Chapter 203: Bait

[Chapter 203: Bait]

"Calling me late at night, missing me?"

"Let's keep it civil."

"What's wrong? Did a girl turn you down? You want to vent?" Nora chuckled on the other end of the line.

"If you're not going to discuss anything serious, I might as well hang up now," Ryan pretended to end the call.

"Who talks business at night? Is there really such a thing as late-night business?"

"I'm guessing you got stuck in Miami this afternoon. Well, I might be able to help you out."

"Just you? Seriously? This isn't trivial; I have been stuck on this for half a month." Nora's lighter flicked on in the background.

"Do you know the Heights community in South Miami? There are some commercial streets there. Last month, the company acquired them, planning to tear them down and merge them into a big mall. Everything was going smoothly until we hit a snag: it routes through the main thoroughfare, and if we could connect a feeder road from there to the back of the mall, we could cut through a vacant lot that also happens to be a rundown area. If that connection is made, it would only take three minutes to reach the mall by car. But the Miami public works department is refusing to approve it."

"Maybe I can give it a shot." Ryan spoke up; his connections with Alex lined up perfectly.

"You didn't say you had that kind of clout!" Nora's tone shifted with interest.

"You didn't ask."

"Once it's done, we can send you a little something as a thank you."

"No need for that, but I might need you for something else."

"What's that?"

"I've got my eye on an asset, and there might be others involved. If necessary, you guys need to make an appearance." Ryan laid out the specifics.

"Sounds doable, but you need to tell me what asset you're looking at first so I can assess the risks."

"Ultra Music Festival."

"Is that the one that's been reported for disturbing the peace multiple times? Now you're aiming high. How much is that worth?"

"Not much in your area."

"I'll be waiting for your news." Nora hung up the phone.

...

Ryan quickly dialed Alex's number again to relay Nora's request.

"What are you getting into with this?" Alex responded, not wanting to get involved.

"If you want to get back what's yours, you'll fulfill my request." Ryan shot back unapologetically.

"You're going for Ultra Music Festival?" Alex finally clued in. "Well, now we're on the same team. But let me tell you, the lawsuit I'm filing against three people is for $15 million, and that's my share."

"I can only give you one-third," Ryan replied.

"Deal!" Alex agreed without hesitation, clearly seeing the potential in that payout.

Of course, there were other ways, such as reinstating him to manage the Ultra Music Festival, but to get him on board, Ryan needed to give him a promise.

"Let's hear your specific plans."

"Who's backing him?" Ryan asked first.

"I don't know much; he keeps things close to the vest. He owns a nightclub and is a donor to the local police. I've seen his picture in the precinct. In fact, a lot of supplies for the festival come from him, mainly the Molly; that's where the real profit lies."

"Anything else?"

"That's about it. While he partners with many, we operate independently."

Ryan figured he'd have to go at it himself, remembering what Russell said to him this afternoon.

"What do I need to do? You shouldn't really need me, right?"

"You're the key player. Call Russell tomorrow at 3:30 PM and do exactly as I say... Remember, it has to be at that time -- no earlier or later." Ryan emphasized.

"Why?"

"Let's not get into that; just do it."

"Anything else I need to watch out for? You're the boss now."

"Hire two bodyguards. Don't leave their sight and watch what you eat."

"Don't worry, I already have four at my disposal."

...

Ryan hung up and turned back to the room, where Daddario had swapped into a pink Victoria's Secret-style outfit and was lounging on the bed, while Teresa's belongings sat beside the bed, likely because she was in the shower.

"If you don't come back soon, we're going to end up cuddling in our sleep," Daddario yawned, her hair still damp from a recent wash.

Ryan sauntered over and shared a moment with Daddario before stripping off his clothes and stepping into the bathroom. Teresa, surprised by his presence, instinctively went to serve him. Her moves were gentle and careful, and whether it was from long experience as a secretary or just her natural demeanor, she excelled in the role compared to Daddario.

After finishing his shower and drying off, Ryan carried Teresa out and laid her down on the bed. By now, Daddario had neatly made the bed beside them.

Ryan lay back, and they both leaned in... One had blonde hair, the other brown; both had just come from the bath, a mist still clinging to their skin. One had an adorable yet slightly sexy look, while the other was a stunning figure, making for a perfect combination.

If Amber hadn't been around, Teresa would definitely have gotten the role of Caroline.

...

"I keep telling you, we're the best partners for business. The celebrities you've been hunting don't have a clue how to run a nightclub, but I do. Just send a few people over to perform, and forget the usual checks. Come on, Ryan, you think nightclubs in the US make money just from selling drinks and music? It actually comes from two other sources.

First, those 'party entertainment products' like Molly. Second..." Russell entered the room, showcasing a large dressing room or lounge filled with heels of every shape and color hanging across the wall, alongside various scandalously revealing outfits.

Inside were about seven or eight women chatting, who all stood up the moment Russell walked in.

"Look at these faces, these bodies; they're prime assets for a nightclub. You may not like them, but you're still a man. I'll leave it at that," Russell pointed to the women, discussing nightclub business insights.

Ryan's expression didn't change, turning to Russell instead: "The partnership has one stipulation: it cannot be in Miami or Florida. It must be far enough away from Orlando."

"Ryan, Florida's a tourist hub, perfect for nightclubs and loaded clientele. There's enough room for at least five Bad Rooms in the state."

"There should only be one Bad Room in a state; that's the rule. How would I explain it to Lil Wayne and Usher?" Ryan shook his head, his stance firm.

Just like any franchise, Bad Room clubs needed a "protected distance."

Russell opened his mouth to protest, "You really don't know how to do business. Fine, let's set it in Birmingham, Alabama."

Alabama bordered Florida and was one of the poorest states in the U.S.

"That's a bunch of country folk -- are you sure you want to pick there?" Ryan asked.

"Even if they're country folk, there's a difference between wealth and poverty. Birmingham is a major city with two campuses of the University of Alabama nearby, and I know it well."

Ryan waited for this statement, "Then I'm good with it; let's start the preliminary planning tomorrow, and we'll each send someone to scout locations."

"Sounds good, but as a trade, you must hold this year's sub-stage venue here; that's crucial for promoting this nightclub," Russell added.

Ryan nodded. "If I have a choice, I wouldn't consider this place because it can't accommodate enough people. But since you can't get the city planning sorted out..."

Before he could finish his point, Russell's phone rang.

He glanced at it and hurried toward the door.

...

"Alex, what's up? Have you made your decision?" Russell said with a smile.

"Yeah, that's the choice a smart man would make. Did you manage to sort the city plans?" Russell had become unsure if this was good news or bad news.

...

After talking a bit longer, Russell returned to Ryan and had no choice but to reveal the truth, knowing he couldn't keep it hidden.

"The Parks and Recreation Department approved the temporary use of park land, so you can set up your sub-stage in the ideal location."

Ryan nodded, "That's even better. As for the stage, I'm designing it my way without Ultra's construction crew; I'll be using my people."

In front of Russell, Ryan didn't call Robert Allen but instead dialed Berwick, "Bring a crew of construction workers over here."

"Fully equipped workers are ready to head to Miami. They're on their way," Berwick cheerfully replied; Ryan had synced up with him earlier that day.

This was mostly for security reasons, to prevent Russell from making any rash moves if cornered.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.