Chapter 12: David's Shadow Returns.

Clark was still relishing in the joy of his recent business victory, his mind racing with possibilities, when his phone buzzed. The name flashing on the screen was unexpected one—David Preston.

 "Why would he call now?" Clark murmured to himself, picking up after a moment's hesitation.

David's voice was soft, too smooth and deceitful. "Clark Johnson. I see you're making waves in the corporate sector. Congratulations are in order."

"What do you want, David?" Clark's tone was stern, his patience scant.

"Straight to the point. I like that," David replied, a smirk evident in his voice. "I think we should meet. Let's say... tomorrow, 8 p.m. at La Royale." "Not interested," Clark shot back.

"Oh, but you will be," David stated cryptically before hanging up. 

---

The next day, Clark sat across from David in a private booth at La Royale. David's posture was calm, yet his eyes were keen, calculating. 

"Let's cut out the small talk," Clark remarked coldly. "Why am I here?"

David reclined back, enjoying his wine. "You've been busy. Impressive, really. But success comes at a cost, doesn't it?"

Clark tightened his stare. "Get to the point."

David laid his glass down, his tone becoming threatening and serious. "You're walking a dangerous path, Clark. And I'm the one holding the map."

Clark unfolded his arms, unimpressed. "You think I'm scared of you?"

"You should be," David murmured with a calm menace. "Do you know what happens when someone like you climbs too fast? They miss the traps prepared for them."

Clark leaned forward. "Is that a threat?"

"It's a warning," David said easily. "You see, Clark, I've been busy too. A financial controversy has a tendency of clinging to a man, especially when the proof leads directly to him."

Clark's jaw stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

David slid a folder across the table. "Go ahead, take a look."

Clark opened it, his stomach tightening as he examined the materials. Forged contracts, false transactions—all related to his identity.

"This is fake," Clark remarked, his voice low and menacing.

David grinned slightly. "Of course it is. But convincing? Oh, sure. Imagine what this could do to your reputation. Your blossoming business would disintegrate overnight."

Clark slammed the folder shut. "What do you want, David?"

David's smile grew. "Simple. Join me. Together, we can eliminate the Miller family. You get your revenge, I get mine. It's a win-win."

Clark gazed at him, disdain clear on his face. "You think I'd align myself with a snake like you?"

David chuckled. "You're not in a position to refuse, Clark. The Millers despise you. The business world regards you as a fluke. And now, I hold the power to damage you totally. Think carefully before you answer."

Clark's fists clenched. "I don't need your help. I'll take down the Millers on my own terms."

David's eyes darkened with such a shocking feedback "Pride is a dangerous thing, Clark. It blinds people to opportunities. I hope you won't allow it to play you too"?

Clark stood abruptly. "This conversation is over."

David's voice stopped him. "Walk away, and I'll unleash this storm. You won't survive it, Clark. Think of Mary, too. How much more can she endure?"

Clark turned, his voice ice-cold. "Don't you dare bring her into this."

David smirked. "Ah, so you still care about her interesting."

Clark's stare could have burnt through steel. "Consider this your only warning, David. Stay out of my way."

David laughed gently as Clark stormed out. "You have just committed the greatest error of your existence."

---

The next morning, chaos ensued. Clark's office was swamped by detectives. Accusations of fraud and theft spread like wildfire.

Anna called him, her voice panic-stricken. "Clark, what's going on? The board is panicking!"

"It's a setup," Clark muttered between gritted teeth. "David's making his move."

"What will you do?" Anna asked.

Clark's mind raced. "Fight back. He wants a war, and he'll get one."

---

By evening, Clark was alone in his flat, stitching together a counterattack. His phone rang again—another message from David :

"Last chance, Clark. Join me, or Fall."

Clark deleted the message without answering.

Unexpectedly, a knock was heard on the door. He opened it , just to discover Jane Roberts, her look tight.

"I heard what happened," she said. "David's behind this, isn't he?"

Clark nodded. "He's trying to force me into an alliance."

Jane went inside, her voice firm. "We must align and hit back. I know how David operates. I can help you demolish his plan."

Clark paused. "Why would you help me?"

Jane caught his gaze. "Because I understand how it feels to be beneath his control.

"And since you are the only person capable of halting him." Clark nodded slowly. "Then let's get to work."

---

Meanwhile, in his penthouse, David sat with his phone in hand, a joyful smile on his face.

Fred's voice came across the speaker. "You think he'll cave?"

David laughed. "He doesn't have a choice. By the time I'm done, Clark Johnson will be nothing but a cautionary tale."

Fred chuckled darkly. "Good. The less of him, the better."

David's smile faded as he slumped back in his chair, his voice a kind promise. "Clark doesn't realize it yet, but he's already lost."

---

After some days at Clark's flat, Jane handed him a flash drive. "This has everything you need to expose David's criminal network. But it's hazardous. If we're not careful, he'll bury us both."

Clark's eyes flashed with determination. "Let him try. I've been buried before, and I always find a way back."

Jane smiled slightly. "Then let's make sure this time, we bury him instead."

Clark stared at the flash drive, the weight of the coming conflict heavy on his shoulders.

---

As Clark prepared to unleash his counterattack, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was Mary. In a crying and trembling voice, she said "Clark... you need to be careful. David isn't simply after you. He's coming for everyone you care about."

Clark's blood ran cold. "What do you mean?"

Mary hesitated, her voice barely a whisper. "He's already made his move on me."

Clark grabbed the phone tightly, his voice angry. "What did he do, Mary?"