Chapter 3
As a sharp businessman, keen insight is second nature. From the moment this meeting started, I had noticed how these people clung to Gideon, laughing at his every word, nodding along like obedient lapdogs. They had also received the largest red envelopes at the start of the year—so full they were nearly bursting. The company had a clear policy: the annual start-up red envelopes were to be equal for everyone, regardless of rank or position. Yet, these people were different. It was obvious Gideon had manipulated things from behind the scenes. And Everett, foolish as ever, had actually entrusted him with such an important position. Even I, the true power behind this company, could hardly stand watching this farce unfold. “You little bastard, what nonsense are you spewing? We have nothing to do with Gideon!” “That’s right! We just can’t stand watching you leech off the company’s resources, so we spoke up!” “What right do you, a kept man, have to question us?” I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay calm. My sharp glare shut them up for a moment. Then, I smirked. “I admit I’m indeed younger and more handsome than all of you,” I said casually. Then, my expression turned ice-cold. My voice, sharper than a knife, cut through the air. “But I don’t appreciate being called a gigolo.” I took a step forward, locking eyes with them. “I suggest you never use that term again.” “Because if I get angry, the consequences will be severe.” My sudden shift in presence made them stiffen. For a moment, they were speechless, their cowardice laid bare. Gideon, seeing his lackeys falter, stepped forward with an ugly scowl. “You little bastard, do you think I’ll let you get away with this?” “You’re just a worthless bum who got fired. And yet, you dare to act all high and mighty in front of me?” “Let me make it clear—today, I’m not just kicking you out of this company, I’m going to make you strip down and leave in shame!” I almost laughed at how ridiculous he sounded. New York’s business world was certainly more entertaining than London’s. At least here, I got to witness a clown show in broad daylight. “Gideon, do your words represent the company?” I asked, my voice eerily calm. Gideon waved dismissively. “Of course!” “Boy, let me spell it out for you. Madam Everett is divorcing you. She never liked you—not from the beginning, not ever.” I smirked, unfazed. “Oh? Is that so?” I tilted my head slightly. “Did Everett tell you that herself?” Gideon sneered and nodded. “Obviously! You don’t actually think the chairman of a listed company would ever fall for a loser like you, do you?” “If it weren’t for the old chairman forcing her, you’d have been kicked out ages ago!” So my suspicions were correct. The Whitaker Family thought they were strong enough now to abandon me. That they could just toss me aside after using me to build their empire. But they had seriously miscalculated. Did they really think they could betray me and walk away unscathed? I had single-handedly built the Whitaker Family’s empire in just three years. With a single phone call, I could strip them of everything—reduce them back to nothing. But where was the fun of ending things so soon? No, this game was just beginning. Gideon had no idea what was going through my mind. Seeing me stand there silently, he assumed I was scared. His grin widened, his arrogance grew. “Hey, Des, everyone’s waiting. Are you going to take off your clothes, or should I have someone do it for you?”