Chapter 2: A Desperate Turn
The evening news crackled on the television, drawing Ben's attention. The screen showed a grim-faced anchor delivering a shocking report, detailing the brutal murder of the A&W's government project representative by underworld gang members.
"We have just received CCTV footage of the incident," the anchor announced solemnly, as the screen transitioned to grainy black-and-white footage.
The video showed a car driving through a dimly lit street, followed by another vehicle trailing close behind. In a seemingly minor mishap, the representative's car was accidentally scratched by the underworld members' car. Both vehicles came to a halt. The representative exited his car, visibly upset, and began yelling at the men in the other vehicle, unaware of their connections to the underworld. His angry gestures were captured on the footage as he pointed and shouted, his voice filled with frustration.
The situation escalated quickly. The underworld members stepped out, trying to defuse the situation, but the representative, blinded by anger, continued to provoke them. Tensions flared. A brief scuffle broke out, and in a flash, one of the gang members drew a gun. Without further warning, shots rang out, and the representative fell to the ground, lifeless. The footage cut back to the news anchor's grim expression.
"The police have failed to apprehend the culprits," the anchor continued, his tone laced with frustration.
Ben sat silently in his living room, watching with Harris by his side. As the report ended, Harris turned off the TV, glancing over at Ben with a respectful yet concerned expression.
"Sir," Harris said softly, "it's late. Perhaps you should get some rest."
Ben remained quiet for a moment, absorbing the implications of what he'd just seen, then nodded slowly. "Yeah… maybe I should." He rose from his seat, his mind clearly elsewhere, and headed to bed.
---
The next morning, the government issued a swift response. News outlets and channels buzzed with the latest announcement: due to the previous day's incident, the government project was to be reallocated to A&W Corporation for its security. Panels of experts across media outlets weighed in on the decision.
One expert expressed what seemed to be the consensus. "It was a wise move on the government's part. With the recent incident, it's clear that underworld factions could pose a threat to this project's integrity. Protecting its safety is of utmost importance."
Another expert chimed in, adding, "The underworld is ruthless. If they clash with someone—or some corporation—they have ways of threatening ongoing projects. There are many incidents where they have damaged the projects of the companies they clashed with.Given the stakes here, the government's action was necessary."
Another expert said with clearly being mad about the situation,"The way things are right now the underworld has literally become a part of the city and a new social class, this is clearly the fault of law enforcement when slowly gangs started to be formed by the criminals, The police turned a blind eye to it and now the city is in shackles because of that."
Ben, seated at his office desk, listened intently as the discussions unfolded on his screen. He glanced at the morning newspaper in front of him, its headlines echoing the same story: A&W Corporation Representative's Death Sparks Government Reassignment of Project to Wolfe Enterprises. It was a turning point, one that brought him a step closer to the power he desired, yet the cost lingered in his mind.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Harris entered, carrying a sense of urgency in his demeanor.
"Sir, the government officials are here to finalize the contract," Harris informed him.
Ben straightened, gathering his composure. "Let's go," he replied, exuding a calm, calculated demeanor as he rose to meet them.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur of formalities and negotiations. By evening, Ben had signed the contract, officially securing the government project for Wolfe Enterprises. His path to influence was now more secure, though it came shrouded in the shadow of violence and desperation.
---
That night, back at Wolfe Manor
Ben sat alone, lost in thought. He couldn't shake the memory of the CCTV footage, the chaos that had unfolded, or the eerie echoes of gunfire that marked a man's untimely death. His father's voice surfaced in his mind, whispering lessons from the past. In the solitude of the darkened room, he recalled a conversation from years ago.
---
Ben was just eighteen then, seated beside his father, both of them reading the newspaper. The headline boasted Wolfe Enterprises' acquisition of a promising company. Young Ben, still fresh to the world of business, looked up with a puzzled expression.
"Father, this company was doing well on its own. Why did the owner suddenly sell it to us?" he asked.
His father's face held a sly, knowing smile. "I've had my eye on that company for some time, son. It was bound for exponential growth within the next two to three years. But when the owner refused to sell, I used my government connections and a bit of money to undermine it. After a series of… inconveniences, the owner became frustrated and finally agreed to sell."
A hint of pride glimmered in his father's eyes as he continued. "In the business world, you must be ruthless. Take whatever measures are necessary to grow. That's how Wolfe Enterprises reached where it is today."
The memory faded, and Ben's mind returned to the present, feeling the weight of his father's philosophy resonate with his own current ambitions.
---
Harris's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Sir? You seem… preoccupied."
Ben turned, meeting Harris's gaze with a sense of intensity. "Harris," he began carefully, "you once promised to support me, no matter what. If my actions ever became morally questionable, or even illegal—would you still stand by me?"
Harris's brows knitted together, his eyes studying Ben with a blend of curiosity and concern. "What are you planning, sir?"
Ben's voice was calm, his resolve unwavering. "I need to find a way for the growth of the enterprise. Our current methods are no longer enough. I'm considering… leveraging the power of the underworld to secure our influence."
Harris's gaze softened, a loyalty born from years of trust and dedication shining in his eyes. "I owe your father my life. He entrusted me with your care, and I have never wavered in that duty. Whatever path you choose, I will stand beside you. It is both my honor and responsibility."
Ben nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. We need to investigate the underworld, understand its structure, and learn how to manipulate it to our advantage. No one else must know of this plan. It stays between us."
---
In the days that followed, Ben and Harris plunged into the shadows of Raven's criminal underworld. Harris conducted discreet investigations, identifying key figures and criminal networks that operated beneath the city's polished surface. Meanwhile, Ben formulated a strategy to intertwine Wolfe Enterprises' corporate power with the dark influence of the underworld.
Their secret operations were marked by late-night meetings, hushed conversations, and carefully orchestrated plans. With each passing day, Ben's focus sharpened, his ambition morphing into an unyielding desire to reshape the very power dynamics of Raven City. As he ventured deeper, the line between ambition and corruption began to blur, casting a shadow on the path ahead.