His Hidden Big Shot

Chapter 6

In James 's apartment at Prosperity Apartments, Ray and Sarah stood together in the living room. They had come to apologize, at Monica's request, for their previous offensive behavior towards Mr. Cole. Monica humbly bowed and asked for forgiveness on their behalf, offering to accept any punishment deemed appropriate. James  sat on the sofa, his expression grim as he listened to Monica's plea.

"I am a respectable businessman," he replied, his tone flat. "I would never suggest anything illegal. However, if you want my forgiveness for the Peters family, there is a way." He glanced over at Ray with disdain. "If this man enjoys exposing himself so much, then I will forgive you if he runs naked from Glory Avenue to Nationality Avenue in three days' time. It's a 3-mile stretch, and I'll make sure the media captures the entire event. If he fails to show up, then the Peters Realty will suffer the consequences."

Monica's heart sank, and she looked over at Ray with concern. "How exactly do you want him to run?" she asked cautiously.

James 's lips twisted into a sinister smile. "He must run every inch of the way, and if he takes even one step less, the deal is off. As for Sarah, she can join her husband if she likes. I'm always magnanimous, and since she's a woman, I'll even let her wear a bikini." Sarah's fists clenched with anger as she heard this, but she remained silent, knowing that there was no other choice.

Monica was initially uneasy, but her face lit up when she heard him mention the West Side Corridor. "Absolutely, we'll make it happen," she reassured him, "My granddaughter and Ray will both be punctual." However, Sarah's anger was palpable, and she grabbed something nearby and hurled it at James , yelling, "Go run with your mother! Don't push it too far! This isn't over!"

James , who had been enjoying a cigar, was caught off guard and some sparks from the object landed on his clothing, causing him to jump up with a scream. He patted and grabbed at his belly as the sparks were finally put out. Meanwhile, Tristan and his men restrained Sarah, while Monica apologized profusely to James . "Mr. Cole, I'm so sorry. Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

James  bellowed, "Get out of here! Leave me alone!" The Peters were frightened and quickly left with Ray and Sarah. As they made their way to the door, James  suddenly spoke up again. "Monica, I want the Peters family to handle the publicity when they run naked. I want them to be humiliated, and I want the entire city to see it. If you make me happy, I'll not only share the West Side Corridor with you, but also the welcome banquet for the head of the Garcia Group's central region. It's a golden opportunity to expand your horizons."

Monica was overjoyed at the offer and promised to do her best. In a bedroom on the second floor of the Peters's house, she couldn't believe the turn of events that had just unfolded.

Sarah sat at her dressing table, her hair gripped tightly in her hand as she vented her frustrations towards Ray. "What's the matter with you? Why are you still eating? We've been stuck in this confinement for two whole days now. They've been taking turns trying to threaten and persuade me to run around naked with you, and I was even determined to go on a hunger strike. But here you are, indulging in every meal without a care in the world. Don't you have any empathy?"

Ray put down his phone and leaned against the headboard. He produced a beautifully roasted chicken, wrapped in brown paper, and passed it to Sarah. "I know you're hungry," he said softly. "I snatched this from the kitchen. Go ahead and eat, and then I'll share my plan with you."

Sarah's eyes lit up at the sight of the succulent chicken. She stared at Ray in amazement. "Do you really have a plan?" she asked him.

Ray nodded confidently. "Yes, I do. But first, let's eat."

Sarah hesitated for a moment before accepting the food. "Please don't lie to me," she murmured. "Otherwise, my hunger strike will have been for nothing."

Ray chuckled at her adorable response. If they hadn't been cooped up in this confined space, he never would have had the chance to spend time with her like this.

Sarah's stomach growled in protest as she eagerly tore open the wrapping paper, and the mouth-watering aroma of the chicken instantly filled her senses. She grabbed a drumstick and took two satisfying bites, the savory grease leaving a tantalizing trace on the corners of her mouth. "Tell me now," she demanded, looking up at Ray.

Ray's expression became grave as he hesitated. "Sarah, there's something else I need to tell you first," he said solemnly.

Sarah's brow furrowed in confusion. "You mean you like me? I already know that. You don't have to say it. Just tell me about your plan or we'll be streaking tomorrow," she said, trying to lighten the mood.

But Ray shook his head, his gaze steady. "It's not that, Sarah. It's about Oscorp Corporation . It's actually mine, and I can give you West Side Corridor. You don't have to worry about a thing. I'll handle it," he said, his voice earnest.

Sarah looked at him in disbelief. Then anger flared within her, and she glared at him fiercely. "Ray, can you stop talking big for a second? You're such a jerk, I could kill you!" she snapped, her words punctuated by the sound of a sudden whistle as she hurled the greasy drumstick at him in frustration.