The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black

Chapter five: Was he a royalty?

Everyone was shocked and surprised. as soon as they saw Liam brought out the pen.

Vex Sam tried to get away, but Johnson held him tight. He punched Vex Sam in the face a few times.

"How dare you lie against Mr. Black?" Johnson shouted as he rained punches on his face, "How dare you call Mr Black a thief!"

Vex Sam looked around, trying to escape. But he couldn't.

Sam's mind raced, he was certain he had left it in his briefcase, but now it was in his pocket. A sense of unease crept over him, he didn't put the pen there, he had only put it in his briefcase to show off a little, but how did it end up in his pocket?

As the truth dawned on the onlookers, their anger shifted from Liam to Vex Sam. They realized they had been deceived, and their sympathy turned to outrage.

"Shameless thief!" someone shouted at Vex Sam.

"Liars and thieves don't deserve respect!"

Vex Sam's face reddened with shame and anger as the crowd turned on him. He tried to defend himself, but his words fell flat.

"I didn't put it there, it wasn't me!" he shouted, trying to deny it

But no one was buying it.

Liam stood silently, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew the truth, and no one in the room other than him knew it.

Vex Sam's words, "I didn't put it there!" wasn't exactly a lie, and Liam couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Right, Sam didn't put the pen in his pocket. Liam had played Vex Sam perfectly, using his anger against him.

Liam remembered the moment he had found the pen, when he accidentally knocked over Vex Sam's briefcase. And in the heat of their argument he had quietly slipped it into Vex Sam's pocket, knowing it would come in handy later.

And now, as the crowd turned on Vex Sam, Liam's plan had come to fruition. It didn't matter what had really happened; all that mattered was that things had worked out according to his design.

Vex Sam's face was red with shame and anger, Liam doesn't feel any remorse for him, this man had framed him, and even he wasn't even thinking about getting revenge on him, but Vex Sam wouldn't stop taunting him with it, even when the one who had stole the pen was him.

Johnson's sneak a glance at Liam to saw him still standing calmly there, he really hope his actions just now was up to his satisfaction. and turning to look at Sam who was bickering some moments ago, who now look like a timid mouse facing a mighty lion. He instructed the security guards to restrain Vex Sam.

"Mr. Black, I offer my sincerest apologies for this unfortunate incident occurring within our company walls, I assure you, that I will take all necessary measures to prevent such a things from happening again in the future."

With a hesitant glance at Vex Sam, who was now being held firmly in place by the security guards, Johnson want to know what Liam would want to do with him, so he asked;

"Mr. Black, would you like to...press charges against Vex Sam for defamation?" He knew this young man before him was on the cusp of becoming one of the wealthiest billionaires in the world. He didn't want to offend him, not now, not ever.

But to his surprise, Liam's response was calm and collected, his voice devoid of any hint of anger or malice that he expected.

"No need," Liam said, his gaze never leaving Vex Sam's face. "I think Vex Sam has learned his lesson."

Johnson's eyes widened a little, but he quickly composed himself and said with a smile, "Yes, of course, Mr. Black. I'll have the security throw him out as soon as possible."

Vex Sam who was still held by security, looked like he had been drained of all color, his eyes fixed on Liam with fear and surprise.

After all, he had knew Liam to be that powerless web developer whom had taken the fall of his deeds, but why does it feels like the Liam in front of him was different from that Liam he used to know? And why was one of the most exquisite lawyers in the city addressing him with such Respect?

He couldn't understand, but no matter what, he will have Liam pay for disgracing him today,

This issue here today would reach his father anytime soon.. he was on the verge of loosing everything, but he was going to take his revenge on Liam.

Johnson had the security kicked vex Sam out of the company

The place was filled with a mixture of confusion and curiosity as people whispered to each other, trying to understand what had just happened.

"Who is this man?" someone asked, nodding towards Liam. Not only does he look so poor, even his shirt had worn out.

"Hasn't Mr Johnson always held his shoulders high? why was he treating that man like a god?"

" He doesn't look like someone who has money, so there's no way he would be a royalty."

"I've never seen Johnson show this much respect to anyone before, who is this guy, anyway?"

The murmurs continued, but Liam has important things to bother himself with, such as going to the bank to get the money and paying his mother bills.

Denny's eyes also widened in confusion as she watched the scene unfold before her. She had only worked as the receptionist for Johnson's company for a few days, and already she was witnessing something that didn't add up.

Johnson was always reserved and aloof, keeping a professional distance from everyone in the office. But in front of Liam, he seemed to transform into a different person - nervous, fawning, and eager to please.

Liam thanked Johnson and walked out of Wilson and Co law firm. He hailed a taxi and got in, giving the driver a simple instruction.

"City Bank."

The taxi sped off, weaving through the busy streets. Liam sat back, his mind focused on the task ahead.

Twenty minutes later, the taxi pulled up in front of City Bank. Liam paid the driver and got out, his eyes fixed on the bank's entrance.