I am not enjoying my stay in New York at all. Some would call me crazy, that I was on New York City for crying out loud! But it's the truth.

I guess for some, the celebrities, wealthy families and the status quo held some sort of appeal. But not too me. The city sure had changed. When I was young I can still remember the competition between men and women to achieve control of the city. It was like a game of roulette. Everyone wanted respect and everyone fought tooth and nail for it.

Personally, I think New York has lost its touch. Everyone rich and poor, old and young, were far to comfortable. It had become just another boring and drab place.

Where was all the drama and excitement? The hushed whispers and whimpering of who was going to own the city? The fear and trepidation that people used to have about New York? Or the constant competition?

But now everyone was all in a jolly good mood. It was very disturbing and so dull. I think I was turning into the Joker. Ohh too bad. This was not the city I remember. It was not the cut throat town where gambling with your life was the norm.

Luckily I had come in the nick of time to pull the city out of its well established rut.

As I drove, through the city I couldn't help but smile inwardly. This past week I had achieved the impossible to to upset the whole city in less than 7 days. Chuckling, to myself as I remembered the comments and the various debate that sparked up about who I was and what I was. I gave myself a thumbs-up I had upset the regime of the city. Well okay Will and I had but mostly me.

Yes it all started with the task I gave my executives of two of my Tec Industries right here in this very city. Mind you that this was besides the companies my other executives had gotten almost two months ago.

I needed more so I bestowed upon them the gift of buying and selling out any major companies in the city. I didn't care what they were. And the best part of the challenge was they had to purchase them for half of what they were worth. All in less than a week!

I think some of them thought I had gone mad. According to human resources two of them had handed in their resignation. Poor weak pathetic bastards. I guess business really was not for the weak at heart.

But I gotta admit that they did a brilliant job, the rest that stayed that is. By Sunday I was holding in my hands ownership documents of major jewellery stores, 2 publishing companies, advertising agencies, law firms and a couple of PR firms, restaurants and plazas.

The law and PR firms I think were the most treasured. The idea alone had me laughing to myself again. Picture it, I Nathan Arriaga, the owner of the major law firms and PR firms in the city. The city needed me. Who else would they turn to when they need representation because some cold and heartless monster (i.e me) was bankrupting, suing or damaging their reputation?

My firms of course! I was probably a bastard but it was actually laughable. They were paying me to destroy their lives!

The others I had not much use for. I. Would just give them away as gifts if I wanted. This was just to insert fear in most of the business people and the elites and high society. I am pretty sure that I achieved letting them know that I was in town. They hadn't seen me of course, but it was a sadistic pleasure to know that they were coming to fear and respect me. But mostly respect. The fear had not yet begun.

Through out the week rag tag gossip columns and magazines were spilling over with rumors and speculation of who I was. Some women were even claiming that I was in a secret relationship with them. Well it was not much of secret now was it?

But being the perfect gentlemen, I sent this women gift baskets and an envelop enclosed of $5 and a note. The note simple said if they didn't stop with these silly interviews and stories, $5 would be the only thing they will have for the rest of their lives. Needless to say, the stories reduced and half of 'my girlfriends' retracted their statements.

Speaking of the media, the job E did on the two lawyers were perfect.

Somehow it had found its way to the press and the once high classed lawyers were through. I wonder who could have done. But once the stories and allegations hit the media ran with it. Paparazzi these days. All their major clients had dismissed them and a couple of them were actually suing Vixco. I mean how could you trust a lawyer who deals with the mob and one who is having an extra-marital affair with a married client?

I wouldn't and it was comforting to know that some people still had some morals.

Mission accomplished.

But with all my accomplishments, the favorite was when I took over the Lezzac Refinery. That I handled personally. It was quite easy and not as difficult as I presumed that it would be. It had started with me making an offer of the company that was not even on the market. But I always got what I wanted.

I succeeded in convincing her to sell. Not to sound conceited I could probably sell ice or snow to an Eskimo if I wanted to. That does sound conceited. O well the truth hurts.

Anyway I had offered half more than what the company was worth particularly by playing on the owner's emotions. Elizabeth Merc, was not doing too well and she was in over her head. I her defense, she never wanted the company but being the only child she was forced to take it up.
After convincing her to sell and as a bonus I added a well set up Publishing Company that I had just acquired. One she always wanted, the power of information.

Well in short I got what I wanted. She decided to sell. However, I had informed her to tell that she had sold but not to mention who the owner was until I was ready.

And I sure was not ready. I had just started.

The one company that I needed to get into the shareholder that the Ortons and Whitmores were after. All week newspapers and business adver were speculating about who was going to be part and who was going to aim own the company.

'They were especially fearful of the man known as Arriaga. The man who had bought out half of the town'
Their words not mine.

Today was the day that I was about to fulfill that promise. This was the day that I was going to see my ex-family in six years. Ironically we were all after the same thing. Though for various reasons.

I was just there to destroy them. I was more than ready. This was where I was now, heading over to Forrest Avenue to fulfill my promise. But before I headed to war, I had to make a pit stop. Instead of heading straight to the company, I drove 5 miles past it.
I just had to make a stop and sign the contract with Elizabeth. I was now the owner of The Refinery. But Elizabeth was still the acting CEO. No one else could known it even the shareholders or the board members. It would all happen in due. Forgive me but I had very little trust in most people of this city.

It wasn't that I was on desperate need of the Refinery, but there was one person there that I just had to get my revenge on. And if my calculations were correct it could come in handy.

Once I got to the company, I drove to my destination. I was able to make it to my my new office without being made out. How did I have an office already? Good question. Two words; money talks.

Besides it was without a doubt that I would be joining the board. The room may not be the biggest or the best, but it sure was the most secluded. Which was exactly what I preferred. The room was black and white and I am not so good at describing rooms. All I know was that it had a large desk, a large couch with a bed, a great view, a small black marbled washroom and a view that outlook the park.

I was still contemplating if I wanted to be the majority shareholder. It was tempting. I mean if I were the owner I could certainly control what happens. I mean I wouldn't fire my father or brothers. No firing them would be too easy. I would rather keep them close close. You know what they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. The closer they were I could make their lives a living hell. A hell so bad that they themselves would come personally to me, not anyone else and surrender.

The door opened and standing right there was Will. His plane had arrived two days ago. I was surprised he was here. After all the drinking I and him did yesterday. He didn't look worse for wear in fact he was smirking. I knew he couldn't wait to make their lives hell. He was not nicknamed the 'devils disciple' for nothing.

"Finally you make it. How do you like your office" he admonished with his hands in his pocket.

"Had to take care of some business. And as to my office, I've had better" waving my hand to emphasise my point.

"Yeah I know. Well you read? It starts in half an hour" looking at his watch.

"You know what, I am not going" I had decided moments ago not to go to the signing. He could handle it.

"Ohh?"

"I am not ready" I said my face devoid of all facial expressions. It was not weakness, but the time did not seem right

"Okay. Don't worry I'll take care of it"he assured me.

"I know you'll take care of it. Otherwise I'll have to fire you" I smirked at him. He was good at his job. He wouldn't be here unless he was.

For the next five minutes I gave him specific orders and instructions. I had made my decision. I didn't want to be the majority shareholder. I was rich and I had my fair share of wealth, but I didn't like to waste my money for no important reason.

That being said I instructed Will to get me a maximum percentage of shares of 12%.

I think now he was sure I had gone mad. But from experience he did not question me right away.

In this town money talked but today I was going to be mute. And if that failed I could always buy them out again.

Hey, always gotta have a back-up plan. For the next two hours I caught up with some work I had brought my laptop just in case.

I got up to stretch a little and ended up at the window. The park I was gazing at had so many memories. I got wasted there countless times, I my brothers and our friends. Well be so drunk we couldn't even find our cars. I smiled wryly. Those were the days.

I was brought out of memory lane from the vibrations of my phone. It was a text from William telling me that it had gone well but they were disappointed not to have met the great and infamous Nathan Arriaga. He said some of them were surprised I only wanted 12% of the shares. He said I was actually the second lowest. The other being 6 percent.

I was happy to know the Whitmores and the Ortons and another family had the controlling shares and seats.

Chuckling I closed the screen and headed out for the elevator. My job here was done.

In the parking lot I threw my brief case into the back and quickly texted Will that I was leaving and to catch a ride with Vinny.

Before driving off I saw a file on my passenger side with a big letter "E" marked on the side.

I knew exactly who it was from. Opening it I started to smile a smile so huge it would make the Joker jealous. Because right there in my hand was all the answers and information that I had needed. A job well done E. A job well done. Time to get this party started I thought to myself.

Next Day

The next morning, there was a ruckus, magazines and newspaper were splattered with the successful takeover of Barnes Incorporated. There had already been a press conference to announce it but of course I didn't go.

Of course people were curious why I purchased such a small share. They had been ringing non stop. They had even figured out that I was staying in the Fall Hotel, which was not that difficult because it had Arriaga involved.

And they were camped out here yesterday afternoon and the early part of this morning. But Michael who had arrived yesterday night had immediately requested a court injunction to have the newscasters removed.

They couldn't even stand across the street or three blocks from it. I owned the whole bloody thing. Okay my mom owned it. But I was family so technically I also owned it.

For the better part of the morning Will, Michael and I just chilled and relaxed in my suite. We ordered room service and played FIFA, hitting the gym etc etc. Just hanging out until it was time for Will and Michael as my main lawyers to head over for some sort of meeting and to hand in my signed documents.

I was not going to the meeting, there was no need, I was however going to the office. I had to start arranging and organizing my notes and files. No one did them but I and on rare occasions William. Plus I was having my tec team and my security team do a complete run down if the place. Can never be too certain.

Whilst Will was away at the meeting I was overseeing my staff. This was a perfect time, no one was here to be snooping around and asking questions. I had a bullet proof filing cabinet that needed three sets of codes for my files. In addition I also installed a high secure bullet proof door and also a wall around my desk. The wall was invisible, hidden beneath the floors, in case of an event or problem, I just had to press a button beneath my desk and voila it will shoot up. It was bullet and bomb proof.

Satisfied I sent my staff on their way with my thanks and also headed out.
The whole place was still silent.

It had been over three and a half hours. What all could they be discussing. Well I was bot staying to find out, taking the elevator I pressed the button for the first parking lot. The elevator stopped and to my complete surprise and anger one of the people I hated the most stepped in.

My brother stepped in.

I looked at him for a minute. He was too busy on his phone to see or look at me. I chuckled inwardly.

"You finally learnt how to work an electronic, huh" I couldn't help myself from saying

"Excuse me?" he said looking at me blankly.

"You used to be pathetic with electronics" I said glancing at the gizmo in his hand.

He still stared at me blankly. For the love of Pete was he always this slow?

"I am sorry, are you talking to me?" He asked all confused.

"I always knew you were slow but come on! You can't be this dumb" mocking him. He seemed furious at my comment.

Then I just chuckled at his child like display of anger. It was like a kitten trying to roar like a lion. Shaking my head I turned my face towards the door. Which seemed to anger him even more.

"Excuse me but who the hell are you?!" he spat out in boiling anger.

Wow that was a compliment. Had I changed that much that my own brother couldn't recognize me?

"You don't remember me your own brother Jack, huh? I am hurt" I said with fake hurt. My hand on my heart dramatically.

"Den-Dennis? No this is not possible. Dennis? Is that really you" he asked shock clearly in his eyes and voice.

"The one and only" I said with a dark sense of humour.

"What are you doing here? How did you get access to this place?" shock and surprise still in his eyes. But no regret. Not that it would have changed my mind anyway.

"Does it matter?" I said angrily.

"No" his face had hardened again.

"Still mad?"

"Yes. And always will be. Mad at the brother who didn't care enough about his family to save it" he spat at me.

I just chuckled. I guess I'm not the only one who has trouble letting things go. I nodded and thankfully my stop came. I stepped off. Before I got arrested for first degree murder.

"Dennis" he called after me holding the elevator door open "You're no longer welcomed here or in our lives. Stay the hell away. You almost destroyed our lives. " he threatened me.

Now I was furious but I controlled myself long enough to walk back towards him and hold the elevator doors from closing, to say to him in the deadliest and most calm voice I ever said to say;

"Oh but brother I have not yet begun"