Chapter 9: Blind Rage

Past

After the funerals he took care of, Robertz wiped off his tears of joy. "Andrew was a great man."

A friend of his said as he sadly patted his shoulder, "My condolences."

They could say whatever they wanted to him but all he cared of was that his enemies were dead. It gave him great relief and great joy at the same time. Soon, everything would become as he had ever wanted.

The mayor of New York City, Frederick Ivan Moray, approached him, "My condolences, Robertz. What will happen to Miller Industries now? Who will be the owner? Andrew must have surely put someone's name after him? Someone who'll inherit his fortune."

Robertz sighed deeply, "Mayor, it was their daughter and as you know, Victoria Miller has also..."

He interrupted himself due to the emotion...of joy. He then said with a tone of regret, "I can't imagine the disaster that is going to follow."

This statement of his intrigued the kind and concerned mayor, "What do you mean?"

Frederick Moray, even though he was pained at the lost of a dear friend, his main worry was the welfare of his people. What disaster was he referring to?

Robertz expelled a heavy breath as he gazed at him meaningfully, "You and I both know that Miller Industries employ at least half of the city. You imagine the unemployment rate that would follow due to the closure of Miller Industries? So many people will suffer and you will have so much tension, trying to create jobs here and there. All these people who work for Miller Industries will be made redundant."

Robertz had expected the mayor to at least frown but the impeccably well-dressed man only arched an eyebrow. Had he not understood what he tried to say?

The mayor spoke pensively, "We have some options before us. Miller Industries can become a governmental organisation or we can sell it to a private individual and the money will belong to the government. Or Robertz, the simplest thing to do is that you should be in charge of it!"

That was exactly what he wanted to hear. His dream was becoming sweeter and sweeter as the minutes pass. He faked a look of shock, "What?! But I can't. I mean-- it was Andrew's."

The mayor insisted with a smile, "You were his best friend. We all know that. But you were also his financial consultant and no one apart you knows better how to manage this large industry. I'll personally make an announcement on the media so as not to have any confusions. You are a good man, I know you will succeed to manage everything just like Andrew had done."

In his house, Jake was frustrated. He still could not believe his mother could have done such a cruel thing. There was no proof that this was the truth. He had to confirm. Has her mother really written that document for his father?

No, she was the purest being he had ever known. He hassled to an electric socket, unplugged his charging mobile phone and hastily searched a contact. Then he found it; the number of his aunt. That would cost a lot to call someone from abroad but he had to be sure that whatever he had read was fake.

He dialed the number and waited impatiently before connecting. When it did, he exclaimed, "Aunt Raina, it's Jake, your nephew...How are you? And how's everyone at home?...Yes everything is fine, I was wondering if mom happened to visit you today or yesterday? ... She has not come since like an eternity? Haha. Okay, I'll tell her. Yes, everything's fine...Okay, we'll soon visit. I promise. Okay bye. Say hello to everyone from my behalf...Bye. Love you too."

He ended the call and heavily threw it on the table where his charger was still plugged in the electric socket. Indeed, that was a lie. His mother had not visit her sister. Everything was a lie. She had lied to them. Right now, she might be with that bastard who seemed to be better than dad. He suddenly hated her. All this love that existed between them seemed to have evaporised. His phone abruptly rang. It was his new girlfriend that he had met two days ago.

He answered it and coldly said before even listening to what she had to say, "I don't bloody give a damn about what you want. Everything's over between us. I hate women! Goodbye forever!"

"But baby, what's wrong?!"

Jake answered rudely, "To hell with you and your fake concern. All you want is money! Don't ever dare bother me again or I'll make sure you land in jail for harassment and extortion of cash."

He ended the call, feeling rather light but still frustrated. He never again wanted to be in any relationships with any women. He would erased the numerous girls he had dated in his mind.

They were pollutants but above all, betrayers. If someone that he had thought was the kindest and purest human in this world was in reality, a cheater and betrayer, what would be the others that he hardly knew. To hell with girls and women! He would never care for any of them again.

~~~~~~

Later that evening at sunset, Victoria was drinking a warm tea which Rosabella had prepared for her. They were seated in front of the television, waiting for the news. Since they had returned from the funerals, Victoria had not really spoken to either Finn or Rosabella herself. She had sometimes merely nodded or said a small 'no' or 'yes'. The news had started.

The newscaster had mentioned nothing about the accident of her parents in the briefs head titles.

She mumbled weakly, "Mrs Hyland..."

She gave her her full attention, "Yes Victoria? Tell me." As she observed her, she was hesitant.

It was only when she took her hand, that she got the courage to speak, "Can I stay here with you?"

She placed her arms around her and provided her with the warmth and comfort that she had once known with her mother, "Of course Victoria. You can stay, my dear. I'll take care of you. And so will Finn."

Victoria returned the embrace. The mayor of the city was talking on the television but they were not even paying attention. It was only when they heard him say the evil's name that they focussed on it.

"...So, to prevent any damage from being done to our country, Robertz Hills will take Andrew Miller's place as the new CEO of Millers Industries. No one will lose their job and the normal activities of the business will continue without any disruption. Any one who does not agree to this decision raise your hands."

The board of directors who knew Robertz did not object nor did any of the workers. This was the best solution for all of them since if someone would not take Andrew Miller's place, they would all be at lost.

"No! I refuse! He doesn't have the right!"

Robertz was saying a few words about how he would have wished that Andrew Miller was still present among them but nevertheless, he would carry his new duty which was assigned to him.

Victoria felt a surge of rage invading her. She wanted to kill that man at that moment itself.

She dashed towards the living room's round shaped dining table and grabbed Finn's gun which was lying among his police badge and sunglasses. Before Rosabella could stop her, she was already out, blinded by anger and pain at their pinnacle.

That man killed her parents only because of selfishness, only because of jealousy , only to take her dad's place and become the CEO. She would avenge her parents' death as soon as she would lay her hands on him.

She heard Rosabella shouting after her, trying to reach her but she would not let her. She started to run faster and then, abruptly bumped into Finn, fell down on the grass and accidently pressed the trigger.

A deafening shot was heard and she stared in horror, wondering if Finn was hurt. Fortunately she had fired on the grass itself. Finn stared angrily at her and the gun in her hand.

He knelt down and carefully took the gun from her trembling hand as the barrel was pointed to him and handled it to Rosabella who was as much as terrified as Victoria herself.

Finn scolded, "What do you think you were doing with that? It's not a toy! You could have hurt someone or even yourself and gone to jail!"

Victoria stiffened as he shouted at her. She hugged him tightly and burried her head in his chest just like it had been on the night when she first met him and cried, "I...I am sorry! Please forgive me. I...I--"

Finn gently tapped her back, "It's okay now. It's over. Let's go inside."

Present...

The next day was a wonderful but boring Sunday. Victoria had worn a light short yellow dress and was stirring some sugar in her second coffee.

As she looked at the majestic building far away, she recalled that she had been thinking what she could do to cause Robertz some losses.

Attack the Marketing department first or the Human Resource department? These simple attacks were too lenient towards Robertz.

She should cause him a severe emotional pain that would made his heart bleed. The man was unfortunately still too mysterious for her. He had hardly spoke about what he liked or disliked.

She walked to her desk in her room itself where she had already procured herself a detailed plan of the whole edifice.

~~~~~~

David, his driver stopped the shiny Mercedes outside the new apartment that Jake had rented.

He got down and smiled, "Great! Just like I have imagined it! Give me the key, David."

David was puzzled, "I thought you had it."

Jake impatiently said, "Come on! It's not the time to joke." He had rented this apartment as he needed a calm place to do his work. A place which would bring him serenity, far from the daily rush of life.

Even though it was a Sunday, that was not a reason to not work. He was eager to begin and now his driver had probably forgotten to take the key at the rental agency.

He walked to the door and surprisingly it was not locked. He turned to David and said, "You see? When your driver has forgotten to take the key, you should improvise! Bring my laptop and my files."

David was not so sure about this opened door, "Sir, I think someone's--"

Jake interrupted him with a sarcastic chuckle as if to remind him that he had already forgotten about his order, "The laptop, Dave! The laptop!"

He nodded, "Yes sir."

Jake walked in leisurely and commented, "Nice place!"

He toured the living room, tested the comfortability of the settee, looked at the large flat screen television which he would probably use only to watch the news and stood up again. He felt fresh in this place.

So peaceful! The place was perfect for him. He ignored the kitchen. He made a mental note to visit it last. The sight of an empty fridge would be too painful for him to bear.

He walked along a small corridor and quickly looked into each room. David walked in with his boss's laptop and a tons of files and as he crossed the living room, he looked towards the kitchen. Sugar, coffee powder and milk. All this was displayed on the table.

And seeing the neat orderly manner that these pots were arranged into, he guessed that it was done surely by a woman.

Uh-oh. Someone was indeed living here. He had to inform Jake about it before something would happen.

"Sir! You should probably--"

Jake opened the last door and walked in. At first he did not notice Victoria examining the plan of the building on her desk. Victoria was alerted when the door burst open.

She stared at Jake and angrily shouted, "What the hell!"

Jake was moved and he wondered if he was really looking at Victoria, "What the bloody hell!"

She slammed down her coffee cup and stampeded to him, "What are you doing here?!" She had to improvise. He should not see the plan.

She grabbed his collar and pushed him out of her room until his back crashed against the wall. "What are you doing here? Get out! Get out immediately!"

Jake who regained all his senses now frowned, "Damn you! This is my apartment! Release me!"

She was still holding his collar out of fury and confusion. "Are you insane?! I rented it for two months! Already paid in advance!"

She let go of his collars to allow him some respite as she abruptly realised something very disturbing. God! Tell me he isn't the man I'm supposed to make a deal with about getting this apartment! As soon as she stepped back and released him. Jake pushed her to the other side of the wall and cornered her.

He shouted angrily as he stared into her hazel eyes, "I, Ms Hyland, yes I, Jake Hills, has made reservation for this location some months ago. So how can you tell me that you paid in advance?"

She defended herself against this brute, "I rented it for two months. You are misunderstanding everything!"

David cleared his voice and rationally said, "Sir, if you don't mind, we can get you another place."

He glared at him darkly, "No! I want this one. David, help me throw her belongings out of here."

Victoria protested, "You don't have the right!"

Jake held her tighter against the wall, "I am Jake Hills. I do whatever I want when I want and you just obey. Remember you are my employee."

If she was not partially at fault, she would have already given him a good beating and maybe even, murdered him. Jake continued firmly, "You and I have to talk! David, leave us alone." The driver was confused, "But sir--"

"I said leave!"

He now knew that his boss had once again transformed into that intimidating man. He would not mess with him for his own good. "Yes sir. Do I wait for you?"

He said without any hesitation, "No. Take your Sunday but leave the car here."

He nodded like a soldier and left. Jake returned his attention to the woman who was trapped between him and the wall and said without an ounce of humour, "Now I'll see your case, Kate darling!"

It sounded more like a threat than a compromise but anyway, she would not let him have that perfect location.