The Ambition's Gambit

"I won't let Damien become richer than me. I will never surrender to him," Robert thought as he stepped out of his sleek, midnight blue Tesla Model S, its polished chrome accents gleaming under the morning sun. He handed the car keys to the valet, who wore a sharp, well-tailored uniform and greeted Robert with a nod and a warm smile.

Dressed in an elegant brown pinstripe suit, the fine fabric exuded the unmistakable scent of success, perfectly complemented by his handcrafted Italian leather shoes. He adjusted his tie, making sure it was impeccable, and quickened his pace toward the towering high-rise building.

As he crossed the bustling ground floor, filled with visitors and employees, he couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations about the remarkable success of his company and his iconic five-star hotel. The admiration in their voices was a testament to his accomplishments, but it only fueled his ambition to achieve more.

Robert's determination to surpass Damien's wealth had solidified. He had made a firm decision to sell his empire, including the prestigious hotel. The prospect of reaping the immense proceeds to invest in a more promising business venture was his only focus. The thought of being at Damien's mercy was unacceptable to him.

Robert stepped into the elevator, his mind consumed by thoughts of triumph and success. The elevator doors opened briefly as they ascended, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline through the glass hallway. It showcased a sprawling metropolis in its full morning glory, bustling with life and opportunities, a sight he had conquered and aimed to conquer again.

The opulent hallway leading to his destination was adorned with prestigious awards and mementos, showcasing his journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the business world. Yet, amidst all the grandeur, an insatiable yearning for more continued to simmer beneath the surface.

After what felt like an eternity, the elevator signaled its arrival on the upper floors, and the doors smoothly slid open. Robert exited with determined steps, his unwavering gaze fixed on the ornate wooden door of the meeting room. Two imposing security men, impeccably dressed in sharp black suits, stood at attention, their presence emphasizing the gravity of the negotiations.

As Robert approached the door, it swung open, revealing a room filled with an air of frustration. 

His buyers sat around a round table, their faces etched with anger from the lengthy wait. The tension in the room was palpable, as each of them stared daggers at Robert. Among the disgruntled buyers, a lawyer sat, struggling to conceal his own frustration.

"I apologize... I'm truly sorry," Robert stammered as he nervously approached his assigned seat among the potential buyers.

After settling into his seat, one of the buyers spoke up. "We have finalized all the arrangements and our lawyers have provided the necessary documents to purchase your company and your esteemed five-star hotel for a grand total of $23,500,000,000. We have signed all the required sections, and now we would like you to review the papers and affix your signature to make it official."

"Yes, yes, where are the papers?" Robert replied eagerly, reaching out to take the documents handed over to him by the lawyer. He hastily skimmed through the pages, ensuring that the agreed-upon amount for the sale of his company and hotel was correct. Without hesitation, he swiftly signed his name in all the designated places on the document.

"Excellent! With your signature, it is now official that your company and your prestigious five-star hotel have been sold to my clients," the lawyer asserted confidently, collecting the documents back from Robert, who wore a broad grin on his face.

"Actually, we are not the actual buyers; we are merely representatives," one of the men seated revealed, his grin widening along with his accomplices.

Confusion etched across Robert's face as he asked, "Then if it's not you, who is the actual buyer?"

Just moments before Robert's questions could be answered, the heavy wooden doors of the opulent meeting room swung open, revealing the commanding presence of Damien Malone. Clad in a slick white suit that perfectly accentuated his confident demeanor, he exuded an air of untouchable elegance. His Versace shoes gleamed in unison with his black shades, while his meticulously combed and oiled brown hair hinted at his billionaire status. Flanking him on either side were his formidable bodyguards, creating an aura of power and authority as he strode into the room.

As Damien made his grand entrance, the businessmen who had posed as potential buyers and the lawyer representing him rose from their seats in unison, paying homage to the prominent figure. However, Robert, in stark contrast, remained dumbstruck and rooted to his chair. The surreal turn of events left him bewildered, as if trapped in a bewildering dream. He could hardly fathom that he had just sold his entire company and the prestigious five-star hotel he owned to none other than Damien Malone—the very man he had once considered a close friend, but who now sought revenge for his betrayal.

"This... this can't be possible. I didn't just sell my company to you," Robert stammered, his voice filled with disbelief.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you did indeed sign the documents that clearly state your company and the hotel have been sold to Mr. Damien Malone, Chairman of The Nexus Mining Corp," the lawyer interjected, still standing amidst the businessmen.

Unfazed by Robert's astonishment, Damien settled himself leisurely into his designated chair, his bodyguards ever watchful behind him. With a subtle gesture, he beckoned the other attendees to take their seats, his piercing gaze surveying the room with a mix of authority and confidence. It was a calculated display of control, ensuring that his newfound acquisitions were firmly in his grasp.

"No, I absolutely refuse to agree to this deceitful deal. I will not sell my property to this lowlife," Robert exclaimed angrily, abruptly rising from his seat. The sudden movement prompted Damien's bodyguards to raise their rifles, prepared to take action if Robert made any aggressive moves toward Damien.

With a mischievous grin on his face, Damien gestured to his bodyguards, signaling for them to lower their weapons. He then spoke with a newfound confidence that Robert had never seen before. "There is nothing you can do to overthrow me. And as for the contract you hastily signed without careful consideration, you have essentially handed over your company and your hotel to me for free. Oh, and let's not forget," Damien paused for a moment to recollect his thoughts, crossing one leg over the other and playfully raising a finger on his right hand, "isn't that the same hotel where you had an affair with my ex?" Damien chuckled.

"No, that can't be true! I saw the amount clearly stated on the paper," Robert exclaimed, quickly retrieving his copy of the documents and thoroughly examining them. The room fell silent as Robert scrutinized every detail, realizing the imminent downfall that awaited him.

"Oh my God!" Robert gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he discovered that the document clearly stated that Damien wouldn't pay a single cent to acquire both the company and the five-star hotel. "You tricked me! I will take this matter to court," Robert protested, throwing the documents across the room.

Robert almost storming out of the room, seething with anger. But before he could, Damien leaped from his seat, causing documents to fly off the round table. He stood directly in front of Robert, leaving everyone in the room stunned, including Robert himself, whose mouth hung open in disbelief.

"You're a traitor, Robert," Damien said with a fierce determination. "You threw away everything we built together, and for that, you will pay for your sins. I, Damien Malone, will make you regret the day you first saved me from bullies in that silent high school hallway. You will regret the day you looked down on me. I will turn your life into a living nightmare, so agonizing that you'll wish for nothing but death."

With those menacing words, Damien turned abruptly and strode out of the room. His two bodyguards flanked him, escorting him away, leaving Robert trembling in his spot, along with the other businessmen and lawyers in the room.

Robert's eyes widened in shock. The young boy he had once protected from bullies in high school and college now spoke with such authority that it sent shivers down his spine. Part of him regretted betraying Damien, but his prideful nature made him believe he still had a chance to overthrow him once and for all.

As Robert stepped out of the company building, no longer his own, he impatiently waited for the valet to bring his car. His mind raced with thoughts of revenge. He reached into his pocket and dialed an unknown number, whispering into the phone, "I have a job for you."

The voice on the other end responded, "What kind of job?"

"It's time to bring Damien down," Robert said, his voice filled with determination. "I want you to ruin him, destroy everything he holds dear. Let's make sure he regrets ever crossing paths with me."

The unknown source chuckled darkly. "Consider it done. Damien won't know what hit him."

Robert smiled slyly as he ended the call. The game was on, and he was ready to play dirty. He would show Damien that underestimating him was a grave mistake. The battle between the former friends-turned-enemies had just begun, and it would be a clash of titans, with no mercy given and no quarter asked.