Chapter sixty six
Oliver
If there was anything I hated more than human touch, it's the media, including nosy reporters who don't know how to keep their questions at bare minimum, bloggers who spread any news that they find without verifying whether it's fake or not, and the paparazzi at large.
The idea that someone could make a living off prying into other people's lives has always repulsed me. But sadly, all businesses need them around. And as much as I despise them, I still have to relate with them sometimes.
Over the years, I've managed to avoid speaking to the media directly and had only done so a few times. My PR team took care of anything that had to do with the company's public image.
But I had also never had this huge allegation made against my company. I blamed Jason for putting me in this difficult position. I was going to teach him a lesson before handing him over to the cops.
“The Russo pharmaceutical is claiming that you approved the contract just before you walked out of the first meeting, is that true, Mr Kang?” My gaze flew to the reporter that asked the question. Blond, small physique, boyish look, he seems to be new at his job and he was trying to get in his boss's good grace.
I tried to mask my annoyance with boredom. I really hate explaining myself. But I called the press conference after all, I have no choice than to entertain their questions.
“A second meeting was held the next day at the same location. If I had approved of the deal during the first meeting, there wouldn't be a reason for a second meeting, would there?” I said.
The blond reporter must have realized how stupid his question sounded. He pressed his lips together tightly and gave me a curt nod.
“What was so urgent that you had to walk out of a business meeting?” The woman in a tight bun sitting a few meters away from me asked.
A certain fiery red haired who had worked her way into my life so thoroughly that she's the only thing on my mind. The words dangled at the tip of my tongue but I managed to swallow it back.
As much as I wanted to announce our relationship to the world, I knew it wasn't wise to do that at the moment. It wasn't because of my mum or the fight we just had, but I knew Dallas doesn't like being in the spotlight.
“A personal emergency.” I said simply, fighting back the smile that tilted the corner of my lips.
“The public are currently furious with Kang Chemicals. Some of the speculations are that it wasn't the first time this company is dealing with Ronan pharmaceuticals. The public are worried about the safety of the drugs you produce.” The tight-bun woman said, adjusting her glasses.
My jaws ticked as I stared straight at her. I fought the urge to run my fingers through my hair. I wouldn't give them any reaction that implies I don't have the situation under control.
“I assure the general public that our products are safe and narcotics free. The tie to the illegal drug company was a slight mishap on our side, and the officials involved are being punished accordingly. All other details would be made known to the public after the court hearing.”
Several questions were thrown at me and I answered them as best as I could. After a long excruciating hour, the press conference finally ended.
It was time for the second thing on my list. Getting even. I checked my phone to see a text message from Xavier.
XAVIER: Got him.
He sent his current location to me. I ordered Tabitha to go to the hotel we were staying before I got in the car and went to meet Xavier. Time to make the son of a bitch pay.
.
.
.
Jason was planning on fleeing the country when Xavier caught him and held him captive. I didn't wait to hear the full details from Xavier before I stormed into the abandoned warehouse.
The state I met Jason in was odd, but I knew that was how Xavier liked to torture his victims. While I love to hear their screams and sometimes draw blood, Xavier usually results to mentally torturing them.
Jason was perched on a couch, his hands and legs untied, no physical bruise in sight. His disoriented look wasn't because he was tortured but because he was scared. Cans of beers and remnants of cigarettes littered the whole place.
His eyes widened in shock as our gaze collided.
“Hello, Jason.”
Unfortunately for me, I can't hurt him physically. Well, not as I would like to anyway. The cops are on their way. I just needed a litte information from me.
“Mr Kang, I'm really sorry. I didn't… it wasn't…” his voice quivered as he spoke.
“Save the pleading for the cops. I want to know how the deal went down without my knowledge. And I want to know why Ronan approached you.”
There has to be a reason he approached my COO directly.
He seems to hesitate a bit. I was right. There was more to this than just ordinary funding.
“The cops are on their way and you'd definitely end up in jail. I know a lot of people in the jury and I'll make sure you a get a long and painful sentence. But if you open up to me now, I might consider pulling a few strings and giving you a lesser sentence.”
I kicked a can of beer out of my way and crouched down to his level. I made sure he saw the coldness in my eyes. He let out a strangled sigh.
“Ronan came to me with a proposal to get fundings from our company. I thought it was shady at first, considering the amount he was willing to give up, and declined. A few days later, he showed up at my house with a few armed men and threatened to kill me if I didn't agree to it. He threatened to kill my daughter too,” he paused and pressed his lips into a thin line.
“I had no choice, sir. I couldn't go to the cops or run to anyone for help. I needed to save my daughter…” he broke into sobs. I waited impatiently, tapping my feet on the concrete floor.
“The first meeting was held as a formality that's why no one was present except me and him. We didn't think you would show up. I'm so sorry sir.” He was soaked in tears by the time he finished the story, his head hung low.
I needed to find out more about this Ronan Russo. And why he was after my company so much. It's not everyday you get tied with the mafia.
I could hear the faint sound of sirens from faraway.
“The cops are here.” Xavier said.
I gave him a simple nod. I already got everything I needed from Jason. It was time to go after Ronan and find out what the hell he wants from me.
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