Chapter 10 ___ The King Of This City

Chapter 10

The Next Day

The news of being kicked off the production team quickly spread all over the internet. Within a day, Director Martin's reputation had been terribly tarnished. Worst of all, his impending divorce was the hottest news of the day. Janet watched everything unfold on her TV as she swallowed hard against the anxiety that threatened to bring up her breakfast. She wanted to believe that Victor wasn't working behind the scenes. But with such connections as his position afforded, who else could possibly bring about such misfortune on Director Martin's fate?

Janet habitually bit the corner of her nails. Since she didn't have any work, other than waiting for the schedule of Witch Queen, she had plenty of time to look through the news. The reports of Director Martin's reputation shocked the population and overshadowed the recent scandal that had involved her. For once she was grateful that she wasn't a famous star that would be remembered for something like that. Janet had spent the morning wondering if she should go to ask Victor if he was behind everything or not. It was probably for the best if she just ignored the matter, but what if he continued to do things like this?

Oh no! Shit!

She slammed her hand down on the table as she realized that she forgot to get the contact number of his assistant. Janet cursed herself inside and let out a frustrated growl. She just wanted to stay away from such tempting man like Victor Reynolds. Her phone buzzed and shifting her eyes to the bright screen, she stiffened.

Putting the phone on speaker, her foreign friend, Kelly, urgently reported, "Janet, the footages can't be recovered. However if you wish to hire a more skilled person, you'll need to spend at least million dollars."

Janet's face filled with dread as she pressed her lips together in thought. She couldn't find a proper way to respond. She needed to know the truth but, at the same time, she didn't have the money for it.

Her response came out a little bit shakily, as she said, "Kelly, I understand but I don't have enough cash right now. I will contact you again when I have more money."

Janet ended the call before Kelly could offer a response. Burying her face inside her hands, she started to feel frustrated over her whole life. Why couldn't she gain more resources even though she was trying her best? Was Envy telling her the truth? Was it really true that she couldn't attain powerful resources unless she had a backer? Janet bit her lip but her heart didn't agree with where her thoughts were going. She couldn't sell her character for the sake of success in the entertainment industry. Determination rose from within her soul. Thinking about Victor Reynolds again, her anger flared. She went to her room and got dressed. She was going to Reynolds Corporation.

***

The name of "Reynolds Corporation" was by far the most popular name across the country, and had been for the past few decades. Not only were they involved in the entertainment industry but they also owned affiliates in other parts of business world. Because of their success skyrocketed within the last few years, Victor became an idol of entire country.

Janet stepped in front the thirty story building and she couldn't help but feel a little flustered about the whole situation. She was a small actress without any solid connections. Would they even allow her to meet him? Ignoring the hesitation in her mind, she entered the building.

A young man with round glass was sitting at the reception desk and Janet walked up to him and cleared her throat to announce her presence.

"Excuse me. Can you please tell me where can I find Mr. Reynolds?"

The man glanced up at her and suspiciously eyed her casual dress. A frowned formed on his face as he questioned, "Do you have appointment, miss?"

Janet's mind went blank. She didn't even have his contact number much less an appointment. "I don't. Actually, I am well acquainted with him. Could you please call him and say that Miss Kingsley has come to meet him?"

The young man refused as he assumed that she was one of those crazy fans that tried to approach their boss. Though Victor wasn't a movie star or celebrity, he had a fairly large fan base and was treated more like an idol than anything else. His charismatic aura and physical attributes had kept many young girls lying awake at night as they fantasized about the handsome tycoon. The receptionist parted his lips and was about to utter a few more rude words when he didn't see her move to leave. However, they both turned as they heard Mr. Zaid's anxious voice ring out from behind them.

"Kingsley... Miss… Kingsley… Madam..."

Zaid couldn't hold back his excitement after spotting Janet in the lobby of Reynolds Corporation. Shoving past the dumbfounded crowd, Zaid charged forward and glared at the receptionist. Janet was a little taken back by his over courteous behavior and started to nervously play with her fingers.

"Mr. Zaid, I actually came here to speak with your boss. Is he free now? I mean, I won't take up too much of his time."

Time? According to his own judgment, he was ninety–nine percent sure that his boss wouldn't even mind spending the entire day with her. Zaid cheekily smiled at her and gestured the way towards Victor's private elevator.

"Of course! Of course! He is always free to see you. Please follow me this way."

Janet blushed slightly after Zaid's words. Pushing away her messy thoughts, she headed for the elevator and ignored everyone's suspicious gaze. Luckily, she had dressed herself as a professional biker and wore her large hoodie that covered her features fairly well. The elevator led straight up to thirtieth floor. Once they reached Victor's office, Zaid respectfully asked for her to wait inside. She was a little reluctant but complied. After all, she was the one who came to speak to him.

***

Zaid knocked cautiously on the door. Though the insulation in the walls were thick, he could still overhear the faint sound of a man groaning. Victor's cold voice resounded from inside, "Come!"

Zaid pushed the door open. The first thing that he spotted was a pool of blood on the floor. Victor rolled up his sleeves, questioned while heading for the basin slowly, "What is it, Zaid?"

Zaid's stomach was clenched after inhaling the strong smell of blood. Taking a step inside, he said with apprehension, "P–President, Miss Kingsley has come to visit you. But maybe the timing isn't right. Should… would you like me to ask her to come back later?"

Victor rolled up his sleeves and Zaid noted the blood that had stained the tips of his cuffs. The aura of murderous intent was palpable when he had stepped into the office; however, as soon as his boss heard that Miss Kingsley was here, a certain tenderness flashed across his features.

He switched on the faucet as he washed his hands and replied almost instantly, "No need! I'll meet with her."

Zaid looked pointedly at the pool of blood and said, "But president… he..."

Victor turned around and shot him an officious look. As he made his way out of his personal confinement room, his lips curled into a mischievous smile.

"He is only paralyzed for two days. Once he regains his consciousness, interrogate him again until he reveals the name of his employer. I would very much like to know who was responsible for throwing me into the Silk City River."

Zaid hung his head low in submission and watched the domineering back recede as Victor headed straight to his office.

Janet was stunned after observing the room. Everything inside was either gray or dark blue without a speck of dust. She felt like he was obsessed with perfection. Every item was meticulously placed without any disorientation. As Janet was engrossed with observing his interior design, she missed the sound of heavy footsteps entering the room. Victor entered without any prior warning and his blue eyes watched as she curiously wandered around the room. His lips curved up and he slid his hands inside his pockets. Approaching her slowly, he spoke softly behind her.

"You like it?" he asked, sincerely wanting to know her opinion.

Janet jumped and gasped in horror as she spun around. Placing her hand on her chest as she willed her thumping heart to calm down, she responded breathlessly, "Mr. Reynolds..."

Victor hummed as his eyes locked on hers, stepping closer he said, "Relax, it's just me."

Yes! Just you! The king of this city! Janet inwardly grumbled.

Lifting her head up, she spoke confidently, "I came to discuss something with you. Just ten minutes will be enough. I hope that I am not interrupting anything urgent."

Victor gave her a lopsided smirk while taking another step closer. "Yes, you are…"

"Oh, then I will come la—"

"My time with you," he said, cutting her sentence short.

Janet was stunned before turning speechless.

Is he hitting on me?!