Chapter 17 - Tom's POVI dressed in crisp white shirt while Riley dressed in a body hugging short red gown and black heels. "We would like to see the owner," I said. The bartender stared at us. I moved closer, whispering, "We'd like a reservation," as I discreetly opened the souvenir in front of him. The sight of the bundle of cash widened his eyes. "Okay, okay..." he repeated, quickly dialing the owner. Within minutes, the owner arrived with a warm smile. "Your first time here? How can I assist you?". I explained, "I was recommended this place, and I've heard you excel in taking care of potential customers." As I spoke, I slid a bundle of money into his hand. "Yeah... yeah," he acknowledged, guiding us to a VIP room deep inside the bar. "Please introduce me to your most reliable Ladies" I requested. "Of course, sir!" he bowed.***Max swung the door open, storming into the office. Jeremy looked up from the documents he was reviewing. "You should learn to knock," he advised
Tom's POV. Just as I anticipated, they always manage to get their way. Yesterday morning, the news and social media were abuzz with it, but by nightfall, they had successfully suppressed the information and pinned the blame on someone else. There was a knock on the door, and I gestured to Sean to open it. As he did, the person I had expected walked in – Allison. She entered slowly, wearing a fragile smile, and we all fixed our gaze on her."I'm sorry, I believe I was mistaken," she mumbled."You've only made them more cautious, and now they'll be after you," Riley snapped."I used precautions so they wouldn't trace it back to me," she defended herself."They'll figure it out, as there's no one else who could have done this but you," I intervened.She nervously bit her lip. "She understands her mistake now. Let's figure out what to do next," Sean said, easing the tension.Allison took a seat, and I leaned back in my chair, my mind momentarily empty of thoughts about the situation. "L
Chapter 19 (Jeremy's Office): Sean came to an abrupt halt, slowly pivoting to face them. "Who's that? Your opposition? I'd rather not invest in a company with a host of enemies," he stated, sounding completely puzzled. "Alright, please leave. Your services aren't needed here. Go ahead and squander your money." Sean exited, his heart racing. As the door slammed shut, He let out a heavy sigh. "You realize that's one of the most foolish things you've ever done," Aiden snapped at Jeremy. "I'm not like you, and I won't make the same mistakes you have. His investment of that magnitude could lead to him becoming the director, stirring up chaos among the other shareholders." Aiden seethed with anger as he stormed out. *****(in the office).Tom's POV. From the expression on Sean's face, it's clear that things didn't go as planned, I noted. Allison chimed in, "I had a feeling it would turn out like this. Who would accept such a sudden investment?". Riley and I exchanged gla
After leaving Ariana, I hurriedly met up with Riley, who was on the verge of hopping into a taxi. Acting on impulse, I seized her hand, bringing her to a halt. The cab driver gave us an annoyed glance as he accelerated away."It's not what you're thinking," I blurted out in an attempt to explain myself."What am I thinking? I'm genuinely happy about your reunion," Riley responded nonchalantly, giving off an air of indifference.I stumbled over my words, "I... She called me urgently, which is why I came."She gave an understanding nod, "Hmm... That explains your hand on her cheek, sharing an romantic moment.""Please, Riley, just hear me out," I implored."Oh! I see. You two even exchanged numbers," she remarked. Then a thought struck me – how did she manage to get my number? "I... I don't know," I stuttered, trying to figure out a way to convince her. She was being stubborn, a side of her I hadn't seen in a while. She was about to speak when my phone rang, Sean's name lighting up on t
Aiden and Jeremy sat across from each other, their eyes locked in a tense stare. Mr. Ray observed them from a distance."Surprise? I hope you two are getting along," he inquired."Yeah, father," Jeremy replied."That's great to hear. If you prove me wrong, Aiden, I can make you the CEO of the other company," Mr. Ray stated.Aiden's eyes widened, and he exclaimed, "I will really do, I will.""Okay, any problems I should know about?" Mr. Ray questioned.They exchanged glances and mumbled in unison, "No.""That's great then. I can see you two are doing well, so I'll be on my way," Mr. Ray stood up, and they followed suit."Aiden, I'm counting on you as my successor. I'm doing this to make you realize your potential, so use your senses," Mr. Ray advised.Jeremy's anger simmered beneath the surface. "I will make myself worthy," Aiden promised.Mr. Ray left the company, and Aiden and Jeremy escorted him out."Do you think we should tell him?" Aiden asked."That's stupid! Just because he sai
Tom's POV: Sean burst through the door, exclaiming, "They took the bait, one billion!" Allison quipped, "A billion? Hard to believe those two losers pulled it off." I interjected, "Now, let's proceed to the next step." I could sense their curiosity about what came next; it was simple, we were going to take control of the company. *****Max returned home very late that night. He knocked on the door, but no one answered. Growing frustrated, he called out to Ariana, "Hey, Ariana, I know you're in there!" He yelled multiple times, but Ariana's deep sleep rendered her oblivious to his calls. Max banged on the door repeatedly, desperation building as he shouted, "I swear I'll barge in if you don't open up!" With no response forthcoming, he gave up and left, heading to the home of the mysterious woman. At her doorstep, he knocked just once, and she promptly opened the door. "You're back again?" she questioned, her tone revealing a mix of curiosity and something else. "Uh..
Tom's POV:I stared at Ariana in the sickbed as the IV transfused blood into her. She looked like she had been through a dungeon full of hardships.I don't understand why I'm doing this; I vowed to cut ties with her and have nothing to do with her. But fate keeps pushing me closer to her.The doctor entered, saying, "Thanks, Mister Tom, it's completed," as he removed the tube from me. I tried to get up, but my head felt dizzy. I needed to go to Riley; she's waiting for me."You need to rest for a few hours," the doctor said."No, I have to…" My voice faltered as my head throbbed. I had no choice but to rest as I drifted into dreamland.**Time passed, and I woke up feeling much better.**I slowly opened my eyes to see a blurry figure beside me. After a moment, it became clear: it was Ariana."How are you feeling?" she asked.I sat up in bed. "I should be asking you that, but seeing you like this gives me hope that you're okay." She smiled, her eyes wrinkling. I removed the IV drip on m
Tom’s POV. In the video, Max was dragging a travel bag, which is certainly the dead body. The one who fabricated it as a suicide is Max. "What will we do with it now?" Riley asked.I looked at Allison, "Let her decide."She let out a puff of air, "I would like to see the people behind the bar. Seeing those people like this makes me want to throw up, but giving this to the police will result in the loss of evidence."I nodded, exactly what I am thinking. We have to use the video well.***As Jeremy was about to open the door, he heard Aiden's voice and he knows that bastard has come to say it all, just to gain his father's trust. He opened the door and was welcomed by the laughter of both."Hey, Jeremy, come sit down," Mr. Ray said cheerfully, two glasses of wine in front of the table. He took his seat opposite Aiden, who smiled at him."You called me?" he started."Yes, I did. Aiden, tell me about the new young stockholder," he announced.He frowned at Aiden, knowing something like t