The Last Billionaire Candidate

Robert Davidson's Dark Business

Robert Davidson's black sedan sped through the brightly lit city streets beneath a sky scattered with stars before entering a private compound hidden behind rows of aging buildings on the outskirts of the city. A five-meter steel gate slowly swung open after the security personnel confirmed his identity.

Dozens of surveillance cameras rotated, tracking every movement of the convoy escorting Robert Davidson's luxury car. This was no ordinary nightclub—it was an exclusive headquarters reserved for society's elite. Behind its towering walls, hidden among VIP lounges and the pounding music, illegal transactions worth billions of dollars took place every night. The establishment served as a gathering place for corrupt politicians, shadowy tycoons, international mafia figures, and law enforcement officials who had long since sold their integrity. To them, the law was simply another commodity that could be bought.

As the owner and CEO of the establishment, Robert strode into the grand hall.

His illegal operations had been suspended for months after an honest governor discovered traces of their activities, forcing the entire organization to halt its business temporarily. Naturally, Robert had grown increasingly restless. The distribution of illegal goods had come to a standstill, human organs stored for too long in hidden facilities had become a growing burden, and even the women working as entertainers had begun to bore his wealthy clients because no new faces had arrived.

Robert knew that if this situation continued much longer, his criminal empire would eventually be exposed, and its downfall would only be a matter of time.

Several attendants greeted him while offering a glass of champagne.

"Robert," a middle-aged man greeted with a faint smile.

"So... the storm still hasn't passed?" Robert chuckled.

"Don't even ask."

"I'm going insane."

Robert sat on a leather sofa facing a large round table.

"How's that major investor?" one of the men asked.

Robert took a deep breath.

"Forget him. I don't need anyone."

"Just wait..."

"I'm going to send that man back to where he came from!"

"Tomorrow, Vanguard Zenith is holding the inauguration ceremony for its new CEO. That old chairman will definitely be introducing his son as the new leader."

"I'm certain Vero is just clinging to that man. I'll show up and humiliate him in front of everyone."

"I'll make everyone there know that the bootlicker working at Vanguard Zenith is nothing more than my former employee—a poor nobody who doesn't deserve to be part of Vanguard Zenith."

Robert tightened his grip on the champagne bottle until his knuckles turned white.

His eyes burned with anticipation for tomorrow.

---

Mr. V entered the lobby of his building with Luna by his side.

Leon greeted them respectfully, though he couldn't hide his surprise at seeing Mr. V accompanied by such a beautiful woman.

"Good evening, sir," Leon greeted, struggling to hide his astonishment.

They stopped walking.

"Leon, this is our new Deputy Director. Her name is Luna. You can discuss all company matters with her. The two of you may spend the entire evening reviewing our work. I want both of you to cooperate as efficiently as possible."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Luna."

Vero turned toward Luna.

"Tonight, everything related to work with Leon is your responsibility, Luna. I'm going to sleep."

"Tomorrow is the official inauguration ceremony in this building."

"Everyone must know that I'm the new owner."

Luna nodded.

"Understood, Mr. V."

"I will carry out all of your orders."

Leon watched as Vero walked upstairs toward his room, while Luna headed directly into the office.

Having no other choice, Leon followed her.

"How may I assist you?"

"Bring me every company file."

"I'll review every document, and you'll explain everything to me one by one."

Leon glanced at the wall clock in confusion.

"But, Miss... it's already time to rest."

"Mr. V ordered us to discuss work throughout the entire night."

"But..."

"Carry out the order."

"Y-Yes... Miss," Leon replied nervously.

Leon gathered every company document and explained each detail carefully, while Luna recorded everything without missing a single piece of information.

It became an exhausting night for Leon.

Yet he wasn't allowed to close his eyes even once.

Luna simply wouldn't permit it.

As dawn was about to break, Leon asked with eyes heavy from exhaustion,

"So... may I finally get some sleep now?"

"The sun has not yet risen."

"Mr. V instructed us to discuss work throughout the entire night."

"My God..."

Leon grimaced in resignation.

However, when he looked at Luna's face—which remained as fresh and composed as ever, showing not the slightest hint of fatigue—he somehow found the strength to continue working.

"She's unbelievably dedicated," he muttered weakly.

That morning, the grand hall of Vanguard Zenith Tower was filled with distinguished guests.

Hundreds of leading entrepreneurs.

Directors of international banks.

Government officials, foreign investors, and members of the national media.

A long red carpet stretched from the main entrance to the grand stage, where the Vanguard Zenith logo stood prominently on display.

It was one of the most prestigious business events in the city.

Everyone had come for one reason alone—to witness the inauguration of the new owner and CEO of Vanguard Zenith.

At the very front of the hall, the VIP section was occupied by the city's most influential figures.

Among them sat Luna.

Dressed in an elegant white suit, with her long black hair flowing gracefully over her shoulders, she looked so refined that many guests quietly began guessing her identity.

"Perhaps she's the daughter of Vanguard Zenith's owner—the one who's being inaugurated as CEO today."

Whispers spread throughout the hall.

Meanwhile...

Backstage, Vero was dressed in a simple black suit. He reviewed the event schedule one last time with Leon.

"All the guests have arrived."

"The media is ready as well."

Leon closed his tablet.

"Now we're just waiting for the Chairman of the Board to begin the inauguration ceremony."

Vero nodded calmly.

Just as he was about to head toward the waiting room...

A burst of familiar laughter echoed from the main entrance.

Robert Davidson.

He entered alongside several powerful businessmen who still stood firmly on his side.

His eyes swept across the entire hall.

Then they stopped on Luna.

A cynical smile appeared on Robert's face.

"I knew it..."

"So that's the woman you've been trying to win over."

His gaze then shifted toward Vero, who was standing not far from the rear entrance.

His smile widened.

"Impressive."

"My former employee has finally learned how to chase wealthy women."

Several guests began paying attention.

Robert deliberately raised his voice.

"What if that young lady finds out you're nothing more than my former employee... who's still involved in a criminal case?"

"Do you think she'd still want to be with you?"

The entire hall gradually fell silent.

Dozens of media cameras immediately turned toward them.

Vero slowly looked at him.

Robert walked closer while applauding slowly.

"Most of the people here probably don't know who you are."

"So allow me to introduce you."

He pointed directly at Vero in front of everyone.

"This man..."

"Used to be my employee."

"A poor nobody."

"His salary wasn't even enough to buy the suit I'm wearing."

Several guests exchanged glances.

Robert let out a small laugh.

"And now he's trying to win the heart of Vanguard Zenith's future CEO."

"A shameless bootlicker who somehow managed to gain the Vanguard family's favor."

"Quite an extraordinary talent, wouldn't you agree?"

A few guests chuckled quietly.

"A woman of her status would never choose a lowly former employee like you."

More laughter rippled through the audience.

Robert savored every second of it.

He believed victory was already in his hands.

Vero glanced toward the stage where the inauguration would soon begin.

In just a few minutes, the announcement of Vanguard Zenith's new CEO would be made...

And he would be the one standing on that stage.

Vero looked back at Robert, his expression calm and unwavering.

"Robert..."

"Stop running your mouth."

"Before you end up regretting every single word you've just said," he declared firmly.

Seeing the scene unfold, Alice decided to join in.

"Watch your mouth in front of Robert, Vero," she sneered. "You're already in enough trouble, yet you still dare to act so disrespectfully. Once that future CEO finds out who you really are, you're finished. You're nothing but a weak man with no one to stand by your side. Have some pity on yourself!"

Vero looked at her coldly.

"A woman like you isn't worthy of speaking to me."

Alice's brow furrowed.

"You..."

"A poor nobody with no family name."

"You grew up in an orphanage!"

"You have absolutely no place among the elite."

Hearing those words, Leon instinctively stepped forward, ready to confront them.

"Don't, Leon," Vero said calmly.

"We don't have time to deal with two flies."

Without another glance, Vero and Leon walked away from Robert and Alice.

They took their seats among the distinguished VIP guests just as the host stepped onto the stage to begin the ceremony.

Alice stared in disbelief.

"How is he even allowed to sit in the VIP section?" she muttered through gritted teeth.