Chapter 14: Payback With Dividends 2

The silent Rick McBride rushed forward and landed consecutive slaps across Alec and Seagal's faces. "You bloody idiots! How dare you speak about our patron this way! You are nothing more than bugs in his presence!"

Patron? The two traitors caressed their stinging red faces, confused. How was Victor a patron of Shannon Inc.? That did not make any logical sense.

Didn't all six of them resign from his drowning company this morning? They crunched the numbers to discover that Damone Industries would be boarded up in a week!

"Who are these clowns?" Edward Shannon asked Rick with an annoyed expression.

Rick looked guilty. "I'm sorry, sir. But we just hired them. They came over from Damone Industries."

Edward turned to Victor, who gestured that he'll handle the situation.

Victor left his seat and walked up to Alec and Seagal. "Both of you are fired," he said with finality and turned to Alan, the new CEO of Damone Industries.

"Moving forward, Shannon Inc. will be the major client of Damone Industries. Both companies will complement each other in terms of production and supply. Baron International has agreed to hand over a thirty million dollar housing project near Springfield rapids to us. Both companies will complete the project together, and profits will be shared evenly."

Edward Shannon's eyes lit up. "Oh, this is great news, sir! After Baron International took over our company, I was already elated. Now you have brought us such a massive project? It will make Seaboard the second leading industrial block in Springfield!"

Alec and Seagal's stomachs lurched. A thirty-million-dollar project! If they had been a part of it, they could have made half a million each at least! Was Victor Damone indeed capable of such miracles? Had he been keeping his influence secret?

Alec and Seagal went to their knees, as did the other traitors. "Mr. Damone! I have come to my senses! Please forgive me!" Alec said, with folded hands.

"I apologize for my rash behavior, sir!" Seagal cried. "I was ignorant! Please take us back!"

Victor ignored them, getting up, and buttoning up his suit gracefully.

The CEO, Rick McBride, approached the traitors. He grabbed Alec and Seagal by the scruff of their necks and dragged them out of the lobby into the corridor. "Get out of here, you scum!"

Victor walked into the VIP lift as the raucous screams of repenting traitors rang throughout the corridor.

***

Clive Baron was waiting for him in the garage. "How did it go, sir? Did Shannon act with courtesy? He can get a little too excited."

"Shannon is your subordinate, I assume?"

The billionaire nodded. "Unfortunately so, sir. He's my protégé and is still learning from my guidance."

Victor nodded and checked his phone for messages. He found a WhatsApp message from a saved number. Sophia Baker. The cardiac surgeon who operated on Edgar. She had tricked Carol into giving her Victor's unlocked phone.

[This is Sophia. We met today in Springfield Hospital. Let's have dinner.]

She was a woman of few words and did not mess around giving lengthy introductions. She straightway went for the kill. Victor had a shorter reply for her. "I'm busy."

He had received an email from [realhaleyb@gmail.com].

[Dearest Victor, this is Haley B. Hope you still remember me. I heard you're active again. Incidentally, I have a concert in Springfield tomorrow. Please come to meet me. If you don't, I'll leak to social media that I, Haley B, international superstar, am your lover.]

[Yours forever, Haley B.]

Victor sighed and deleted the email immediately. Haley B was one of the biggest pop stars in the country and had three blockbuster movies under her belt. She was a brand ambassador for luxury products like Chanel and Dior. However, she was obsessed with Victor and wanted his attention.

"Where to next, sir?" Clive asked, interrupting his thoughts. "I am excited to know about your plans."

Victor nodded. Soon, he would get a mission from the New World Order and had to be ready. Clive was simply speaking in code.

"You shouldn't be chauffeuring me around during the day," he said, drawing a frown from Clive. "If someone recognizes you, it will be trouble."

"But, sir…"

"You can be my driver at night. During the daytime, I'll use an inconspicuous ride."

The billionaire relaxed. For a moment, he thought he was being replaced as his servant. "What kind of ride do you need, sir?"

"Let's go to the nearest motorcycle dealership. About my plans, I'll communicate them once I wrap up a few things in Springfield."