ushernet Chapter 76 Villain Path?
Chapter 76 Villain Path?
Out in the lobby, Katherine, the receptionist, looked up from her desk, confusion flashing across her face. "Already done, Mr. Parker?"@@@@
Her eyes darted between Parker and Ava, noting the tension simmering between them. Parker didn't respond, the storm in his gaze enough to make her sit straighter.
"Layman happened, didn't he?" Katherine muttered under her breath, shaking her head.
Ava glanced at Parker as they stepped outside. "You know," she said, voice low and deliberate, "this isn't how Sophisticated Space operates. People like Layman are the exception, not the rule. Their higher-ups wouldn't tolerate this."
Parker shoved his hands into his pockets, scanning the bustling city street ahead. "Doesn't matter. If that's the face of their company here, I'm out."
"Mr. Parker," Ava pressed, "Layman's a cog in the machine. The execs? They'd flip out if they knew he just cost them a client like you."
Parker scoffed but didn't answer. He was done here, he can't do bussines with a clown!
****
As Parker and Ava stepped onto the curb, a sleek black car rolled up, its polished surface reflecting the city lights. The door opened, and out stepped a man who looked like he'd just walked off the cover of Forbes. Tailored suit, shiny shoes, and a confident stride that didn't reek of the arrogance Layman carried.
The man stopped mid-step when his eyes landed on Ava. There was a flicker of recognition—respect, even admiration.
"Ms. Klein," he said, extending his hand with a warm smile. "It's an honor. Richard Kane, Regional Director for Sophisticated Space. What brings you to our branch today? It's an honour though!" He slipped a smile again.
Ava shook his hand, her expression polite but distant. "The pleasure is mine. As for why I am here... A client meeting. Or at least, that was the plan." Her tone carried just enough edge to make Kane's smile falter.
Kane's gaze shifted to Parker, a flicker of curiosity passing over his face. "And this is?"
"Do I even care about his fate or what happens afterwards? I don't want to waste my time," Parker asked, his tone challenging but not hostile. "Because I have less of that for more bullshit."
Kane smiled faintly, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "I don't bullshit, Mr. Parker. You'll see that for yourself."
Parker let the silence stretch a beat longer before nodding. "Alright, Kane. You've got a chance to fix this. Don't waste it. Most important my time, I have less to waste here. But enough to offer you another chance."
As Kane stepped aside to open the car door for them, Ava turned to Parker with a small smirk. "Not bad, Mr. Parker," she said softly. "You handled than I should've if I were in your position."
Parker shrugged, sliding into the seat. "If they're as good as they claim, they'll make it worth my while. If not, well..." He left the sentence hanging, his confidence filling the silence.
Ava chuckled as she joined him. "Well, then they'd better pray they're good which I know they are."
Kane led them back inside, apologizing profusely as they walked. "I'll address this immediately. Ava, your involvement alone makes this a priority. But Mr. Parker? Having you as a client is just as critical. Layman doesn't represent us. Not today, not ever."
Back in the director's office, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. The director wasted no time. "Mr. Layman," he barked into his phone. "Get in here. Now."
Minutes later, Layman slinked in, his earlier arrogance replaced with visible unease. He tried to avoid Ava's gaze but failed miserably.
Parker watched, Villains destroy, Antiheroes watch but he was both, no, he was becoming the former... Without realizing it?
*****
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