RISE OF THE SCORNFUL CRYPTO LORD

5. PROBLEM ARISES

Liam's POV

I planned it all, down to the last detail.

John Gray was me, hiding behind a fake name and a fake face which was my way to test Claire.

Would she fall for the rich, charming buyer I pretended to be?

My heart ached as I watched her at the restaurant, her hand in Elijah’s, the lawyer I had contacted as their faces were pretty close.

I held my breath, praying she’d stay true. When she pulled back, saying, “I can’t do this,” and ran. Immediately, I was relieved.

But guilt followed. I tested her love, and she passed, choosing me over a billionaire’s charm. I felt small for doubting her.

She crashed into me at the exit, her eyes were wide with fear. “It’s not what you think,” she said, her voice breaking.

I wanted to hold her, tell her I was the one behind everything, but I couldn't. The Harringtons still thought I was nothing like a dog to mock. I need to crush them first.

“Who is he?” Elijah Fray, my lawyer who was playing my role asked, stepping close.

Claire’s face softened as she replied. “He’s my husband.” She turned and walked away.

I nodded at my lawyer, whispering, “Don’t tell her it’s me. Not ever.” 

He nodded, and I ran after Claire.

She was almost at the car, tears streaming down her face. “Liam, I didn’t mean to lie,” she sobbed. “I told you I was working late, but I was with him. I’m sorry.”

Her words cut, but I saw her love, the Claire who used to laugh with me.

“It’s okay,” I said, pulling her into my arms. “Just don’t do it again.” She nodded, her head against my chest, and I felt whole for the first time in years.

We drove home in silence. Not until we got home. “I’ll be inside,” I told her when we arrived.

In my room, I ordered two tuxedos, one for tomorrow’s family dinner and the other for the big day. Both were black, tailored, and worth more than Nathan’s whole suit collection.

I booked a barber for a shave and haircut. I need to look like the billionaire man that I am and not their servant.

I crawled into bed and heard the door slip open. Claire’s scent filled the room. She tucked the duvet around me and kissed my forehead. I kept my eyes closed, pretending to sleep, but my heart was long lost in hers.

*She still loves me.* I muttered.

The next day, I headed to the barber. The clippers buzzed as they shaped my hair. Then I noticed my jawline in the mirror, it was sharp after the shave.

I felt like a new man, not the warehouse supervisor they mocked

At a hotel, I slipped into the tuxedo, the fabric was smooth and it hugged my frame. I look in the mirror, proud. My billions made me feel untouchable and I loved that feeling.

I called my lawyer earlier, telling him not to show up tonight. I’ll take his seat to give the Harringtons one last chance to see me as family.

If they don’t, I’ll bury them with my wealth.

I took an Uber to the Harrington mansion, the lights glowing as I stepped out. The dining room is packed, relatives chattering, their fancy clothes screaming money. But I don't see Claire.

They stopped talking when I walked in, their eyes wide with surprise.

I know I look different.

Claire steps out from a hallway, her dress flowing, and freezes too. After a long stare, she said, “You’ve changed,”

I smiled, knowing everyone was thinking that but won’t say it.

I headed for the head of the table, John Gray’s seat.

Nathan jumped up. “That’s for someone important, you idiot!” he shouted. “Sit in the corner where you belong!”

I kept walking, then sat in John’s chair, and the room erupted.

“Get up, you fool!” Lila snapped, slamming her glass down.

“You’ll embarrass us!” Vivian’s voice cuts through.

“How dare you? You’re not even family, just a leech!” A cousin, Mark, chimed in.

“What’s with the suit? Did you steal it?”

Their voices piled on, it was loud and angry, but I didn't move. I fold my hands, silent, letting their rage boil.

It feels good, watching them unravel because I won’t bend.

Nathan grabs a plate of mashed potatoes and flings it at me. The creamy mess hits my tuxedo, splattering my chest. The table roars with laughter, but Lila gasps with her eyes wide.

“Nathan, that suit’s worth thousands of dollars! Why’d you ruin it?”

She’s a fashion freak, and even she knows this isn’t my usual thrift-store suit. The others murmured, whispering about how I got the money, but I stayed quiet, seemingly as calm as possible.

Their anger grew louder because I won’t react.“Who do you think you are?” Nathan yelled, standing now. “You think a fancy suit makes you one of us?”

Vivian leans forward. “You’ll never be anything but a servant, Liam.” 

Another relative, whom I recognized as Aunt Grace, snickered. “Maybe he sold his kidney for that tuxedo!” They laughed again, but I kept my gaze steady as my silence drove them wild.

For an hour, they ranted, threw insults, mocked my job, my life. I loved it and their hate means they’re scared.

Claire goes in and out. I knew she was watching but she was not saying anything.

I wish she’d say something, but I know she’s caught between me and them.

Finally, Claire stood up. “Mr. Gray isn’t coming tonight,” she announced, “His grandfather’s ill. He asked us to meet at the company tomorrow.” She walked away. The table grumbled as they felt disappointed.

A few minutes later, I stood up with my tuxedo stained, but my head was high.

I gave them a chance to see me, to treat me like family and they failed. I’ll never be one of them, especially now that I’m worth more than all their wealth combined.

I walked to my room as their whispers trailed me.

I showered, washing off the potatoes. I rolled my towel and stepped out. To my surprise, Claire was there, wearing a red gown, tight and shimmering with her eyes locked on mine.

I parted my lips slightly, as I gulped down an empty throat while temptation pulled at me.

“Why did you do that tonight?” She asked, rubbing her toes against each other.

“Do what?” I asked feigning ignorance.

“You riled them up.” She replied.

“Sorry they are your family, but I had enough of their bullshit,”

Claire giggled. “I actually loved how you acted today. It has been a while since I have seen that look on their faces.” She said.

I smiled and thought in my mind, *wait till tomorrow, you'd see another version of them.*

“You're smiling too right? You knew exactly what you did, cunning bastard.” She laughed silently but so hard I laughed too. “But hold on. How did you get that suit? It is fucking expensive you know?”

The smile faded gently, “Don't think you forgot to tell me how you submitted my CV behind my back to apply for a job? Well, the interview is tomorrow.”

“Really!?” She jumped up like a kid who was promised popsicles.

“Yes, and my father bought me two tuxedos, I didn't know it was that expensive.”

“It was.” She said under her breath, nodding her head.

“Yeah,” I replied, thankful that she didn't notice the blatant lie I just told.

Suddenly, she stood up. “You know…” She moved closer to me. “You look exactly like the man I knew before.” She added, tracing her finger down my chest to my abs. “And for once, I realized what I had been missing.”

“Claire…” I muttered under my breath.

“I don't care if you're poor, I know you have it inside you to give me a comfortable lifestyle and I'll work towards that.” She said as she slid her hand inside my towel, making it drop. “But right now, all I want is you.” She added as she held on to my dick.

Oh well… Instinctively, I placed my lips on hers as I gave her a very deep kiss. I pulled her closer to me as I heard her squeal. My dick was already hard from her touch then I reciprocated the energy as I slipped my finger into her pussy and journeyed my lips down to her nipples as I sucked them.

Shortly afterwards, we walked carefully while maintaining the rhythm as we threw ourselves on the bed. I rested my waist between hers as my dick rubbed the surface of her pussy and she moaned, squeezing my hair.

“Slide it in,” She said, holding my dick and rubbing it against her pussy and it entered slowly.

I growled and she moaned. I slide in and out gently. Then I pounded her hard. I held her mouth, hoping not to attract her relatives, but removed it.

“When they can't contain it, they'd use AirPods.” She scoffed and we continued.

The sex was so aggressive that the bed broke and we both laughed. “I'll add that to my to-do list tomorrow after the handover.” She said, and I nodded my head as I pounded her hard.

She flipped me over, “My turn,” She said as she rode me to paradise.

“Oh shit, I'm cumming,” She lamented, and soon after, she started to shake.

I bent her to the side, flipped her left leg up as I held on to her thighs, and dug deeply.

“Oh, Liam! Yes!” She yelled under her breath. “You're so good, babe.”

“Oh yeah,” I growled.

I was about to cum, but when I tried to withdraw, she held my waist, pulling me into her as she kissed me deeply. I didn't have a choice but to pour all that load into her.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked, collapsing beside her.

“Yes, Liam. I wanna build a family around you. I know I have my shortcomings, but I have only loved you and always will do.” She said, sliding her ass on the bed. “Let's freshen up, tomorrow will be a long day for me.” She said.

And silently, I replied. “Same here,”

We showered together, making sure we created another moment. We didn't bother to dress, we just collapsed on the bed and cuddled ourselves up till daybreak.

I woke up, the guest room was quiet, and Claire’s warmth was gone. My eyes catch a note pinned to the tuxedo hanging on the chair.

*I know you have a shoe now, but please wear this. I bought it for you, it’ll be your good luck charm. Go kill the interview, hubby.* A winking emoji follows.

I smiled.

Claire believed in me, even after I tested her loyalty at the restaurant. 

Guilt still stings for doubting her, but her love tucked me in last night, this note makes me feel alive. I slip on the tuxedo.

My Bitcoin wealth, hidden from the Harringtons, is my weapon and today, I’ll make them choke. I called my Elijah, who’s been posing as John Gray.

“I’m at the company,” he said “Following your plan. No Harringtons inside until you say so.” I grinned. “How long do I keep them out?” he asked.

“As long as it takes,” I replied.

I want them to squirm, to feel small like they’ve made me feel and they will pay for it all.

Two hours later, I arrived at Harrington Tech, the glass building gleamed in the sun. The Harringtons were outside, sweating, and their faces red with anger.

Claire was there, her navy dress crisp, and she smiled when she saw me. 

“You got this,” she said and I nodded.

She’s with me, even if she doesn’t know I’m John Gray. I headed for the door, then paused, and turned around. “Aren’t you coming in?” I asked, gesturing to her.

She frowned, confused. “Mr. Gray said to wait outside until he calls us.” 

Nathan butted in, his voice loud as usual. “Why’s he treating us like this? We own this company!”

I smirked, looking him dead in the eye. “Former,” I said. “If it were me, I wouldn’t even let you near the premises.”

Lily's face twisted. “Wait… Do you think you’re hot stuff now? Because you're going for an interview?”

I scoffed. “You know nothing, bitch. Shut the fuck up.”

Claire’s eyes widened, but she didn't stop me. I grabbed her hand and walked inside, leaving Nathan and the rest fuming.

In the boardroom, Elijah, still John Gray to them, stood at the head. 

Claire hesitated, then said. “I should’ve introduced you properly the other night, Mr. Gray. This is Liam, my husband.” I nodded at my lawyer, playing along like we’re strangers.

He smiled, shaking my hand. “Good to meet you. You can call them in now.” Claire called her family in, and they shuffled inside, grumbling. 

Nathan glared at me, Lila rolled her eyes, and Vivian’s lips were tight.

Claire started telling me to wait in the lobby, but my lawyer cuts in. “He stays,”

I sat and felt all of their eyes burn into me.

Elijah laid out the contract. “The original price for Harrington Tech was $850 million,” he says. “The extra $50 million buys 50% of your collective shares. Now, I offer $45 million for 40% of your remaining shares—$5 million extra.” The room went quiet as their faces showed how greedy they can be, yet they were unsure.

Claire spoke first. “No. We’re not selling. Thank you Mr. John.”

Vivian scoffed, leaning forward. “Speak for yourself, Claire. That’s free money.” She turned to the others, and her voice became bossy. “We’re taking it.”

Nathan and Lila nodded, eager for the cash. I watched silently, knowing Vivian’s greed is my win.

Elijah taps his phone, and I know it’s the transfer I sent two days ago. 

Claire's phone pinged. It was the alert confirming the funds. Claire signed the papers and she was clearly pissed off as she handed over 45% ownership. They all signed too, and their signatures were sloppy with excitement. I bite back a smile.

They just sold their legacy to me.

But then it reminded me of the man from two nights ago, the one who told me to withdraw my bid, but my phone's been silent since the last time he called.

Elijah cleared his throat. “I have an announcement to make,” he said, but Nathan interrupted, pointing at me.

“Why’s this loser here? He shouldn't be here.”

Elijah yelled at him like a child. “Shut up, Nathan.” The room went quiet. 

He stepped forward a bit, placing the contract in my hands. “I’m not the owner of Harrington Tech,” he said, smiling. “Mr. Liam Conrad is the current owner. I’m just his personal assistant.”

They couldn't say anything, not even a word, and yeah, that's exactly what I wanted.

I leaned in, whispering, “Lawyer.”

He laughed. “Let’s stick with personal assistant.”

The Harringtons’ faces twisted with contempt.

Nathan’s jaw dropped as his voice became a snarl. “You stole that money, didn’t you? You filthy thief!”

Then Lila screamed, “He’s a nobody! How’d he get 900 million dollars?” 

Vivian’s eyes beamed with anger. “You cheated us, you dog! You’ll pay for this!” 

Nathan chimed in again, “He probably robbed a bank!” Their voices piled on, but I sat tall.

Their rage is music. I’ve taken everything, and they can’t touch me. 

Claire’s face was different, she was angry but she managed to control it as her eyes searched mine.

She stepped closer, her voice above a whisper. “You didn’t steal the money, did you?” she asked.

I smiled.. “No, I didn’t.”

She nods, “Okay.”

Then she surprised me with a statement. “Now that you’re the owner, there’s something you need to know.”

I frowned. “What’s that?” She glances at her family, then back at me. “We can’t discuss it here. We need the board, all shareholders present.” My heart skipped.

“How do I do that?” She looked me in the eye.

“You’re the boss now. Place the call.”

She’s not fighting me, but there’s something serious, and definitely something bigger that I don't understand.

“What is it?” I asked

“For you to understand, every shareholder needs to be there,” she said, and continued. “Believe me, Liam, I know you want revenge on my family, but they’re the least of your problems. There’s a bigger issue. I wouldn’t care if someone else bought the company, but it’s you. I can’t ignore it.”

“Okay?”

“I'm sure you received a call, threatening you not to buy this company.”

“How did you know?”

“Mr. Charles bidded 600 million dollars for the company. Before my father died, he wanted this company for himself.”

“Now, I have bought it. He shouldn't be a problem anymore.”

“That's what you'd think until you go in deeper. I don't know how deep your pocket is, but truthfully you'd go bankrupt once again if he sees you as a threat to his own tech company.”

“Isn't competition healthy?”

“To him it is not. And you know who the CEO is?” Claire asked.

“No, I don't.”

“It is Nathan.” She paused and continued. “I don't know how you got that much money, but you are now my renewed hope. Please save my father's company. Our enemy is much stronger than us, but let me put my hope on you,” She lamented.

“Us,” I corrected her. “Let's put your hope on us.”

I own Harrington Tech, but right now I’m not sure what I'll be dealing with shortly.

What if I go bankrupt again?