Chapter 26: You're Not the CEO Yet
"What?" Frank was flabbergasted. "Why would anyone care about that place? Besides, I haven't even done anything."
However, much to Frank's annoyance, Parker ignored his blatant lie. As he got back into the car, Parker left one last sentence. "Take this warning to heart lest you lose more than just money."
As the car's taillights disappeared into the distance, Frank's hands clenched tightly into fists. He clenched them so tightly that his nails dug into his skin, even drawing blood.
"That slut, I knew she was sleeping with someone, but to think it was some big-shot CEO. She probably went crying to him after I went there…"
…
In the car, Parker selected a number on the touchscreen display. The call was soon picked up, and the drowsy voice of Liam emerged.
"Is it done?"
"Yes, sir."
"How did it go? Anything of note?"
"It went as expected. He was angry, but he should take the warning seriously. The only abnormality that I noticed was that he stank of alcohol; it seems he does not wait until it's past the yardarm."
"Truly human scum through and through. Did you explain why we did that?"
"No, sir. I simply left a vague threat. I figured the mysteriousness of a power that could move the city's powers in less than a day would be enough of a deterrent. After all, you're not actually the CEO yet, so it was partly a bluff."
"Yes, I suppose you're right. Good work, Parker."
"Thank you, sir."
"Are you on your way back now?"
"Yes, sir."
"Can you pick me up a coffee and breakfast? I'm running late—"
"I've already placed the order, sir."
…
Oblivious the that morning's events, Jade was enjoying her sleep in. She slept until well after 9AM, and she did not get out of bed nearly 10AM.
'Ergh… Why am I so tired?'
Jade rolled groggily out of bed, dragging along her quilt, which was wrapped around her.
'It's probably all the stress. So much has happened recently. I used to wish for more excitement, for more drama, but now that I have it, I hate it… Why can't things go back to how they used to be, nice and peaceful?'
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Jade continued to complain internally as she put on some toast and switched on the TV.
'I suppose this is my own fault. As the saying goes—be careful what you wish for.'
On TV, Holly and Desmond, the hosts of that strange dream segment, were on. It seemed they were nearing the end of their morning show.
'I wonder if they've got any decent content. What are they talking about today? "How to communicate with those in the afterlife…" who allows this trash on air?'
She promptly flicked over to the morning news. However, when the local anchor read the day's headlines, Jade froze. Even when the toast popped up, she remained rooted to the spot.
"This morning, passers-by and patrons of a local cafe were terrorized by a masked man who threw a brick through the store's window. Police have a suspect who they are investigating, but no names have been released yet…"
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