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Incredible Michael Ventura What is Ryan doing here?
103He had expected harsher consequences, but Jimmy's explanation brought some clarity. "I understand, Jimmy. Thank you for giving us all a second chance."Jimmy's gaze shifted to Michael. "Michael, given the circumstances, I'm willing to offer you the opportunity to switch teams if you feel it would be better for your growth and development. It's important that you feel comfortable and supported."Michael shook his head, his voice filled with determination. "No, boss. I believe in this team and its potential. I want to work through the challenges and prove myself."As Jimmy turned to Darren, he couldn't hide the lingering animosity in his expression. "And what about you, Brad? Do you want Michael to leave the team?"Brad hesitated for a moment, his gaze locked with Michael's. Reluctantly, he shook his head. "No, boss. Despite our differences, I think Michael can contribute positively to the team. I'm willing to give him another chance."Jimmy nodded, satisfied with their responses. "
Incredible Michael Ventura The plan
104Ryan's piercing gaze sent a shiver down Michael's spine. He had always known Ryan to be cunning and manipulative, making him a formidable foe. The collision felt almost intentional, like a deliberate attempt to unnerve him further."Ryan," Michael muttered under his breath, his voice laced with apprehension. "What a surprise."Ryan's smirk widened, clearly relishing in Michael's discomfort. His eyes scanned Michael with a mix of curiosity and suspicion."Well, well, well, look who we have here," Ryan drawled, his tone dripping with disdain. "Didn't expect to see you skulking around here, Michael."Mentally regaining his composure, Michael replied confidently, "I could say the same about you, Ryan. What brings you to this part of the office?"Ryan's smug expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he opened his mouth. But before he could utter a word, the sound of commotion and screams had caught Jimmy's attention. Jimmy emerged from his office, a smile on his face as he greeted Rya
Incredible Michael Ventura arrestation
105As tension simmered between Michael and Ryan, Michael found it increasingly difficult to focus on his work. His mind kept drifting to the incident with Ryan and the restaurant they were seen at together. Toby, noticing Michael's preoccupation, approached him with curiosity."Hey, Michael, what did Jimmy say to you earlier? You seemed really bothered by it," Toby asked.Michael let out a sigh, still unable to shake off the thoughts of what had transpired."He was talking about that restaurant where he saw both of us having lunch. He couldn't believe we would be caught in that kind of environment," Michael explained.Toby raised an eyebrow, perplexed by the situation."But won't this just create envy and gossip among our colleagues? If they see us frequenting the same restaurant, won't they think we're trying to worm our way into favoritism too?" Toby questioned.Michael sighed again, his determination unwavering."Jimmy's a cool guy, and I trust his explanation. I'm not going to le
Incredible Michael Ventura Ryan's plan
106Once there, Michael was asked by a police officer to remove all valuable personal belongings. He took off the few things he had on him, including his watch and some bracelets, and put them on the table. The police officer then asked him to remove his ring as well."I can't part with my ring," Michael protested. "It's sentimental to me."The officer, indifferent to his plea, remarked, "I don't care. Take it off and put it in the bag."Reluctantly, Michael removed his ring and placed it in a plastic bag. The officer then swiftly tossed the bag into a nearby cell, leaving Michael feeling completely violated.Feeling the need to reach out for help, Michael politely asked, "Can I make a phone call, please?"The officer dismissively replied, "Later."Frustrated by the officer's lack of concern, Michael exclaimed, "This is an abuse of my rights!"In response, the officer simply chuckled and disregarded his statement. A few minutes later, another officer arrived and introduced himself as
Incredible Michael Ventura Turnaround 1
107The next morning, as the sun rose over the town, Officer Johnson arrived at the doorstep of Michael's cell. Michael, still groggy from sleep, opened his eyes find the officer standing there, a serious look on his face."Good morning, Michael Ventura," Officer Johnson greeted, tipping his hat. "I'm here to inform you that you'll be tried this afternoon."Michael's eyes widened in shock. "Tried? What for? And why was I held without anyone knowing where I was?"The officer sighed, his expression hardening. "You've rubbed shoulders with the wrong person, Michael. Ryan Smith. And now you must face the consequences."Confusion clouded Michael's face." So Ryan Smith is a Big shot now? "Officer Johnson shook his head. "Doesn't matter, Michael. The judge has allowed you to have a lawyer, luckily. But, unfortunately, all the lawyers who are likely to be appointed are busy. Judging by your appearance, I highly doubt you have the means to pay for one yourself."Michael's heart sank. "So, wha
Incredible Michael Ventura Turnaround 2
108As they stepped out of the Commissioner's office, Samantha arrived, her eyes welling up with tears. "Michael," she breathed, rushing to him. The sight of him, free, suprised her, and she broke down, tears streaming down her face, she was playing her victim card.Ryan quickly approached her, his expression filled with concern. He gently held her, trying to comfort her. "Don't cry, Sam. It won't happen like that. He will be punished for what he's done."Michael, still reeling from the recent events, began sorting through his returned belongings. His heart sank when he couldn't find his ring. Perplexed, he wondered aloud, "Where could it be? I had put it here."He immediately turned to Douglas, who was standing nearby. "Douglas, I can't find my ring. It's gone," he explained, a hint of worry in his voice.Douglas's brow furrowed. "Are you sure you didn't misplace it somewhere? We can look again.""No, I had it with me before I was arrested. It's a family heirloom, I've had it since i
Incredible Michael Ventura Turnaround 3
109The commissioner was now visibly frightened and uncertain. He stammered, "I... I don't know what to do. Give me a moment, please."Just then, Douglas calmly assessed the situation before addressing Commissioner Cook. "Sir, this is no longer your responsibility. I'll take it from here."Commissioner Cook nodded, relieved to hand over the burden. "Thank you!"Douglas turned to Ryan and Samantha, his tone stern. "You both need to cooperate fully. This situation has gone far enough." He walked away to make a call.Douglas dialed John Smith's number, Ryan's father, to explain the situation. "John, it's Douglas. Your son has done something unforgivable, and we have evidence against him."John Smith's voice trembled over the phone. "Not again! This is getting out of hand. What happened this time?"Douglas took a deep breath before recounting the events. "Your son stole Mr. Ventura's ring and plotted to have him illegally arrested. This is the second time he has bothered Mr. Ventura, and
Incredible Michael Ventura Return to ForgeCo
110Michael collapsed onto the familiar sofa, his body aching from the ordeal he had just endured. The weight of the world seemed to lift from his shoulders as he finally found solace in the comfort of his own home. Emily burst through the front door with a mixture of relief and worry etched across her face. Without a moment's hesitation, she enveloped him in a tight embrace, nearly knocking him off balance."Oh Mike, I was so worried!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with genuine concern. "Where have you been? What happened?"Leaning back into the sofa, Michael let out a heavy sigh before recounting the harrowing events that had unfolded over the past few days. "It's a long story, Em," he began, his voice filled with weariness. "Ryan, out of spite, had me falsely arrested based on a complaint from Samantha. They confiscated my belongings, and I had no way of reaching out to let you know."Emily's eyes widened in disbelief, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. She had always k
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Epilogue
~ 6 months later, ~It had been 6 months since Edward's return, and Michael was filled with joy. Life seemed perfect - his father was healthy, the company thriving, and his love for Olivia deeper than ever. Tonight, he planned to take their relationship to the next level. After work, Michael drove them to their favorite spot overlooking the city. A picnic dinner was laid out as the sun set over the horizon, bathing them in a glow of warmth.Michael gazed deeply into Olivia's eyes. "Liv, I still remember the first time I saw you, a year ago at that coffee shop. You were yelling so ferociously on the phone, and even though you pushed me away at first, something about your spirit drew me in."Olivia gave a watery laugh. "I was always feisty, even then. But you wore me down with that handsome smile of yours," she teased. "When you told me what Maxwell was doing, threatening and blackmailing you, I felt such rage," Michael continued, his eyes darkening briefly
Edward's reappearance
The next day, Michael, now fully aware of his responsibilities, took center stage at the press conference. Reporters gathered, cameras flashing, as he faced the daunting task of addressing not only his father's disappearance but also his unexpected inheritance of the conglomerate.Michael began, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. As many of you are aware, my father, Edward Ventura, has been missing for the past three days. It is a challenging time for our family, and we appreciate your support during this difficult period."Questions flew from the reporters, probing into the circumstances and expressing condolences. Michael, composed yet vulnerable, answered with sincerity. He continued, "In light of my father's absence, I have assumed the interim leadership of the Ventura conglomerate. It's a role I never anticipated, but I am committed to upholding my father's legacy and guiding the company through these uncertain times."A murmur of surprise rippled through the
Bastards
182"Douglas, there has to be hope. We can't give up on him," Michael pleaded desperately. The thought of his father's life hanging by a thread was unbearable.Douglas, placed a comforting hand on Michael's shoulder. "I understand your feelings, but false hopes can be more devastating. We need to prepare for the worst," he replied, his voice tinged with sorrow. "And his disappearance is not good for the conglomerate," Douglas continued, his tone becoming more serious. Michael looked up, his eyes filled with concern. "What does his disappearance mean for the conglomerate?" he asked, resigned to the fact that the situation had larger implications.Douglas hesitated momentarily before responding, his words carefully chosen. "Your father has already signed his will, Michael. If anything happens to him, he has designated you to take full control," he revealed, his voice steady but filled with a weighty sense of responsibility.Michael's shock was palpable. "What? I'm not ready for that. I
Disappearance of Edward Ventura
181Lea stepped forward, grinning. "Well, your dad here orchestrated a little surprise for you."Edward chuckled. "I couldn't let you go through all that without something to lift your spirits."Emily could hardly believe her eyes. After everything that had happened, seeing her father and Lea Boutin standing there seemed too good to be true. "Is it really true?" She pinched herself and felt the pain, so it was true.Her father beckoned to her with a smile. "Come now darling, don't stand in the doorway. Let us in, you must be exhausted."Emily slowly stepped aside numbly as they entered. Lea presented the bouquet with a gentle grin. "These are for you Emily, to lift your spirits as your father said."Still in shock, Emily turned to her father. "Dad...is this real? Or am I dreaming?" He patted her arm reassuringly. "It's no dream sweetheart. I promised you something to cheer you up, and I meant it."Lea nodded. "It's truly me, Emily. Not the fraud who deceived you before. When your fa
End of Ryan Smith
180"What incompetence is this?" Ryan exclaimed incredulously. "Ouuuuuuch!" The thug groaned in pain, writhing on the floor, and Ryan's expression turned from shock to fury.Seething with anger, he barked orders, "You imbecile! Get up and finish the job!"The thug continued writhing on the floor, screaming in agony as the poison started to take effect. "The syringe...it broke the skin...I can feel it burning!" "Get up you fool!" Ryan screamed, his face red with rage. But the man was incapacitated, gripped by the searing pain shooting through his veins. Ryan scoffed in frustration and snatched the fallen syringe. "It seems I'll have to take matters into my own hands." He swung his gaze to Emily, eyes glinting manically."No!" Michael shouted, straining against his bonds. "I warned you Ryan, you're in over your head!" But Ryan ignored him, advancing on Emily with the syringe. She sobbed in terror, shrinking back against the wall. "Please, don't do this!""Emily!" Michael cried despe
Revenge phase 4
179Ryan sauntered into the room, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, well, Michael Ventura, fancy meeting you here. What brings you to our little hideout?" A sardonic grin etching his features. Michael, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his adversary, spat out the words, "Ryan. Should've known you'd be slithering behind all this."He leaned against the cold, concrete wall, his arms folded in mock admiration. "Surprised, Mikey? I've been watching you play hero on the six o'clock news. Quite the spectacle you made, snagging those two-bit kidnappers," he said disdainfully, "It was almost as enjoyable as the time I sent those three goons to rough you up but you beat them up. Quite impressive of you ."Michael's jaw clenched, his anger barely contained. "Why am I not surprised? You always were a coward, hiding behind others to do your dirty work."Ryan chuckled darkly, circling Michael like a predator. "Oh, Michael, always so direct. Coward or not, Mikey, I always find a way to get what I
Revenge of Ryan Phase 4
178The disguised voice continued, "We're watching you, Mr. Ventura. You have five minutes to find a safe, isolated location. We'll call you back. Don't test our patience."Michael, feeling the weight of the situation, disconnected the call. He looked at Olivia, his face tense."What was that, Michael? Who was on the phone?" Olivia asked, concern etched on her face.Michael hesitated for a moment, then lied, "It's the police. They've got a new lead, and I need to go meet them. I can't take you with me right now."Olivia, puzzled, insisted, "But Michael, we're in this together. Let me come with you. We can face whatever it is as a team."Michael, wanting to protect her, shook his head. "No, Olivia. This is police business. I'll update you as soon as I can. Just trust me on this."Olivia, sensing something amiss, pressed further, "Michael, you're hiding something. I can feel it. Is there something you're not telling me?"Michael, his tone firm, replied, "Olivia, this is not the time. I
Revenge of Ryan Phase 3
177The store employees were in a state of panic, the air thick with confusion and fear following Emily's abrupt abduction. Lily, Emily's trusted assistant, was the first to recover her wits and dial the police, her hands trembling as she held the phone."911, what's your emergency?" the dispatcher's voice crackled over the line.Lily stammered, choking back tears, "It's... it's an abduction. My boss, Emily Ventura, she’s just been taken in broad daylight outside our store!"The dispatcher's tone sharpened with urgency. "Can you describe the vehicle or the abductors?""It was a black van, no license plates visible. The men... they wore masks. We have surveillance cameras! You might get something from them," Lily relayed, struggling to stay composed."Officers are on the way. Keep the line open and do not touch anything. We need all potential evidence intact," the dispatcher instructed.As the police sirens approached, Lily called Michael, her voice a mix of fear and urgency."Mr. Vent
Revenge phase 2
176Emily eagerly called Olivia to share a stunning revelation."Olivia, you won't believe what just happened! Remember that person I mentioned?"Olivia, intrigued, responded, "Oh, yeah! Congratulations on whatever it is! What is the name ?""It's Lea Boutin! Can you believe it? Things are finally happening!" Emily exclaimed.Olivia's voice crackled with surprise, "Lea Boutin? Are you serious?""Yes, deadly serious," Emily exclaimed.But Olivia, with a hint of skepticism, mentioned, "Lea Boutin? I thought she was abroad for a fashion show."Dismissing Olivia's doubt, Emily insisted, "No way! I saw her, we even had a conversation today. It's definitely her, same voice and everything."A note of concern crept into Olivia's voice, "Are you sure? Lea's supposed to be out of the country."Frustration creeping into her voice, Emily insisted, "I saw her, Olivia. We talked. It was Lea, no doubt. Same voice, same presence."A note of doubt lingered in Olivia's response, "Em, I'm certain Lea is
