Everyone in the office held their breath as Douglas lunged across the desk.But before his hands could even touch Duane, Leon appeared between them.One moment Leon was standing by the door. The next he was in front of Duane, his hand gripping Douglas's wrist with iron strength.Douglas yelped in pain as Leon twisted his arm and forced him down to his knees."Let go! Let go of me!"Leon's expression remained completely neutral as he held Douglas in place.Duane leaned back in his chair and laughed. "Douglas, you really shouldn't get so desperate. I was going to let you leave your job gracefully, but now you're making this embarrassing."He stood up and walked around the desk, looking down at the manager kneeling on the floor."You still have to get me that car, remember? That was part of our agreement."Leon released Douglas, who scrambled backward and pulled himself up using the desk.His face was red with humiliation and panic. His hands shook as he straightened his tie."Mr. Wordsw

Harrison Cashmere exhaled nervously for what felt like the hundredth time.He sat in the lobby of Alfred Williams' office, checking his watch again. He'd been waiting for two hours.The lobby was elegant. Everything screamed wealth and power.But Harrison barely noticed any of it. His mind was too busy rehearsing what he'd say.First, the greeting. It would be respectful but not groveling. Then, appreciation for being allowed to build his business on the Emerald Crest Estate.And finally, slowly, carefully, mention Duane Wordsworth's request.Harrison wiped his palms on his pants. They were sweating despite the air conditioning."Mr. Cashmere?" A woman's voice cut through his thoughts.He looked up to see Alfred Williams' secretary, a stern-looking woman in her fifties."Mr. Williams will see you now."Harrison stood quickly, straightening his tie. "Thank you."He followed her down a long hallway to a massive office at the end. She opened the door and gestured for him to enter.Alfr

yDuane slid into the back of the car and pulled out his phone."Leon, what's happening with Gloria?"Leon glanced at him in the rearview mirror. "She was released this morning, sir. Her accounts are still frozen. She tried to withdraw cash from three different ATMs before giving up."Duane smiled. "Good.""She's probably suffering right now, sir. No access to funds. No way to pay for anything.""It won't last long enough." Duane's smile faded. "I need to do more than just inconvenience her. I want her life to crumble slowly. Piece by piece."Leon nodded. "What did you have in mind?""Her jewelry company. The small one she started last year. It's finally gaining traction, isn't it?""Yes, sir. From what I understand, it's doing quite well.""Find out everything about it. Every advantage. Every problem. Every strategy they're planning." Duane's voice was cold. "I want to know what keeps that company running.""I'll get started immediately, sir."Duane hung up and dialed Catherine.She

Duane sat in the small office attached to his hotel suite, a cup of coffee steaming on the desk beside him.The ownership documents for Hangrove Construction Company were spread out before him—page after page of legal text, transfer agreements, asset lists.He picked up a pen and started signing.The representative who'd delivered the files stood nearby, watching nervously."Mr. Wordsworth, if you have any questions about the terms—""I don't." Duane signed another page without looking up.The man nodded and pulled out his phone, taking screenshots of each signed document.Duane finished the last page and set down his pen. "I want to change the company name."The representative blinked. "Sir?""The name. I want it changed to Wordsworth Constructions.""Of course. I'll have the paperwork processed immediately.""Good."The man gathered the documents and left quickly.Duane sipped his coffee and pulled out his phone, dialing Leon."Sir?""I need you to handle something. Find me a projec

Gloria sat in her apartment, staring at her phone.One week. It had been one full week since she'd been released from jail.And her accounts were still frozen.She'd called every bank branch she could think of. She'd filed appeals. She'd spoken to managers, supervisors, customer service representatives.Every single one of them gave her the same response."We're working on it, ma'am. Just a few more days."But it had already been seven days.Seven days of not being able to access her own money.Seven days of borrowing cash from friends who were starting to ask uncomfortable questions.Her phone rang.Francis's name appeared on the screen.She answered. "Hello?""Gloria, I need money."No greeting. No asking how she was doing. Just straight to the point."Francis, I told you—""My girlfriend wants to go shopping. I need five thousand dollars."Gloria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I can't give you money right now.""What do you mean you can't? You always have money.""My acco