Rising to the Top for Revenge

Chapter 8

"Miss Brianna, I have to leave now," Dave immediately stood up after saying that without waiting for Brianna's response.

It could be ensured that Dave walked hurriedly followed by Michael behind him, as if there was something that made him have to rush away at that moment.

Meanwhile, Brianna could only sigh, letting Dave leave without being able to stop his steps.

"He's leaving me alone without manners, just wait until we meet again, I'll definitely teach him a lesson."

Instantly, Brianna fell silent, feeling lonely in a place that was actually quite crowded.

***

"Welcome back to the Centratama Group family, Dave Ramirez."

While tightly gripping his briefcase handle, Dave stared blankly at Maximus's figure. A few moments ago, while in the car on the way to this mansion, Michael informed him that Maximus was already waiting for his arrival.

Dave was also surprised by how big this mansion was. He didn't expect that he would be able to set foot in a place like this. Was he really from the Centratama Group family, a trillionaire conglomerate with abundant assets?

"I've been searching for you for years but could never find you. I missed you," Maximus said as he approached Dave .

When Maximus hugged Dave as an elder brother figure, Dave just remained silent. He was too shocked by the situation he was facing now.

There was a satisfying feeling in Dave 's heart. But on the other hand, he also felt very afraid of disappointing actions when leading the Centratama Group company.

Dave knew that leading such a huge company was not an easy task.

"Where have you been all this time, Dave ?" Maximus asked after releasing their embrace.

Dave was still stunned, looking at Maximus who seemed very worried and longing. At first, Dave didn't believe that Maximus was really searching for him.

Now, seeing the longing in Maximus's eyes, Dave felt convinced. There was no deceit.

"I was raised by a couple of parents, you wouldn't recognize them if I told you," Dave replied, feeling a bit awkward.

Maximus chuckled softly at Dave 's words while gently patting his shoulder.

"It's okay. What matters most is that you're back. You know, Centratama Group needs you since Daddy's condition became critical," Maximus said with a serious tone.

Dave , who was initially calm, then felt curious. He immediately looked at Maximus with an inquisitive gaze.

"Since when has Daddy been hospitalized?" Dave asked, also sounding serious.

Maximus sighed briefly before standing beside Dave . One of Maximus's hands embraced Dave 's to lead him along.

Though puzzled, Dave just followed Maximus's movements. They moved towards the wide staircase in the middle of the mansion.

"Daddy has been hospitalized for four months. He was in an accident which, in my opinion, was very suspicious."

Hearing this, Dave furrowed his brows even deeper. "Why suspicious?" Dave asked seriously.

Maximus seemed to ponder for a moment before explaining to Dave . "Actually, I suspect someone planned Daddy's accident. There's no actual evidence to support my suspicion."

A brief pause for Maximus's words. From his facial expression, he appeared very serious while also trying to guess something.

"But the accident coincided with Centratama Group competing with Warleslock Company Group to attract renowned investors to fund their respective business innovations."

Dave was taken aback by this explanation. He was well aware of the Warleslock Company Group that Maximus was referring to.

"Tunggu, Warleslock Company Group?" Dave asked to confirm what he heard.

Maximus nodded. Suddenly, he felt curious because Dave seemed to know about Warleslock Company Group.

"Why are you surprised when I mention that company?" Maximus asked, looking at Dave with curiosity.

"That's the family company of my ex-wife. I was once arranged to marry into the Warles family because I saved the life of Mr. Robert, my ex-wife's grandfather and the owner of that company," Dave explained.

"What?" Maximus seemed incredulous, his steps halting instantly. "So, while you were away, you had a relationship with the Warles family?"

Dave nodded. "Yes, but... I was betrayed by Selena, the daughter of the Warles family. Since Mr. Robert passed away, the Warles family treated me like trash."

Maximus immediately looked angered upon hearing Dave 's words.

"What did you say? You were betrayed by the daughter of the Warles family?"

"Yes. Not only that, I believe Selena and her lover Victor planned for me to be imprisoned."

Maximus's facial expression instantly changed to pity upon hearing Dave 's story. He let out a long breath while pulling Dave into a tighter embrace.

"I heard about you being imprisoned before returning to this mansion. I instructed Michael to do everything possible to prove your innocence," Maximus explained.

Dave didn't respond to Maximus's words. He had suspected as much.

"It seems the Warles family indeed targeted our family," Maximus said, his tone grumbling.

"Are you saying Daddy was also their target?"

"I believe so. It's unlikely that the accident happened three days before the next innovation meeting of Centratama Group. Also, the accident occurred one week after Daddy secured a significant investment and outperformed Warleslock Company Group," Maximus's explanation left Dave stunned and wide-eyed. Dave was surprised and didn't expect his father to be so capable in managing Centratama Group.

"That's not an easy feat," Dave expressed his opinion.

"Yes. This month, precisely three days later, there will be a final presentation meeting for the company's innovation. If any company successfully presents a business innovation well, it will secure its investment funds from top-tier investors."

Once again, Dave fell silent after listening to Maximus's explanation. Dave nodded in understanding as he found Maximus's explanation very logical.

Dave had heard stories of companies fiercely competing with each other. He had also accidentally overheard plans within the Warleslock Company Group to eliminate other companies.

"So, they don't want any competition," Dave muttered knowingly.

"You have to face them, Dave ," Maximus replied with a serious tone.

Dave immediately asked, "Huh? What do you mean? Does that mean... I'll be facing my ex-girlfriend's family?"

"Exactly! Hey, you could use this opportunity to get revenge, Dave . Don't you feel like unleashing your anger?" Maximus's tone sounded provocative.

After hearing Maximus's words, Dave fell silent. He tried to consider the possibilities when facing the Warles family.

"I'm not sure about doing that, Maximus," his voice sounded hesitant.

Maximus furrowed his brow. "Why? You have to let them know you can stand up to them."

Dave remained silent while pondering how he would confront them all.

"Wait, don't tell me you've never fought back while they treated you like trash?" Maximus asked, squinting suspiciously.

Dave shook his head.

"I don't know how to fight back against them because I work as an office boy at Warleslock Company Group," Dave replied, his expression grimacing at the end of the sentence.

Immediately, Maximus looked at Dave with dismay, placing his hands on his hips. Maximus gazed at Dave for a few moments. His facial expression looked sympathetic.

"From now on, you're already part of the Centratama Group family. You can fight back, Dave . You also have to help me find out who's behind Daddy's accident."

While Maximus said this with enthusiastic fervor, Dave remained calm. Deep down, Dave also had the desire to avenge Selena and the Warles family's actions.

Thinking of Selena who belittled him as a poor man, cheated on him, and plotted evil plans to have him imprisoned.

All of it stirred up feelings of annoyance and anger in Dave 's heart.

"I will try to do that. But why don't you become the heir of the company instead? Especially since you're older," Dave asked, seeking clarification.

Maximus shook his head with a sweet smile. "I've learned how business works, but I don't want to continue Daddy's company. I don't like the business competition between Centratama Group and other companies," Maximus replied.

Dave asked again, "What if I fail? You know, this is my first time."

Maximus then placed both his hands on Dave 's shoulders. His sharp eyes stared intensely at Dave for a few moments.

"The question is... what if you succeed?" Maximus asked seriously. "You'll surely feel satisfaction after successfully avenging all of their actions, Dave ," Maximus added to his statement.