The Tycoon's Odyssey

In a dimly lit room...

"Just what kind of spy you are to get yourself caught in such a pathetic way?" a man with golden-rimmed glasses screamed at the top of his lungs.

Jerkins, who had been recently released from the police station after having to go through many complex procedures, was now subjugated to brutal abuse.

Despite the shame of being caught by a go, he kept a straight face and asked for an apology.

"Sir, Jasson, I promise, it won't be happening again."

"Hmm!" Jasson snorted, then turned away to light a cigar.

Seeing the opportunity, Jerkins stepped forward and lent a hand by taking out his lighter to light it.

Jasson's anger flared seeing Jerkin's face, but he suppressed it. Getting caught wasn't a big deal—killing a man was. This would leave a record.

Although they could easily cover it up, the real trouble would come later if the family members of the dead guy came to know about this and expose the matter, forcing them to suppress it.

Thankfully, the person who died didn't have a family, eliminating some of the complications.

In the room, the smell of cigar smoke began to permeate the air as Jasson inhaled deeply, his face illuminated by the faint glow of the lighter's flame.

"Sir, Jasson," Jerkins began, his voice trembling slightly, "I must apologize again for my failure. It won't happen again, I swear."

Jasson's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, he merely watched as Jerkins fidgeted under the pressure.

"May I ask, sir," Jerkins continued hesitantly, "why are we investigating Evan? I need to understand the stakes."

Jasson's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he took another drag from his cigar before responding. "What's it to you, Jerkins? Just do your job and don't ask questions."

Undeterred, Jerkins pressed on. "I was taken to a tech room. Evan was there himself. He beat me. His bodyguards, especially Leon, were not ordinary. They were strong.

The room had sophisticated computers and codes I could barely understand."

Jasson raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Anything else?"

Jerkins hesitated before continuing. "I noticed a few things that might be of interest. It seemed like they were running some sort of advanced program, but I couldn't get a clear look. I'm just trying to provide as much detail as I can to prove my usefulness."

Jasson took another drag of his cigar, his expression thoughtful. "I see. As for the investigation, I don't know much myself. It's a direct order from the Home Minister. We need to keep a low profile to avoid alerting anyone. Discretion is key here."

Jerkins nodded, visibly relieved to have some clarity, though still anxious about the gravity of his situation. "Understood, sir. I'll proceed with utmost caution."

Jasson waved dismissively. "Get yourself cleaned up and be ready for the next task. And remember, failure is not an option this time."

With that, Jerkins walked out of the room, leaving Jasson alone with his thoughts and the haze of cigar smoke swirling in the dark.

_____

In Evan's plush high-rise office, the atmosphere was mixed with subtle tension, sending a chill down his spine.

Seated at his polished mahogany desk, Evan reviewed some documents when Maria stormed in, her face set in a scowl.

"Do you have any idea how many branches we've opened in Indra, Evan? I swear, if I hear one more complaint about staff shortages or supply issues, I'm going to lose it," Maria grumbled as she dropped into a chair across from him.

Evan looked up, raising an eyebrow. "I'm aware of the situation, Maria. What's the latest on the profits?"

"Profits are decent, but that's beside the point. We're spreading ourselves too thin. There isn't enough staff to manage the influx of customers and don't even get me started on the supply chain disruptions. It's a nightmare!" Maria snapped, clearly exasperated.

Evan leaned back in his chair, maintaining a calm demeanor. "I'll make sure to address the staffing issues and streamline the supply chain. We'll get it sorted."

Maria sighed dramatically. "You better do it quickly. I'm about ready to pull my hair out. You know, sometimes I wonder if you even realize how much work goes into keeping this place running smoothly."

Evan chuckled softly. "I'm well aware of the effort involved. I appreciate everything you're doing."

Saying this, Evan couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

Wasn't this the very reason why he wasn't in the CEO's position? Who would want to spend their entire day managing so many people?

Maria rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of a smile. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, while we're on the subject of expansions, should we be considering opening branches outside the country? I'm tired of hearing about these petty issues and think we need to aim higher."

Evan's gaze sharpened with interest. "Expanding internationally could be a significant move. What's your take on where we should start?"

"Well, I've been looking at a few markets. Europe seems promising, but we need to research it more thoroughly before committing anything. We can't just throw money at new locations without a solid plan," Maria advised, her tone softening slightly as she spoke about potential growth.

Evan's hands had been busy scanning the documents paused for a moment and he recalled his last meeting with Suri.

Luxembourg—the place where Suri was born, where her parental family lived.

'Huh!'

Evan's brows furrowed a bit as he himself didn't understand why this thought came to him.

'Maybe it won't be a bad choice.'

Evan nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. Let's put together a plan and explore our options. We'll need to balance this with resolving our current issues. Also, try to open one in Luxembourg.  Contact Suri; she might lend a hand."

Maria grinned, finally relaxing. "Sounds like a plan. Just don't let things get out of hand while you're sorting the mess here."

Evan smiled back, their camaraderie evident. "Don't worry. I've got it all covered."

With that, Maria stood up, her previous irritation replaced with a more positive demeanor. "Good. I'll start on the research for the expansion. And remember, if I mess this up, you will need to cover for me."

"Of course," Evan laughed softly as Maria walked out. But before she could leave, he called her back.

"Maria!"

"What is..?" Maria froze, noticing Evan's somber expression. A pang of concern hit her seeing him like this.

Despite being a grumpy bitch, she always felt bad for Evan. It wasn't pity, rather she wondered why this guy's luck was so bad.

"Maria, I will arrange a few guards. I want you to stay with them and be alert. Also, arrange guards for others. Things have been a bit stressful, so we can't take this lightly anymore."

Maria took a look at Evan's expression and nodded. "Umm! And about their salary. Just leave it to me. I will pay them."

Maria decided to be a bit mature and pay for the security herself.

However, as she left, a stifling laughter echoed in the room.

Evan's demeanor shifted abruptly and he exclaimed, "Shit! It worked.."

"I should act more pitiful; otherwise, she will always ask for a raise and bonus."

Just then, a voice spoke to Evan.

[Sir, should I make an assistant for her as a gift.]

Evan paused for a moment, falling into deep thoughts.

"Create it for everyone. It might come in handy later."