Sometimes, in order to get something that you want, it’s best to avoid letting what you’re after become public knowledge. Some number of years ago, a co-worker of mine, unbeknownst to me, convinced the president of the company that I work for to promote him into a vice-presidency for a department that had never had a VP before. I learned about it only when the promotion was announced. Well played, sir, well played.

From The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene:

Law 3: Conceal your Intentions

Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. If they have no clue what you are up to, they cannot prepare a defense. Guide them far enough down the wrong path, envelope them in enough smoke, and by the time they realize your intentions, it will be too late.

As usual, write a story regarding either the observance or the transgression of this law.