Chapter 5 Stink Bomb

Claudia's POV: I finally pieced everything together. So, when Liam said he was running a "small business," he was talking about Sandy Group, the largest corporation in the region. No wonder he could casually throw out $15 million without a second thought. If I hadn't unexpectedly come to Sandy Group for an interview, I might never have known just how wealthy my future husband truly is. When I arrived at the 38th floor, I found myself standing in the CEO's office, face-to-face with Liam. Since he entered my life, he's been helping me solve one problem after another. "Mr. Townsend," I called out joyfully, hurrying over to him. "Hello," Liam greeted, rubbing his temples while towering stacks of documents sat on his desk. Ryder had already briefed Liam on everything that had happened. "You want to intern here?" Liam asked, his voice calm. "What position are you aiming for? I can arrange it for you." "That won't be necessary," I quickly waved my hands. "I have a recommendation letter. I can get through the interview and secure the position on my own merits." A soft smile appeared on Liam's tired face. "Alright, as you wish." I moved behind him and gently pushed his wheelchair. "Mr. Townsend, you need a break. Why don't we go outside and get some sun?" "Okay," he replied. The sunlight was perfect. Standing on the spacious terrace, the entire city stretched out in breathtaking beauty before us. "You never mentioned yesterday that your so-called ‘small business' is the largest real estate company in all of Eastmoore." "I'm just helping my father manage a few properties," Liam said modestly. A few minutes later, Ryder walked in, bowing respectfully. "Boss, Eric, the supplier for Sandy Group's construction materials, is here. He's requesting to meet with you." "Handle it for me," Liam said casually, barely glancing up. My nerves immediately kicked in. Eric was known to be tied to the Yorks, the local mafia. Liam's offhand dismissal of him could invite trouble. "Sir, do you have any business dealings with Eric?" I asked hesitantly. "Why do you ask?" I cautiously replied, "Well, it seems like he has strong connections with the Yorks... " "And?" Liam sounded completely indifferent. Flustered, I pressed on, "I mean, he's not exactly a good person! The way he looks at people—it's sleazy ... " Liam's expression darkened instantly. "Did he harass you?" "No, no!" I panicked, rambling, "He just ... uh ... said I smelled like trash ... " Before I could finish, Liam turned to Ryder and ordered coldly, "Effective immediately, terminate all partnerships with Eric. Halt every ongoing project involving him. And ... " Liam paused, his gaze flicking to me briefly before adding, "You know what to do." Ryder's face grew serious as he nodded firmly. "Understood, Boss. I'll take care of it right away." I was completely taken aback by the sudden shift in Liam's demeanor, stunned by the commanding presence he exuded. Is he not afraid of the local mafia? What kind of man is my future husband, Liam? Eric's POV: Inside the conference room, I sipped coffee with Jenny, the woman I'd just spent the night with. I thumped my chest confidently. "Jenny, don't worry. The Yorks control all the building materials in this city. Not a single business here would dare to refuse me!" "You're incredible, Mr. Eric!" Jenny flattered me, smiling sweetly. "Haha, let's head to the couples' cinema later ... " Just then, the door opened, and several security guards walked in. I glanced at them in surprise. "Where's Mr. Landon? I had an appointment with him. Why isn't he here?" One of the guards replied coldly, "Mr. Landon won't be meeting with you. Our CEO has issued a directive: from now on, all collaboration with your family is terminated!" I froze for a moment. Did they just say they were cutting off all cooperation with the Yorks? I knew the Sandy Group was backed by Nythoria's most powerful mafia family, the Townsends. If my godfather found out I had botched our dealings with the Townsends ... I shot to my feet. "There must be some mistake! I need to see Mr. Landon! I need to ask him face-to-face!" "I'm right here." Ryder stood at the doorway of the conference room, his expression icy. "There's no need to ask. This is a direct order from our boss. From this moment on, you and your family are forbidden from stepping foot in the Sandy Group!" "Mr. Landon!" I clutched at him like a drowning man grasping for a lifeline and fell to my knees with a thud. "Please, Mr. Landon, don't terminate the contract! We've worked together for so many years and always had a good relationship, haven't we?" Ryder remained stoic. "It's not just the Sandy Group. All companies under the Townsends' umbrella will also be cutting ties with you. Now leave." "Why? At least tell me the reason!" I shouted, my voice cracking. Ryder let out a cold laugh. "Because you reek of garbage!" I froze. The words sounded oddly familiar. Suddenly, several security guards stormed in, dumping bucket after bucket of trash over my head. Uneaten breakfast, spit, used tissues, and a blood-stained sanitary pad stuck right to my hair. The stench was unbearable, so overpowering that I started gagging uncontrollably. Ryder held a handkerchief over his nose and mouth, looking disgusted. "He reeks! Get him out of here!" The guards dragged me out and dumped me on the street. I was like a walking stink bomb—everyone who saw me immediately covered their mouths and fled. Jenny came running out, holding her nose as she hesitated nearby. "Mr. Eric, are you okay?" "You b*tch!" I slapped her hard across the face, venting all my frustration on her. "Idiot! Do you have the nerve to hit me? You call yourself a mafia man from the Yorks, yet you couldn't even handle the Sandy Group? A coward like you is bound to be abandoned by the family! And without the Yorks to back you up, you're nothing!" She hurled the words at me before flagging down a taxi and speeding off, leaving me alone, humiliated, and reeking on the side of the road.