THE CEO
DANTE
Being a “billionaire” was supposed to mean that I was entitled to buy whatever I wanted,wheneverI wanted.
No price tag was too large, no budget was ever too much to consider, and the words “I want it” meant sold.
Period.
For years, I’d used my status to stamp my name all over this city. It sat on everything from the sleek skyscrapers that gleamed against the Hudson River’s waters, to the glittering glass condos that dotted Manhattan, and even the high-rise apartments that stood guard in Brooklyn and The Bronx.
And yet, the building I wanted the most—the one that I’d offered quadruple the asking price to buy—was being held hostage by protesters and city officials who hated me.
For no reason.
Well, no “good” reason.
“Mr. HudsonIs Too Damn Rich! He CanEat a Bag of Dicks!” a deranged woman shouted into a megaphone as I stepped out of my car.
“Hey! Hey! Not Today!” her psycho colleague joined her. “The Holden BuildingIs Here to Stay!”
Usually, I would sip my coffee and stare at them while they screamed—letting them get a hint of satisfaction at me “listening” to them, but I didn’t have time today.
Moving past their signs, I strolled into my building and headed for the elevator.
“How long do you want to let them protest before we call the police today, Mr. Hudson?” my head security guard asked.
“You can give them five more minutes.”
“Are you pressing charges for trespassing?”
“Always.” I nodded. “Be sure to send the judge a gift in my name as well.”
“Very well, sir.”
The doors glided shut before the elevator carried me to my top floor.
I headed into the boardroom, anxious for this morning’s strategy meeting with my top assistants, highest-selling real estate agents, and the top person I trusted in my company: my executive broker, Anthony.
Taking a seat at the head of the table, I flipped open a brand-new folder titled “Ways to Make People Love Dante Hudson So He Can Buy The Holden.”
“Word of advice before we get started, Dante…” Anthony leaned closer. “Thank them for their hard work before storming off, and don’t threaten to fire them at the end.”
“If they give me some good ideas and suggestions, I won’t.” I adjusted my tie. “Making me look good is an easy job, trust me. I’ve looked in the mirror.”
“It would be easy if people in this city didn’t hate you,” he said. “They cannot stand you.”
“Lies.” I shook my head. “They admire me.”
“Your money, maybe, but that’s it. You are literallydespised.”
“That won’t last long.” I waved a hand and cleared my throat. “I’m listening. Give me the ideas.”
“Well…” Alisha, the head of my luxury rental buildings, stood up from her seat. “We’ve all agreed that while your current persona may lean on the more ruthless and uh, evil billionaire side, we can correct that with some good ol’ community service from you.”
I arched a brow.
“We’re thinking that you could help the landscaping team plant some new flowers at all the parks you own.” She smiled. “Perhaps you can do that once a month.”
