Important character

At times like this, the ability of his ring always came out handy. If Johnson hadn't told him what corny motive he had for rejecting Juliana’s proposal, Davis would as well take the information from him.

“I mean the money we would invest in sponsoring that particular project can be used on other things.” Johnson shrugged.

If he wanted to be cunning, then so be it. As he fought to maintain his composure. "This isn't over, Johnson.” He stood up and extended his left palm. “Pals shake hands.”

“Of course, but I can't shake you with your legs on my desk like that.”

Internally groaning as his anger plummeted, Davis withdrew his legs and stood up, his palm still outstretched. Johnson also stood up and shook the palm.

That was how he sold himself out to Davis.

“It is hard maintaining my composure in the presence of this dickhead. He's so intimidating but Donovan Thornfield is more scary. Davis has some compassion but Donovan is a rogue. Should he hear that I disclosed him paying me a huge sum to ruin Juliana’s proposal, I’d be so fucked.”

Anger flared through Davis as he heard all of Johnson’s thoughts but he struggled to not give out what he’d just discovered. “I’ll take my leave now.” He said.

“It’s been long overdue that you do so,” Johnson responded.

If Johnson were to retire, acting would have worked well as a second career for him. How he could be so confident when he was inwardly trembling with fear for Davis was appalling.

Davis stopped by the door, giving Johnson one last glare. “You’ll regret this. I promise.” He walked out of the door, leaving it ajar.

Johnson’s secretary was standing by the door, probably fretting that she wasn't able to hold him back when her boss had required that nobody should come to his office.

As her eyes met with Davis’s she hastily averted it and bowed, shivering. She was just a flimsy girl. Davis decided to leave her alone and made his way back to his office.

It wasn't surprising that Donovan was trying to ruin Juliana’s career. He probably thought of it as a way to get back at her for dumping him.

Or perhaps, make her crawl back to him in surrender.

“Maybe the bastard is actually in love with Juliana,” Davis whispered to himself.

He knew he wasn't investing in Juliana for no reason. His hunch was correct and his plan would work perfectly fine.

It was high time he called Mr. Starkwood. “Hello, Mr. Starkwood.” He breathed as soon as the call was answered.

“Mr. Montgomery, nice of you to call.” The older man remarked, marking his knowledge of what had transpired with Juliana.

Davis nodded. “I'm guessing Juliana is back home and has already broken the news to you.”

“Yes, Mr. Montgomery. She has.”

"Mr. Starkwood," Davis began, his voice laced with concern, "I was hoping you could tell me how she is doing since her proposal was rejected. I'm kind of worried about her."

Mr. Starkwood sighed. "She's taking it quite hard, Mr. Montgomery. She had her heart set on working with your corporation, and the rejection was a blow. But she's strong, a fighter. She'll find a way elsewhere."

Not with Donovan Thornfield on her trial; Davis inwardly groaned. He knew Juliana had pinned her hopes on this project, and he hated that she was hurting because of something he had no control over. "Mr. Starkwood, I want you to know that the decision to reject Juliana's proposal wasn't mine. It was the chairman's. I had nothing to do with it."

If he wanted, he could help her. No, he would help her. It would cost him a bit of sweat but it would work out. He was Davis Montgomery after all.

“I know, Mr. Montgomery," Mr. Starkwood said reassuringly. "Juliana can be a bit impulsive sometimes, and I know she misunderstood what she said overheard. Mr. Johnson is well known for being a manipulative businessman. He definitely knew exactly what he was doing when he spoke those words. I'm more concerned that he is trying to pin my family and you against each other.”

No, no, Mr. Starkwood. You are getting it all wrong. Johnson wasn't trying to pin us against one another. This is Donovan Thornfield’s ploy and Johnson was just a pawn; Davis wished he could say this to the man right now but the walls had ears.

“She insists since she heard him say it was my choice," Davis said instead. "I'm afraid she might never believe me."

She will, Mr. Montgomery. I trust you, and I know Juliana does too. She just needs some time to process everything. I'll talk to her, and try to clear up the misunderstanding."

“Thank you, Mr. Starkwood. I owe you one."

“Owe me?! No, it's my family who owes you for what you've done for us in the past. It's Juliana who is being ungrateful for blaming you for this. I’d like to apologize on her behalf.”

They had no idea he was the one who helped them recently too. “If displacing her frustration on me would make her sleep better at night, please, let her.” Davis chuckled. “I was going to ask if that dinner invitation is open for tomorrow.”

“Sure, sure, Mr. Montgomery! My family is still celebrating. We’ll be more than glad to host you.” Mr. Starkwood boomed.

Davis nodded. “I'm flattered. See you tomorrow night, Mr. Starkwood.”

“See you tomorrow.”

He hung up the phone, contemplating if it’d be a good idea to inform Juliana of the impending danger to her business. That would require him to do lots of explanations which he hated especially since he found out while using his ability. Anything that would jeopardize the confidentiality of his ability, Davis always avoided.

However, Juliana was a crucial character to be used in his revenge on the Avalon family. Even if it were behind the shadows, he would help her.

.

He left the office late at noon.

“I got a call, Mr. Montgomery,” Silas said to him immediately after they hit the road.

That better be a good news. He’d had enough bad news for a day; Davis sighed. “And what is it?”

“Your ex-wife’s boyfriend has been found.”

Now, that was one hell of good news, Davis smirked. Madeline wouldn't know what hit her when the time came. Just like he’d do to Johnson and Donovan Thornfield.

All of those who dared to step on him, he was going to bring them all down. He was done being bullied. Now, he would do the bullying but on bad guys alone. He had the wealth, the power, and an ability to support him.