The Underdog Turned Kingpin

Chapter 14: The Boss of all Bosses

Mason watched Bill scurry away like a frightened rat, savoring the taste of power on his tongue. The construction site hummed with whispers and sideways glances. His former co-workers gathered in small clusters, their conversations dying whenever they caught his eye.

"Hey, Rivers!" Jake jogged over, dust coating his safety vest. "What's gotten into you, man? Standing up to Bill like that?"

Mason shrugged, letting a cryptic smile play across his lips. "Let's just say I found my backbone."

"Found it? More like you grew an adamantium one overnight." Jake wiped sweat from his brow, leaving a streak of dirt. "Though I gotta admit, seeing old Bill turn whiter than printer paper? Worth the price of admission."

The office door banged open. Bill emerged, clutching a check like it physically pained him. His face had taken on an interesting shade of puce that clashed magnificently with his yellow hard hat.

"Here's your blood money," Bill spat, thrusting the paper at Mason. "Now get off my site be