Jonathan drove home in silence, a tight knot forming in his chest. He couldn't help but feel beaten by Barry. He hated it. He hated this feeling of defeat. The moment he walked through the door of his luxurious home, he met Ingrid waiting for him in the living room with her arms crossed. “Jonathan,” Ingrid called, tapping her show on the floor. “You're home early. Did you take care of that bastard?”Jonathan looked around to find Betty and Laura seated on the sofa, staring earnestly at him.“Well, say something, dad,” Betty said, her gaze vengeful. “Did you crush that worm?”Jonathan’s face was pale as he dropped his briefcase near the door. He loosened his tie and collapsed onto the couch, running a trembling hand through his hair. “I’ve been fired,” he muttered. Everyone stiffened in shock at Jonathan's statement. It came like a bomb out of nowhere. “What?” Ingrid exclaimed, her eyes growing bigger. “Fired? What do you mean, fired? You’re the CEO!” Jonathan clenched his f

Barry took his glass of wine and stirred it. "Why did you decline my proposal?""Because what you're asking for is impossible," Alan said sharply. "It would never work. Military control is very sensitive. No sane government would agree to hand total control of their military to a private citizen."Barry sipped his wine. "You say that and yet this nation's military is in rot. The government has failed to support the military. I'm simply offering to do their job."Alan had completely lost his appetite. "King, this is bigger than you. What you're asking for is sovereignty. Take the military, you take the nation."Barry kept quiet. He was careful not to force things or else Alan would grow suspicious and start asking more questions."Well, I gave it a shot. Thank you for giving me your time, minister. Enjoy your evening," Barry said, rising to his feet. Alan watched him as he turned to leave. "King, wait. I'll take your proposal to the parliament, but I can't promise you they would appro

Oprah Morgan didn’t wait for anyone to respond. She opened her briefcase, pulling out documents and a tablet, and began her defense. “Ladies and gentlemen of the court,” Oprah Morgan began, her voice sharp. “before this court makes the grave mistake of proceeding with sentencing King, allow me to inform you of the catastrophic consequences of such an action.“Everyone leaned forward, eyeing Oprah as she faced the courtroom and waved to King. “King has formed strategic alliances with five of the most powerful nations in the world: the United States, Russia, China and Germany," she revealed. “Any sentence passed against him today will be interpreted as an attack on their interests, as my client’s investments and agreements are tied to these nations’ military.” The courtroom froze in shock, then loud whispers erupted everywhere. Jonathan stared at King, his eyes a trifle wider. “No way…” he whispered to himself. “How is King able to gain an alliances with these four countries?”