The Price of Greed

“Mr. Parker, actually, Ms. Clark violated company policy—”

“Shut up!”

Noah shot her a fierce glare.

He knew that bringing up company policy now would only make things worse.

Turning back to me, his tone almost pleading, he said, “Ava, I’m begging you. Please explain things to Mr. Parker. It’s just an internal conflict. We can settle it privately…”

I looked at him, so humbled now, and felt nothing.

“Mr. Anderson, now you’re worried about losing reputation? When you issued that notice criticizing me, why weren’t you worried then? When you had Winnie throw my things on the ground to be trampled, why weren’t you afraid?”

I lifted the box.

“Mr. Parker, I’m sorry you had to witness this. From today on, I have nothing to do with this company. I’m taking this car back, too.”

I took out my phone and opened the remote control in front of everyone.

Then I said softly, “Unlock.”

The next second, the car lights flashed twice, followed by two crisp beeps.

The lock was released.

“John, step out of the car,” I said.

John had been frozen in fear. Only after hearing me did he scramble out.

“Mr. Parker, if you don’t mind, I can drive you to your next appointment. As for this company…”

I glanced at Noah, slumped on the ground, and Winnie, crying uncontrollably.

“I think they’d be better off taking a taxi to their meetings.”

Damien couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“Good! Ms. Clark, I like your style! As it happens, I have a new project that needs a reliable partner. Shall we talk on the way?”

Noah completely panicked.

He knew very well that if Mr. Parker walked away, the company would lose its biggest source of funding.

“Mr. Parker! Please don’t go! We haven’t finished discussing our cooperation!”

He rushed forward, trying to grab Damien.

The bodyguards immediately stepped in to block him.

“Mr. Anderson,” Damien said coldly. “Before doing business, learn how to be a decent person. Without integrity, business won’t last.”

With that, he walked toward the back seat of my car.

I opened the door.

“Mr. Parker, please.”

Then I got into the driver’s seat.

The engine roared to life with a low hum.

Through the rearview mirror, I saw Noah collapsed on the ground, his face ashen. Winnie covered her face, crying uncontrollably.

The colleagues who had once mocked me all stood frozen at the entrance, their expressions panicked.

The car slowly drove out of the park, leaving all the chaos and humiliation behind.

“Ms. Clark, that was beautifully done,” Damien said with a smile from the back seat.

“You’re too kind,” I replied calmly.

“But,” he continued, “are you really just going to leave like this? That’s letting them off too easily.”

I glanced at the clock in the car.

The agent should have arrived at the building by now.

My phone vibrated.

It was a message from the agent. [Ava, we’ve arrived downstairs. Mr. Anderson looks in bad shape, and the front desk won’t let us in.]

I replied.

[Call the police directly and report illegal occupation of my property. Give them copies of the lease and property documents.]

The response came quickly.

[Understood. We’ll handle it immediately.]

I put down my phone, a cold smile slowly forming on my lips.

The real show was just beginning.