Chapter 667

Everyone froze. No one thought Tanya had it in her to be the manager, but when I started clapping, they awkwardly joined in. Standing next to me, Tanya soaked up the mix of shocked and half-hearted applause. I could tell she was holding her breath, like this was her big moment—the one she’d been waiting forever for.

She was the comeback queen, climbing up only to get knocked down again and again. But here she was, finally at the top. I could see the fire in her, the need to prove herself. That drive was exactly what I wanted—needed, actually. But only if I could control it. I wanted to push her until that fire burned too hot, until she’d take risks that’d play right into my hands.

“Let’s hear from Ms. Twain,” I announced, nudging her into the spotlight. Tanya hesitated, nerves clear as day, but she wasn’t stupid. She pulled herself together and gave a solid speech.

Once the ceremony wrapped up, I led her to the manager’s office. Of course, I took the main seat, leaving her to stand. A few minutes ago, I’d let her have her little victory. Now, I was reminding her who really ran the show. I was going to mess with her—build her up, then tear her down—until she hated me with everything she had.

“Tanya, the bar’s all yours now,” I said, leaning back. “Think you can handle it? If not, speak up—I’ll find someone else.”

No way she’d back out after that speech.

“You’re not trying to humiliate me and take it back, are you?” she shot back, testing me.

I laughed. “Relax. I’m not that petty. But if you’re in charge, there are rules.”

She stood there like a student about to get lectured. It was almost funny how different she was now—money really does work wonders.

“I won’t micromanage,” I said. “How you run the bar is your call. Just treat it like it’s yours.”

Her eyebrows shot up. She clearly didn’t expect me to hand her that much control.

I locked eyes with her. “When I work with someone, I go all in. Same as a relationship: trust completely, or don’t trust at all. I chose you, so I trust you.”

The way she looked at me then, like I was some kind of CEO handing out golden tickets, was priceless. In that moment, I realized how much fun it could be to mess with someone like her.

“But,” I added, “one non-negotiable: everything has to be legal. If something shady happens, I’ll take the heat—but so will you.”

She nodded quickly. “Got it.”

“Great. Let’s make it official.” I slid a contract across the desk.

Tanya took her time reading it, her serious expression making it clear she wasn’t about to get played. I just chilled, scrolling on my phone while she went through every line.

Ten minutes later, she finally signed. Just as she pushed it back, I tapped the signature line. “Fingerprint too.”

She rolled her eyes but pressed her finger onto the ink pad and stamped it.

I flipped through the contract, pretending to check it, before standing. “That’s it. I’ll only look at the monthly financials—profit or loss, that’s all I care about.”

As I headed for the door, I spun the chair dramatically. “Oh, and this chair’s comfy. Enjoy it.”

Tanya stiffened, but I just smirked and walked out.

With the signed papers in hand, I went straight to the police station. I wasn’t about to set a trap for someone else and end up caught in it myself.

While I waited for the desk officer to process everything, a familiar voice rang out from the entrance.

“Officer, I’d like to report a crime.”

Chapter 668