'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
[Hmmph, who cares if you're eating their money?... I'm asking if you are doing the job for the money I paid.]"Hah, Minister, you need to calm yourself. I've got everything under control. Construction firms are no longer keen on working well with Orion Corp after what I did to the ones that were in charge of the Foundation project. I'm already spreading the news to other companies as well. By the time I'm done, Orion Corp would be the problem child in the business world with no one wishing to work with them." Martin explained with a sinister grin.[Good, very good. I planned to devour Orion Corp later on but that fool Richard Smith has pushed me too far!... I'm going to make him pay for what he's done, that's a promise.]"Haha, of course, I trust you, minister. But please don't forget what you promised me."[Of course, of course. I'll surely get you an invitation to the Enclave once the Golden Circle arrives in town. Don't you worry.]"That's great, minister. You are truly amazing. Al
"Matthew, are you interested in becoming the head of this project?" Richard suddenly remarked causing the surroundings to grow silent.Matthew turned wide-eyed as he replied. "what?""You heard me, are you interested in the position?""But… are you joking with me?""I don't dare to do so. You are a good man with a good heart. I would like for you to take over the project." Richard sincerely said.Before Matthew could say anything in response, Martin cut in. "Sir, what's the meaning of this?... If this is some kind of joke, please stop it. I'm the head of this project so why are you asking if this beggar would be interested?"Richard slowly turned to regard Martin as he mouthed the words. "You're fired.""What!?" Martin could barely believe what he'd heard as he stepped back in shock.Richard snorted. "You think I don't know what you've been doing here?... Animals like you don't deserve to work under me." "What?... How can you say such things to me, sir?... I promise I won't hesitate