“Are there capable and reliable contractors anymore? The other time, that Giant Gerald took my money without providing that loser in his unconscious state. Now, just to abduct an attorney became a mountain for these ones too. I should have just gone myself…” Andre spoke with visible rage as he paced up and down Victor’s cozy living room.Victor watched the younger man with amusement as he spoke nonstop. He had called in sick to avoid going to work so they could strategize since their plan to abduct Attorney Smith and force the truth out of him had failed.When Andre noticed that Victor was just looking at him without saying anything, he stopped and looked at him questioningly. He had hoped to return home that day with the real identity of the anonymous successor to impress his grandmother and get back his position and relevance. Now, it was not possible as Attorney Smith had narrowly escaped their plan.“Is this a joke to you? What’s funny? Why are you laughing?” Andre said viciously.
Fancy arrived at the Summers’ Mansion just as Ralph was parking his bicycle. It was dusk, but the mansion was always well-lit, so she could see him clearly. She quickly exited her car and caught up with Ralph.“Hello, Mr. Ross,” she greeted as she matched his steps.“Just Ralph, please. Hello, Fancy,” Ralph replied, pausing to reciprocate the greeting.“Why? Does Mr. Ross strike a chord?” Fancy replied cryptically.“I'm not sure what you mean. Why would Mr. Ross strike a chord when it's also my name? I simply prefer Ralph.”“I understand. Congratulations on your new bicycle.”“Thank you,” Ralph said shortly, sensing where Fancy was leading the conversation.“You've already forgotten about the old one?”“There was nothing special about the old one.”“I know. I just wish I had seen it before it was taken away.”“And why are you interested in seeing it?” Ralph asked, though he knew the answer.“Nothing, really. Just to confirm something. So, how was work?” Fancy diverted.“Fine!” Ralph r
Dean Summers couldn't hide his tension as he presented his solution to the issues facing Summers Business. He was uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gaze of others, especially Lady Margarita. His father was seated to his right, giving him an encouraging smile. His wife, seated to his left, cheered him on despite Lady Margarita's disapproving look. Dean had always felt inadequate among the others.“Go, Dean. So brilliant,” Felicia cheered, while Bridget loudly hissed. Dean pressed on regardless.“This will help us partner with more businesses. If we hadn’t made Rovers Motors our major supplier, the impact would have been less severe. I'm confident there are other luxury brands from around the world we can source luxury cars from. Thank you.” Dean concluded, and only Felicia, Blake, West, and Fancy applauded him. Liam and his brother shot disapproving looks at Fancy.“You weren't supposed to applaud him,” Liam muttered to Fancy.“Why not? He presented well and I liked his solution,” F
Sabrina looked from Andre to Victor, seeking an explanation. They were now all seated in Victor’s living room, with Sabrina seated opposite them. When neither of them spoke, she asked the question again.“Why is Andre here when, I believe, his family is looking for him?”“I don’t think you should bother yourself with that. We are fine by ourselves and we need no intruder. You need to leave now. You shouldn’t have come here in the first place,” Victor said firmly, staring at Sabrina stoically.“I told you I am here to check up on you. Can you just be nice this time and let me breathe?” Sabrina displayed a boldness that surprised both Victor and Andre.“I can see you are high. Leave and never come here again. Our relationship is at work only, and if you don’t stop getting under my skin, I will have you fired.” Victor stood and pointed toward the exit.Sabrina stood and pretended to be leaving. “I should as well take this secret to the Summers mansion on my way home.”“Wait!” Andre stood
Asphalt Thompson was the next interviewee at Cabbage Master Laundry, so he went into the interview room where a man sat behind the table. The man had dark glasses on, so Asphalt could not see his eyes. Asphalt had thought there would be more than one interviewer but he could see that only one person was handling the interview.When the interviewer said nothing, Asphalt greeted, expecting further instructions."Asphalt Thompson?""Yes, sir. I’m the next candidate, Mr...""Ross," Ralph said, removing his glasses slowly.Soon, Asphalt could see him clearly, and recognition dawned on him as he fidgeted."Do you remember this face?" Ralph asked. He had the same disguise as the one he used at Lowell Real Estate that day.Asphalt thought about denying it but decided to be truthful since the man knew he was the same person. He stammered his response, "Ye... yes... yes... sir...""How do you feel standing before me for an interview that will get you the position of a production manager at CML?
“Bright Moore, sir,” he introduced himself to the man in front of him, still standing. He was the last candidate for the day, applying for the role of a security supervisor at Giant Security Services.“When are you concluding your suspension?” Ralph asked from behind his glasses. He could see the shock on Bright Moore’s face.“Suspension? What do you mean, sir?” Bright asked innocently, wondering how the man knew about his suspension. He tried to figure out if he knew his interviewer, but he couldn't see his face clearly.“You know what I’m talking about, so stop wasting my time and answer the question,” Ralph said with a stern voice and expression.Bright could no longer lie. He concluded the man knew about his suspension from Rovers Royale after that ‘poor couple’ visit to the hotel.“I will round off the suspension in about four months’ time, but I have not been paid ever since then, and I need money,” Bright explained.“You deserve it, don’t you think?” Ralph asked.“I didn't do a
Andre heard the knock a second time. He wasn’t expecting anyone. Victor was at work, and he had just spoken with him, who mentioned his phone conversation with Giant Gerald. Andre wondered who could be at the door.“Sabrina?” he muttered to himself, but then realized she would also be at work, possibly in Victor’s office. He walked to the door and peeped through the security hole, seeing what appeared to be a delivery man. He hadn’t ordered anything. Maybe Victor did. Cautiously, he opened the door.“I didn’t order anything. Wrong address…”“There’s nothing wrong about the address,” Bridget said, emerging from the corner where she had been hiding.“Mom!” Andre couldn’t hide the shock on his face.“Son! Inconsiderate son! How could you be this mean!” Bridget handed some cash to the supposed delivery man, who then left.“You went as far as hiring a delivery guy just to lure me out?” Andre asked, still stunned.“Because I knew you wouldn’t respond if you found out it was me,” Bridget rep
Victor was on his second bottle of wine when Gerald arrived. He waved at him, and Gerald made his way to the table. The pub was bustling, with music blaring loudly.“Why would you choose this place for the kind of meeting we have?” Gerald asked as he took his seat.“At least, greet first!” Victor said.“Am I here to greet? If you called me here to greet, then I can start greeting everyone as long as you pay me,” Gerald replied in an unfriendly tone.“You like money too much!” Victor observed.“Don’t you? Why do you work if not for money?” Gerald retorted.“Okay, fine. I was just trying to lighten the mood, but you’re obviously not in the mood,” Victor said, pushing the wine bottle aside.“I’m glad you finally see that. Why am I here?” Gerald asked.“To abduct someone,” Victor said.Gerald looked around to ensure no one was listening.“No cause for alarm. I chose this location because of its privacy,” Victor assured him.“Who do you want me to abduct?” Gerald finally asked.“Attorney S