The Billionaire’s Pawn

STRIKER

“So, this is where everything happens?” Watching from the top behind the glass wall was fascinating how an aircraft was machinery assembled.

“Yes.” There was pride in Moses’ voice. Considering what he had done to the Hover to be at the top of the business industry, I expected that reaction.

“Do you ever feel guilty that your fighter jets will be used to slaughter people?”

I got his attention. He looked at me. “Son, you’re once a soldier. Tell me why you did what you did. It’s to protect your country. The same as the pilots who fly these jets. They have the same mission, not just to end life, but to monitor, be in the line of defense, and protect those down there. I do what I think is in the best interest of the people. If there are no bad guys, then no guns and jets like this one.”

I thought I wasn’t thinking of questioning him. “You’re right.”

The door swung open. A man around his age walked in. “Mr. Braddson, it’s nice to see you on your feet again.”

“I’m good as new. Thank you.” Moses introduced him as the director of mechanical and structural engineering. “This is Striker Cade. Striker, meet the man behind the success of the latest fighter jets. Dylan Carter.”

“Nice to meet you.” I offered a handshake. I always felt starstruck meeting the people behind a fantastic design.

“I’m just doing my job,” he said humbly.

“I admire your work. It’s truly unrivaled, especially the Striker Project.”

“Striker Project?” He shook my hand. He stole a glance at my father before he looked back at me. Wariness flashed over his face. I didn’t know if he pretended he didn’t know about it or if it was classified, but my father wouldn’t have given me access if it was.

“It’s okay. He has the copies.”

“Doesn’t he need-clearance?” So, hence the selected eyes only.

“He’s my son.”

He stared at my father for a second, unblinking. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir,” he apologized to my father before he faced me back. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Cade. You’re the thirteen people to know about A. S. H. E. R.”

“Just thirteen?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yes. The POTUS, the selected Kross and Hover’s boards of directors, and me. You’re the first non-member to have the copy.”

Great. “That’s another secret I have to carry on.”

“Welcome to the Hover, Mr. Cade.”

“Thank you.”

When Dylan left the visual room, I turned to my father. “Why did you give me access? It’s not that I’m gonna be joining the team. I don’t have experience and expertise in this field. And I’m not a member of your board.”

“After the crash, I realized I could die today or tomorrow. It’s best you have knowledge about the future project. Even if you didn’t come to visit me, I was going to come to you. And you don’t have to be a member of the board. I will appoint you sooner if I will be ill or some circumstances happen to me.”

My mood soured. As much as I’d love to spend time with him, I wanted to know if there was a real threat in his life. “If you are in danger, you better tell me now, so I know where I stand, Moses.”

“I’m fine. You can’t push me away every time I want to see you. You’re an adult and about to settle down. You can hate me, and I know you don’t want to do anything with the Hover. But this isn’t a request. If I die, this is my legacy and your company, whether you like it or not, and I’m not changing my Last Will. So suck it up, son.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Then I’m selling the company as soon as I have it. How about that?”

“Well, if the future project doesn’t interest you. And I thought you’re a friend of Mykel Creed, married to Lex Kross’ granddaughter.”

“That doesn’t qualify me to give any advice.”

“I don’t need an advisor. If you only-”

“If I only what? Talk to you? Give you a chance. You’ve gotta be shitting me right now.”

“Okay, son.” He raised his hands. “Let’s go to the warehouse. I have something to show you.”

“I think I have enough tour for today. You know I have work, right?”

“You’re upset and irrational.”

I groaned. “Well, you just handed me a close book project that gives me the right to be upset.”

“You can be upset right now, but this is not just for you. You’re getting married and building a family. Your children will have their future. If you want to sell the company, go ahead. Just ensure you know how to start from scratch or where to invest your money.”

“Can we not talk about it right now? You’re still here alive and walking, aren’t you?”

“You have to think about your future.”

“Now you sound just like Linus.”

“You can be contented with what you have right now because you’re still single. Your fiancee has high maintenance. With the inflation, by that time your children will go to school, the college tuition will be five times the price today.”

“Moses, please?” I walked out of the visual room as I started to get pissed. He followed me down and joined Briggs. One of his security team members drove us out of the building to the warehouse.

The doors slid wide, making me chuckle. I shook my head in amusement. “This is your warehouse?” I saw the different types of fighter jets. It was like a museum. “Prototypes?”

“Not all.”

We went through the displays. Then we stopped by the wreckage of his jet. The cockpit crashed. The rudder was intact, one jet engine was damaged, and the body had almost split in two. Just staring at it, it frightened me. How did no one die? I was grateful not everyone survived. It was indeed a miracle.

“Have you ever flown an aircraft?”

“A fighter jet, no. Only hele. What’s the forensics say?”

“I’m giving you the report later.” I doubted that. He could have just told me if he was interested in sharing it with me. I still wondered why he shared a hundred billion-dollar project but this report.

“Okay. Where’s the black box?”

“Safe now.”

I nodded, walking away as my emotions started to jumble. It was the biggest realization on my part. What was it like if that crash happened and he died? He died without giving him a chance. Maybe this was a life lesson or something.

“Are you okay?” he asked behind me.

“Yeah. It’s just horrific.” They were there because of Moses. “How are those guys with you?” I even forgot to ask.

“They’re recovering, stable, and well-compensated. I’m not that cold-hearted, Striker. I care for my employees.”

“I didn’t say you are. You’re only an asshole to your son.”

“I wanna meet your fiancee. Let’s have dinner if it’s not too much to ask. Your friends are very much welcome. I’ll talk to your dad.”

“I’ll relay your invitation. Let’s get out of here.”

We had lunch together. Sometimes, I felt so little sitting next to him, insecure, and if I was being honest, he intimidated me. People who passed by knew him. I hated that kind of attention. I valued privacy very much, yet here we were.

“You don’t like your food?”

“It’s nice, Moses. Do you ever get tired of being recognized by strangers?”

“Part of the job, son.” He sliced his steak, worth my weekly expenses. “Of course, that’s why I chose to be in that house where I have my privacy.”

When I looked down at his plate, he asked. “What?”

I smiled. “Nothing.”

“I can eat meat. I’m healthy as an ox.”

“If you say so.” I started digging for my favorite fettuccine. I was glad they served it here, but the presentation was pleasing.

“Where do you plan to get married?”

“We won’t have a big wedding, Moses. Not until a year or so.”

“Why do you have to wait that long? I can hire someone to your preference.”

“Thanks, but we can manage. We even want to elope.”

“Why rush? Is she carrying my grandchild?” His brows knitted.

I shrugged. “No. She’s not pregnant. I guess I was just too excited to marry London.”

“Are you happy?” His question stiffened my back. I wondered if he knew something that I didn’t. Of course, without a doubt, he did. He’d been keeping tabs on me since he found me.

I stared at him. “With London? Yes, very much.”

“Very well. That’s all I wanna hear.” He dabbed his lips and rose from the chair. “I’ll be right back.”

I watched him go to the hallway. My mind went back to his invitation. Of course, I would have to ask Dad if it was okay with him.

“Well, look, who’s here?”

Groaning, I put down my cutlery and turned around as I recognized that voice. “Tucker.”

“For a bodyguard, I’m surprised you can afford to eat in the kind of restaurant like this one. How many months did it take for you to make a reservation?” There was this smirk again. He took his phone out with a big grin on his face. Jesus Christ, what was wrong with his man? An attention seeker, a clout chaser, and a man loaded with insecurity.

I stood up. My appetite soured. He just ruined my lunch. “What do you want, Tucker?”

“You stole my girlfriend away from me.” He poked my chest. “Dickhead.” And here I thought he was broke, or maybe the tech he stole paid well. Or would this woman pay the bill? Asshole.

“The last time I checked, she broke up with you and chose me.” My jaw locked. Even if I wanted to break his jaw, I was in a fine restaurant, and I was with my father, and Briggs could handle him just fine.

“Magnus, can we take a seat?” A woman in a pink dress to our right called out.

“You already have a date and still haven’t moved on? Does she know you still want my fiancee back?” I tipped my head to the woman he was with.

He raised his phone and pointed at his angle. “Guys, look who I found. Do you know who this guy is?”

“What are you doing?” I asked, feeling my privacy was intruded upon.

“Showing the world which London chose over me.”

“Is everything okay over here, Mr. Cade?” Briggs came over.

“Yeah.” I nodded at Briggs.

“Sir, stop what you’re doing, or I may have to confiscate your phone.” Briggs went to Magnus.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Who are you?” He raised a brow at Briggs as he looked at him from head to toe before he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

“Mr. Cade’s CPO.”

“Magnus, are we having lunch or what?” The woman called again. What kind of dick was he prioritizing his hatred over his date? Poor woman. She didn’t know who this guy was.

“You better go to your date, Magnus, before you humiliate yourself.”

“This is not over, Cade.” He pointed at me before he walked away.

I shook my head, pissed off.

“Is everything okay, sir?” The manager came.

“Yeah, thanks. Just exchanging pleasantries with an old acquaintance.” I took back to my seat. “It’s okay, Briggs. It’s my fiancee’s ex.”

“Alright, sir. Let me know if he’s harassing you.”

“Do you realize I was once a CPO? I can depend on myself just fine.” I smiled at him.

“I know, sir. But my boss wouldn’t be so impressed if I did nothing. You’re a part of my job now, sir.”

“Thank you.”

My father came back. “Did I miss something?”

“Nothing interesting.” I smiled.

“Where do you go after this? You can go over to my office.”

“Maybe next time. I have to see London.” I buttoned my suit, and we went out of the restaurant.

“All right. Call me if you need anything. You have my number, right?” he asked as we stopped before his black Rolls-Royce.

“Yes, Moses, I have your number.” I offered my hand for a handshake- instead, he hugged me. “I had a great time. Thanks for the tour.”

“Anything for you, son.”