. He was then placed under arrest.

As the handcuffs were being secured, Orvan looked at Dravik and asked, "Do you think your position will last forever?"

Dravik replied, "No position lasts forever. But with the necessary qualifications, a person can create the opportunity to maintain it."

The police escorted Orvan out of the building.

Dravik walked over to the window and stood there.

It had started raining outside.

## Chapter Sixteen.

### Awaiting Trial

Following Orvan's arrest, the investigation expanded further.

The police arrested several members of the Orkel Network. Computers, financial records, business contracts, and details of communications involving various individuals were recovered from the organization's offices.

Investigators discovered that the organization had not merely conspired against Dravik's companies. It had also attempted to gain influence over the ownership and management structures of several other businesses throughout the city.

Evidence was found linking several individuals to Shelk's murder. The attacks on Vrajil and Mraiel were also identified as parts of the same organization's plans.

Separate charges were brought against those directly involved in Trishak's abduction.

Dravik's companies supplied the investigators with all the necessary documents.

On the day of the first court hearing, Orvan was brought before the judge.

His lawyer said, "My client denies some of the allegations. He should not be treated as guilty before the investigation is completed."

The judge replied, "The court will make its decision based on the evidence. The investigating authorities must submit the necessary documents."

Following the hearing, Orvan was remanded to custody.

Meanwhile, important changes began taking place within Dravik's companies.

The board of directors decided that no individual would be given excessive responsibility in any important position in the future.

Each department would have alternative leadership arrangements. Multiple secure copies of important documents would be maintained. Multiple levels of approval would be mandatory for financial decisions.

Dravik approved these decisions.

## Chapter Seventeen.

### The Return of the Survivors

Several months later, Vrajil Sherk returned to the office after making a full recovery.

The employees of the legal department welcomed him.

Dravik summoned him to his office.

"How are you?"

Vrajil replied, "Much better now."

"Are you following your doctor's instructions?"

"Yes."

Dravik said, "Before you resume your responsibilities, I'd like to discuss a few things."

Vrajil replied, "Go ahead."

"The legal department continued operating during your absence. That arrangement must remain in place in the future."

Vrajil nodded.

"That's how it should be."

"We need your experience. But we must also ensure that the entire department doesn't depend on one individual."

Vrajil said, "I'll arrange training for the new officers."

A few weeks later, Mraiel also returned to work.

He held a meeting with the employees of the security division.

"Our responsibility isn't limited to guarding the entrances of buildings. We must protect the organization's employees, assets, and information. But while carrying out those responsibilities, we must respect the law and human rights."

One officer asked, "Sir, how will responsibilities be distributed under the new security structure?"

Mraiel replied, "Each department will have a designated officer in charge. Alternative leadership will be available during emergencies. If one individual is absent, the others must not simply stop working."

Trishak also returned to his duties.

He held meetings with various companies and rebuilt the previous communication networks.

One day, the door to the old conference room used by the four men was opened.

A commemorative plaque had been installed there.

It read:

"In memory of Korvan Shelk, in recognition of his contributions to improving the organization's financial systems and his years of dedicated service."

Dravik stood in front of the plaque for a while.

Trishak approached him and said, "Sir, Shelk would have been happy to see the new system."

Dravik replied, "He laid its foundation."

Vrajil said, "It's now our responsibility to ensure that his work remains unfinished."

Mraiel said, "We'll do our best."

Dravik replied, "Don't just promise. Prove it through your work."

## Chapter Eighteen.

### The Test of Merit

Nearly a year after Orvan's arrest, a new recruitment process began at Dravik's main headquarters.

New officers were to be selected for various departments. The board of directors had decided that no one would be appointed to an important position solely on the basis of personal connections, recommendations, or years of experience.

Candidates would be evaluated on their skills, decision-making abilities, integrity, sense of responsibility, and capacity to handle complex situations.

The selection board included Dravik, Vrajil, Mraiel, Trishak, and several independent directors.

One candidate was asked, "If you became the head of a large organization and your four most trusted executives suddenly became unavailable at the same time, what would you do?"

The candidate replied, "I would quickly recruit four new people."

One board member asked, "What if the new recruits don't know how to do the work?"

The candidate replied, "Then I would train them."

Dravik asked, "Would the organization's operations remain suspended until then?"

The candidate remained silent for a moment before answering.

"In that case, there would need to be an alternative arrangement."

Dravik said, "Correct. But when would you establish that alternative arrangement?"

The candidate replied, "Before an emergency occurs."

Dravik nodded.

The next candidate was asked, "What would you do if employees working under your supervision made mistakes?"

He replied, "I would first determine the reason behind the mistake. I would investigate whether it resulted from individual incompetence, insufficient training, or weaknesses in the organization's system."

Vrajil asked, "What if an employee deliberately caused damage to the organization?"

The candidate replied, "Then evidence should be collected, and appropriate action should be taken according to the rules."

Mraiel asked, "Do you believe that everyone should work out of fear under a powerful leader?"

The candidate replied, "No. Fear may force employees to follow instructions temporarily. But a long-term organization needs trust, rules, and accountability."

After hearing the answer, Trishak looked toward Dravik.

Dravik said, "Make sure that answer is recorded."

The recruitment process continued for several weeks.

Eventually, several officers were appointed based on merit.

Standing before the newly appointed officers, Dravik said, "Each of you has an opportunity ahead. Receiving a position in this organization doesn't mean receiving power. It means accepting responsibility."

One of the new officers asked, "Sir, what is the most important qualification of a leader?"

Dravik replied, "The ability to recognize your own limitations, assign the right responsibilities to the right people, and establish a system that allows the organization to function properly even in your absence."

## Chapter Nineteen.

### The True Owner of the Throne

One morning, Dravik was sitting in his office.

Several reports concerning new projects, financial accounts, and decisions made by the board of directors were placed on his desk.

Trishak entered and said, "Sir, everything is ready for today's board meeting."

Dravik replied, "Good."

"The performance evaluation reports for the new officers have also arrived."

"Have you reviewed them?"

"Yes. Most of the officers are performing well. However, two departments need additional training."

Dravik said, "Make the necessary arrangements."

Trishak stood there for a moment before asking, "May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"If Orvan is ever released and tries to gain power again, what will happen?"

Dravik thought for a moment.

"No one can predict with certainty what another person will do in the future. But we must manage this organization in such a way that one individual's conspiracy cannot bring down the entire structure."

Trishak asked, "Then what is our real victory?"

Dravik looked out of the window.

"Having Orvan arrested was one of our achievements. But our real victory is that we kept the organization running despite his attacks. We continued Shelk's work. We maintained the continuity of responsibilities carried out by Vrajil, Mraiel, and you."

Trishak said, "So the throne isn't really a chair."

Dravik smiled slightly.

"The throne is a symbol of responsibility. Whoever possesses the qualifications to fulfill that responsibility is its rightful owner."

## Chapter Twenty.

### The Final Accounting of Power

Two years later, Dravik Korvan's position in Kharbesh City's business community remained as strong as before, but the structure of his companies had undergone significant changes.

No department now depended entirely on a single executive. Alternative arrangements had been established for every important operation. Accountability had been strengthened across financial transactions, legal proceedings, security, and business communications.

Vrajil was training new lawyers. Mraiel was leading the security division. Trishak was coordinating operations among the various companies.

The financial training center established in Shelk's memory had also begun its operations.

Meanwhile, judicial proceedings in Orvan Drek's case continued. Witness testimony, documents, and financial records had been presented in court. His charges were being examined on the basis of evidence collected during the investigation.

One day, Dravik visited the old mansion where Orvan had held his first secret meeting to conspire against him.

Ownership of the building had changed. The old conference room was now awaiting renovation.

Dravik stood beside a window and looked outside.

Trishak was with him.

Trishak said, "This was where they first made their plans."

Dravik replied, "Yes."

"They believed that eliminating four people would put the entire empire in their hands."

"They saw the people, but they couldn't see the systems those people had built."

Trishak said, "They saw your wealth, but they couldn't see your responsibilities."

Dravik nodded.

"The greatest problem with power is that many people want it, but they don't want to accept the responsibilities that come with it."

Trishak asked, "What if Orvan had understood the actual structure of your organization that day?"

Dravik replied, "Perhaps he would have made a different decision. But his fundamental mistake was believing that taking something by force was easier than building something of his own."

A brief silence followed.

Dravik continued, "Building an organization takes time. Earning trust takes time. Developing experience takes time. And to preserve all those things, you must prove your qualifications every single day."

Trishak asked, "Then who deserves the throne of power?"

Dravik replied, "The person who considers responsibility greater than power, who can admit his own mistakes, who respects the abilities of others, and who can keep an organization functioning even in his absence—that is the true rightful owner of the throne."

The two men walked out of the building.

The rain had stopped.

Normal activity had resumed on the streets of Kharbesh City. Shops were opening, transportation was operating, and employees were entering their offices. The life of the city had not stopped because of the presence or absence of any one individual.

Before getting into his car, Dravik looked back once.

One of the four most important associates in his life would never return. The others had recovered, but the past could never be restored. Nevertheless, their work, experience, and the systems they had established remained within the organization.

He had come to understand that the success of a capable leader could not be measured solely by the extent of his personal power. His success was determined by how capable the people working under him had become and how independently the organization he had built could operate.

Orvan, on the other hand, had believed that removing the associates of powerful people would automatically transfer their authority into his own hands. He had failed to understand that a position of power could be seized, but the qualifications required to hold that position could not be stolen from someone else.

He had wanted a throne, but he had never developed the ability to accept the responsibilities that came with it.

That was why he had fallen.

Dravik's position, meanwhile, had survived not merely because of his wealth, reputation, or influence, but because of the organizational systems, experience, foresight, and ability to distribute responsibilities that he had developed over many years.

The Throne of Merit is never reserved exclusively for the powerful. It must be earned through knowledge, experience, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to fulfill one's responsibilities. (The End) ©️All Right Reserved by Junayed Ashrafur Rahman

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