Chapter 31: Burgers and Business
Kimberly's apartment was small and modest, nothing like the luxury Tommy had enjoyed in his private cell at Redhaven Prison.
The furniture was minimal but neat, the kind of place that reflected discipline and quiet determination. A single potted plant by the balcony caught Tommy's eye, its leaves basking in the afternoon light.
So she's someone who still believes in a future, he thought.
"What would you like to drink? Tea or coffee?" Kimberly asked politely.
"Coffee. And make it sweet—lots of sugar," Tommy replied with a faint smile.
A few minutes later, she returned with two steaming cups, placing one before him.
"Mr. Veseydi—"
"Just call me Tommy."
He stirred his cup, watching the sugar dissolve into a swirl, then took a sip. Perfect temperature.
"I know what you're wondering," Tommy said smoothly. "I'm here to buy some assets. Start a fast-food restaurant."
Kimberly blinked, spoon idly clinking against her cup. "A fast-food restaurant?"
Her mind ran in circles. Was that just a front? Something clean to cover darker dealings?
Tommy caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes and smirked. "Tell you what—I'll make lunch. You've heard of the delicious crab burger, right? Let me show you."
She almost laughed at the idea. A man like Tommy? Cooking burgers? Her mental image of a burger chef was someone in a greasy apron, spatula in hand, maybe with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Not… this.
But minutes later, a plate landed before her. The burger was golden, perfectly layered, still steaming. The aroma alone made her stomach tighten—she hadn't eaten all day.
Kimberly picked it up, bit in—
And froze.
This…
Juice burst across her tongue, the seasoning perfectly balanced. It wasn't just food—it was art.
Her eyes widened. She'd eaten plenty of fast food in New York, but this was something else entirely. Something she could eat every day and never tire of.
"This is incredible," she admitted, almost breathless.
Tommy leaned back, casual. "So, if I open a place selling these, you think it'll work?"
"Of course!" she said without hesitation.
Her mind raced. Chick-fil-A pulled in millions with chicken alone. In America—the land of fast food—a burger this good would dominate. Even a single store could rake in millions annually. And if Tommy franchised… tens of millions. Easily.
For her, the thought sparked a different kind of hunger. If she became his legal counsel, she'd gain experience most lawyers only dreamed of—watching a business grow from nothing into an empire. It would give her leverage for her own career, maybe even her own law firm someday.
Still, she didn't expect his response.
"Ken told me you're top of your class at NYU Law. Brilliant, driven. With someone like you at my side? I'd be a fool to refuse."
His tone was steady, professional, but the weight of his trust hit her hard.
Warmth spread in Kimberly's chest. She told herself it was partly her uncle's influence—but part of her still felt moved.
She smiled, determination glinting in her eyes. "Then I'll give it everything I've got."
And, of course, the ten thousand dollars he had promised her monthly didn't hurt either.
The air between them lightened. Kimberly even suggested they celebrate properly—maybe a drink at a local bar to welcome him.
Tommy agreed, but first he had another thought. "Before that, let's stop by the car market. I'll need something practical for now."
Flashy supercars would draw attention—something he couldn't afford just yet. He needed to move quietly, to build his empire under the radar.
Kimberly didn't hesitate. She grabbed her keys, drove him in her secondhand car, and even rushed ahead to open his door when they arrived.
At first, it felt awkward—but she was sharp, quick to adapt. By the time they stepped into the dealership, she was already carrying herself with the polished efficiency of an assistant.
The power of money, Tommy thought with a faint smirk. And maybe… the start of something bigger.
END of the chapter
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