Page 57 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“Well, in that case, you just have to find another way. But where’s all this coming from? Are you planning a takeover of another company?”

“In fact, I am. It’s a large organization, but I suspect the board of the company is involved in shady, underground deals. Deals too profitable they can’t let go of the company.”

“Damn. Then I advise you to move fast. Try a more indirect approach. You can probably try to hire detectives or the FBI to run investigations, so you can expose them or something and make for a smoother takeover.”Way ahead of you, mate.

“Thanks for the advice, Lex.”

“Anytime, man. And, in case you eventually find enough dirt, I’m always available to take legal action. Once you succeed in your takeover, and if you plan to merge, I advise you to do a total management reshuffle for a successful transition. The law will always be there to punish those shady crooks.”

“Yeah, it will. I’m counting on that.” I make to end the call.

“By the way, what’s the company's name in question?” His question rings out, stopping me.

How am I to inform him I have plans to take over Emerald Inc.? With his sister as CEO?

I release a deep sigh. Sooner or later, I have to tell him.

With a wave of two fingers, I signal Thomas to leave my office.

“It’s Emerald. Emerald Incorporated.”

“Wait, Emerald? Why?”

“I told you before. I’m aiming for a merger.”

“But that’s Melissa’s company! What do you think you’re doing, Richard?”

“The right thing. Emerald has become a hive for underground criminal dealings. I have to stop that.”

“Hell, I know about their shady dealings! I’ve been doing some digging of my own! That’s why I asked you to keep my sister safe!”

“And she will be safe. I gave you my word, and I intend to honor that to the last. Melissa will be shielded from the takeover.”

A long pause follows my last statement. “We need to talk. In-person. I’ll be back in New York soon.”

The call cuts and I drop my phone on the table, resting my head on my hands and releasing the heavy breath I was keeping inside for a while.

The caller buzzes, and I press a button. Anna’s voice filters through the speaker.

“The representatives from Emerald Inc. are here, Mr. Burnes.”

I rise to my feet. “Direct them to the conference room. And get Thomas on standby.”

“It’s funny how you asked me out for lunch on such short notice, Richard.”

My fingers drum on the table as Melissa teases me with light banter. Right now, Alex, the takeover of Emerald, and my worry for Melissa’s safety cloud my thoughts.

“… Richard? Richard! Are you alright?”

Melissa lays a hand on mine, her soft and warm fingers bringing me back.

“I’m fine, hon’. I’m sorry. It’s been a long morning.”

“Sorry about that. Work, yeah?”

“Yeah.” I place my hands over hers. “Had a little issue at work, but it’ll be fine.”

Her eyes stare into mine. “Talk to me. What is it?”

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