The Mayfair Lagoon was Springfield's most sophisticated hotel. It was built in 1934 by a French architect. The Holt family took over the establishment ten years back and renovated it into a world-class hotel. Today, it was the hotspot of wealth and power in Springfield, frequented by billionaires and celebrities alike. Daphne walked into the main lobby and gasped in surprise. "This place is so beautiful..." The Mayfair Lagoon had the old-world charm of Hollywood with its Persian rugs, taxidermy, and plush velvet armchairs. Uniformed bellhops stood in attention or moved around holding luggage. Lara covered her mouth and wowed everything she saw. "I heard the fifteenth floor is called the Executive Floor and is mostly reserved for top-notch billionaires and celebrities. People like us are not allowed up there. One day when I become a famous actress, I'll book a table all by myself."Roger Smith walked ahead, his chest swelling in pride. "You won't have to wait that long, Lara. I'll bo

As Claire entered the hall amidst gasps of admiration from the crowd, Joe Savage's attitude changed abruptly. His menacing aura dropped, and his attack stance changed to one of respect. The hulking gangster turned from a raging beast to an obedient pup. "Madam Holt… You didn't tell me you'd come in person to meet your honored guest. I escorted Victor Damone to the Executive floor following your orders."Claire raised an eyebrow. "It didn't look like you were honoring him when I entered." Her glare burned through him like a hot knife through butter. Joe broke into a cold sweat and hung his head. Deep down, his hatred for Victor doubled. Was he being scolded because of that ordinary man? He'd never forget the insult and nurture the grudge forever. He won't think twice before acting if he ever saw an opportunity to kill him. Claire turned to Victor's group. Lara and Daphne eyed the beauty from head to toe. When Lara had first walked into the Executive floor, only a few people had looked

Victor interlaced his fingers and observed Claire intently. "Your proposal isn't sudden at all. I think you decided to hire me the very first time we met."The beauty smiled. "Well, nothing gets past you, it seems. But that should not matter. Just tell me, what do you say to my offer?""I have a lot of things to do."Claire nodded. "Let me put it this way, and lay out the map for you. You need a job now that your company is sinking. At least for appearance's sake. If you work for me, your wife will think you got your life back in order. And finally, acting as my bodyguard will give you an excellent cover for whatever your true identity is… For whatever you do secretly..."Victor's lips bent into a thin smile for the first time. "You seem to have thought this through. Impressive."Claire shrugged and grinned. "I'll pay you fifty thousand per month, and many of my resources will be at your disposal. Does that sound like a good deal?"Victor considered it for a moment and then spoke up. "

Victor's Bugatti Divo slowed down outside Drummond Towers, and he parked on the opposite side of the road. Onlookers wondered who the wealthy man in the expensive car was. They were disappointed to see the driver walk out wearing cheap clothes.Victor eyed the structure that served as the headquarters for the Grizzly Kings gang. The antique building had been gradually renovated and expanded to look like a fort. He imagined the arsenal of illegal arms and armaments hidden inside.Nobody walked or waited by the footpath because Pedestrians were scared to walk in the gangster-infested area. They circled around to avoid Drummond Tower's location.Victor approached the main entrance, looking out for guards. As soon as he stepped off the curb onto the building portico, the door swiveled open, and two tall, heavy-set men stepped out. They were dressed in pullovers with a bear painted on the front."Who the fuck is he, Tito?" one guard asked the other."Why don't we ask him, Moby?" the other a

"Where are you taking us?" Josh asked irritably. "We're not going to one of your driver buddy gatherings, are we?""Yeah, I have a salon appointment in an hour," Chloe complained, observing her nails.Victor sighed. "We're going to meet Carol," he said to Josh. "After I hand you over to her, my job is done. As far as your fussy girlfriend is concerned, she can get out of the car right now."Chloe was about to fire an insulting comeback when Victor's phone beeped. It was a message from Maverick. On reading the text, Victor's face darkened. It said James Colbert was trying to coerce Carol into sleeping with her. The man's jaws clenched, and his eyes went red. He floored the accelerator."Slow down, you maniac!" Josh exclaimed. "Are you trying to kill us?"Within a few minutes, they reached 4th Street. Victor's Bugatti drifted to a halt outside the Colbert Inc. building. He rushed out of the car with the engine still running. As he approached the main entrance, Carol rushed out of the bui