CHAPTER TWO ~VILLIANS AREN’T BORN THEY ARE MADE

3 MONTHS BEFORE PRESS CONFERENCE

The Confidence they say is a double-edged sword but James Whitmore had no need for the double edges, he had everything under control. Draped in the most expensive Armani suit money could buy, he couldn't help but be happy at the recent turn of events. Not only was he getting closer to owning Whitmore enterprise, but he would also be securing a very important connection tonight, one that would be useful at the upcoming shareholders meeting and for future endeavors.

The Whitmores had long been acquainted with the Prestons, a family of significant social standing. The Prestons were one of the most prestigious families in New York after the Montgomery which meant an alliance with them would provide him with the backing he needed to become the permanent CEO of Whitmore enterprise.

With the nine percent of Whitmore enterprise shares that Benjamin Preston owned, James was very sure to overpower his sister Violet Whitmore who had been fighting for the chance to be CEO.

Picking up his ringing phone, he flopped on the armchair that faced the mirror as answered the call while admiring his face at different angles. He was indeed a vain man.

"Yes," James responded impatiently. 

His assistant, Emily's voice came through the receiver. "We have a problem, sir"

James' spine strengthened immediately. He hadn't been hoping to deal with any problems at the moment there should have been no problems, and he had ensured that.

Clenching his fist that wasn't holding the phone; "what problem?"

"I just got a call from a reporter; he is claiming to have information about your mistress and son"

It felt like cold sweat was suddenly gripping him, he wanted to call the reporter's bluff because no one knew about his son or mistress, not even his family; he had made sure of it, hence the reason why they resided in a different country so how had this so-called reporter gotten news about it.

He scuffed, laughing it off "What mistress and son?" he asked his assistant.

"Exactly what I thought sir, but he insisted on speaking with you about it"

James was annoyed at the audacity of whoever the reporter was to think he could rile him up and get a reaction from him.

"What news station did he say he is from?" he asked curiously.

With the connections he had made over the years, James was sure if he knew the news station, he could use his connections to shut the reporter down if he truly knew what he was talking about.

"he didn't mention" Emily replied.

After careful deliberation, James decided to get it over with. "place me on a call with the so-called reporter" James demanded loosening his tie and settling on the chair more comfortably.

There was only one person, who kept crossing his mind, he was very sure she had something to do with the reporter. After she had indicated an interest in running for the CEO position, she had gone out of her way to annoy him by gaining the support of some of the stakeholders, he couldn't figure out how she had done it. It had annoyed him when some of the people he had relied on had budged.

Violet Whitmore was vicious and spiteful and if she had anything to do with whatever nonsense this reporter was going on and on about, he would make her regret it.

While he was trying to figure out if his sister was involved or not, a call came through his telephone. He picked up on the last ring.

"Mr. Whitmore, thanks for taking my call' the reporter said as soon as James picked up the call.

James didn't bother with pleasantries, instead, he went straight for the kill, he had little time to spare and he wasn't about to let this fool take up his time.

"I don't have time for this, who is this?" he asked, his voice cool and calm, the previous trembling not evident through his voice.

"someone with information that could disrupt your upcoming engagement to Charlotte Preston"

"What are you talking about"

Even though he had an idea of what the reporter was talking about, he decided to play dumb instead.

"your affair with Liza Turner and the son you have with her. I don't think Benjamin Preston would be too happy to find out, would he?"

James could feel the smugness from the reporter's voice and it grated on his nerves. Benjamin Preston had never hidden the fact that he despised a man who got a mistress and worse still had a son with her. Everyone knew about that, including this frog.

"This is a joke" James replied after a few minutes of tense silence. "you have no proof"

"Oh, but I do. I have photographs, emails, and text messages. Enough to cause a scandal that would destroy your relationship with the Preston and ruin your chances at the stakeholders meeting"

"what do you want?" James finally asked, his voice strained, as he worked on keeping his control

"5 million dollars"

"5 million dollars? That's extortion!" James exclaimed the very idea of it horrified him. He had already spent a lot of money on trying to secure votes and had even gone as far as borrowing from the bank, now this spun of the earth was asking for 5 million! Five freaking million!!

"call it what you like. If this goes public, your engagement is off, and your reputation is in tatters. Benjamin Preston will see to that" the reporter continued completely unfretted.

"and if I refuse?"

"then this story hits the news tomorrow morning. Every major news outlet will be running it. Your life as you know it will be over"

"you bastard" James fumed, holding his phone too tightly

"Think of it as a business transaction. You pay, and this stays buried. I disappear, and you move on with your plans."

"how do I know you won't come back for more and how do I know I can trust you" James asked through gritted teeth

"This is a one-time deal. My career depends on my integrity. Once the payment is made, you'll never hear from me again. You don't have to trust me either but considering the stakes, it's a risk you can't afford not to take. Do we have a deal?

"fine. You'll get your money. But if you ever contact me again about this issue, I'll make you regret it"

"Understood. I'll be in touch with the details. Remember, Mr. Whitmore, this conversation never happened; for your sake. No one would know your mistress is in Singapore"

"just get off my line"

"Pleasure doing busi –"

James didn't let him finish before the line went dead. He quickly called Sol, his hacker, and sent the call information to him to trace the number. Sol had worked behind the scenes with him for years and was very good at tracking the most hidden details.

He sank deeper into his chair, his mood completely ruined. He couldn't shake the feeling that Violet had something to do with this, was she trying to extort money from him?

And how had she known about Liza?

A notification from his phone had him rushing to pick it up, it was a text from Sol telling him he had hit a dead end. This means whoever was behind the call was way too smart; and had been careful to cover his tracks.

"shit" James spat throwing his phone across the wall. Now he had no choice but to pay the reporter what he requested to keep his relationship with the Prestons. The shareholder's meeting was three weeks away, so he had to keep his cool and try to cover up any information he could till then.

James had no time to waste; he needed to make sure things went well with the Prestons. Standing, he dutifully arranged his clothes properly and practiced his 'dazzling smile' like the media always called it. He had worked too hard to get the perfect smile that had people holding their breaths.

The engagement dinner was being held WHITMORE HOTELS banquet hall. The hotel was managed by James. He had been managing it since he had joined the company. It was one of the things his father had handed to him; he had worked hard to make it a five-star hotel to impress his father hoping that he would leave the company to him.

James sighed inwardly as he walked into the lobby, the events of the previous evening at the back of his mind, he refused to let anything mess his evening up.

Emily, his assistant, rushed to meet him as soon as he entered the lobby, her blonde hair tied in a severe bun away from her face. She had it in mind to ask him about the call but from previous experience, she decided to keep her mouth shut. She had learned early not to ask questions, hence the reason why she had lasted longer than his previous assistant.

"The guests have started arriving," Emily said as soon as they were within an entrance to the banquet hall. James smiled, it always amazed him how she was able to read his mind. He had just been about to ask about the guest.

The hall was designed elaborately. Huge crystal chandeliers hung from high white pop ceilings casting a glow around the room. Gold and white décor filled the room aligning with the theme of the evening. The affair was supposed to be small and intimate with just a few guests, all strategically invited to witness the union, for him to gain more support.

James moved around the room welcoming guests and getting sucked into conversations with stakeholders and people who were supportive of Benjamin Preston, he was impressed at how much support he was already getting by walking with the elderly man and as he introduced him as his son-in-law.

Charlotte Preston stepped into the hall wearing a white gown that accentuated her trim figure. She was late for her engagement but didn't feel bothered about it. She had known one day she would be forced into a loveless marriage to strengthen her family's standing, but she hadn't expected to be stashed with once playboy and currently clean slate James Whitmore. Even though he tried to conceal it, she could feel his arrogance from a mile away. She had always been good at sniffing out worms.

She stifled a sigh as she watched James whisper to her father and cross the room to meet her. Putting on a smile that she hoped didn't seem like a wince

"Charlotte, you look absolutely beautiful tonight" he stated as soon as he was a foot away from her.

"thank you, James, you look quite handsome yourself". At least she wasn't lying. He had a pretty face and usually girls who be falling over themselves to gain his attention, but she had never been one to act like others, even though she had always played the dutiful daughter to impress her father.

They stood there for a moment, neither saying a word as an awkward silence hung over them. Even though this wasn't a love match, Charlotte knew her family would be hoping she got along with him. Her mother had personally pulled her aside and given her 'the speech' on being a submissive partner.

"I hope you aren't too overwhelmed by all this" James said gesturing to the bustling room. "I know it's a lot to take in"

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes at his attempt at small talk, Charlotte responded through gritted teeth. "my family has always thrown these grand events. But I appreciate your concern"

He was about to say something else by the lift of his mouth when the clinking of a champagne class had everyone turning to the waiter as they were informed it was time for dinner. Everyone cramped to their designated seat when a commotion broke out by the door, earring the attention of the entire room.