"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
Hodge was shocked into silence, and he took a seat. His cell phone rang. The pudgy doctor saw the caller ID and asked aloud, "Why is the Chairman of the Hospital Board calling me at this odd time?""The show begins now," Victor said ominously.Hodge gulped anxiously and received the voice call. "Hello, sir? Can I call you back since I am in the middle of surgery," he lied."Shut your big fat mouth, Hodge!" the Chairman barked. "Put me on speaker!" The Director did so."First of all, about the idiotic head nurse, Emma... She is fired!"Emma gasped and covered her mouth. Victor's threat came true!"Sir… Why are you firing her all of a sudden?" Hodge blabbered. "I can vouch for her competence and integrity.""I told you to shut your trap, Hodge!" the Chairman thundered. "Think about your situation first! You're fired from the position of Hospital Director! I've submitted to the State Medical Board to suspend your practicing license!""Wh-what happ-ened, sir?" the fat doctor stuttered, col
Victor took his time to appoint a new Board of Directors for Springfield Global Hospital. Clive Baron sent him a list of eligible candidates, and Victor interviewed them before deciding. He chose those known for their humanitarian activities and had impeccable records.One of the talented staff, Chief Resident Lou Kramer, was elevated to Medical Director. He found a suitable person to fill the Head Nurse position. Only after ensuring Edgar's absolute security and comfort did Victor leave the hospital.It was already late at night when Clive came to pick him up. "Sir, you caused massive ripples throughout the city today," he said, watching his master in the rearview mirror. "The news about the storm at Springfield Global Hospital spread like wildfire. Nobody had ever imagined that the entire management of a reputed organization would be overhauled within hours. People here are acquainted with a certain way of life and are resistant to change. Therefore, such a dramatic event has shocke
"Roger Smith," Dave replied in a defeated voice. "Do you remember him? He was prom king and dated the hottest girls in school." Victor indeed remembered Roger Smith. He was a condescending jerk from a well-to-do family. Most of the girls were crazy about him back in the school days because of his carefree attitude. Since the boy showed promise in his studies, he went on to work a cushy job in the corporate sector."Is he already wealthy enough to purchase such an expensive property?" Victor asked. Roger's background was affluent, but Prince County land prices were too high even for someone like him. Only bigwigs like Clive Baron and Claire Holt could consider the purchase without denting their savings.Dave sighed. "No, he's not buying it for himself. Roger is an executive in a big company and is scouting on their behalf." "Then what is the issue?""Roger says he is interested in the villa but needs some convincing. I hope you can talk to him since you are quite persuasive. You were
The Mayfair Lagoon was Springfield's most sophisticated hotel. It was built in 1934 by a French architect. The Holt family took over the establishment ten years back and renovated it into a world-class hotel. Today, it was the hotspot of wealth and power in Springfield, frequented by billionaires and celebrities alike. Daphne walked into the main lobby and gasped in surprise. "This place is so beautiful..." The Mayfair Lagoon had the old-world charm of Hollywood with its Persian rugs, taxidermy, and plush velvet armchairs. Uniformed bellhops stood in attention or moved around holding luggage. Lara covered her mouth and wowed everything she saw. "I heard the fifteenth floor is called the Executive Floor and is mostly reserved for top-notch billionaires and celebrities. People like us are not allowed up there. One day when I become a famous actress, I'll book a table all by myself."Roger Smith walked ahead, his chest swelling in pride. "You won't have to wait that long, Lara. I'll bo