Chapter three

The luxurious room was dimly lit, and the only sound was coming from the large flat-screen TV, mounted on the crystal wall.

The news channel was playing, and the anchor’s voice was somber as he delivered the news of the current event.

Two young men Logan and Sammy, dressed in a tailored suit, sat on a plush couch, sipping drinks from the crystal glass. In the midst of a conversation, their voices hush as the familiar name is uttered.

“News highlights: billionaire and business icon Asher Richmond has died in an accident, a report says…….” The two young men exchanged a glance. Their expressions changed, and they smiled, raising their glasses to a silent toast.

“Well, I think that's the only highlight we need.”

Logan said as he stood up from the couch, his movement fluent and confident. He walked over to the TV and turned it off, the room falling silent.

As he turned back to Sammy, a triumphant smile spread across his face.

Logan's features were chiseled, his jawline strong and defined. His eyes were a piercing blue, sparkling with victory. His black hair was styled perfectly, framing his face with a hint of ruggedness.

He exuded an aura of confidence and charisma, his presence commanding attention.

As he smiled, his eyes crinkled at the corners, and his lips curled up in a way that was both charming and intimidating.

Sammy seemed to bask in Logan's glory, his own smile mirroring Logan's.

Logan settled down into the couch, a shot glass in hand, as he and Sammy clinked the glass together in a toast.

"To Asher Richmond," Logan said, his voice low and smooth, "may his demise favor our coast."

They echoed the toast, their glasses clinking together in agreement, and then gulped.

The whiskey burned down in their throats, and Logan felt a rush of satisfaction.

Sammy grinned, clinking his glass against Logan's once more. “I'm loving this alignment with you, man,” he said, his voice filled with camaraderie.

“We've been planning this for years, and now I can finally see us at the top.”

Logan chuckled, a dry, amused sound.

“Yeah, it's about time I take what's mine,” he said, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

Sammy laughed, a deep, throaty sound. “When Logan shoots, Logan doesn’t miss,” he said as he gulped down another shot.

“So, Logan,” Sammy continued, his voice inquisitive.

"Now that Asher is out of the way, what's the next move?” he asked, his voice low and measured.

Logan looked calculating for a bit, and as his lips moved to answer, the door opened and Staci entered.

Her professional demeanor and crisp corporate attire were a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of the room.

She wore a fitted blazer and a short skirt, her glasses perched at the end of her nose as she efficiently navigated through her iPad.

She was like a toy to Logan, who does any dirty bidding to satisfy him, satisfying his cravings.

Staci's gaze landed on the empty bottles of whiskey, and her expression subtly shifted.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” she said, her voice polished and composed. “It seems like you guys are celebrating too early.”

Logan's smile never wavered, but his eyes took on a cool, calculating glint. “We are just in the moment, Staci, and a little whiskey won't hurt,” his voice was low and detached.

Staci looked firm, and her grip on the tab tightened. "Anyways, I have some intel," she said, making Logan inquisitive.

Logan then stood up, his movement fluid and deliberate as he walked towards Staci. His dominant aura seemed to fill the space around him, making Staci's eyes flutter slightly as she met his gaze.

Despite her professionalism, a hint of vulnerability flickered in her eyes.

As he stopped in front of her, that craving returned. Deep down, Staci harbored feelings for Logan, but she knew he only saw her as a valuable asset, a tool used to his own benefit.

"I am sure you are familiar with the news."Logan said, his voice cold and manipulative.

"That's been our goal, so now that it has been achieved, I believe you have some intel for me”.

Logan's eyes narrowed as he continued.

“We have spies there, Staci. Now that he is dead, they should be sending us reports on what they plan to do next and who is planning to step up.”

Staci's expression turned focused, her fingers flying across the iPad screen as she spoke.

"That's what brought me here, Logan; there is a problem."

Logan's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed slightly. "What do you mean, problem?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Staci's fingers drummed against the iPad. "Our informant tells me that Iyo Richmond, Asher's only child and daughter, is positioning herself to take over her father's empire,” she said, her voice measured and sharp.

Sammy's voice chimed in, with a hint of amusement: “Bro, looks like we've got a threat on our way.”

Staci's eyes met with Logan's, her expression inquiring, “So what's next? In my opinion, we can't underestimate that girl.”

Logan's gaze seemed to drift into the distance, his eyes calculating and cold. For a moment he stood still, and his mind worked overtime. Then his lips curled, revealing a wicked smile.

“We do only one thing to threats: eliminate them,” Logan said as he gestured to Staci, walking out of the room with Staci at his tail.

………………..

Matilda sat in the conference room, surrounded by the sleek, modern decor, as she discussed some important business with two other high-ranking officials.

Their voices were hushed, but the intensity of the conversation was clear.

Just as they were moving on, the door opened and Aldis, the chief of operation and second in command to the late Richmond, walked in.

He cleared his throat, a subtle but clear signal that the meeting needed to be adjourned.

The two executives immediately stood up, nodding at Matilda. “Maybe we will finalize everything another time.”

Matilda smiled politely, her eyes flicking to Aldis as the executive filed out of the room. Once the door was closed behind them, Matilda turned her attention to Aldis.

"What's this about? I hope this is good," she asked, her voice low with a hint of curiosity.

Aldis dropped a document on the table, his expression professional. "You have to read this, Matilda," he said with a firm voice.

Matilda's gaze flickered from Aldis to the documents, her expression turning skeptical. She raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes slightly before she spoke.

“Stop all this drama, Aldis, and just talk,” she said, her voice dry.

Aldis's voice took a subtle manipulative tone. “Richmond, your husband and my boss passed away days ago, Matilda, and yet you are still trying to navigate the complexities of the company. When is the funeral exactly? And what are your plans for the company's future? These are questions the boards are asking.”

Matilda's eyes began to well up with emotions as she struggled to find the right words.

She felt overwhelmed, the weight of her husband passing and the responsibility he'd left her with bearing down on her like a physical force.

She tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat.

Aldis's eyes gleamed with a subtle intensity as he watched Matilda break down, a hint of satisfaction flickering within him.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice taking on a tone that was both professional and slightly condescending.

“Are you sure you're ready for this position, Matilda?” he asked, his words dripping with doubt.

Matilda's head hung low, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to contain her emotions. She looked up at Aldis, her eyes red-rimmed and tear-stained, and she shook her head. "I'm not sure, Aldis."

Aldis’s face curved into a subtle manipulative smile as he leaned back in his chair. “In that case, Matilda, I think it is clear you are not ready to take on the responsibility of this position,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension.

He paused, letting his words sink in, before continuing, “Given your……. emotional state, I think it's best if I take the position myself. For the sake of the company, of course.

Matilda looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of desperation and defeat. She seemed to realize that she was being manipulated but couldn't muster the strength to resist.

“You can focus on…grieving; I'll make sure the company runs smoothly.”

With mockery in his voice, he reached for the documents, preparing to leave, but before he could grasp them, the door swung open and Iyo barged in.

With swift motion she snatched the documents from the table, stripping them from his outstretched hand.

They both could tell she was different; she was exuding a newfound confidence and authority that was hard to ignore.

Her black curly hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face and revealing her striking features.

Her eyes sparkled with determination and eyeshadow that accentuated the natural shape of her eyes, making them even more striking.

Her lipstick was a deep, bold red that perfectly complemented her skin tone.

She was dressed in a tailored black pantsuit that hugged her curves in all the right places, showcasing her toned physique and impeccable style.

Iyo's gaze met Aldis, her eyes flashing with determination. But his expression darkened as he turned to Iyo. "And what do you think you are doing?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Iyo's gaze flickered to her mother, Matilda, who still looked a bit lost. And she offered a gentle and reassuring smile.

With a subtle nod, Iyo turned her attention back to Aldis, her expression a calm and collected authority. "Aldis," she said, her voice even and measured. "What are you doing with my documents?”

Aldis's expression turned perplexed, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “What do you mean by my documents?” He asked with a hint of defensiveness, “These documents are company property and are specially for the next chief executive.”

Iyo's smile grew as she replied, “Exactly, that's why I am taking it, because it is company property, and as the new CEO, I'm not going to let anyone undermine or manipulate me.”

Aldis's face darkened with a mocking smirk on his face, his expression twisting in annoyance. "You think you are fit for this position?" he sneered. "You're still young, Iyo; stay out of this because you will always be Richmond's little daughter. You don't have the experience to run this institution.”

Iyo's voice took a warning tone as she spoke.

“I'm just 25, but don't you ever call me a 'small girl' or imply that I'm not fit.” Iyo spat like a venom. “I'm the next of kin after my mother, and if she's not ready to step up, I am more than mature enough to do so. And if you try to question my position again, I may just find a replacement for your position. Do I make myself clear?”

Aldis's expression changed; his eyes widened slightly as he realized that she was different. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he sensed her aura, a palpable force that commanded respect.

He seemed taken aback, then with a slight nod, he turned and walked out of the room.

As he departed, Iyo's gaze followed him, her eyes gleaming with quiet intensity.

As the door closed behind Aldis, Iyo turned to her mother, Matilda, and saw her lost in her own thoughts.

Iyo's expression softened, and she walked over to her mother, enveloping her in a warm hug.

“Oh, Mom.”Iyo said, her voice filled with affection, “You are too weak for this power, Mother. That's why I am taking it.”