Karma is a Business

Chapter 4

Episode 4

****** 5 years later******

The first tendrils of dawn were just beginning to claw their way over the cityscape when McGregor company thrummed to life. It wasn't a gradual awakening, but an almost instantaneous eruption of energy.

The security doors hissed open, swallowing the first early souls of the day: sharp-suited analysts clutching steaming coffee cups, their faces illuminated by the glow of their phones as they scanned market updates; programmers, their eyes already alight with the possibilities of code, backpacks brimming with energy drinks and complex algorithms; and marketing mavens.

The scent of freshly brewed espresso mixed with the faint, metallic tang of electronic equipment, a unique olfactory cocktail that defined the McGregor experience.

The office building was massive and built with the best luxury designs. The tower itself was a monolith of glass and steel, its surface reflecting the nascent sunrise in a dazzling display.

Inside, the lobby was a cathedral of modern design. Polished marble floors mirrored the intricate, abstract sculpture that dominated the space. Security was tight but discreet; uniformed guards with steely eyes and earpieces nodded politely as employees swiped their badges, their faces etched with varying degrees of sleepiness.

The hushed atmosphere of the lower floors was replaced by a more frenetic energy. Phones buzzed incessantly, fingers flew across keyboards, and the air was thick with the jargon of high finance. They were tracking global markets, negotiating deals worth billions, and managing the vast wealth that McGregor group of companies commanded.

Even from a distance, one could sense the sheer scale and power of the company. It was a living, breathing organism, fueled by ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of success.

In the lower floor of the building, a sudden hush fell, all clattering stopped.

The double doors to the executive wing practically vibrated as they slammed open, announcing Nathan McGregor's arrival like a thunderclap. The air itself seemed to thicken, the temperature dropping a noticeable degree. He wasn't just entering; he was invading.

His tailored suit, usually a testament to impeccable style, now looked like armor, the sharp lines mirroring the rigid set of his jaw. His face, usually a mask of carefully cultivated composure, was a landscape of barely suppressed fury. The lines etched around his eyes were deeper, the scar that bisected his left eyebrow a livid white against his pallid skin.

He didn't acknowledge the scattering of nervous glances from his assistants. He didn't need to. His presence alone was enough to send a ripple of dread through the hushed office.

It was a familiar feeling, a prickling anticipation of the storm that was about to break. As he walked past, staff swarm out of his way, not bothering to utrer a greeting since they knew it would be useless. It was obviously a bad morning.

Nathan's footsteps, each clipped and precise, echoed in the opulent space, a metronome counting down to the inevitable explosion. He didn't pause at his secretary's desk, merely tossed the discarded remains of a leather-bound agenda onto the spotless surface, the force of the impact causing a pen to roll off and clatter to the floor.

"Get me Harrison," he barked, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that barely registered above a whisper, yet carried the weight of a command no one dared ignore. "And then tell the entire marketing team I want them in the boardroom. Now. Unless they have a good reason to be halfway across the globe, I expect to see them all, even the interns. Tell them this isn't a suggestion. It's a damn funeral."

"Y....yes, boss."

He stalked past into his spacious luxury dripping office, the scent of his expensive cologne – usually alluring – now laced with a metallic tang, the scent of blood on the brink of being spilled.

He didn't bother closing his office door, the unspoken invitation a terrifying promise. The cancellation, the colossal, humiliating cancellation by Veritas Corp, had been the last straw.

He wanted answers, and he wanted heads. And the entire building knew it.

Sitting heavily on his chair, Nathan took off his jacket, tossed it aside and glared hard into space. His forehead was creased with a deep frown with lines of worries plastered on it.

What went wrong? Why would Veritas Corp cancel on him? The business contract had been so satisfying to them. They literally wanted to push up the signing day. And now, suddenly, they were backing out.

"This can't be happening," he seethed. Just then, a quick knock came on the door, and Bryan walked into the office, looking frustrated as well.

"I heard you called a meeting of the staff," he said hurriedly as he sat across from Nathan.

Nathan glared at him, and nodded slowly. "I did, and you're not excluded from providing the answers I need to my questions. Veritas Corp is a multi-million organisation that just withdrew a contract worth billions of dollars. What the hell went wrong! What was the strategy team doing!" He thundered angrily, and sprang up from his chair, cursing loudly.

Bryan took in a deep breath, and looked up at Nathan. "I have news,"

Nathan stopped pacing, and turned to study him. "What news?

"Veritas Corp...fews hours after cancelling the contract signing with us, they partnered with NovaVest, a wealth management company that started off recently." Bryan revealed.

"NovaVest? A baby company that is just starting wants to compete with me? Is that why they went after my contract?" Nathan couldn't believe his ears.

"From what I heard, NovaVest is a standard company with the trusts of people of affluence and power in the country. I wouldn't underestimate them of I were you." Bryan replied.

Nathan stared at him for a while. He ran his palm over his head, and returned to his chair.

"I need all the information I can get on this... NovaVest. Every damned detail, Bryan."

*****************

The sleek black city car screeched to a stop in front of the white penthouse that stood gigantic, almost against the sky. The surroundings screamed wealth, bringing a warm smile on the face of the woman who was just stepping out of the car.

It was Ellie Simpson, getting back into the country few hours ago. The penthouse belonged to her mentor, Brandon, and she'd come from her suit at the exciting news she got from him. Behind her, her best friend, Jessica approached, placed a hand over her shoulder, and smiled with her.

Yes, she knew what the woman had gone through. She knew the hurdles Ellie had to pass to get to where she was.

Ellie was back in the city, stronger now with a large blooming empire behind her. She'd just gotten back to the city, and her mentor, Brandon Ashley already started to get things done. They had just taken away one of Nathan's best clients, but that was just the beginning for Ellie's comeback.

"Veritas Corp is now ours. It was a cake walk, Brandon." Ellie announced as she revealed the news while sitting with Brandon Ashford in the massive living room. They had just popped a bottle of champagne, and Jessica was joining them with a tray of wine glasses.

Brandon gave a powerful punch into the air, his face radiating equal excitement. "I knew it was going to be a cake walk with the connections you possess, Ellie. You did it."

"But... for someone who just got herself such a deal, you don't look the part," Jessica observed as she passed Ellie one of the glasses.

Ellie looked at them and scoffed. She poured herself a drink, and crossed bet legs before sipping slowly.

"This is nothing compared to what I'm going to do to Nathan McGregor. This is just a starting... almost as if it's nothing. I'm going to crush him until he begs for mercy, I will take away his connections and everything he thinks he has. NovaVest will be the end of him. Mark. My. Word."