MY BEAUTIFUL CONTRACT WIFE IS AN ASSASSIN

Zephyr Tower

The conference room was abuzz with anticipation as the board members convened, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chairperson of Zephyr Holdings.

Following this meeting, David had another conference scheduled with the creative team of DW Holt IT Solutions. These two multi-billion-dollar companies were starkly different from each other, starting with their distinctive building designs.

Zephyr Tower, an architectural marvel, stood tall with 60 floors and reached a height of 700 feet. Its Victorian interiors added a touch of timeless grandeur to the structure. In contrast, the tower David had single-handedly constructed from a 5 billion dollar loan from his father had surpassed all expectations.

Over the course of 12 years, it has flourished into a magnificent spectacle, boasting 70 floors and soaring to an impressive height of 850 feet. With a plush penthouse and a sprawling garden on top, the tower exuded luxury and elegance.

Three opulent apartments occupied the highest floors, serving as David and Laura's residence during their busiest days. Laura, a dedicated and supportive partner, attended to David's every need, including cooking and preparing his clothes. Access to these exclusive floors was granted through a private elevator. Additionally, the tower housed offices for David's other businesses, including a real estate company, a football league, and three top TV stations.

Returning to the grandeur of Zephyr Holdings, the corporation's assets were estimated to be a staggering 250 billion dollars. Such wealth could hypothetically purchase and transform five countries into industrial powerhouses. Within the Zephyr Tower, the main offices of twenty multinational businesses were situated.

These encompass diverse industries ranging from food and luxury fashion brands to healthcare, gadgets, luxury vehicles, entertainment production, real estate, hotel chains, and pharmaceuticals.

Practically everyone in the Wilbur-Holt family was involved in these enterprises, except for the Johnson sisters, David's step-cousins. Each of them held 1.5% shares of the corporation's assets, inherited from the late Chairperson. While they were allowed to attend director board meetings, they held no decision-making authority as they did not occupy any official positions within the corporation.

As David patiently waited for his father to address the board of directors, he found himself brushing elbows with Albert, his deplorable cousin who, despite being an engineer, focused primarily on gadgets like phones and tablets.

Adding to the family dynamics, David's uncle Raphael had another son named Connor, born out of wedlock. Connor's mother, a supermodel who had ascended to the status of British Countess, had raised him with love and care.

Currently serving as the CEO of the Holt Pharmaceutical Department, Connor has been granted 5% of the company's shares by his grandfather due to his exceptional talent and contributions.

Despite his hard work and success, Connor knew better than to involve himself in family affairs, given Albert's constant animosity towards him. Now, as one of the directors, Connor's presence had intensified the tension between him and Albert.

"Hi, Connor! How's Aunt Lou?" David greeted Connor warmly, patting his shoulder.

Aunt Lou is Connor's mother, who holds the esteemed title of Countess after marrying a British earl, a year after Albert Wilbur left her as a young, pregnant and dissolute supermodel in London, because his parents didn't approve of her.

Connor, sporting his trademark thick glasses and exhibiting a hint of nervousness under Albert's intense gaze, responded, "She sends her regards to you and your mom, Lady Holt."

Albert, unable to resist his antagonistic nature, taunted his half-brother, asking how it felt to be sitting there for the first time. Raphael swiftly intervened, reprimanding Albert and reminding him that Connor was his brother. With a stern look, he warned Albert not to test his father's patience.

Finally, it was Sir Anthony Holt's turn to address the board.

"Good morning, everyone! In two weeks' time, we will be celebrating the 75th founding anniversary of Zephyr Holdings, a momentous milestone in our company's history," Sir Anthony began, exuding a sense of pride and excitement. "And as part of this grand celebration, we have planned a remarkable array of entertainment."

Director Kelly Holland, a cousin of David's, rose to provide an update. "Good morning, esteemed Chairman and members of the board of directors," she greeted with respect. "Initially, we had intended to hire the best concert pianist and opera singer, LC Lombardi, for the event. However, according to her manager, she is in indefinite leave of absence."

Albert couldn't resist injecting some mockery into the conversation. "We can afford to pay her billions if she wants, too," he quipped.

Director Holland raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Albert's rude comment. She proceeded to enlighten him about the extraordinary stature of LC Lombardi.

"Albert, for your information, LC Lombardi is not only a Chinese-American-Italian billionaire but also a highly acclaimed eclectic musician, opera singer-composer, and concert pianist," Director Holland explained, her tone laced with a hint of reprimand.

"Her family owns major pharmaceutical and robotic companies in Asia and Europe, and she herself works as a scientist and engineer. Do you honestly think there's any chance of buying her off? Besides, she is known for her philanthropy at such a young age!"

Albert, undeterred, continued to taunt David. "Wow, she's amazing! One hell of a chick! What can you say, cousin?"

David, flashing his most charming smile, responded, "My wife is actually a big fan of LC Lombardi. She attends her concerts twice a year with her friend," he shared, a hint of pride evident in his voice. "And I must agree with Aunt Kelly. LC Lombardi is an exceptional talent. By the way, my wife will be performing on the grand piano with her own masterpiece. She used to play the grand piano for our grandfather when he was still alive."

Lady Holt, filled with pride for her daughter-in-law, enthusiastically clapped her hands. "Very well! I would be honored to hear my daughter-in-law's talent on the grand piano," she declared.

The room filled with applause, with the exception of Albert's elder sisters, Briar and Sandy.

"Oh, that b***h will never know what hits her, if she continues to pursue showing off herself," Briar exclaimed with irritation in her soft voice as she chatted with her sister.

Sandy raised an eyebrow and leaned on her catty sister, then whispered, "I have the best idea in mind on how to keep that tick out of the picture."

They exchanged knowing smiles, hinting at their shared thoughts and plans. Confident that their uncle Raphael wouldn't disappoint them, they resolved to discuss something with him later.

The board continued their discussions, focusing on the flow of the celebrations and other forms of entertainment. The three TV stations owned by David would contribute actors and actresses for the event, and Lady Wilbur-Holt herself would decide on the three top Hollywood stars who would act as hosts.

Amidst the excitement, beneath the surface, intricate family dynamics, rivalries, and personal ambitions intertwined within the vast wealth and influence of Zephyr Holdings.

The stage was set for a grand celebration, but the underlying currents of the Wilbur-Holt family ensured that it would be a memorable event, filled with both anticipation and a hidden agenda.