Cruel Billionaire Boss (Dark Billionaire Brothers of Sin #1)
Chapter 1 - Dominic
I hung up the phone, my fingers still gripping the receiver as the weight of the conversation settled in. “Kingsley just awarded the full contract to Victor,” I spat, frustration spilling over.
Apexion Dynamics wasn’t just another company; it was a force in the tech world, pushing boundaries with advanced AI systems, autonomous technology, and a grip on global 5G infrastructure. Securing that contract with Grant Kingsley meant owning a slice of the future, and I had been there every step of the way, negotiating, strategizing, and placing us at the front of the tech industry. Quantum Tech was supposed to build smart city systems and self-driving tech, while Victor’s NeuroCrypt Technologies was responsible for keeping everything secure—shielding it from hackers with advanced encryption.
“You’ve been working on this account for two years. How could Kingsley just hand everything over to Victor?”
I clenched my jaw, glancing at Sebastien, my brother five years my junior, who sat across from me with those piercing green eyes. He had this calm air about him, despite the tension that practically hummed in the room. The skyline of the city stretched out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but the sparkling lights did nothing to cool my rising anger.
“Amber presented a new proposal, and it’s compelling, huge profit margins for both companies if they remove the middleman, me. I can’t believe that Amber swayed Victor to go against me.”
“Are you sure it’s her and he didn’t do this of his own accord?”
Victor had met Amber about a year ago, and shortly after, he proposed to her and soon they were married. Ever since then, we’d been butting heads over business deals and proposals, something we’d never done before.
“It’s her, and this is the last straw. I’ve warned him about her from the beginning, I told him she’s trouble. She’s pushing him to cut corners on the cybersecurity protocols his company provides. He refuses to listen. I’ve seen the proposals he’s submitted; they prioritize cost over quality, using outdated software and inadequate encryption just to increase their profits. She’s turning him into a cutthroat businessman who’s willing to compromise quality just to make a quick buck, and that’s dangerous in our industry. She’s putting a target on his back, and ours.”
“Which means they may do the same to Kingsley.”
“Definitely. But the real problem will arise when Kingsley finds out. With all the partnerships NeuroCrypt Tech and Quantum Tech have established in the past, I can’t afford for the integrity of this company to come into question. If Kingsley loses faith in Victor because of his shoddy practices, it could jeopardize everything we've built. I won’t let Amber’s influence unravel all of this.”
“Then don’t let her come between you and Victor. That’s exactly what she wants. You’ve said before that she’s nothing but a gold digger, and now that she’s married to him, I’m sure she’s already plotting a way to exit the marriage with most, if not all, of his money. Don’t let this destroy your friendship with him. He’s going to need you now more than ever.”
I leaned forward, locking eyes with Sebastien. My voice was steady but hard. “Seb, this isn't just about her. He chose her over two decades of loyalty. Over our partnership. Over everything we built together. How am I supposed to ignore that? ”
Sebastien didn’t respond, but I could see him sizing up the situation in his usual way, contemplating every possible strategy to formulate the best plan of action. His keen thought process, at just age thirty-five, made him one of the biggest owners of a chain of clubs, bars, and lounges in the country. He tugged at his shirt cuffs, revealing just a hint of discomfort at the suit he wore, exposing the compass tattoo on his wrist. He hated wearing suits, but when you came to see me, suits were the rule. It was all part of the image we had to maintain. Appearances were everything.
“The question is, Dom, are you really going to let this woman ruin something that’s taken you both twenty years to create? Isn’t that worth fighting for?”
I gritted my teeth, the frustration churning inside. “He made his choice. He put his personal life ahead of our company’s reputation. I can’t trust him now. If he could sabotage me like this once, what’s stopping him from doing it again?”
“Listen, every friendship goes through struggles. You can’t just cut him out of your life because of this. Instead of focusing on removing Victor, let’s figure out how to deal with Amber. She’s the real problem here, not him.”
I shook my head. “Seb, I get what you’re saying, but I’ve made up my mind.”
Seb leaned in, his tone softening. “Remember how Olivia tried to steal from you, and Victor was the one who found out before any real damage could be done? You shouldn’t turn your back on a friend who stood by you.”
I frowned, recalling Olivia, my former PA and my five-year-old daughter Lucy’s mother. We had gotten too close, and when things soured, it only affected my personal affairs, not the company. But this situation with Victor was different.
“Seb, I appreciate the reminder, but this is different. That was about my personal life. Victor’s actions directly jeopardize our business. He knew how significant this partnership was. If he’s willing to let her come between our business partnership, then maybe it’s time for me to focus on my own path and cut all ties with him and his company.”
Sebastien sighed, tapping his fingers lightly on the polished wood of the table. “Trust in our world is fragile. I get it. But you know as well as anyone, Dom, burning bridges doesn’t build empires.”
“In this case, burning bridges is exactly what we need to do.” Nathaniel, my brother, just three years younger than me, waltzed into my office, his movements light yet purposeful as he took a seat next to Sebastien. His sharp black glasses perched on the tip of his nose. He shot me a knowing look, his green eyes mirroring Seb’s but tinged with anger. “I heard about the news with your precious Victor. I can’t believe you didn’t call me first. I’m your financial advisor, for crying out loud, not some guy off the street. But here I am, learning all the details from social media.”
“What do you mean you’re learning all the details from social media when I just got off the phone with Kingsley a few minutes ago?” I raised an eyebrow as I leaned back in my chair, trying to maintain my composure.
“It’s all over his social media pages. He’s bragging about winning the biggest deal of the century from your company. And that he’s been the one carrying your company for years. I warned you about him, but you wouldn’t listen.”
I clenched my jaw, feeling the heat rise in my chest as I resisted the urge to lash out.
“What? Cat got your tongue?” Nathaniel pressed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He leaned forward, pushing his glasses to the bridge of his nose as his green eyes narrowed. “Now, everyone thinks that Quantum Tech is some kind of second-hand company. Do you know the financial damage that—”
“Enough!” I snapped, my glare cutting into him. “Let’s not forget that I had been dealing with the finances of this company long before I hired you. Don’t come in here preaching to me about financial complications!” I slammed my hand on the desk, the sound echoing through the room.
Nathaniel leaned back, folding his arms defiantly across his chest. “If something isn’t done, Victor’s remarks against this company could cost us millions. We can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand. Victor has shown us who he really is, and it’s time we treated him as such.”
Sebastien nodded, leaning forward slightly. “Nate makes a valid point. We can’t ignore Victor’s ramblings. He’s not just threatening this company; he’s jeopardizing all the others we’ve built together. If one crashes, they could all go down like a domino effect. We need to act, not just to protect ourselves, but to safeguard everything we’ve worked for.”
“So, what’s the plan to take Victor down?” Nate asked, glancing between Seb and me.
“Nate,” Seb said, “you’re sounding as though we’re going to war. I think if Dom speaks to him as a friend, things can be resolved.”
“Ha! Victor is gunning for Quantum Tech’s jugular and you want to sit with him and cuddle? Dom, we need to come up with a plan, quick, before things escalate.”
In truth, I didn’t have all the answers yet. But I knew one thing for sure: letting Victor get away with this would set the wrong precedent. In our world, power is all about perception. If people thought they could cross me without consequence, I’d lose control. That wasn’t an option.
I hadn’t clawed my way to the top by letting others walk all over me. I built this empire from the ground up, dragging my brothers with me after our parents died in that plane crash. I was only twenty when it happened, but I fought tooth and nail to keep us together, to rise above everything. Victor had been one of the few people I had let into that tight circle, and now his betrayal felt like a knife in the back.
“I’m not going to react on impulse. That’s what he’s counting on. I’ll let him believe he’s won, for now. Let him get comfortable. Overconfident.” I leaned back in my chair, a plan already starting to form in my mind. “Then, I’ll strike. I’ve built this empire by thinking two steps ahead of everyone, not by brute force. I’ll use every connection, every favor I’m owed, to make sure the deal he thinks he’s secured becomes his downfall. By the time I’m done, he won’t just regret crossing me, he’ll be begging for a way out.”
“Good. Keep me posted on this plan,” Nate said as he stood up. “I have another meeting across town in about an hour. I’ll see you guys soon.”
As Nate exited, Seb was about to say something when a knock at the door interrupted him. “Come in,” I called, my voice still simmering with frustration.
Mrs. Lila Harper, my personal assistant for the past six years, entered the room, her large belly leading the way as she waddled gracefully despite being heavily pregnant. There was a serene glow on her face, a soft smile that seemed almost out of place against the tension that still lingered in the air. “Here are the files for the candidates applying for internships in the company,” she said gently, placing the folder on the desk.
“Thank you, Lila,” I replied, making an effort to match her calm demeanor, though the storm inside me was far from settled.
She gave me a warm smile, nodding slightly before turning to leave. As Lila exited, Sebastien’s gaze followed her, his expression shifting to one of mild concern as the door shut behind her.
“Lila looks like she’s about to pop. I can’t believe you’re no closer to finding a PA, and she’s leaving in just a few days. Didn’t the agency send over any candidates? You’re cutting it close, Dom.”
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I know. It’s not easy finding someone who can keep up around here. No one in that last batch looked promising. Lila’s practically irreplaceable.”
Sebastien raised an amused eyebrow. “Promising as in their qualifications, or promising as in the pictures they sent?”
I shot him a sardonic glance. “You know I don’t mix business with pleasure.” At least not anymore, I added silently, the ghost of old regrets flickering at the edge of my mind. The memory of past indiscretions was a bitter reminder of how far I’d come, and how much I’d changed.
Sebastien nodded, a knowing smile on his face as he stood up to leave. “Dinner tomorrow at your place?”
“Yes,” I confirmed, leaning back in my chair. “And tell the other knuckleheads to be on time, or Lucy will have their heads.”
He chuckled, the sound light and easily dissipating the tension in the room. “Got it, Dom. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As Sebastien headed for the door, his long sandy-blonde ponytail swayed with a subtle grace on his back.
“You really need to cut that thing,” I called after him, my tone laced with mock exasperation.
“No, I don’t,” he replied, his voice steady as he walked out, not even glancing back.
I turned my attention to the files spread across my desk, flipping through them with a growing sense of frustration. Just as I was about to give up hope, one particular file caught my eye. I scanned the name at the top: Emily Montgomery. Intrigued, I delved deeper into her qualifications, and a smile crept across my face as I read through her impressive credentials. This candidate had everything I needed in a personal assistant, and then some.
Without wasting a moment, I picked up my phone and dialed Lila. “Get me an appointment with Ms. Emily Montgomery at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning,” I instructed.
As I hung up, a smile curved my lips. The steps to Victor's downfall began to play out in my mind, each detail falling into place like pieces of a well-crafted puzzle. Tomorrow will be the first move in a game he’ll never see coming.