CODY’s POV

“Mr. Simmons! Mr Simmons!! How do you feel about tonight’s loss?” A reporter shoved a mic in my face.

“I don’t see it as a loss, but as an advancement in our society– even globally.” I started, my voice calm, “You don’t need to be in the spotlight for decades before you make an impact. Miss Rodriguez is proof that innovation lays in every single person, even you.” I winked at the reporter and she blushed.

Another reporter spoke “Would you say Miss Rodriguez’s presence in the US is a threat to your company?”

I gave a charming smile, “The Sims Industries has been a forerunner in technological development for decades; we’re very much secure.”

“Mr Simmons! What–”

“That will be all!” My bodyguard yelled, ushering me through the crowd of reporters and blinding lights.

Once we got into the limousine, the smile on my face fell.

I whipped out my phone and punched his number immediately.

“What the fuck just happened?” I snapped, loosening my tie.

“Sir, we tried all we could but–”

“But what?? I paid you a million dollars to secure that award, and you’re telling me you tried?” I hissed, my voice tight with fury.

“Sir, please understand, it was out of my hands…She offered them higher.” His pathetic voice rang from the phone.

I scoffed, “She?”

“Imani Rodriguez, she bribed the board… she paid triple.”

Triple? “Are you trying to say I couldn’t afford it??” I demanded, my voice icy.

“No!No! Sir, th-thats not what I meant!!!” He said frantically.

I cut the call, my jaw clenching in anger.

I had been vying for that award for a year now. A whole year of bribing, of kissing ass… all for some European bitch to take it from me??

My phone rang out and I answered it angrily.

“What is it??” I snarled.

“Jeez, someone’s pissed.” His voice drawled.

“My money went down the fucking drain, of course I’m pissed.”

“Well, I did warn you about that…”

“Did you call just to rub it in my face or do you have something sensible for once to offer?” I said, my voice sharp

He chuckled, “You need to relax… you should come to the club.“

“I could use a drink or two.” I muttered, my voice tight.

“And a stripper or two.” He said mischievously.

“That’s out of the question. No strippers in the booth.” I said firmly.

“Fine, fine…”He sighed in mock defeat, “Can’t you loosen up for once?”

“See you there.” I ended the call.

“John.”

“Yes, boss.” The driver answered.

“To Hamilton club.”

He nodded, and turned his eyes to the road, and in thirty minutes, we arrived.

I rolled my tie in a perfect knot, straightened my beige suit before stepping out of the car.

I gave my signature charming smile to the paparazzi and walked into the club.

Even with chandeliers hanging at every corner, it had a warmly lit, void of the flashing lights of the press.

A waiter approached me and bowed, “Mr Simmons, this way sir.” He led me to my VVIP booth, like I didn’t already know the way there.

“You actually came…” His words slurred as he approached me.

“Are you drunk already?”

“What? Noooo….” His voice oozed of alcohol.

Typical Harry. I wondered how he is liver hadn’t failed by now.

“Youre going to die in a couple years at this rate.” I said, looking at the empty bottles of whiskey on the table.

“I’ll just buy another liver.” He shrugged and sunk into the velvet couch, a careless laugh on lips.

I sat at the other end, pouring myself a cup of whiskey.

“If only your father could see you now.” I shook my head.

“The bastard never gave a shit in his life, I doubt he’d have any to give now that he’s dead.” He said with a dark chuckle, a hint of bitterness in his voice, “Kinda wish he was like your dad.”

I chortled, If only he knew.

“Shouldn’t you be in Europe for the convention?” I changed the topic.

“Sent a representative. Perks of being CEO I guess.” He smirked, chugging the whiskey from the glass.

I took a sip of whiskey, “Youre being careless Harry. If you’re not actively present in the company, they’d take everything your father worked for.” I warned.

“I would loveee to see his legacy destroyed, he’d be rolling in his fucking grave.” He laughed loudly, unhinged.

And as I took another sip and lifted my eyes, my heart pounded against my rib cage.

She was seated in a booth not too far from mine.

What are the fucking odds?

The chandelier was right above her, shining dimly on her slender face.

“Helloooo? Earth to Cody??” He slurring, dragging my eyes away from her.

“Hm?”

“Damn, youre taking the loss so hard Youre even zoning out.”

I clenched my glass and slammed it on the table, “I never lose.”

“Sorry to burst your bubble Cody, but you just did and what’s worse? You lost to a woman.” He said with a snarky chuckle.

“Shes a newbie. In a year or so she’d fade from the spotlight, just like the rest.” I stated, my tone dismissive.

“Just like the rest?” His gaze darkened, his voice now serious.

I clenched my glass tighter, “If it comes to it.” I said firmly, my voice low.

“Well, I don’t think Imani Rodriguez can be gotten rid of so easily, I mean, she outbid you. Who has ever achieved such a feat?”

I chuckled, “You’re forgetting something harry.”

“Oh?” He arched a brow.

“No matter how much money she has, a woman will always be a woman.” I smirked and called for the waiter.

He hurried to my side, “Yes sir?”

“Your most expensive wine, serve it to Miss Rodriguez.” I gestured subtly to her booth, “Along with this .” I handed him my business card.

“Yes sir.” He bowed and left.

“Ohhh, I remember this move! A Simmons classic, works every fucking time.” Harry laughed, finishing the whiskey in the bottle.

I turned my eyes to her as the waiter approached her with the tray. Her brows furrowed, but when her eyes met mine, the corner of her lip revealed a smile.

I smirked as I took another sip.

I knew women like her. Act like they ran the fucking place, but in reality, they needed a real man.

One that would show them their place.

I turned to Harry, “Like I said, I never lose.” My voice filled with cold triumph.

“Uhm… ex-xcuse me sir…” A hesitant voice caught my attention.

My brows creased as I saw what he dropped on my table. “What is this?” I demanded, my voice a dangerous growl.

“Miss Rodriguez s-sends he-her regards.” He bowed and hurried away.

It was four bottles of the same wine i had ordered for her.

With her card in the tray.

And mine ripped in two.

“Oh shitt… I like her already!” Harry cackled drunkenly.

When I looked at her, she winked.

I scoffed, who the fuck did she think she was??

I watched as she whispered to the man beside her and walked away.

“Don’t drink yourself to death.” I said to Harry as I stood up.

“Where are you going??” I didn’t turn back to him, my mind on one person.

She needed to be humbled.