Victor saw Carol was serious. She must be under great strain already for want of answers. He massaged his temples and dropped the leather bag in his hand."There's two million in this bag," he said coldly. "Take six hundred thousand and pay back Colbert his six hundred thousand. You can keep the rest for Edgar's pending bills."Carol saw the bag but did not pick it up. Was her husband bluffing now that he was caught red-handed? "I'll tell you where I got the money from," Victor continued. "Claire Holt, the CEO of Holt Enterprises, had an accident near Springfield Rapids. I was on a ride to clear my head and found her desperately needing help. In return for my services, she offered me a reward of two million dollars." "What…" Carol mumbled."The woman you see in the picture is Claire," her husband said. "Here, look at this."Victor showed her a receipt from Holt Enterprises. "Claire Holt herself signed it. That should be proof enough."Claire's anger subsided, but a look of disbelief
Victor approached the back entrance of Springfield Concert Hall. Most of the wealthy elite and top celebrities wanted to be photographed and interviewed by the paparazzi before entering the event hall. The main entrance was suited for them since it was thronged by fans and engulfed by floodlights.However, those who wanted to avoid being noticed took the back entrance. Regardless, everyone needed a ticket to enter. The ticket collector, a petite young woman named Suzie, looked Victor up and down and said, "Sir, fans are not allowed inside. There is a projector screen set up on the front lawn. You can watch the telecast event with the rest of the crowd. Those who can't afford tickets belong there."Victor waved a dismissive hand at her. "I am not a fan. I have been invited to attend."Suzie raised an eyebrow. Her voice took on a patronizing tone. "Sir, this is not a matter to be joked about. You clearly don't look like someone who'd carry an invitation to an Exclusive Haley B event."V
The bouncer felt a twinge of fear, and his military instincts told him to back off. However, he tried to rationalize the situation. He was a trained guard proficient in martial arts and did weight training. A commoner could not last against him even for seconds.Besides, Hank had a massive crush on Suzie. He needed to exhibit his machismo in her presence. She had really enjoyed watching him expel ruffians over the past few days."What the fuck can you do if I touch you again?" Hank spat at Victor. "Here!" he said, poking at his chest again.Before the guard could withdraw his baton, Victor's hand shot out, grabbing the weapon. He broke it into two and dropped the pieces. Hank was taken by shock and instinctively threw a pinch at him. Victor caught his arm by the wrist. His fingers wound around the joint and pressed hard.Hank's eyes widened as excruciating pain shot up his arm. He went to his knees as blood flooded his eyes. Who was this stranger? How did he break an unbreakable baton
"This is amazing, James!' Josh exclaimed, exploring the executive seats. "It's much better than the regular audience seats. There's a dedicated catering service as well!"James swelled in pride. Josh was just the kind of person to be excited about subtle luxuries. The more the brat broadcasted his praises to Carol, the more likely she was to be impressed by James."Indeed," James replied. "Only the elite business classes and top government officials are allowed up here. You cannot imagine how difficult it was to get these seats." "Thanks, Mr. Colbert!" Chloe said. "I never imagined I'd ever be allowed up here, that too during a Haley B concert!"James nodded and eyed Carol's reaction from the corner of his eye. Carol had always idolized Haley B and tried to emulate her fashion and hairstyles.Even after the dampening incident with Victor, she looked upbeat. "I wonder what kind of people sit up there…." Carol said, admiring the patron tier above the executive pavilion. "The lights are
"Wow!" Chloe exclaimed. "This suite is like a dream come true!" The furniture was modernistic, with luxurious lounges and spa tables. Finger foods and a choice of drinks were available at their tables. Attendants arrived at the press of a button with warm towels and compliments.Carol and Chloe giggled excitedly when the anchor announced that Haley B would arrive on stage in a few minutes. The duo had a marvelous view of the center stage from the private suite.The crowd erupted as Haley B walked into the spotlight. She wore a red sequin gown that almost looked fluid under the neon lights. Her hairstyle had a Hellenistic look about it, matching her fluid clothes and red shoes.The star celebrity smiled at the crowd and looked toward the patron suites. "Tonight, I reminisce about my reason for being alive," she said, and the audience simmered down. "I dedicate this song to my one true love…"People gasped and broke into chatter. Was Haley B speaking symbolically, or was she going to con
Victor's bike sputtered to a halt outside his home. He lived in a two-bedroom house in a peaceful locality. The neighborhood was modest and was primarily inhabited by salaried workers. It was the best he could afford with his savings.The living room lights were on, which meant Carol was already home. Victor sighed in relief, hoping the bitterness between husband and wife was finally over. However, the vehicle parked outside triggered him immediately. It was a familiar Mercedes car. "Goddammit!'Victor parked his bike in a temper and rushed towards the porch. Just then, the front door opened, and James Colbert walked out with Carol. "Thanks, sweetheart. We'll do this another time," the billionaire said, planting a kiss on Carol's hand. Victor's jaw clenched. "What are you doing here, Colbert? Didn't I warn you to stay away from my wife? Get your hands off her!"While James took a step back in surprise, Carol came to his defense. "Victor! Why do you have to be so rude to him? He came h
Victor's features softened. His eyes found the kitchen table where a hot dinner was served. She had cared enough to cook for her husband tonight. He returned to his senses, and a profound wave of regret filled him. Victor realized he had vented the entire day's stress on his wife. The fight with Monolith goons, the tussle with concert guards, and the torture by his in-laws—the whole sequence of events had drained him mentally. And Carol almost paid the price for it. An innocent soul like her did not deserve such treatment. "I don't know what came over me," Victor said, releasing her.Carol didn't make any eye contact with her husband. "I think you should sleep in the guest bedroom from today onwards," she said before leaving the kitchen.Victor freshened up, had some dinner, and settled into bed. He checked his phone for messages. There were many updates from Clive Baron, Edward Shannon, and Alan. The company merger and project planning were going smoothly. Victor found a new messag
Dr. Hodge stared at Victor in disbelief. He gulped anxiously, trying to process the man's threats. Did the man claim he'd topple the hospital's owners? And that he would wreck Hodge's life? Why did Victor Damone talk as if he was some bigshot? Or was he just a crazy person rambling nonsense? Victor appeared to be in his mid-twenties, sporting an overnight stubble. However, he was tall and fit with a soldier's look, and his words carried authority. The young man's confidence was so unwavering that Hodge was almost shocked into silence.In a trustee meeting, James Colbert explained to him how Edgar's grandson was close to bankruptcy without job prospects. He also warned that Victor might cause disturbances because of his quick temper. This recollection gave the old doctor some hope and courage.James had asked him to endanger Edgar's life so nobody would suspect foul play. In return, he'd be awarded deeds to an estate in the countryside. The Colberts owned quite some land in the city an