"Where are you taking us?" Josh asked irritably. "We're not going to one of your driver buddy gatherings, are we?""Yeah, I have a salon appointment in an hour," Chloe complained, observing her nails.Victor sighed. "We're going to meet Carol," he said to Josh. "After I hand you over to her, my job is done. As far as your fussy girlfriend is concerned, she can get out of the car right now."Chloe was about to fire an insulting comeback when Victor's phone beeped. It was a message from Maverick. On reading the text, Victor's face darkened. It said James Colbert was trying to coerce Carol into sleeping with her. The man's jaws clenched, and his eyes went red. He floored the accelerator."Slow down, you maniac!" Josh exclaimed. "Are you trying to kill us?"Within a few minutes, they reached 4th Street. Victor's Bugatti drifted to a halt outside the Colbert Inc. building. He rushed out of the car with the engine still running. As he approached the main entrance, Carol rushed out of the bui
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
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. "
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 looke
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 b
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
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
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