"What do you mean by the company is about to be shut down?"[Sir, it's all my fault, please punish me] Maria replied from the other side, her worried tone a clear indication of her mental state.It wouldn't be a shock if she began to cry based on how she was sounding."Okay, calm down, Maria. I need you to explain the situation."[It's like this. After the embezzlement case that left Serenity nearly bankrupt, we were unable to pay our taxes and that left us in a tight spot. Thankfully you came on when you did but I made a terrible mistake]"What mistake?"[It skipped my mind that we still had a backlog of unpaid taxes yet to be accounted for and now it's been brought to light for which reason the company accounts have been frozen]"So that's how it is."[Sir, I'm so sorry. It was my mistake]"It's fine. Understandably, such a small thing would be forgotten. The fact that it's been brought up now is quite suspicious. Who froze the account?"[The Minister gave the order for it to be fro
Lester was a member of the Imperial Revenue and Customs Agency branch in Intercity.He was responsible for auditing companies and ensuring they paid their taxes on time.Unfortunately, he was a corrupt official who worked for the minister, helping him take down companies that didn't conform to the Minister's wishes.This time, he had been sent to take down Orion Corp after what Richard had done to the Minister, causing him to lose out on the properties he wished to appropriate for himself.The minister had given him charge to ensure that he forced Orion Corp to shut down for the time being while also letting him know that Richard wouldn't be able to do anything about it because he would be attacked on his way to the office.Which was why he was currently at Orion Corp headquarters to pressure them to shut down."Good day, Mr. Lester. Nice to meet you." Maria greeted with a warm smile as she approached.Lester snorted. "Hmmph, what's good about the day?... Your corrupt company dares to
'What's going on?...didn't the minister say he won't be coming in today?... So what's the meaning of this?... How come he is here now?... He managed to survive the Minister's attack?" So many questions streaked through Lester's mind as he found Richard standing at the entrance to Orion Corp, his hands in his pockets.Richard regarded him for a moment causing Lester to step away from Maria in fright.Noting this, Richard sauntered over, his gaze trained on Lester as he came within arm's length.Intimidated by Richard's imposing aura, Lester didn't dare to say anything immediately but knowing he couldn't remain silent, he had to say something to save face and so, he did."Well well, if it is the new owner of the so-called big corporation that somehow doesn't know how to pay taxes. You should be ashamed of yourself. People like you disgust me." Lester spat coldly, his gaze filled with disdain for Richard.Richard raised a brow as he inquired. "And you are?" "Huh?""I presume you are som
Lester was dumbfounded by the news he received.The unpaid taxes had been cleared?... No less by Richard Smith?But how?... How had he done so when his accounts were frozen?He glanced at Richard who met his gaze with a grin, clearly mocking him for overestimating himself."You…" Lester began but never finished as he knew there was nothing he could say that would change what had happened.Richard caught this and remarked. "So tell me, have you confirmed the payment?"It was almost like he was mocking Lester and of course, he was."... How?""A magician never reveals his secrets. Now, I believe you owe me and my employees an apology for the ruckus you caused this morning."Lester froze, realizing that he'd be humiliated if he allowed Richard to continue.Thankfully, he still had something up his sleeves."Why should I apologize?... Your actions just now prove that you are involved in money laundering which the minister has accused you of. I will arrest you right now!" Silence reigned
Richard got to the IRCA and got them to unfreeze the company accounts with the man in charge begging for mercy with regards to Lester but Richard wasn't about to allow the fool to go scot-free.That was Richard's motto; only those that are good to me are worthy of my sympathy, every other person should watch their backs!After ensuring the man in charge understood things clearly, Richard left the IRCA and put a call across to Maria.[Sir?]"The accounts have been unfrozen so I was thinking of going out to inspect the new properties I purchased to find out suitable enough to build a new HQ for Orion Corp. Would you be free to join me?"[Of course, sir!... I'll quickly clear up my schedule.]"That's good." Richard nodded before promptly ending the call.Considering everything that had happened, he was thinking of giving Maria an incentive for how well she handled the situation.If not for her, the situation would have quickly devolved into something else but that didn't happen.Even the
"Sir, it's been done." Gary, Xavier's butler remarked with his head bowed.Xavier nodded. "Good. Once James leaves, Richard won't have anyone important in the police force to control as he wishes. Once that happens, I'll be able to take the next step.""Yes sir.""Tell me, who will be coming to replace James?""Major General Watson, Minister.""What?... That tough warmonger from the north?... He is a no-nonsense individual. We would have to be careful around him but it's fine. As long as he isn't on Richard's side, that's enough for me. Now let's see what you'd do, Richard Smith. You threatened to destroy me, yes?... I'll make sure you eat those words." Xavier muttered coldly.***Richard didn't bother too much with James leaving as it didn't change anything.If anything, he only felt bad that a friend of his would be heading off to a dangerous battlefield.Thinking of the best thing to give as a farewell gift, Richard decided to utilize the Wish Store.After purchasing two Rejuvenati
Chuck grinned disdainfully at Richard for asking such a stupid question."Can't you see?...this is how a real man is meant to look," Chuck remarked arrogantly as he flexed his muscles, expecting Richard to be scared off by his imposing physique.Unfortunately for him, Richard regarded him as an utter fool.He casually got to his feet and instantly, Chuck realized he'd underestimated Richard as he happened to be taller than him.Realizing his mistake in stepping back, Chuck immediately regained his composure. "What?... You wanna fight?"'Just throw the first punch and I'll surely make you regret it.' Chuck thought to himself.Richard sighed and without saying a word, turned to leave.Chuck froze at the unexpected gesture.Hadn't he provoked him enough?... Why had he not reacted yet?Damn it… don't go!... "Where do you think you're going?" Chuck questioned harshly as he grabbed Richard's shoulder.Richard slowly turned to meet his gaze and then shifted his eyes to Chuck's hand on his sh
""But…" Richard tried to say something but the guard glared at him."Didn't you hear me?... I said our numbers are filled up so get out of here before I beat you up!" The guard threatened.Richard was just about to leave when the gates opened and a man in a fancy suit stepped out.Scrutinizing the man, Richard recalled that his name was Martin and he was the one that Maria had entrusted to serve as general manager of the Foundation project.Martin seemed to be studying him as well as his nose scrunched up in disgust. "Who is this?" "Good day Sir, this beggar is someone looking for work on the site. We already told him that there's no work and that he should leave."Martin glanced at the guard for a moment before shifting his attention back to Richard. "You want to work?" "Yes sir." Richard promptly replied, acting out his role of being a beggar quite well.Martin snorted. "Fine then, you can work here.""Thank you sir…""But you won't be paid and you'd only get one meal a day, under