Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The White House Situation Room, Washington D.C.

The electric chandeliers cast a bright glow over the long oak table as President Matthew Hesh sat at the head, his fingers gripping the armrests of his chair. Around him, his closest advisors and military officials waited in tense silence. The soft hum of the room's ventilation system was the only sound until he spoke.

"We're out of time," Matthew said, his voice firm. "We must assume Amber and the other hostages are still alive. I want every possible option for retrieving them—no bureaucratic delays, no political hesitation. Give me answers."

General Carter Hayes stood and unfurled a large map of China, spreading it across the table. The markings of Amerathian intelligence reports covered key locations, including Hanzhou, where the attack had taken place. He pointed to the city's outskirts.

"From what little information we have, the Boxer rebels launched their attack during the ceremony and struck quickly. The Imperial Army engaged them, but the situation became chaotic. Civilians, foreign dignitaries, and local officials were caught in the crossfire. Many were killed or captured."

Matthew's jaw tightened. "And Amber?"

Hayes exhaled. "Our best estimates suggest she was taken alive. The rebels were seen retreating north into the mountains after the attack. Given their past tactics, they likely intend to use the hostages as bargaining chips or political leverage."

Henry Collins, the Chief of Staff, leaned forward. "We need to act fast. If they see her as valuable, they'll keep her alive—for now. But if negotiations stall or they feel threatened, they may not hesitate to—"

"Stop," Matthew cut in. His blue eyes burned with restrained fury. "We're getting her back. One way or another."

Hayes cleared his throat. "Sir, we have several options." He gestured to the map again. "First, diplomatic pressure. We push the Chinese Imperial Court to send their best troops and crush these rebels. The Emperor won't want to appear weak, especially with so many foreign lives at stake."

"And if that fails?" Matthew asked.

"We send in an Amerathian rescue team," Hayes said grimly. "Discreetly. No uniforms, no official involvement. A small force that can infiltrate and extract her without provoking a war."

Collins frowned. "That's risky. If they're caught, we lose all deniability. The Chinese might see it as an act of aggression."

"Then we ensure they aren't caught," Matthew snapped. He turned back to Hayes. "How fast can we assemble a team?"

"We already have operatives in the region," Hayes said. "Amerathian military advisors embedded with the British and Japanese forces. Some of them are former scouts and frontier fighters—men who know how to move through hostile territory."

Matthew nodded. "Contact them immediately. I want a plan on my desk within hours."

Collins shifted uncomfortably. "Mr. President, this is a dangerous precedent. If we send men into China without authorization, it could damage our standing with the Imperial Court. And if something goes wrong…"

"If something goes wrong," Matthew said coldly, "we deal with it then. Right now, Amber is out there, alone. I will not sit in this office and do nothing while my wife's life hangs in the balance."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Then, Hayes straightened. "I'll make the arrangements."

Matthew nodded. "Good." He turned to Collins. "Continue pressing the Chinese Ambassador. Make it clear that I expect their full cooperation. And if they refuse—"

Collins sighed. "I'll remind them that Amerathia does not respond kindly to delays."

"Exactly," Matthew said.

As the meeting wrapped up, the tension in the room remained thick. The officials dispersed, each moving quickly to carry out their orders. Matthew remained seated, staring at the map.

Amber was somewhere out there, held by men who didn't fear the consequences of crossing Amerathia.

He would teach them otherwise.

Beijing, The Amerathian Embassy

The Amerathian ambassador, William Thornton, paced back and forth inside his office. The gas lamps lining the embassy walls flickered slightly, casting long shadows as the night deepened. The entire building was on high alert, messengers running in and out as the embassy scrambled for updates.

Across from him, James Walker, the embassy's security chief, tightened his jaw. "Still no word from the Chinese authorities?"

Thornton shook his head. "They've been frustratingly slow. The Imperial Court claims they're doing everything they can, but we have little to show for it. The rebels have disappeared into the countryside, and the Chinese army is moving too sluggishly."

Walker exhaled sharply, placing a revolver on the table between them. "I don't like waiting. The longer we hesitate, the colder the trail gets." Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire

A knock at the door. One of the junior staffers stepped inside, his face pale. "Sir, we just received an urgent message. The Emperor has agreed to meet with you tomorrow morning."

Thornton straightened. "At last. Let's hope we're not too late."

Walker crossed his arms. "And if the Emperor refuses to help?"

Thornton's gaze hardened. "Then we find another way."

North of Hanzhou, Boxer Rebel Encampment.

The flickering light of the torches cast eerie shadows against the rugged mountain terrain. Amber Hesh sat against the wooden post where she was tied, her wrists sore from the tight bindings. Around her, the other captives—European diplomats, local officials, and Chinese businessmen—sat in similar conditions, their expressions ranging from fear to silent determination.

She had been unconscious when they brought her here. Now, fully awake, she assessed her situation. The rebels were well-armed, moving with an alarming sense of discipline. These were not mere rioters—they had a plan.

A burly rebel stepped forward, his face partially covered by a scarf. He held a rifle in his hands, but his sharp eyes were fixed on Amber. "Amerathian woman." His accent was thick but understandable. "You are the wife of your President, yes?"

Amber lifted her chin. "And if I am?"

The man grinned. "Then your people will listen to us. They will come, and we will show them that China is not theirs to control."

Amber's heart pounded, but she kept her face unreadable. "If you think my husband will sit back and let you use me as a bargaining chip, you're making a mistake."

The rebel leader chuckled. "Perhaps. Or perhaps your President will not risk a war for one woman."

Amber's jaw clenched. "You don't know him."

The rebel's smirk faded slightly. He nodded to one of his men. "Keep them secure. The negotiations will begin soon."

For now, the best thing she could do at this point is to not do something stupid. She knows her limitations, fighting their way out is not an option as they are not capable fighters. She'll hope that Matthew will come for her.