“We just need to be and also think one step ahead of him.” Justin said as he turned to the attorney. “Is there anything we can do to counter his moves?”The attorney's eyes narrowed as she had a thoughtful expression on. “Sure, we can leverage the zoning regulations. Some of his acquisitions are in the places with strict guidelines on housing development. If we can show that his housing plans do not meet the required criteria, then we can delay his projects. And if he does not comply with the regulations, then he will face penalties.”Justin sat up as he nodded, he was clearly impressed by what the attorney just told him. “That is refreshing and it is a good start. Mark, kindly reach out to our allies in those places. Let us see if we can bring them onboard our foundation's project very soon. We need more community support, the more the support we have, the harder it will be for Hillman to try to push us out.”His assistant, Mark, nodded as he took down notes. “Understood sir. I will
As Justin geared up his defensive measures against the growing threat of Conrad Hillman, he knew that they would be as important as an offensive strategy. He would not just sit down and wait to react. This is not a competition of resources but a battle for supremacy, influence and control. It could impact his foundation, reputation and business interests. The stakes were high but he was determined to make sure his operations are secured against the attacks he knew would come sooner or later.The day started early and bright as Justin summoned his team that would be handling this crises to his office. They consist of his trusted assistant, Mark, the head of the legal team, Teresa, and a few Senior security and his legal advisors joined him, each of them with valuable insights from their respective fields, ready to help Justin. A large screen illuminated the room as a map was displayed on it. It highlighted Justin's important projects and strategic interests in the areas Hillman has tar
Later that day, Justin sat at his desk, his screen was filled with the familiar faces of businesses men who are also his partners, influential philanthropists, and civic leaders who valued his foundation's work. He was in a virtual meeting with all of them. He spoke to them candidly about about Hillman's interference and the potential risks it posed to their combined efforts.“We can not afford to let Hillman monopolize those areas. Our communities deserve better and real opportunities, not exploitative business that only serve it's owner's interest.” Justin said with a firm tone.The meeting was agog with different discussions as they talked about the various ways they could support each other. Some even offered to promote Justin's intiatives within their circle, while others pledged to help him with funding and resources to expand the community projects faster before Hillman could make further moves to obstruct it. They ended the call with a renewed commitment to the foundation's m
Few days later, there was a community meeting where both Justin and Hillman were invited to be part of. It took place in a cozy boardroom in one of the community Hall in the neighbourhood. The meeting was organized by the local leaders of the community to address the future of what appears to be the several lucrative ventures in the neighborhood, which had drawn interest from influential figures in the city such as Justin and his new rival, Conrad Hillman. When Justin got the invitation, he knew the meeting would be a defining moment in his fight for control over Hillman. So he accepted and hope to outmaneuver Hillman and win over the leaders of the community without exposing his long time plans.At the meeting, Justin took his seat at the table’s end, waiting for others to settle in. His seat was just directly across that of Hillman's. They looked at each other and exchanged a brief, icy nod, a silent acknowledgement of the clash of power that would soon happen. Justin remained calm
Her name is Sarah. He turned to her to talk.“Sarah.” Justin said as he addressed her directly. “You have overseen several successful partnerships with the city. Could you share some of the benefits you have seen so far from this model?”Sarah looked at him and nodded, her respect for Justin was evident. “In my experience, public-private partnerships have not only increased our funding options but it has also reduced our operational costs through incentives. And when we involve the public sector, we have gained a lot of valuable insights and strengthened our community relationships. I believe this could be a good and strategic move.”The board listened attentively as Sarah spoke, everything she said seems to endorse Justin's proposal. Justin could see that the energy in the room had shifted, there were people who had been swayed by Hillman who were now reconsidering, obviously seeing the broader value and sense in Justin's approach.Hillman noticed that his initial grip on the room wa
"How long will it take him to serve the damn food?" Diana snarled through gritted teeth. She hit her hand over the table, turning her head to the entrance of the kitchen. "I think you should give him a moment," Lilly broke in with a distasteful stare lurking in her demeanor. Diana rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. She stared at her mum and dad who sat at the other edge of the table. Their neutral attitude towards the whole situation sent spurts of disappointment down her spine. Moments later, Justin scampered out of the kitchen, holding a tray, with an apron tied around his neck. "I'm sorry," he muttered as he served the food to everyone seated. "Ugh. Finally. I'm starving," Diana dragged the bowl of pasta closer to herself. “You want me to choke while eating this?" Diana shot. Justin stood still, unable to figure out what the spoilt brat was saying. "Get me water, Silly!" She shouted. Justin startled at how strident her voice was, before racing to the kitchen like he'd been c
Justin had his heart in his mouth when Tucson uttered those words. He was too confused to say a word. The last time he was this hurt and speechless was the night he lost his mother. The only discrepancy was that the tears in his eyes were yet to cascade down his cheeks. "Dad, aren't you being too cruel and unrealistic?" Lilly said. "Where do you expect him to get that ridiculous amount of money from? Where?" Lilly smacked her lips furiously. "I don't care where or how he gets the money. He can break the bank, I don't give a damn. If he doesn't get those tickets in twenty-four hours, he will sign a divorce paper. And I will send him back to the slump." Tucson threatened. "That's a great idea, Dad," Diana said. She was going to utter another word, but a glimpse at Lilly's huffy face made her alternate the words with a sigh. Justin flitted his gaze in trepidation. " Sir I.." "Don't say a word, you retarded, silly, poor piece of poop," Tucson interrupted. " Get out of my sight!" Tucs
Justin clutched the bag tightly to his chest like his life was kept in it. He took to his heels with every step limping in outright fear and a mist of thrill. Justin ran until the loan shark's lair was no longer in sight and he was somewhere on the streets of LA. At this point, Justin couldn't help but allow a smile to swerve on his arid lips like a fourteen-year-old who'd just gotten a birthday present. Justin had his eyes scanning every nook and cranny of the street in a voyage to find a Walgreens outlet. After all, it's Nelson Drogonuv's party, a multitude of well-to-do folks will be trooping to the nearest ticket outlets to get a ticket before it's sold out. Justin arrived at a supposed Walgreens store. He was a bit confounded because it appeared to be a coffee shop. But when his eyes settled on the Walgreens logo, situated outside - close to the sidewalk, he heaved a sigh and walked through the entrance. "Maybe they're affiliated with Walgreens," he muttered under his breath.