Chapter 15 – The Cost of Power 

Leon Carter leaned back in his chair at the Falcon Lounge, studying Matthew Whitmore.

The man had just offered him something rare—powerful investors willing to bankroll his rise.

But Leon knew better than to accept deals blindly.

Money always came with a price.

The question was—what was the price here?

The Terms of the Deal

Leon took a sip of his drink, keeping his voice calm.

"You're offering millions in funding. What's the catch?"

Whitmore smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Nothing comes for free, Leon. But we're not asking for a controlling stake in your businesses. What we want is simple—you grow, and as you grow, we profit."

Leon tapped his fingers on the table.

"Equity?"

Whitmore nodded. "A small percentage in select ventures we fund. You keep full control, but we take a cut. It's a win-win."

Leon's mind worked quickly.

A small cut in exchange for unlimited capital and protection?

Langford was actively blocking his access to banks—this was the only real counterplay he had.

Still, he needed to test Whitmore's limits.

"How small are we talking?" Leon asked.

"10% on any business we fund," Whitmore said smoothly. "No interference. Just a cut of the profits."

Leon smirked.

"5%."

Whitmore chuckled. "7%. Non-negotiable."

Leon let a pause linger before nodding.

"Fine. But I pick the businesses."

Whitmore raised his glass.

"Smart choice."

They clinked glasses.

The deal was made.

Langford's Reaction – The Counterattack Begins

The next morning, Leon received an email.

• Subject: Urgent Notice – Hudson Properties

• Sender: Legal Department – Hudson Holdings

Leon's eyes narrowed.

Opening the email, he skimmed through the formal legal jargon before finding the key sentence.

"We regret to inform you that due to new internal policies, your partnership agreement with Hudson Holdings has been terminated effective immediately."

Leon's jaw tightened.

Langford was already making his move.

Hudson Holdings was a real estate investment firm Leon had been working with to acquire undervalued properties.

Without their partnership, several of his upcoming deals would fall apart.

Langford wasn't wasting time.

But neither was Leon.

He dialed Whitmore.

"Looks like Langford just had me dropped from a major real estate deal," Leon said, his tone neutral but sharp.

Whitmore chuckled.

"I was expecting something like this. That's why we already have an alternative lined up."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Meet me in an hour. I'll introduce you to a private seller who doesn't give a damn about Langford's influence."

Leon exhaled slowly, a small smirk forming.

Langford thought he could box him in.

He was about to find out just how wrong he was.

A New Deal – The Off-Market Property Play

An hour later, Leon found himself sitting across from Jonathan Hale, a high-net-worth property owner.

Hale owned a luxury office building that had been struggling to fill tenants after recent market shifts.

Leon scanned the numbers.

• Property Value: $2.5 million

• Occupancy Rate: 40% (low)

• Potential Upside: Could reach 85% occupancy with the right management

Hale leaned back, watching Leon.

"Langford has been trying to get this property for months," Hale said. "But I don't trust him."

Leon set down the financial statements.

"Then let me make you a better offer."

He quickly outlined a partnership proposal.

• Leon's Investors (Whitmore's Group) Would Purchase 60% Ownership

• Hale Would Retain 40% and Continue as a Silent Partner

• Leon Would Handle All Business Operations & Increase Occupancy

Hale considered for a moment before nodding.

"Langford's gonna be pissed."

Leon smirked.

"That's the point."

They shook hands.

Another deal closed.

Langford's Next Move – A Direct Threat

That evening, as Leon was heading back to his apartment, his phone buzzed.

An unknown number.

He answered.

A deep voice came through the line.

"You've been making some bold moves, Leon."

Leon's grip on the phone tightened. "Langford."

A low chuckle.

"Smart boy. I admire ambition, but you're stepping on the wrong toes."

Leon leaned against his car, eyes cold. "If you're calling to scare me, you'll have to do better."

Langford's voice remained calm.

"I don't waste time on threats, Leon. I make examples."

A brief pause.

"Your deal with Jonathan Hale? Consider it dead."

Leon's heartbeat slowed. "You seem pretty confident for someone who just lost that property."

Langford chuckled again.

"Who said I lost? You really think Hale's loyalty is worth more than my money?"

Leon's eyes darkened.

"Guess we'll find out."

Langford sighed. "I'll give you credit—you don't scare easy. But remember this, kid: Money isn't power. Control is. And I control this city."

The call ended.

Leon stood there for a long moment.

Langford wasn't just blocking loans anymore.

He was coming for blood.

But Leon wasn't planning to roll over.

This wasn't just about business anymore.

It was about war.

And if Langford wanted a fight?

Leon was ready.