Chapter 13: Payback With Dividends

Shannon Inc. was the largest company in the Seaboard Industrial Block. It had an imposing grass and granite skyscraper reflecting the skies.

Alec, Seagal, and others who quit Damone Industries that morning, dressed up in formals and entered the Shannon Inc. building. They went through the large swiveling door, eyeing the main lobby with wonder. It was pristine, with waxed hardwood floors and rustic armchairs. A pretty receptionist instructed them to go up to the fourteenth floor, where the CEO's office was situated.

Rick McBride was the current CEO, a brilliant man in his early thirties. He welcomed them in his private lobby but looked as if he was in a hurry.

Rick asked Alec and the others to wait for their orientation since he was expecting a visit from the Chairman of Shannon Inc. Many key people of the company had gathered in the private lobby as well.

"What happened, Mr. McBride?" Alec asked. "Is something new happening in the company?"

Rick turned to him and said absentmindedly, "Yes. Shannon Inc. has joined a huge global conglomerate. Therefore, the Chairman decided to visit us and give a rundown of the changes that will follow."

Alex and Seagal's eyes lit up. A global conglomerate? That meant bigger salaries and opportunities to climb quickly up the corporate ladder. They had indeed made the right choice to quit the sinking Damone Industries.

Both men were industry veterans and could smell it when an opportunity to curry favor with the bosses presented itself.

"Sir, can we stay during this meeting?" Alec urged expectantly. "Since we'll be working in managerial positions, we want to introduce ourselves to the Chairman."

In Edgar's company, they were crucial employees, but in Shannon, their positions were middle management since it was a much larger company.

Rick was hesitant about Alec's request but agreed after Seagal, and the others made the same appeals. "Fine, you guys can stay. But don't take any seats. Just stand quietly in a row, and behave yourself. Our Chairman, Mr. Desmond Shannon, is a meticulous man, and he doesn't tolerate any indiscipline."

Alec, Seagal, and the rest nodded obediently and stood in a row with their shirts buttoned up. Their first impression upon the Chairman would determine their long-term career in the company.

Rick left the lobby for a minute to supervise his subordinates in another room.

"Guys," Alec whispered. "This is a great opportunity to suck up to the big boss. Let's try to impress him."

Seagal nodded. "Mr. McBride said that Shannon Inc. joined a vast conglomerate. That means we may get a salary rise and even growth opportunities. Abandoning the Damones to come here was the best decision of our lives!"

The rest of the group nodded. They were excited to meet the Chairman and learn which group took over Shannon Inc.

Just then, Victor Damone walked into the private lobby. He wore his usual bespoke suit, and his hair was combed back neatly. He looked very elegant with his gait and icy demeanor, but in the traitors' eyes, he was still a loser.

"Victor?" Alec barked. "What the heck are you doing here?"

"Have you come to Shannon Inc. to beg for investment?" Segal said with a smirk. "Or have you followed us here hoping we will return?"

"You are really pathetic," Alec added. "Get out of here now, or I will call security to eject you by the scruff of your neck!"

Victor ignored their insults, walked to the VIP section, and took a lounge seat.

"Are you out of your mind, you fool!" Seagal exclaimed. "That seat is for the Chairman of this company! Will you listen, or must I beat you up right here?!"

The lobby door opened and Rick McBride returned, accompanied by a tall, well-built man. Edward Shannon was a proud businessman who always kept his chin up. At thirty-five years, he had built a billion-dollar company, which reigned over the Seaboard Industrial Block.

Thinking that Victor's presence would ruin the environment, Alec and Seagal came at him. "Begone, Victor!" Seagal snapped.

Alec rushed at him intending to tackle. But what he saw shocked him to the core.

Edward Shannon and Rick McBride approached Victor Damone and bowed their heads to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you in person, sir," Shannon said in a submissive tone. "Mr. Clive Baron speaks highly of you. Please accept my humblest regards."

Rick McBride stood there and did not speak a word. He was a mere CEO of a growing company, while the legendary man before him intimidated even country heads. If rumors were to be believed, the man's net worth was greater than the economies of several major countries! Rick was too small a personality even to be allowed to utter a compliment.

Victor nodded at their curtsies showing no emotion. He was acquainted with adulation and praise in the olden days, and that too from exponentially more prominent personalities.

Hank and Seagal lost their composure.

"Mr. Shannon! Mr. McBride! This is a farce!"

"You have been duped!"

"This man is Victor Damone, heir to a sinking company in this industrial block. He is on the verge of bankruptcy and has already lost his mind. Now he has the audacity to scam you all!"

"Yes! He's worse than scum, this man. He's taken us for fools!"

"Whatever lies he has fed you, don't believe them! Throw them out of the building now!"