10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine-Chapter 109: The Snake And The Rat

My car slowed to a stop in front of the Apex Investments headquarters like a jet at the end of its runway.

Like I’m sure I’ve said before, the driver deserves a raise.

I stepped out of the car, looking up at the tall building. The sun reflected off the glass of the upper floors, making it look like a mountain with gold shining at the top.

Well, it couldn’t get more symbolic than this. After all, today was the day.

The day in which we’ll gauge where we stand with the board and see if we’d be able to change things.

When I’d first heard of the event, I’d thought I’d have to rely on Jenny to explain the landscape to me after the vote but here I am.

"Mr, Voss." I turned away from the skyscraper and standing in front of me was a suited employee who nodded respectfully. "Welcome to Apex Investments. Mrs. Newton is expecting you."

He gestured and I nodded, following him through the lobby. As I walked through the place, I could see the sense of excitement among the employees.

This was probably something that would be talked about among themselves for years to come. The battle between the two heirs.

Who will seize the throne? The elder and rebellious sister or the younger and obedient sister?

I chuckled to myself as I entered the elevator but as we began the ride upwards, I composed myself.

I wasn’t going to see Santa Claus. I was going to see the formidable Clarisse Newton. My closest stamp holder.

After having the time and space to think about it, I’d decided to not go for it. At least, not now.

Not only was Clarisse a smart woman who will be able to see through anything I might attempt, she was the one with the most power to decide the person who will sit on the throne of Apex.

Just one misstep would be enough for her to place Jasmine instead of Jenny on the throne. I couldn’t risk it.

Instead of thinking with my dick, I had to think with my brain.

Stamping her will give me a substantial reward. Enough money that I’ll even be the richest person in the world and could just buy enough shares in my father’s empire and effectively become the owner but Clarisse wasn’t an easy woman.

I was good but not that good. I knew my limits and this was the perfect place to not get ahead of myself.

Maybe after this is done, I’ll be able to stamp her. But not before then.

The elevator finally stopped and the doors slid open. A few seconds later, I walked into Clarisse’s office.

The office was a perfect reflection of the woman standing by the windows. Elegant and commanding.

As always, Clarisse was dressed immaculately, standing with an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore.

"Nicholas." She said, turning to me with a smile. "Right on time. Sit."

"Ms. Newton." I took the seat she had gestured to. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Call me Clarisse." She said, seating herself across from me. "Formalities are for strangers and I think we’ve moved past that, haven’t we?"

I smiled politely. "As you wish, Clarisse."

She leaned back in her chair, studying me. "I must admit, I’ve been following your rise with great interest. Imperium Holdings is quite the achievement, especially for someone so… young."

Another reminder that in this world, I was just twenty two and worth $29 billion. At least, according to the business magazines and websites.

"Thank you." I said, managing to keep my tone both humble and confident at the same time. "It’s been a journey but I’ve had good people around me and clear goals to aim for."

"And yet, most people with resources squander them." She smiled. "They lack the vision to turn opportunities into empires. Tell me, how did you manage it?"

"By focusing on the long game." I answered. I don’t know what kind of answer she was looking for but I’ll play it safe. Answers that’ll also reflect well on Jenny.

"I’ve always believed in building a foundation strong enough to support future growth. It’s about seeing where the world is headed and making sure you’re there first."

"A thoughtful answer." Clarisse said, the same smile pasted on her face. I couldn’t even tell if it was fake or genuine. "Though I suspect you’re leaving out the most interesting parts."

I gave her a polite smile, not betraying anything. "Some secrets are worth keeping."

She chuckled softly. "Fair enough."

There was silence in the office before she broke it.

"You’re here for answers, aren’t you?"

"Answers?" I raised both my brows in question.

"You want to know the answers to those questions. Questions that only I can answer."

My mind went back to the questions she’d raised at the gala. Why did Logan Voss send me away?

"Does your father really hate you? Or is there another reason he sent you out of his sight?" Clarisse smirked. "Why you? Why not anybody else?"

I said nothing, watching her.

"I can see it in your eyes, Nicholas. You want to know what I know, don’t you?"

I didn’t respond immediately. She was right, of course, but I wasn’t going to hand her the satisfaction of admitting it outright.

"Let’s say I am." I leaned back in my chair. "What’s next?"

Clarisse’s smirk widened as she stared at me. A snake eyeing a rat. "Life is give and take, Nicholas. Nothing comes for free. So tell me, what are you willing to give up to get your answers?"

"What are you willing to accept?" I countered.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "What if the price for what you want is to abandon Jenny?"

I answered immediately before there could be any silence between us.

"No."

There was no need for hesitation. I needed Jenny much more than I needed the answers. "Never."

Clarisse stared at me in the resulting silence. Then, to my surprise, she chuckled, nodding approvingly.

"Good." She said. "If you’d answered yes, I would’ve been disappointed, Nicholas. A good friend is hard to find and loyalty is even harder. If you lack either, you’re useless to Jenny."

I exhaled slowly at her words. So it was a test.

This right here, is why I won’t be fucking with this woman. When I say smart, this was what I meant.

"While I approve, that doesn’t change the fact that I’ll be watching you, Nicholas. You’ve proven yourself capable but I can see it in you." She smiled. "Ambition."

I had no idea what to say to that but she continued, surprising me with her next words.

"However, I want to thank you for helping my daughter, Nicholas. I appreciate it." She said and I knew that the thanks was genuine.

This time, I nodded. It seemed an appropriate response to her words and I knew that speaking out loud might break the atmosphere.

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She finally glanced at the clock on her desk and stood. I rose to my feet too.

"We’ll have to continue this conversation another time Nicholas." She gestured toward the door. "Come. It’s time for the board meeting."