Urban Plundering: I Corrupted The System!

The library was dead quiet, the kind of silence that made every cough or shuffled page feel like a sin. Parker sat slouched in one of the back chairs, his phone pressed to his ear and his face set in that bored, almost-too-cool expression he always wore. Far from him, Naomi was flipping through some massive hardcover like her life depended on it, oblivious to everything else.

"…And that's where things stand," Cassidy said on the other end of the line, her voice calm but carrying that edge of cocky confidence she always had. "Figured I'd save the best for last." She paused for effect, then dropped the bomb. "Blackwood Co. investors are in full-on panic mode. By this time tomorrow, I'll have started buying, and in three days? Fifty-three percent of the company's ours."

Parker chuckled softly, the sound more a huff of air than anything. "Three days to take down a company that's been standing for decades. That's kind of poetic." He leaned back, balancing his chair on two legs like he didn't give a damn about the librarian's no-nonsense rules. "I'm not buying it to make money, though. Robert doesn't get a comeback, not on my watch. Once I've got control, I'm flipping the whole damn board."

"Yeah, yeah, evil mastermind vibes," Cassidy quipped, though there was no mistaking the respect buried in her tone. "Anyway, Ava's buy-in is set for tomorrow afternoon. I've already sent her all the dirt she needs to light this thing up. And honestly? We don't even need to drag them into court. Ava and I scared the hell out of the investors and suppliers with a few well-placed threats. They're jumping ship on their own. Saves time, right?"

"Smart," Parker murmured. He glanced around the library, his gaze landing on a "no phones" sign taped to a nearby wall. Rules didn't apply to him. Not here, not anywhere. "You already know what I'm gonna say."

"Duh. You approve," Cassidy said, her grin audible through the phone. "One last thing—agency's ours in a few days. But we need heavy hitters to run it. Like, real industry names. Can't build an empire with amateurs."

Parker smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Wow, Cassidy, you're so insightful. I never would've thought of that."

She snorted. "Screw you. Just give me the green light."

"You've got it. Handle it."

There was a pause, the kind of silence that felt loaded with everything left unsaid. Then Cassidy's voice softened, just a bit. "You sure about this pace? You're blowing up fast. Too fast, maybe."

Parker's smirk faltered for a split second before he forced it back into place. "If I crash, I crash. I'll make it worth the fall." He let out a sharp breath and added, "Don't call or text me for a week. Tell the others, too. Just get it done. Check your phone I have sent the new office building to you. Check it out."

"Got it, boss," Cassidy said. "Enjoy your little disappearing act."

Parker hung up without another word, tossing his phone onto the table with a satisfying clatter.

He leaned back again, Naomi, who still hadn't looked up. Her face was a mask of concentration, her finger absently tapping against the page like she was counting beats to a song only she could hear.

He stared at her for a moment, then at the stacks of books around them, the fluorescent lights buzzing faintly overhead. Expanding this fast felt like juggling knives while riding a unicycle—one slip and everything would come crashing down.

But Parker wasn't scared of the crash. If anything, he was ready to meet it head-on. Not that he would ever let it happen.

For now, though, he needed to ground himself. Redirect his focus. He shoved his phone into his pocket and closed his eyes for a brief second, his mind already racing ahead to the next move.

****

The hallway split them up. Naomi went her way, her usual quiet self, while Parker adjusted the strap on his bag and headed to class.

The buzz from earlier still hung in the air, but it wasn't as suffocating this time. No wide-eyed stares, no whispers about him—at least not loud enough for him to hear. He stepped into the classroom, and yep, still chaos. Kids laughing too loud, chairs scraping against the floor, someone tossing a crumpled paper ball at Ryan's head.

Typical. But this time? Way less heat on him. 'Thank fuck.' Find exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

Maya was already at her seat, looking… well, composed, or at least trying to fake it. Her hands were folded neatly on the desk, but her eyes gave her away—still dreamy, still tracking his every move like he was the only thing worth paying attention to. Parker ignored her, same as always. He passed Annabelle on his way to his seat, not sparing her so much as a glance.

Hell, not even a flicker of acknowledgment. It felt like walking through a fresh breeze after being stuck next to a dumpster for too long. Clean. Refreshing. Needed.

He slung his bag down next to his desk and sat, leaning back like he had nothing to prove. Maya smiled at him, but he didn't notice—or maybe he did and just didn't care. She still looked hopeful, poor girl.

The classroom quieted as the teacher walked in. Middle-aged, sharp-eyed, and rocking the energy of someone who could take you down with one withering glare.

Ryan and his little entourage, who'd been practically climbing the seats a second ago, scrambled to their seats and straightened up like they were auditioning for "model students of the year." Parker smirked a little to himself. No way Ryan was risking his reputation with her in charge.

The teacher set her things down and cleared her throat, drawing the last few murmurs to a stop. "Alright, class, listen up. We've got an announcement."

An announcement? That got everyone's attention. Ryan's friends exchanged curious glances. Maya tilted her head slightly, waiting. Even Parker raised a brow.

****

Guys who's ready for the chaos and the entertainment to come. I promise you guys, it's going to be fun