章 25: Chapter 41: Unexpected Windfall
In mid-summer, a week had passed since Cyrus's return. During this time, news of A-Train's collision with a pedestrian had been trending, securing the second spot on the hot search rankings. The top spot was occupied by a story about the Supes' destruction of a terrorist organization in New York City. However, according to rumors, the so-called terrorist organization was merely a pirate DVD distributor.
At this moment, someone knocked suddenly on Cyrus's door.
Expecting it to be Blitz inviting him out for a meal, Cyrus was surprised to find a lawyer from Vought Group standing in the doorway.
"Hey there, I'm really glad you're with Vought Group; you just saved me a cab fare," the lawyer said.
"I'm Ilian Fast, a lawyer at Vought Group. Just call me Fast; that's what my friends call me." Fast, dressed in a suit, shook Cyrus's hand and then took a seat on the couch beside him.
"Would you like something to drink?"
Cyrus went to the fridge and retrieved two cans of cold cola.
"I'm guessing you didn't come here today to terminate my work contract," Cyrus said with a smile, tossing a can of cola to Fast.
"Of course not. With an employee like you, Vought wouldn't let you go even if I were fired." Fast pulled out a document from his black briefcase and handed it to Cyrus. "I have good news for you, pal. You're about to come into some money."
"Is that so? I didn't think Vought would be handing out bonuses to security guards."
Cyrus put down the cola and took the document from Fast.
He skimmed through the document, which was straightforward: essentially, it was a payoff to keep quiet.
It turned out that besides Huey, the incident involving A-Train had another eyewitness.
And that witness was Cyrus.
"This is a $20,000 check. All you need to do is make a public appearance at the upcoming press conference, confirm that A-Train was indeed chasing the bank robbers, and state that the woman was actually standing in the middle of the road, so A-Train didn't notice her."
"Just sign here, and I'll give you the check."
Fast produced a pen, removed the cap, and handed it to Cyrus.
With a confident smile, Fast seemed certain that the generous offer would be accepted by the security guard.
However, the next moment, his smile faltered.
Cyrus pushed the pen away and casually tossed the contract onto the table.
"Are you trying to refuse?" Fast's eyes narrowed, his tone carrying a hint of threat.
"Don't get me wrong. I just feel a bit guilty, so I need to think it over," Cyrus said, lounging with his legs crossed, sipping his cola, and showing no signs of guilt.
Fast, experienced in negotiations, quickly understood Cyrus's stance.
"I can add $5,000 at most."
Fast, no longer smiling, said with a dark expression.
"Given the impact of this incident, the fluctuation in Vought's stock value has likely exceeded hundreds of millions, and the PR costs must be at least several million dollars."
Cyrus's words made Fast stand up immediately.
"Pal, if you're going to ask for a fortune, you need to consider if you're even alive to spend it."
"Don't be nervous." Cyrus approached him, looking him in the eye. "What if I said I could testify that the woman ignored the traffic lights and crossed the road, so it wasn't A-Train who hit her but rather her hitting A-Train?"
The room fell silent for a few seconds before Fast's face broke into a wide grin, as if he were performing a dramatic change of expression.
"Man, you're a genius. It's a waste for you to be a security guard; you're clearly made for law." Fast clapped Cyrus on the shoulder, unable to contain his admiration. "Let's go. I'll buy you a drink, and we can discuss the details there."
Fast threw an arm around Cyrus's shoulder in a friendly manner.
Later, Fast took Cyrus to a bar named "Super." The exterior of the bar was unremarkable, but the security was tight. It wasn't until Fast presented his Vought Group ID that the bouncers allowed them inside.
The bar's interior was extravagantly decorated, a stark contrast to its plain exterior. Fast led Cyrus through the crowd. The place was filled with scantily clad dancers with stunning figures, dancing on poles under rapidly flashing neon lights, and money raining down from above, creating a feeling of opulence and excess.
However, Cyrus wasn't interested in the noisy environment as it diminished his responsiveness to the outside world.
"This is interesting." Cyrus detected many unusual brainwaves in the bar. If he guessed correctly, most of the patrons were superhumans.
What happened next confirmed his suspicion.
A scrawny guy managed to extend his arm to hug five or six men at once.
"Welcome to the world of superheroes."
Fast took two cocktails from a bunny-costumed waitress, handed one to Cyrus, raised his glass in a toast, and downed his drink.
"Cheers." Cyrus followed suit.
The two then sat on a vacant couch. Fast pointed to the dancers in the dance floor and said with a smile, "You can find any type you like here. But this round is on me."
"Forget it. I prefer something cleaner."
Cyrus leaned in and whispered to Fast.
Fast burst out laughing, "Just don't let them hear you say that, or they might tear you to shreds."
"By the way, if you're willing to testify, I can guarantee you'll get no less than this amount." Fast held up his hands, crossing his index fingers in a crucifix-like gesture.
After all, if Cyrus was willing to come forward, the PR costs for the whole affair would be cut in half.
"I'll take $20,000, with $10,000 going to a children's charity, and the remaining $70,000 for you."
Cyrus swirled his cocktail, gazing dreamily at the stage.
Fast's eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Why? No one's ever complained about having too much money."
"I heard my boss, Or, is going to resign soon."
"I can't make that decision." Fast frowned. He hadn't anticipated Cyrus's high demands. Or was a deputy supervisor in Vought's security department, and security was managed by Vought's HR department.
Typically, for someone in Cyrus's current position to become a deputy supervisor, they would need to pass through several stages: at least three years of work experience, being a deputy leader of a security team, then a team leader, and only then would they have a chance to become a deputy supervisor.
"Don't be so rigid. Rules are made by people. Connections are worth more than rules."
Cyrus stood up and walked towards A-Train, who was brooding alone.
(End of Chapter)
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