Nate's POV

For six and a half years, I had worked myself to the bone. Late nights, missed dinners, lack of sleep, countless meetings, trips around the world (26 countries to be exact) and countless cups of coffee. And less social interactions except for my family and close friends. And where has this gotten me? Well, for starters it has changed me. It has made me a ruthless man. A cold and calculating and callous man.

Oh how I loved this man.

And of course, to make I and my family part of the top five billionaires in the world. Some may call it arrogance, but I call it confidence and the truth.

Ironically, in all the six years, the sweat, blood, intelligence were nothing compared to this past week. In this past week I have worked twice as hard prepare myself. I was a meticulous and detailed man and that was one of the ways I became so wealthy. Now imagine that, and double that. I am pretty sure that I was driving my lawyers and staff crazy. But who cares, I sure heck was not going to leave anything to chance.

All my executives and managers were given a timeline to get me companies before the week was over. And those companies were so dear to my heart. Please note the sarcasm. I couldn't give a damn what happened to them. They could burn to the ground for all I care. What I know is this, destroying them was way too easy and so painless. I mean what was the point? I wanted pain, suffering and anguish. Who cares if I lost a couple billions? Come on I was worth 11 figures. It would be totally worth when I get what I want.

That meeting was last Monday, today is Friday. It was time to see who was going to have a pay raise or who was going to be demoted for more competent people to take over or...

Be fired. Depends on my mood.

Some may say I am heartless but I had definitely given the men and women all the skills and apparatus to be successful. I mean, they were giving tickets, luxurious accommodations and the best restaurants in town, for their assigned work. If they had learnt anything from me, they would know that they had to be deep-throat and cut hard and it was detrimental that I get the assigned company or else...

Let us just say that it was not a pleasant thought or imagination.

I did not accept incompetence. It was never an excuse. I was aware of their weakness and their strengths and accessed the situation carefully before handing them any of the assignments. If they failed, either they did not utilize their skills and knowledge. Or, though it was rarely impossible. I had miscalculated. But like I said was way too thorough.

This morning, I was heading to the Arriaga headquarters'. This was the Arriaga's White House or North Pole. This, was where everything that the Arriaga's associated with, about, from or in, passed through. It was the building block for. This was basically the 'batman cave' for running the Arriaga Empire. From blue-prints, to negotiations with board members, to simple meetings, to contract and real-estate work, everything it all happened right here.

This was where the Arriaga Empire started. It was like your first car you ever bought, no matter what new model came out, the first love was always there. I loved it. Everything I am or became started right here.

Even though it was Friday, it was busy, just how I loved it and wanted it. People running around and doing what I was paying them to do. No mindless chatter just busy people running around getting their work done. It smelled of fresh print. And determination or fear. There was a fine line.

Walking to my private elevator there was a sign that read 'under repair' looked like I was using the public one. Not that there was anything wrong with it, it just took much longer. There were after all 30 floors. Well, I was already 'late', I guess a couple more minutes won't hurt. Well it would to me, but what could I do?

Well, at least this would give me some time to actually witness the behavior of my staff. See if I had to fire some and rehire more competent one. I have been known to fire or suspend a whole staff. I still had my Ray Ban Aviator Shades on, so no one recognized me and I was late which was unusual. I was not exactly late, it was 8:30 but I was normally at work before 7, hence, why not many people knew my face.

I must say it was quite packed. The chatter was going on about what they were going to do for the weekend and stuff like that. What caught my attention was two couples in front of me, whispering to each other in frantic voices. From their phrases, it didn't take Einstein to realize that they were from the real estate department.

"I have looked through every avenue. There is no possible way that we can get that kind of work done in that time frame" she whispered furiously to her partner. Always complaining. Always making excuses. Where and why do I keep hiring these people? I tuned them out.

"Come On Estelle. You have to. If you don't you'll be toast. They are threatening to sue you and the company. You have what right two days?"

Ok now they fully got my attention. Sue? What the heck was happening? Who was threatening to sue? And why was I not informed of this? I now wanted to know what these blustering did to cause a client to want to sue. Arriaga's rarely were involved in court cases.

Of course no one was that stupid to go against us.

And to all the critics ready to tear me apart for my statement, let me just say: I give a 100% respect and dedication to all my clientele.

"Please don't remind me. Daniel seriously, there is no possible way. What they are asking is impossible. You know they planned it right. This is their way to make me pay for dating and dumping that scum Darren. They just want to see me in pain" She groaned rubbing her face.

"This whole thing is stressing me out. I have not slept for days" she said in a strained voice.

I must give it to her, that she was genuinely worried and concerned about the situation. Or she was an incredible actress and an even more incompetent employee.

"We just have to look for a solution. I have come up with cutting some stuff down and if we both add a couple of our own cash we could clear this up" the guy encouraged. Wow very persistent. What exactly did these idiots do?

Either they were at fault and were trying to cover something up or they were serious about solving the problem.

"I can't let you do that. This is my problem I'll handle it" she said sighing. The elevator was thinning out more. There were about five of us left. Her phone rang and it seemed to be a text. A bad text I'll presume because she froze and was breathing hard .

The man shook her and she whispered "They have set up a meeting with Jeff. Jeff demands I come to his office right now" I presumed that this fella Jeff was her direct boss. And my question was, why wouldn't this so called boss fail to inform me that my company was about to be sued.

"Of course because Jeff sucks up to every powerful and rich client" the dude with the blond hair muttered sarcastically. Really one of my employees? Well that is something I have to look into. People like that can never be trusted.

"And he is friends with Caroline" she whispered.

"No way!"

'Okay now that shows a conflict of interest' thinking to myself.

They got off at the next floor. Personally, I wouldn't care what their problem was but I decided to look into this because this could affect my company too. I sent a text to Will to find out information about Daniel and Estelle who got off on the Real-Estate and housing floor.

Stepping out the elevator, as I walked everyone cleared their way for me. There were just series of nods. People had been accustomed to me. I don't play with my time or money. Especially, my time. Verbal greeting takes too much time. Plus, I did not pride myself in being disrespectful or rude. So not answering a greeting would be considered disrespectful. A nod was more than sufficient.

I headed to my office to find Will at my desk typing away. No doubt trying to find the information. This guy was way too comfortable with me. The little shrimp didn't even send me a greeting.

"Estelle Getty and her friend Daniel Mouv, work in Real estate and housing. From reports good employees. Incident reported that Estelle broke a $100,000 crystal chandelier of a client two weeks ago. Client complained that it was done intentionally whilst she insists that it was not. She insist that she slipped when she ducked for cover from Debra Seia- the client- dog. She said Ms. Debra intentionally let loose her German shepherd loose on her knowing that she was deathly afraid of dogs. They are threatening to sue her and have asked for a dismissal. Jeff has asked that she be fired by Human Resource. I think they will be leaning on his favor"

"My first, who the in the blue hell do the Seia's think they are to ask for a dismissal? Second question, why wouldn't Jeff inform me that Ms. Debra was going to be suing my company?" I asked

"Perhaps he wants to handle it without getting you involved. I mean, the poor guy must be frightened that you would fire him" he offered.

To this I gave him a skeptical look.

"Your reputation proceeds you" he said lifting his hands in mock surrender.

"I don't think that is the case this time. Estelle said something that Jeff was friends with Caroline. Who would that be?" I asked taking a seat from across of him.

Typing for a few seconds he gave me the answer "It seems that Caroline is a Darren O'Neil's mother. What does she have to do with anything?"

"Well then there seems to be a conflict of interest. She was telling this Daniel guy that Caroline and Darren and Debra were all in all this to get her fired"

"Hmm let me check" Typing on the computer

"Well it seems Estelle and Darren dated for quite some time"

"Let me guess the mother did not approve"

"I wouldn't be surprised. Plus there is something here that she dumped him uh 8 months ago for cheating. Or at least that is what gossip columns on the internet suggest"

"Has she had any problem with any of her other clients?"

"Nope. But she has complained about Jeff. But they dismissed it, because of no concrete evidence that Jeff was out to get her" Pausing he asked me "So you think that they conspired to ruin her?"

"People have killed for much less, Will" And I knew. Because I was one of those people.

"Excuse me sir, but why do you care?"

"Because this has something to do with my business and if they are conspiring against her I might lose a good and talented employee and might be employing an incompetent and unreliable manager"

"I'll call HR" picking up the phone.

"No need. I will take care of this one"

"Why sir?"

"To make an example of Jeff and any other client who thinks they can jeopardize my company's name. I'll need a report of the suit claimed on her" I said standing up.

"Yes sir" And he proceeded to print a cop for me.

"Oh and get the executives ready. It is time to give account" I stated winking at him.

Striding out of my office and as usual everyone cleared the way for me. Stepping in it took me down six floors. From the elevator I could already hear yelling, which I found odd. I could make out Estelle and there were four people surrounding her in her cubicle and they were slandering her. That was odd, most of the time, it happened in close doors. My guess is that they wanted to humiliate her even more.

I walked up and crossed my arms. One of the employee recognized me but I gave him a look that said shut up. I started walking towards them and more and more people recognized me and some scrambled back to work whilst others just gawked at me.

One guy which I am guessing is the manager Jeff paled a little and they stopped long enough to see the direction of his eyes.

"Mr. Arriaga" he squeaked

They finally clued in and the man called Darren stared at me. The mother looked half dazed and the woman Debra was giving me a sultry look. Estelle looked like she was about to faint.

"Please don't let me stop you, Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil and Ms. Seia" I said waving my hands indicating that they should carry on.

"Mr. Arriaga it's a pleasure to meet you" Debra said in a low husky tone. Was this her way of flirting? Honestly I was disgusted, she was clinging to her fiancée's arm and was flirting with me. I could not stand women with evil ulterior motive. Call me biased. I had learnt from the best.

"I would reply and say the same, but unfortunately this circumstance is not pleasant"

"Would anyone like to tell me what is going on over here?" pausing for effect.

"You see-" Darren started but I quickly interrupted him.

"You see, what I presume is going on is your intention to sue on of my employee's" I said answering my own question at the same time cutting him off.

"Yeah, but I don't see how that concerns you" Darren rudely questioned.

This boy was starting to get on my last nerves. What did he think this was? Some sort of game that he was playing with my company?

"Well Mr. O'Neil anything that concerns my company concerns me. Tell me, what is the big deal of her breaking a simple toy that is probably not worth anything?"

"Excuse me, she destroyed an artifact a crystal that was worth thousands of dollars! And we just got it from Germany a month ago!" the mother screeched.

"Really? If it was worth that much why are you not suing my company but your suing a woman that does not make more than $80,000 a year? I mean you would probably make more from my company directly" I asked in patronizing voice.

"Well it wasn't your fault. We wanted her to pay for it" Debra stated coldly.

Ahh women. I guess the saying is true 'hell hath no fury like a woman'

"And how do you expect her to get that much money?"

"That is none of our concern" Darren's mother stated.

"Which brings me back to the point that the crystal chandelier could not be worth that much. Because a smart man would milk a far richer cow than her" Pointing to Estelle. Who I might add was gawking at me.

"I would have presumed that your father would have taught his son better" I really didn't care that I was sounding insulting. Take it or break. None of my concern.

"I beg your pardon-" Darren asked shocked.

"You have it" I now turned to Jeff who was quiet all throughout the conversation.

"Jeff tell me, were you aware of the past relationship between Mr. Darren and Ms. Estelle. Oh and please don't lie to me"

"I was sir" clearing his throat.

"And yet you gave her the work. Why was that?"

"Well sir it was because she was a good worker and could get the job done"

"Really, is that why over the past two and half months you have only given her mediocre jobs and have given better, more appealing jobs to her colleagues? Yet for this job, you knowingly gave it to her, without hesitation, why was that?" I asked him looking through a folder with all the data and invoices.

"Sir she was the only one available at the time" the poor fool squeaked.

"Really? I find that hard to believe, because you don't seem to mind packing loads onto your employees. Plus according to the logs there were at least one person who was free. Care to explain?"

"Sir I-"

"Oh don't tell me. You have a hidden degree or skill as a mediator or psychologist and thought it best that two people who hate each other should work out their differences. So balance can be restored once again" I asked with fake sweetness and dripping with sarcasm and crossing my arms and glaring at him. At this I heard chuckles and muffled laughter coming from the employees.

"Sir perhaps we can take this to my office" he offered nervously.

"No I am fine right here. But thanks for offering" I said chirpily.

"But sir-"

"Why are you insisting? I mean I was standing there for over five minutes and never one did you offer to take this to a more private place?"

"I was getting to that sir"

"I am sure you were. I am busy man and I hate wasting my time with these childish talk. Here is what is going to happen. Your crystal chandelier would be paid by us. I will personally foot the bill for your new house. As long as they are in the terms that have been outlined. You can continue using my staff, of course it won't be Ms. Estelle"

"If you don't like it, then I suggest that you get your lawyers ready. Ben and Benson I presume" I added.

They stood gaping at me. Of course I know their lawyers. I know practically almost everything that I have to know when it comes to dealing with ... problems

"If that is all please see yourselves out. Thank you and have a nice day" effectively kicking them out. They all gave me a look and they headed for the elevator. But I stopped.

"Oh and one more thing. If my employee has offended you in any way you can bring this to my department's attention and necessary action will be taken. But if you ever threaten any of my employee's ever again or try to pull that stunt you just pulled ever again-

"You'll what?" she cut me off. Glaring at me.

"Well Ms. Seia you can explain to your father and to your mother why Cere and T&A is no longer in business and going bankrupt. I do not tolerate any form of harassment" That shut her up pretty quick.

As they were walking away I couldn't help but add

"Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials" Then I added quietly "Hopefully, it would last longer than that chandelier"

But I guess I wasn't as quiet as I thought I were, due to the chuckles and snickers I heard from behind me. Oops but who cares.

I snapped the file and turned to Jeff.

"Jeff, you're fired unless you can prove that you were not in any shape or involved with them" Then I turned to walk away. But a meek little voice stopped me.

"Sir am I fired?"

"No Ms. Estelle. As of this moment you are the manager"

"Me?" she squeaked.

"You should learn quickly that I do not like repeating myself whatsoever" I said impatiently.

"But sir, I know nothing" she stammered. She was practically shaking.

"Then you better start learning" I said with finality.

"Oh and Daniel please pack your things. I think it's time your skills and talents should be utilized properly. You're going to Essa"

I noticed the huge grin stretched across his face. Who wouldn't be, Essa was one of the best manufacturing and designing team in three provinces. I don't know why he was so happy and looking at me like I was a god. His resume and skills were quite impressive. Very impressive. He would be very successful there. Plus I wanted to limit any form of favoritism between him and Estelle.

As I was walking away I heard two people mumbling to themselves. I guess the news was not received with much happiness.

"Am I to assume that you are not happy with this arrangement?" quite frankly I didn't give a damn. I was simply looking for a challenge. We all get our fixes somehow.

The gentleman shook his head scared witless, but the lady looked defiant but still managed to shake her head.

"Very well then, get back to work"

As I was walking away a voice called out "It isn't fair"

Slowly turning I asked quietly "What!" You could hear a cotton ball drop. Even though I didn't raise my voice.

"It isn't fair. I mean I am happy for Daniel and Estelle but I, mean we have been here longer than each of them and yet they still get the job"

"How long have you been working here?"

"Since the day that this company opened" she stated proudly.

"Yes and did you ever think that it was qualification and skill and education?"

"I know it is. But some of us have talents too and skills" she countered.

I looked her over. She was a beautiful woman I've got to admit. From her tone and the way she held herself she was definitely a rich girl. Perhaps even a brat. This was new. A rich brat working in my firm. And she hadn't been fired. The recently fired Jeff must really been playing favorites and shady side deals.

"Let me see what you are working on" She turned on her computer and showed me some designs for houses. They were nicely done. I could see her flare and style in each of them.

"Everybody step away from your computer and step to the wall".

I went through all their work and design. I had some very talented people here, fresh and innovated ideas. Some were risk takers but that was what we want. Risk and defying caution. This was a team that had to be in Essa.

I asked the beauty her name

Replying she told me it was "Marisol"

"Tell me why I shouldn't fire you right now? And don't give me because I am good" I scoffed.

"Because I am dedicated and I'll work harder to prove myself and make up for the stuff I lack" she stated.

"Sir, it was Marisol who showed me the ropes when I first came here. She's good. Even if she's a daddy's girl" Estelle spoke up.

"Estelle" Marisol hissed at her.

"Who's your dad?"

"Derek Washington" I knew the guy. A football legend. No wonder how she got the job here. I hadn't fired Jeff soon enough.

Calculating my costs and losses of what I was about to do. I decided to take the plunge. That was how I became rich. I was known for taking risk and working harder than anyone else.

"All of you save your work and pack your stuff. You're all being transferred to Essa. You have two hours to get all your stuff ready. They will be transported there. You're my new team there. But let me make it clear, you have one project and only one. If you mess it up you're all fired. And I mean it you won't ever be able to come back to your old jobs. Are we clear? And that affects you too Ms. Estelle. You're both dependent on each other"

They all nodded their heads. But what was getting to me was there still standing there like a pack of puppies waiting for a piece of treat.

"Why are you guys still standing there?" I asked quietly but there was a threat in my voice. Then they started to scramble. They were talking in excited voices.

Walking over to Estelle I told her "Estelle you would stay here. You have exactly three days to work with HR in hiring a new team. And of course we will negotiate a new contract"

"Yes sir. Thank you sir" she said in a doe eyed voice. You could she her eyes shining with excitement.

"Let's hope your faith in Marisol and your mouth won't cost you your job" I said evilly.

Then I turned around and strode out of the room.

...................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................................

Immediately I stepped out of the elevator I was greeted by four of my executives and managers. They had arrived from their expedition. This was something that I would either be really happy with or pretty furious with. I walked right past them and they all fell one step behind me.

Entering into my office I went straight to business. Will was already there prepared and ready.

"Speak to me Angela"

"Well Mr. Arriaga, I was able to wrap up the business with the Dents"

"The kitchen manufacturing franchise?" I interrupted.

"Yes. It has all been signed and legalized" handing me a couple of files and folders. "You are now the leading shareholder with 62% of the shares"

"You also own 45% shares in the boutiques, plaza and gas station owned by the Ayers, Mzyterics, and the Voldgers" Jim said also handing me all the files and folders.

"And own 70% of three hospitals and 9 dental associations" Austin spoke next. Also handing me his files. Sir, I was not able to negotiate a deal with the Terrence to sell over their practice.

I looked at him long and hard. Oh well. I like Austin. He was like Will a go getter. I knew he wouldn't get the deal. It was just a little assignment to humble him.

"No problem Austin. I am sure you'll prove yourself to me again" I stated sighing.

He looked relieved. He shouldn't be. I was just beginning. Poor boy doesn't know that I am shaping him up. Not that it was his fault. I was not exactly friendly.

45% of the gas stations, printing companies of the Arrases, Heare, 53% in the car dealerships and law firms of the and Brenan's, Luvitz and Terag are now your shares" last but not least Arthur said handing me his files and folders.

Glancing through each of them I just nodded.

"Great job lady and gentlemen." I stated. Causing them to laugh.

"Is it true that you just promoted whole team to Essa?" Austin asked incredulously.

"Yes I did. Problem?"

"No. Lucky guys. Wished I was working there when I first started" he muttered to himself.

"Trust me Austin, you wouldn't have been promoted. I would have kept you in the least position just for the fun of it" I replied.

He stared at me like I was crazy.

"Mr. Arriaga do you need any help with the Orton and Whitmore project?" Angela asked.

"No Ms. Angela. This one I would handle on my own"

"Why?" Austin asked. I always encouraged my staff to speak their minds in a respectful manner of course. Also, because it was rare that I actually went to a turnover. And when I did, they knew that something big and something painful was going to happen.

"Let's just say that it is time that I got back into the loop and this would be a perfect time I said" with a smirk.

They all filed out the door and I was left alone with Will.

"You know what is making me confused?"

"No. But I am glad that you think that I am a mind reader" raising my eyebrow at him.

"What I don't get is why you didn't buy most of the shares in the companies. I know you are more than capable of buying the whole damn thing if you wanted" he said ignoring my joke.

I just blinked at him.

I mean look at this you have about 45% shares in some stuff like the plaza and car dealerships and gas stations, dental offices. I don't get why. I mean, if you bought higher shares then you would have a better chance of controlling them right?"

"Have you ever heard of blood sucking leeches in ponds and lakes, Will?"

"Yes I have" looking confused.

"Well those organisms are the most hated in the world. They do nothing but they suck the nutritious blood off of animals who have had to scavenge for food. They get it easy. And when they have had their fill they can kill the organism"

"I don't follow" he said still looking puzzled.

"All I have to do is sit back and enjoy all that they have worked for. Not uttering a word. At times cause some problems for them" I said with a smirk.

To this he started to smile.

I got up from my desk and looked out the window. I said over my shoulder "And when I get bored and I have had my fun.

I just crush and kill em"

Authors Note.

Get ready. The adventure, the pain, action and revenge is on full ride.