MY PERFECT BODY GUARD CHAPTER FORTY FIVE :A PACT FOR RETRIBUTION

Following the intense confrontation involving Gloria, the mayor, and Victor, the outcome not only secured Gloria's triumph but also instilled a profound sense of fear within the government. The news of her formidable security team spread rapidly throughout the city, establishing Gloria as a force to be reckoned with. Many praised her, acknowledging that she operated in a league of her own and deserved the recognition.

However, a faction of dissenters remained, fueled by resentment because Prime Tech didn't rightfully belong to her. This division among the people created a palpable tension, leaving Prime Tech employees apprehensive yet, for some, strangely motivated amidst the uncertain atmosphere.

Back at the hotel, Linda sat down for breakfast, the news of Gloria's continuous conquests echoing in her ears. A pervasive fear crept over her as she pondered the possibility of never reclaiming her father's company. Yet, amidst her concerns for Prime Tech, her foremost worry centered on Richard. Linda yearned to secure his release, ensuring his safe return to his parents, even contemplating abandoning the company to live her own life.

Desperate to free Richard, Linda had made numerous calls to Gloria, pleading for his release and vowing never to pose a threat to Gloria's ownership of the company. However, Gloria's chilling response remained unwavering—she desired Linda's demise as the only guarantee of her undisputed claim to the company.

Deep in thought, Linda grappled with conflicting emotions, contemplating the idea of sacrificing herself for Richard. Yet, a solemn promise to her late father lingered in her mind—to live as long as possible. The weight of these conflicting thoughts and emotions overwhelmed her, especially as she began devising a plan to rescue Richard from his perilous situation.

As Linda stood up from the bed, a determined idea took root in her mind. Changing into fresh clothes, she decided to visit Victor. Her plan was to negotiate with him, offering to fulfill any request he had in exchange for helping her secure Richard's release. Boarding a bus bound for Victor's house, she found herself running low on funds but knew she had to devise something to sway him in her favor.

Upon arrival, she noticed an unusual lack of security at the gate, which stood wide open. The compound appeared less populated than her previous visits, casting an eerie atmosphere. As she approached the main house, she discovered significant damage at the entrance, sparking a sense of unease. Suddenly, a voice from behind startled her.

"Here to finish what your boyfriend started?" Victor's accusing words cut through the tension.

Startled, Linda turned to face him, seeking clarification. Victor insinuated that her boyfriend, the same person who had caused the damage, might have intended harm. Linda, confused, asked for the identity of this supposed boyfriend.

Victor, incredulous, confirmed that it was the young man who had accompanied her, accusing him of stealing his laptop and phone. Linda, shocked by this revelation about Richard, grappled with a barrage of questions flooding her mind.

Apologizing, Linda disassociated herself from the destruction, expressing her intent to talk and plead for assistance rather than being involved in any malicious actions. The unexpected turn of events left Linda grappling with newfound information about Richard's actions at Victor's house.

"Come inside," Victor said, ushering Linda into the house. Confused and alarmed, Linda sought clarification about Richard's presence and actions.

"What do you mean Richard was here?" Linda asked, her voice betraying a mixture of concern and disbelief.

Victor, with a hint of suspicion, responded, "Well, I think your boyfriend is now working with your grand stepmother."

Linda's surprise quickly turned to fear as she clenched her palms, feeling her heart race. She couldn't fathom the idea of Richard aligning himself with her estranged stepmother, whom she viewed as a malevolent figure.

"It can't be. Richard can never work for that witch," Linda exclaimed, vehemently denying the possibility.

"Well, looks to me like he is," Victor remarked, casting a shadow of doubt and uncertainty over Linda's perception of Richard. The revelation left Linda grappling with the unsettling notion that Richard might be involved with someone she considered an adversary.

"Why were they here?" Linda asked, still struggling to comprehend the unfolding situation.

Victor sighed, revealing the motive behind Richard's unexpected presence. "The plan was to steal from Prime Tech because Gloria and the government were overshadowing me. We thought that if we struck, things would go in our favor. However, we underestimated Gloria's influence. They fought against us, but Richard... he was like a one-man army. To be honest, I've never seen anything like that kid. He destroyed my house. Now, Gloria is the most powerful person in this city, thanks to him."

Linda listened, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face as she processed the revelation. The unexpected turn of events painted Richard in a different light, leaving her to grapple with the realization that he played a significant role in empowering Gloria, the very person she sought to resist.

"Why would Richard work for the woman? I thought he hated her," Linda exclaimed, struggling to reconcile her perception of Richard with this newfound information.

Victor, taking a drag from his cigarette, responded, "You know, when money is involved, anything is possible." He observed that Richard fought with remarkable passion during the confrontation.

"But I'm gonna make sure Gloria pays for this. Now, my security is almost gone; some are wounded," Victor declared, emphasizing his determination to seek retribution for the damage caused and the losses suffered during the clash. The revelation of Richard's involvement had intensified the conflict, leaving both Linda and Victor with a shared goal of holding Gloria accountable for the chaos she had unleashed.

"If you want revenge, that's fine, but I think to achieve that, we need to reach out to Richard," Linda suggested.

"We?" Victor questioned with a scoff. "Hey, what do you think you can offer to me? You're just a headless chicken, no inheritance, nothing."

"Richard is our best shot at getting to Gloria, and I want to see him. I want to know if he resents me now. The Richard I know can't just walk away from me this way. I need to hear from him. Unless you have another plan," Linda asserted, emphasizing the importance of involving Richard in their quest for revenge against Gloria. The complex dynamics and personal connections in their shared history added layers of tension to the unfolding plot.

"If you need my help, then you must give me something in return," Victor asserted.

Linda, considering the terms, proposed, "If you help, and everything goes as planned, and I get back the company and Richard as planned, you will get 5% shares of the company."

"15%," Victor countered.

"6," Linda replied.

"10," Victor negotiated once more.

"7," Linda stated firmly.

Victor gave it some thought, then stood up, extending his hand. "I guess we have a deal, Miss Jim," he said.

Linda shook his hand. "Yes, we do."

"Tell me the plan," Victor demanded, signaling the beginning of their collaboration in seeking retribution against Gloria.