"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
The elevator door hissed open just then, and a dangerous-looking guy walked out. He was almost six foot six inches and wore a leather jacket with a human skull design. The man had scars across his face, meaning he had been in the army or was a local gang member. The latter was true. "Mr. Savage!" the receptionist exclaimed, leaving his desk hurriedly and greeting him with a bow. "If you needed something, you could have summoned me, sir. You did not have to come down here all the way.""Hey, isn't that Joe Savage?" Dave whispered to his friends. "The lieutenant of the Grizzly Kings?""What's the Grizzly Kings?" Lara asked under her breath."Shh," Roger replied. "They are one of the top criminal gangs in Springfield. They report directly to the Holts. I think Joe Savage is Claire Holt's personal bodyguard."The staff and bellhops took respectful stances as the menacing man entered the lobby. Even other guests gave him a wide berth. The Grizzly Kings were known for their bad tempers and
As Claire entered the hall amidst gasps of admiration from the crowd, Joe Savage's attitude changed abruptly. His menacing aura dropped, and his attack stance changed to one of respect. The hulking gangster turned from a raging beast to an obedient pup. "Madam Holt… You didn't tell me you'd come in person to meet your honored guest. I escorted Victor Damone to the Executive floor following your orders."Claire raised an eyebrow. "It didn't look like you were honoring him when I entered." Her glare burned through him like a hot knife through butter. Joe broke into a cold sweat and hung his head. Deep down, his hatred for Victor doubled. Was he being scolded because of that ordinary man? He'd never forget the insult and nurture the grudge forever. He won't think twice before acting if he ever saw an opportunity to kill him. Claire turned to Victor's group. Lara and Daphne eyed the beauty from head to toe. When Lara had first walked into the Executive floor, only a few people had looked
Claire's private chamber was an exquisite work of art. The floor was made entirely of neatly cut aquaglass marble. The walls and decor featured a nature theme with mini fountains, aquariums, and colored boulders across the room. Tiny gardens boasted decorative plants and exotic flowers. Claire settled into a royal lounge chair and motioned Victor to sit opposite him. A small fountain spouted water into neon lights. An attendant arrived and served them wine. Claire waved her hand, beckoning that she wanted to be alone with her guest. The attendants bowed and exited."So… Victor…" she said, crossing her legs. Her voice trailed off as her dress rode up her legs, exposing smooth and silky thighs. Victor felt it necessary to acknowledge the billionaire's help. "Thanks for allowing my friends into the Executive floor. I appreciate it."Claire shook her head lightly. "Don't mention it. You rescued me in a critical position when I had lost all hope. I'd be dead if it were not for you. Openi
Victor interlaced his fingers and observed Claire intently. "Your proposal isn't sudden at all. I think you decided to hire me the very first time we met."The beauty smiled. "Well, nothing gets past you, it seems. But that should not matter. Just tell me, what do you say to my offer?""I have a lot of things to do."Claire nodded. "Let me put it this way, and lay out the map for you. You need a job now that your company is sinking. At least for appearance's sake. If you work for me, your wife will think you got your life back in order. And finally, acting as my bodyguard will give you an excellent cover for whatever your true identity is… For whatever you do secretly..."Victor's lips bent into a thin smile for the first time. "You seem to have thought this through. Impressive."Claire shrugged and grinned. "I'll pay you fifty thousand per month, and many of my resources will be at your disposal. Does that sound like a good deal?"Victor considered it for a moment and then spoke up. "
Chloe's eyes widened in shock. She kept checking and rechecking the latest message on her phone."You have received 1 million dollars in your account," it read.Beside her, Josh Atelier's jaw dropped. It was not an everyday occurrence to receive a million dollars in one's account.The Grizzly Kings abducted the couple, took them to Drummond Towers, and locked them in a room. Draken Towers was the headquarters of the Grizzly Kings and was a front for all their illegal activities. Its rooms also served as safe houses."Who transferred one million dollars to you?" Josh asked in shock."I don't know…" Chloe mumbled. Actually, she knew very well who had given her the money. It happened precisely after she asked the mysterious rich guy to help her. However, Chloe wasn't willing to share that information with Josh.Even though she considered him a temporary boyfriend, revealing that she was involved with another guy would be foolish. When the time was right, she'd break up with Josh and run i
Victor's Bugatti Divo slowed down outside Drummond Towers, and he parked on the opposite side of the road. Onlookers wondered who the wealthy man in the expensive car was. They were disappointed to see the driver walk out wearing cheap clothes.Victor eyed the structure that served as the headquarters for the Grizzly Kings gang. The antique building had been gradually renovated and expanded to look like a fort. He imagined the arsenal of illegal arms and armaments hidden inside.Nobody walked or waited by the footpath because Pedestrians were scared to walk in the gangster-infested area. They circled around to avoid Drummond Tower's location.Victor approached the main entrance, looking out for guards. As soon as he stepped off the curb onto the building portico, the door swiveled open, and two tall, heavy-set men stepped out. They were dressed in pullovers with a bear painted on the front."Who the fuck is he, Tito?" one guard asked the other."Why don't we ask him, Moby?" the other a