The Contract Of Revenge

Chapter 4

I drove into the parking lot of Reynolds Industries, the largest and most successful company in the country. I had been friends with Alexander Reynolds, the CEO and founder, since we were kids. We had grown up together, gone to the same schools, and shared the same dreams. I was like a brother to him, and I was Alexander's most trusted friend and advisor.

I parked my car and headed to the elevator, greeting the security guards and employees along the way. Everyone knew me there, and they respected me for my loyalty and honesty. I had helped Alexander build his empire from scratch, and I am proud of what we had achieved. We had faced many challenges and obstacles, but we had always overcome them together.

Alexander was a brilliant businessman and a visionary leader. He had transformed his father's small company into a global powerhouse, with branches and subsidiaries in every continent. He had diversified his portfolio, investing in various sectors such as technology, media, energy, and healthcare. He had created thousands of jobs, donated millions to charity, and earned billions in profits. He was admired by many, envied by some, and feared by all. He was the epitome of success.

I knocked on the door and heard Alex say.

"Come in."

"Hey, Alex, how are you doing?" I asked, as I walked in.

Alex was always glad to see me, even when he was busy or stressed.

Alex looked up from his desk, where he was surrounded by papers and files. He smiled slightly, but I could see the fatigue and tension in his eyes. He had been working too hard lately, trying to fend off a hostile takeover bid from his rival, Daniel Jones. Jones was a ruthless businessman who wanted to destroy Alexander and take over his company. He had been making aggressive moves and spreading false rumors about Alexander's performance and reputation.

"Henry, my friend. What a pleasant surprise."

I smiled back.

"Alexander, my friend. It seems today is a busy day."

I walked into the office and closed the door behind me.

I looked at Alexander and saw a man who had everything and nothing.

Alexander Reynolds was a powerful and ruthless billionaire who ruled his empire with an iron fist. He had a dark past and a traumatic childhood, which shaped his personality and motives. He had been betrayed by his former lover, who had stolen his fortune and ran away with his rival. He had vowed to destroy them both and anyone who helped them or loved them.

"Just dealing with some issues," he said, gesturing to the documents.

"I know, I know. Jones is a pain in the ass. But don't worry, we'll beat him. We always do," I said, trying to cheer him up.

He nodded, but he didn't look convinced. He sighed and rubbed his temples.

"I hope so. He's not giving up easily. He's got some powerful allies and connections. He's trying to turn my investors and clients against me. He's even hired some hackers to sabotage my systems and leak my confidential information," he said.

"That's low, even for him. But we have our own allies and connections too. And we have better security and technology. We'll find out who's behind this and expose them," I responded.

He nodded again, but he still looked worried.

"I appreciate your support, Henry. You're the only one I can trust in this world," he said.

I smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Of course, Alex. You're my best friend. I'll always be there for you," I said.

Alex smiled back and thanked me.

We chatted for a while, catching up on some personal and professional matters. I told him about the latest information on Jones Enterprise and how I was handling it. We talked about my latest project, a charity foundation that I had set up to help underprivileged children in Africa. Alex told me about his latest deal, a merger with a leading company in Europe. We exchanged some jokes and stories, trying to lighten up the mood.

After a while, I decided to bring up the topic that I had come here for. The topic that I knew Alex didn't want to talk about, but needed to hear.

"Alex, can I ask you something?" I said.

Alex looked at me curiously.

"Sure, Henry. What is it?" he said.

I took a deep breath and prepared myself for his reaction.

"Alex...when are you going to get married?" I asked.

Alex frowned and looked away.

"Not this again," he muttered.

I pressed on.

"Come on, Alex. You're 32 years old. You're handsome, rich, successful. You have everything you want in life...except a wife," I said.

Alex shook his head.

"I don't need a wife," he said.

"Yes, you do," I insisted.

Alex glared at me.

"Why are you so obsessed with my marital status? It's none of your business!" he said.

"It is my business! Because you're my friend! And because I care about you! And because you're miserable!" I said.

Alex looked shocked.

"I'm not miserable!" he protested.

"Yes, you are! You're lonely! You're unhappy! You're bitter! You're still hung up on that b***h who broke your heart!" I said.

He flinched at the mention of her name. The name that haunted him for years. The name that changed his life forever.

Victoria Turner.

She was his first and only love. They had met in college, and fallen madly in love. They had been inseparable, and everyone thought they were the perfect couple. They had planned to get married and start a family, but fate had other plans. Victoria had betrayed him, cheated on him, and stolen his fortune. She had left him broken and penniless, and ran away with his money and his rival. She had ruined his life, and he had sworn to get his revenge.

That was six years ago, and he had never gotten over her. He had never dated anyone else, never opened his heart to anyone else, never trusted anyone else. He had devoted himself to his work, rebuilding his company and his wealth, but not his happiness. He was still angry, still hurt, still obsessed with Victoria and his vengeance.

I knew all this, because I was there for him. I was the one who helped him pick up the pieces of his shattered life. I was the one who supported him through his darkest days. I was the one who encouraged him to move on and find someone new. But he never listened to me. He always pushed me away, saying he didn't need anyone, saying he was fine on his own, saying he was happy with his work. But I knew he was lying. I knew he was miserable. And I wanted to help him.

"Alex...please...listen to me," I said softly. "You can't live like this forever. You can't let Victoria win. You can't let her control your life and your emotions. You have to let her go. You have to move on. You have to find someone who will love you and make you happy."

He shook his head again.

"There's no one like that for me," he said.

"Yes, there is," I said.

He looked at me skeptically.

"Who?" he asked.

I smiled and leaned closer to him.

"I have someone in mind for you," I whispered.

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Who?" he repeated.

I grinned and winked at him.

"Her name is Olivia Moore," he said.

Alex frowned and tilted his head.

"Olivia Moore? Who's she?" he asked.

I chuckled and clapped my hands.

"She's a journalist who works for a local magazine. She's smart, beautiful, kind, and brave. She's also in need of some financial help for her sick mother. She's the perfect girl for you," I said.

Alex looked at me incredulously.

"Are you kidding me? A journalist? A poor journalist? How is she the perfect girl for me?" he asked.

I shrugged and smiled.

"You'll see when you meet her. Trust me, Alex. She's exactly what you need right now. She'll make you forget about Victoria and everything else that's bothering you. She'll make you happy again," I said.

Alex sighed and rubbed his chin.

"I don't know, Henry...this sounds like a bad idea," he said.

I shook my head and put my arm around his shoulder.

"It's not a bad idea, Alex. It's a great idea. It's the best idea ever. Come on, Alex. Give it a try. Give yourself a chance. Give love a chance," I said.

Alex looked at me hesitantly, then slowly nodded.

"Okay...okay...fine...I'll give it a try," he said reluctantly.

I cheered and hugged him tightly.

"That's my boy! That's my best friend! You won't regret this, Alex! You'll thank me later!" I exclaimed happily.

Alex smiled weakly and patted my back.

"Alright, alright...calm down...don't get too excited...it's just a date...not a marriage proposal," Alex said.

I laughed and released him.

"Of course, of course...it's just a date...for now," I said, winking at him.

He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"You're crazy, Henry. You know that, right?" he said.

I nodded and grinned.

"I know, I know. But I'm also right. You'll see, Alex. You'll see. Olivia Moore is the one for you," I said.

He sighed and smiled.

"Okay, okay...I'll see. I'll see. But don't get your hopes up too high. It might not work out," he said.

I shrugged and smiled.

"It will work out, Alex. It will work out. Trust me," I said.

He nodded and smiled back.

"Okay, okay...I trust you, Henry. I trust you," he said.

Little did I know that he was lying to me. Little did I know that he was lying to himself. Little did we both know that he had a hidden agenda. A sinister plan. A dark motive.

And I had unknowingly unleashed him on an innocent girl.

I had made a terrible mistake.

A mistake that would change everything.

A mistake that would start a chain of events that would lead to pain, betrayal, secrets, and lies.

A mistake that would start...

The Contract of Revenge.