Urban Plundering: I Corrupted The System!

Chapter 76 Villain Path?

Out in the lobby, Katherine, the receptionist, looked up from her desk, confusion flashing across her face. "Already done, Mr. Parker?"

Her eyes darted between Parker and Ava, noting the tension simmering between them. Parker didn't respond, the storm in his gaze enough to make her sit straighter.

"Layman happened, didn't he?" Katherine muttered under her breath, shaking her head.

Ava glanced at Parker as they stepped outside. "You know," she said, voice low and deliberate, "this isn't how Sophisticated Space operates. People like Layman are the exception, not the rule. Their higher-ups wouldn't tolerate this."

Parker shoved his hands into his pockets, scanning the bustling city street ahead. "Doesn't matter. If that's the face of their company here, I'm out."

"Mr. Parker," Ava pressed, "Layman's a cog in the machine. The execs? They'd flip out if they knew he just cost them a client like you."

Parker scoffed but didn't answer. He was done here, he can't do bussines with a clown!

****

As Parker and Ava stepped onto the curb, a sleek black car rolled up, its polished surface reflecting the city lights. The door opened, and out stepped a man who looked like he'd just walked off the cover of Forbes. Tailored suit, shiny shoes, and a confident stride that didn't reek of the arrogance Layman carried.

The man stopped mid-step when his eyes landed on Ava. There was a flicker of recognition—respect, even admiration.

"Ms. Klein," he said, extending his hand with a warm smile. "It's an honor. Richard Kane, Regional Director for Sophisticated Space. What brings you to our branch today? It's an honour though!" He slipped a smile again.

Ava shook his hand, her expression polite but distant. "The pleasure is mine. As for why I am here... A client meeting. Or at least, that was the plan." Her tone carried just enough edge to make Kane's smile falter.

Kane's gaze shifted to Parker, a flicker of curiosity passing over his face. "And this is?"

"Mr. Parker," Ava said firmly. "My client. The one Layman just tried to insult out of the building."

The director's face paled. He knew what was at stake, and it wasn't just Parker's account. Ava Klein working with someone them? That alone was enough to elevate the branch's reputation. And Parker looked like a solid customer. Losing them both would be catastrophic—especially if Ava decided to make a public statement.

He could already imagine the fallout. One social media post from Ava, and the news would travel faster than wildfire.

The CEO herself, Seoryeon, was known for her zero-tolerance policy when it came to tarnishing the company's image. She'd once fired an entire branch's staff over a customer mishap—and that was just a minor incident.

This? This was career suicide waiting to happen.

Kane's face froze for a split second before his jaw tightened. "I see," he said, his voice clipped. He turned fully to Parker, his hand outstretched. "Mr. Parker, I owe you an apology on behalf of Sophisticated Space. Layman's behavior is unacceptable, and it's not reflective of our values."

Parker shook his hand, his grip firm but not aggressive. His voice was calm, the kind of calm that felt heavier than anger. "I'm not looking for apologies, Mr. Kane. I'm looking for professionalism. If Layman represents your company, then maybe I've overestimated Sophisticated Space."

The words hung in the air like a loaded gun, and for a moment, no one spoke. Kane glanced at Ava, then back at Parker, his shoulders straightening like he was stepping into damage control mode.

"Mr. Parker, please," Kane said, his tone measured but sincere. "I assure you, that's not who we are. Layman's actions will be looked into addressed immediately. This isn't how we treat our clients, especially not someone with your... potential."

Parker tilted his head slightly, studying Kane. "Potential, huh? That's an interesting word for someone you've already written off."

Kane raised his hands, palms up, like he was surrendering. "Fair point. But I'm not Layman, and I'm asking for the chance to prove that. Ava's here because she trusts us. I hope you can trust her judgment too. Give me a moment to make this right. Come back to my office. I promise, this will never happen again. Trust me."

Ava crossed her arms, leaning back slightly as she watched the exchange. "Trust isn't the issue here," she said evenly. "Respect is. And so far, Layman's done a stellar job of showing how little he has of it."

Kane nodded, his gaze steady. "You're absolutely right. Layman will be removed from this project effective immediately. In fact..." He pulled out his phone, typing furiously before looking up. "Consider him reassigned. I'll personally oversee your account from here on out."

Parker glanced at Ava, who gave him the slightest nod.

"Do I even care about his fate or what happens afterwards? I don't want to waste my time," Parker asked, his tone challenging but not hostile. "Because I have less of that for more bullshit."

Kane smiled faintly, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "I don't bullshit, Mr. Parker. You'll see that for yourself."

Parker let the silence stretch a beat longer before nodding. "Alright, Kane. You've got a chance to fix this. Don't waste it. Most important my time, I have less to waste here. But enough to offer you another chance."

As Kane stepped aside to open the car door for them, Ava turned to Parker with a small smirk. "Not bad, Mr. Parker," she said softly. "You handled than I should've if I were in your position."

Parker shrugged, sliding into the seat. "If they're as good as they claim, they'll make it worth my while. If not, well..." He left the sentence hanging, his confidence filling the silence.

Ava chuckled as she joined him. "Well, then they'd better pray they're good which I know they are."

Kane led them back inside, apologizing profusely as they walked. "I'll address this immediately. Ava, your involvement alone makes this a priority. But Mr. Parker? Having you as a client is just as critical. Layman doesn't represent us. Not today, not ever."

Back in the director's office, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. The director wasted no time. "Mr. Layman," he barked into his phone. "Get in here. Now."

Minutes later, Layman slinked in, his earlier arrogance replaced with visible unease. He tried to avoid Ava's gaze but failed miserably.

Parker watched, Villains destroy, Antiheroes watch but he was both, no, he was becoming the former... Without realizing it?

*****

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You might see this late but thank you @Josh776 for the Massage Chair, helll my back was, you know, hurting!