Page 1 of Twisted Alliance

PROLOGUE

Zambia, Africa

“I won’t let you get away with this, Thakvar! You will pay for your ruthlessness!”

Shivay Thakvar didn’t react to the threats. As the CEO and founder of a global corporation known for its cutthroat acquisitions, he was accustomed to hearing such threats issued by the former owners of the companies he acquired.

“I have already paid, Mr. Hendrick. In fact, I’ve paid you much more than what your nearly-dying company is currently worth. You should be thankful your family members had the foresight to accept my offer to help.”

The older man’s face reddened at the mention of his family members being a part of the acquisition. Along with his brothers, the man’s much younger wife and three adult children had also readily sold their shares.

The generational mining company now belonged to Thakvar Enterprises.

“You will fail for sure!” the older man shouted. “Just because you own a successful corporation in America, you think it’s easy running a copper mining company in Africa? Workers will revolt, and things will go very wrong. It will not be easy for you!”

At the threats, Shivay’s mouth twisted into a cold smile. “I don’t expect it to be easy. But thanks for warning me, Mr. Hendrick. I appreciate your concern.”

The older man’s face turned redder.

Shivay stood up from the plush leather chair in the conference room before he coolly nodded at the other executives seated around the table.

“Thank you, gentlemen. My team will contact you all for the next steps.”

He stepped out of the meeting room, followed by his team of executives and assistants. The building was small and close to the mining site. He stepped out of the air-conditioned building to the SUV waiting outside. There were two more SUVs, one at the front and another behind them with local security personnel.

“Mr. Hendrick doesn’t seem happy at all, Shivay,” one of his executives said while they sat in the vehicle. “He has issued threats throughout the negotiation process over the last two months. You should be careful.”

Shivay shrugged while fastening the seat belt. “I don’t expect him to be happy. None of the company owners ever were during any of our forced acquisitions.”

“This is Africa, Shivay,” another executive sitting across from him said. He was an older man who had been with Thakvar Enterprises before Shivay had taken over. “Things in other countries don’t always work as they do in America.”

Shivay had traveled enough over the last decade to know that as a fact. But most of his travels had been to countries in the Western world and other developed countries in the East. Venturing into the heart of Africa to acquire one of the biggest mines was relatively new.

“You should hire a few personal bodyguards, Mr. Thakvar. Mrs. Thakvar has always been suggesting it when you travel outside America.”

Shivay knew his assistant was referring to his mother, who constantly worried about his safety and wanted them to hire personal security. But Shivay chose not to have armed guards following him all the time.

“I think the security we hired during the stay will do their job.” The security was mainly for his executives and assistants since he didn’t want to compromise their safety.

He sat back and sent a short message to Rishab and Nakul informing them the deal was finalized. They were also on the verge of acquiring companies in other parts of the world.

Although prominent voices in the business world often stated that the three of them were bent upon world domination with their ruthless acquisitions, there was only partial truth to it.

They did want to dominate the tech and manufacturing world, which was the core area of expertise of Thakvar Enterprises. But the latest acquisitions were for reasons other than just profits.

He looked at his watch. “Check if you can move the meeting with Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Clive to sometime earlier this evening.” He wanted to inform the head scientists that they could begin their project at the mines in a month.

Shivay’s assistant looked uncertain. “But you have a dinner event at the Minister of Local Government’s place, and you are the guest of honor.”

The minister who held the environmental protection portfolio for the local government was hosting the event to thank Thakvar Enterprises for the latest acquisition.

Shivay knew his assistant was hoping Shivay would catch up on some sleep since they had flown halfway around the world and attending meetings for the last twenty-four hours.

“I will attend the dinner event after the call. Arun will attend with me.”

“Okay, Mr. Thakvar.”

Shivay had two personal assistants to coordinate his intense schedule.

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