The atmosphere in the spacious auditorium was electric as reporters from various media outlets, their cameras poised and pens ready, eagerly awaited the unveiling of AKIRA, the highly anticipated superhuman AI robot. The stage was bathed in soft, ambient light, with a large screen behind it displaying the sleek silhouette of the robotic marvel.The host walked onto the podium as everyone settled, with Dave taking his place in the front seat set aside as the high table, trying not to dwell on the call he had received from August. He would be kidding himself if he believed August had sincerely called him to congratulate him.“Sir, you don’t look good. Is anything wrong?” Brooks, who was sitting at the chair behind him, moved forward to ask.Dave drew a deep breath and forced himself to focus on the event. “Yes, I’m fine,” Dave said, diverting his gaze to the right end of the high table on the stage where Akash and his team sat, a table in front of them with speakers at their mouths. Aka
As the video ended, AKIRA started to speak again. “This video shows how my creator has been blackmailed for the past six months by Dave Arizona,” AKIRA continued.“Stop that,” Dave breathed slowly, but Brooks didn’t hear what he said at first. For some reason, Brooks didn’t know why he stood still and watched the footage in fear. He could have done something to stop it. But was he scared the agreeable crowd would lash out at him?“Stop it, you bastard!” Dave seethed under his breath and looked at Brooks, who immediately rushed off to the backstage, got something to turn off all power as darkness descended on the hall.While sitting in the darkness with the reporters trying to find their way in the dark room as they turned on their phone flashlights, Dave was unbelievably relieved as he sat there quietly with no one aware. But he still couldn’t change the fact that the deed had been done. He was ruined. Not only the highway project of his life… Arizona Teaching Hospital was going to be
August stood in front of the ABC Construction building, which towered above most of the companies in the area. It was the leading construction company in the world, and the CEO was about to retire.He had been thinking for the past few days about how to accomplish his new task. The ABC Construction Company secured big construction deals worth millions, while smaller construction firms settled for smaller deals worth a few thousand. Now, August had come to the conclusion that he would acquire the company by owning the majority of shares.Now, he had more than enough to buy shares. After AKIRA became affiliated with the Trillion-dollar company, investors started to take notice of the company both domestically and internationally. For the last few days, the number of shareholders in the Trillion-dollar company had increased drastically. Their new building now stood among the other big companies, elevating their status.August advanced into the company’s building. He was going to negotiat
"You son of a bitch!" Dave exclaimed, his voice shaky as he fired at August, but August stunned him by landing another slap across his face. Dave held his face, his eyes widened in shock, his jaw dropped in disbelief. Never would he have imagined such humiliation.By now, they had attracted attention as people around started taking pictures. Of course, who wouldn’t? It’s not every day you witness a once-revered CEO being humiliated in a company's lobby."I will make sure you pay for this, August Sullivan!" Dave made to rush at him but instinctively stood back, knowing the implications of trying to hit August. Not only was he no match in status, but also in physical strength."Sir, you will have to leave the company or…" the manager interjected."Shut the hell up!" Dave raved at the manager while August watched him with a smirk. "Aren’t you pathetic enough? You should quit while I am being nice. It wasn’t like I slapped you randomly. You had done something wrong, Dave Arizona," August
“You seem to be doing well compared to how you imagined,” Allen said, noticing the distressed look on the young man’s face. He knew he had just been sarcastic, but he knew Dave Arizona so well from the past when they had briefly interacted. He hated it when his downfall was being rubbed in his face. That was why he admired the young man and had so much respect for him.“I guess so,” Dave understood what he was trying to do, so he just smiled and nodded.“What brings you here? Did Pa Satya send you?” Dave thought for a moment Pa Satya must have seen the video and felt sorry for him, thus asking to meet. Even though Dave doesn’t play the pity game, he realized that he needed it now more than ever. He didn’t care anymore. But once the construction company becomes his again, he would definitely make those who looked down on him pay.“No,” he replied, as Dave’s heart sank.“What… What?” Dave didn’t mean to show so much expression of shock and helplessness as Mr. Allen walked over to the lo
August smiled as he approached the hall where the banquet would be held."August Sullivan? Are you acquainted with him?" Allen approached Dave unexpectedly, causing Dave to turn around and find the butler staring at August before shifting his gaze back to Dave."He is my worst nightmare," Dave hissed, folding his arms."I see," Allen nodded slowly. "So is he looking to acquire ABC Constructions too?""Obviously," Dave replied with an irritated tone. "Why else would he be here in the first place?" He added, tucking his hands into his pockets. "No matter what, I need to acquire that company, Allen. August must not, or I'm really done for," Dave said, his voice carrying a hint of fear. He had never voiced his fear aloud like this before, but he somehow felt it was okay because it was Allen. The man had given him hope when he had lost all, but their cooperation was born out of mutualistic benefits."You shouldn't worry, Dave. With your gift, Pa Satya won't look at other candidates.""You
As the evening progressed, the host in charge of collecting gifts for Pa Satya took center stage, his voice commanding attention as he announced the arrival of each distinguished guest."Good evening, esteemed guests," he began, his voice resonating throughout the hall. "As we have all been briefed, we are gathered here tonight to honor a man of great wisdom, kindness, and generosity. Pa Satya has touched the lives of many with his compassion and guidance, and on this auspicious occasion of his eightieth birthday, it is our privilege to present him with tokens of our appreciation. Not only that, his successor will be chosen based on the gifts presented."With a flourish, he gestured towards the first guest, a renowned philanthropist known for his tireless efforts in uplifting the underprivileged."Our first gift comes from Mr. Rajesh, a man whose philanthropic endeavors have transformed countless lives," the host announced, his words met with warm applause.Mr. Rajesh stepped forward,
The whole crowd turned in the direction of the sound to find August approaching Pa Satya. Pa Satya had a slight frown on his face, while Dave looked like he would strangle August at any moment, more like he was terrified. For one moment, he thought he had won the round, thinking August had bluffed."What are you doing?" Dave seethed under his breath, trying not to lose it in front of Pa Satya. August chuckled and diverted his gaze to Pa Satya, as if he didn’t hear Dave."I am sorry for interrupting like that, Chairman. But I am yet to present my gift to you," August said respectfully, despite the cold gaze the old man shot him."I don’t….""I present to you, Amaya, your long-lost estranged granddaughter," he stretched his hand towards the door as the crowd separated for them to see whom he was pointing at.Standing at the door was a little girl, a doll in her hand, as she stared with an unsure gaze at the people looking at her. She was about ten years old, with golden hair cascading d