Chapitre 8: Zinc corporation

Brad's POV

"Miss Jackson care to explain to me why you are far away from the city with my car at this ungodly hour."

"The car run out of gas" She answered in a wavering stuttering tone.

"Miss Jackson," I said gritting through my teeth.

"Are you dumb or you just don't understand simple English."

She frowns

"I ....my .. friend" she fumbles and shifted her gaze from me to her friend.

The pimp guy scratched his head and shrugged.

I was amused that he got off the radar too soon. From the little digging, I did the fine he was charged was quite enormous. Later I found out from a reliable source, it was paid off by an anonymous person. There is something about him that screams bad news, and I'm going to find out what his story is.

The pimp fidgets with his hair nervously, his eyes fixed on the ground, not daring to stare back at me when he noticed I was intensely gazing at him.

I smirked. I do have that intimidating effect on people. My attention shifted to the seductive wild hair girl.

"The next time you venture on your nocturnal activities, make sure you don't use any of my cars as your means of transport.". I blankly said.

"Mr. Smith she is not to be blamed, it's my fault I talked her into this," the pimp guy said.

I ignored him,

"James " I called out

"Get the car fueled up, and take the young man home, Miss Jackson and I will be driven back home by Michael" My new chauffeur, I employed his service tonight, he was one of our security guards at the mansion. Since James is now officially April's chauffeur.

I opened the door of the car, as a gentleman waiting for her to get in.

She stood there with her arms folded busily talking to the pimp guy.

"Miss Jackson, are you coming or not, I can't sacrifice more of my hours of sleep for you."

She sighed in resignation, She said goodbye to the pimp, hugging him.

And quietly entered the car, I followed suit. Sitting beside her.

Her lips were pressed firmly, "That was so rude" she muttered, rolling her eyes

I heard it.

"What did you just say"

Her eyes widened, and she covers her mouth with her palm.

"I was not referring to you sir"

"Who else are you with in this car," I asked

"Maybe I was unconsciously talking to myself"

"Then you need to go for a mental evaluation quick, because I don't intend on doing business with a mentally disable person," I said

She gaped crossing her arms on her chest.

"Did you just call me crazy?"

"Are you ?" I asked with my eyebrows up

she spouted, with annoyance written all over her face.

She instantly went awful quiet, that was odd though, I was expecting a reply from her.

That is a good thing, every word exchanged with her comes with mixed feelings that leave me puzzled.

I was agitated when James called to inform me she went on a ride in my Maserati Alfieri with her riff. raff of a friend. But when I tracked the car's location to this dangerous area of a small town outside the city I was worried about her safety.

It amuses me how quickly I stormed out of the house to come to fetch her.

I can't comprehend my reaction, from the second time I got to interact with her at my study. I can't seem to get her out of my mind. she complicated things more tonight when I saw her in that seductive dress. It's like I have lost all sense of reason, and I'm being driven by a feeling I can't describe.

I need to get a grip and be focused on the sole prize, the Zinc Corporation. She is just a tool I'm investing in to get my heart desires nothing more. Maybe that is why I was a little concerned about her safety because she is a tool I can't afford to lose.

Emotions make me look pathetic and weak, I'm not going to let my guard down again, the less I interact with her the better until I come up with a plan on my next move concerning her.

I glanced at her and frowned. did she dress like this on purpose? from what my mother told me, and what I have observed she is quirky and naive? Could it be we were both wrong about that? What if she is just like her treacherous cunning mother, and has her an agenda?

I felt my shoulder get heavy, her head was resting on my shoulder, She was sleeping. I adjusted myself, carefully placing her head on my laps. I could hear the softness of her breathe.

I couldn't resist lingering my stare.

My fingers found their way brushing her soft delicate skin. My eyes fell on her soft plump lips. I was tempted to steal a kiss. I quickly took my finger off.

Why am I feeling this way? I've met beautiful sophisticated women around the world none has sparked this sort of feeling before. This is crazy, this is my third encounter with her, and I'm so infatuated with her.

I should keep a safe distance between us. I hate this, burning desire I'm feeling in my heart. I can't afford to be weak in this dangerous world of mine.

I took in a deep breath. This is going to be harder than I thought.

****************

I got April safely to the mansion and made Mike drive me to my Penthouse. I spent the night there, I decided it best I stay there for a while. I'm hoping not seeing her for a while can evaporate the unwanted silly feeling I have for her.

I'm on my way to the Zinc corporation board meeting at the moment. This going to be a real torture, listening to those fools' rantings. I'm hoping whatever transpire today works in our favor.

I'm quite looking forward to seeing the face of that bastard, Chris Anderson. When he gets to find out our shares has increased from 7 percent shares to 20 percent shares. It is such a rapid change, it going to blow his mind away.

Soon I was at the Zinc corporation building. I decided to drive myself there today, just to relax my tensed muscles.

I quickly made my way to the conference room where the meeting was held. When I walked in every eye was on me. I could see the deadly vicious stares of all my foes in the room. I smirk walking confidently to my seat.

I was the last person to arrive.

The acting President of Zinc corporation, Mr. Rivers, the late President's trusted Attorney Stood up "Since everyone is here now, our discussion begins" he said, his powerful voice filling the room making everyone present prick their ears to listen to him.

He sat back down.

"Before we, deliberate on the agenda of today's meeting, I could like to acknowledge drastic changes in Zinc shares.

My mood lightens up

"The Smith's shares has raised from 7 percent shares to 20 percent." The room went silent.

I smirk staring at the shock on their faces, my eyes met the right face I was looking for, Chris Anderson. His eyes fixed on me with a cold deadly snarl, he was sitting opposite me. I saw his fist clenching.

"Congratulations Mr. Smith," he said in a mockery tone. I stared back at him with a blank expression.

Others follow suit in congratulating me. Now they know, we the Smith's are not to be underestimated, It about time they know who is the true power here, we have been a doormat for them for so long. The table just turn. This is a new era.

It was quite difficult to obtain the new shares from the previous owners, the lawsons. They were a hard nut to crack, but as cunning and persistent I was, I was able to find their weakness to break down their defense, their daughter, the beautiful Helena. A scandalous prodigal daughter of the lawsons. They always tried covering up all the treacherous deeds she always commits, but there was one outrageous shocking crime that they thought they have buried deeply. But I was able to dig up that secret. The murder of their former gardener which their beautiful daughter is guilty of, a crazy dangerous sexual violence game went wrong leading to the Gardener's death. With their wealth and influence, they were able to make it look like an accident. I found incriminating evidence against their daughter that could put her away for a very long time and destroy the reputation of their family. They had no choice but to abide by my will, giving up their 13 percent shares to me and opting out of Zinc Corporation. In this dangerous and vicious world of ours. I need to be ruthless and cold-hearted in getting what I want.

The Zinc corporation, a great empire on its own, dominates every sector in the business world, with the biggest group of companies under it. The corporation is worth billions. Everyone in the elite society is dying to have shares in this great business empire.

The company had five major shareholders, Powerful elite families with their own business empires. The Anderson's, the Parkers, the Smith's, the lawson's, who are out now. And the sole owner and founder of Zinc corporation, the Late Mr. Luke Montgomery, and his family.

The Parkers have 8 percent shares, The Anderson's 12 percent shares, now we the Smith's owns 20 percent shares, with 13 additional shares I just obtained from the Lawson's. Of course, the Montgomery's have the largest share, 60 percent shares, the lion share.

Now with the lawsons out of the race, two more opponents to eliminate, then my final quest, the 60 percent shares. I thought that was impossible, but thanks to the weakness of the late Mr. Montgomery, I got one priceless tool, April Jackson to use to achieve my biggest goal, becoming the sole owner of Zinc Corporation.

"Okay let's begin the agenda of today" Mr. Rivers suddenly said.

"The Zinc mall project," he said clasping his hands together.

"The Zinc mall project is coming on this year, but with the big losses occurring in one of Zinc corporation's biggest company, the Zinc construction, and real estate company. It seems it going to be a major problem that will hinder the success of this project. We need to find solutions before things deteriorate for the worst. "

My lips pursed, I smirk. Things are working in my favor.

Before anyone could speak. I spoke first.

"The major problem of Zinc construction, and real estate company is, it lacking good investors to finish up its projects leading to the drop of profits, and also it's building designs are outmoded, out of date that doesn't meet the standard of the new modern building designs. At the rate at which the company is losing its big clients. The reputation of Zinc construction and real estate company is going down the drain." I paused noticing I got everyone's attention, they are eager to know what I'm going to say next.

"So we need a solution, I'm your solution," I said confidently "

They gasped murmuring among themselves.

Chris Anderson's eyebrows were drawn up with curiousness.

"You all can testify to the fact success of my company, Lynx in just a short period, and our major income is from our construction and real estate company. Which is also the biggest Competitor of Zinc construction and real estate company. So why not have a partnership with my company on this Zinc mall project. Not only will there be an assurance of 100 percent success of the project, but also Zinc construction and real estate can derive benefits from my expertise, lifting the company back to its formal glory. Killing two birds with one stone"

I inhaled deeply after I ended. I passed on to Mr. Rivers, my drafted proposal, After he read through he nodded with an approved look. I brought copies so Mr. Rivers's assistant passed them on to everyone.

I stared at their faces waiting for their reaction.

Some nodded in affirmation, but I got Stern looks from foes of mine, I'm not surprised at all.

Mr. Rivers cleared his throat.

"Hmm, this is going to be tough, another partnership offer"

I frown noticing the smirk on Chris Anderson's face, That bastard has already made his sneaky move but I'm not backing down. I never accept defeat.

" The Anderson's construction company just submitted a proposal a week ago, I intended to bring this up for discussion today but it looks we got another proposal"

Mr. Rivers whispered to his assistant, she went out and few minutes brought back copies of what looked like Chris Anderson's proposal.

She passes them out to everyone including me. I glanced through and I chuckled, that's a good proposal though. But no match to mine.

"Okay time to vote. , Are you in favor of Mr. Anderson's proposal? "

Few managing directors voted for him including members of the Montgomery family.

"Those in favor of Mr. Smith's proposal ?"

I got votes from the remaining managing directors, who are not biased or influenced by the Andersons. I also got votes from the Parker family. The Smith and the Parkers have had close business ties for three generations now, they have proven to be a good business ally.

I had the majority votes, making me the victor

"Congratulations Mr. Smith you got the partnership"

I smirked gazing at the disdainful look in Chris Anderson's eyes.

"That brings us to the end of today's meeting". Mr. Rivers announced, after a few handshakes, he left with the other board members. I was left alone with Chris Anderson who sat frozen in his seat.

I was waiting for his confrontation.

He got out of his seat walks up to me with a scorn expression written on his face. " You think you have won, just for today though, Don't forget there is one big battle ahead of us. and I assure you I'm going to be victorious," he said

My eyebrows ached together.

"You know what, make sure you lick your wounds well and prepare for the battle ahead, but do that quick, because I may be one step ahead of you," I said

He chuckles

"You sure about that, Smith? you think she is in your grasp so she is yours. Smith an advise to you, make sure you tighten the grip you have on her, you never know when I'm going to strike."

I froze, taken back. How did he find out about her so quickly?

I shoot him a cold glare.

He smirked.

"Oh I forget to tell you, I love that wild hair of hers, it turns me on, You know the moment she passed by me at the club I recognized her from the pics. Damn, she looks so hot and sexy. I can't wait to have her on my bed"

My eyes darkens I was burning with fury, at the thought of him touching April with his dirty hands. I clenched my fist throwing a punch to his face, my fist connected to his jaw. The impact made him fall on his back.

He got up, with a cut lip, and a few drops of blood oozing out from his lips.

He touched his lips checking the damage.

He burst into hysterical laughter when he saw the blood.

This guy is sick.

"Oh Brad that was a good punch, the rumors about you being the most feared opponent in the boxing ring was true after all." he laughed.

"I'm going let this go, Smith, because it feels good to see how angry and devastated you look, today I got to crack that cold wall of yours. The stone-cold Brad Smith has emotions after all. So long Pal till we met again". he winks at me and walked out with his laugher echoing in the room.

He is right about one thing, I'm not going to sit back and watch him steal April out of my clutches. She a new priceless toy of mine, and I'm very possessive when it comes to my favorite toys. He just started a war he can't win.

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