Pursuit

"Listen, Thobani," Corbin said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "While I'm away on business, I want you to focus on two things: the biotechnology lab and the Tempest Holdings headquarters."

Thobani nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I'll make sure they're both top-notch," he said.

Corbin grinned, the glint of a scheming mastermind in his eyes. "I know you will," Corbin replied, his smile widening. "And to show my faith in you, I'll be transferring the first 50% of the payment for the project within the week."

Thobani's eyes widened, his mouth falling open in astonishment. "The first 50%?" he repeated, hardly believing his ears.

Corbin nodded, his eyes full of confidence. "I told you, I believe in this project. And I believe in you." Thobani's jaw dropped, his knees going weak as he tried to process the staggering sum. "You're…you're transferring over half a billion dollars?" he stammered, his voice faltering.

Corbin chuckled, his amusement only adding to Thobani's disbelief. "Yes, Thobani," he said, his tone still light and easy. "And once you've received the funds, you'll have full access to our revolutionary construction technology. "This is insane," Thobani breathed, his mind spinning. "A half a billion dollars? For a single project?"

Corbin grinned, his gaze steady and unflinching. "That's what happens when you're at the forefront of a technological revolution, Thobani. The possibilities are…limitless."

Thobani couldn't speak, his emotions overwhelming him. For a moment, he wondered if he was dreaming, if all of this was some kind of grand hallucination. But as he stood there, watching Corbin's enigmatic smile, he knew that this was all too real.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime," he thought, his pulse racing. "And I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers."

With newfound determination, Thobani squared his shoulders, a steely resolve taking hold. "I won't disappoint you, Corbin," he said, his voice firm. "You can count on that." Corbin's grin broadened, his expression betraying a hint of pride. "I know I can, Thobani," he said, his voice low and serious. "And when this project is complete, I believe you'll have earned your place as one of the greatest visionaries of our time."

Thobani's heart swelled with pride, a heady mix of excitement and apprehension churning within him. He was on the precipice of something extraordinary, something that could change the world. And he was ready to embrace it, whatever the cost. The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity for Thobani. He assembled a team of the best architects, engineers, and construction workers he could find. He secured permits, hired contractors, and began ordering the materials needed for the Tempest Holdings complex.

And then, just as he was beginning to relax into the rhythm of the project, Corbin reached out to him again. Corbin sat in the back of his private jet, a glass of bourbon in his hand as he stared out the window. "Darrow," he murmured to himself, his mind already spinning with possibilities.

With a touch of his phone, he dialed the number for Darrow's personal line, his brow furrowing slightly as he waited for the call to connect.

Corbin dialed the number again, the phone buzzing softly in his ear as he waited for Darrow to pick up.

"Darrow," the familiar voice answered, and Corbin felt the corners of his mouth tug into a smile.

"We need to meet," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "I have a gold sale for you. Over a billion dollars worth."

There was silence on the other end of the line, and then a long, low whistle. "That's a hell of a deal," Darrow said, his voice rough with intrigue. "Where are you thinking of meeting?"

Corbin leaned back in his seat, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "I'll be in Hong Kong next week. I suggest we meet there."

"Hong Kong," Darrow repeated, his mind already whirling with logistics. "And when do you want to do the deal?" "I'll be there from the 10th to the 13th," Corbin replied, his voice smooth and even. "But I suggest we meet on the 12th, in the afternoon. That should give us enough time to work out the details."

"I can work with that," Darrow said, his mind already racing with possibilities. "And where do you suggest we meet?"

"I'll be staying at the Peninsula Hong Kong. Meet me there, in my suite," Corbin answered. The Peninsula Hong Kong was one of the most exclusive hotels in the city, a haven for the wealthiest and most influential.

And on the 12th, Darrow found himself standing in Corbin's suite, staring at the billionaire as he lounged on a plush, cream-colored sofa.

"Darrow," Corbin said, gesturing to a seat across from him. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."

Darrow took a seat, his mind already racing with thoughts of the deal. "Let's not waste time, Corbin," Darrow said, his voice cutting through the silence. "Tell me about the gold. Where did you get it from? And what makes you think it's worth a billion dollars?"

Corbin leaned forward, a smile playing on his lips. "The gold comes from a variety of sources," he said, his voice dropping to a low, confidential tone. "Some of it was acquired through legitimate channels. Some of it…was not." Corbin's expression hardened, a slight furrow appearing between his brows. "I find myself wondering, Darrow," he said, his voice cold and precise. "Why all the questions? Our last deal went smoothly, and the gold was delivered exactly as promised."

Darrow sat back, his lips twisting into a half-smile. "A billion dollars is a lot of money, Corbin," he said, his voice steady and even. "I have to be certain that the investment is sound." "And what would make you certain?" Corbin asked, his eyes fixed on Darrow's face. "Is there anything in particular you need to know?"

Darrow considered the question for a moment, his gaze drifting to the skyline beyond the window. "I need to know about the security of the gold," he said at last. "How are you going to transport it? And where will it be stored before we make the exchange?" "There's no need to worry about that, Darrow," Corbin said, his voice low and reassuring. "The gold is already in a secure warehouse in Hong Kong, just waiting for our inspection. All that's left to do is for us to take a trip to the warehouse, examine the gold, and conduct the exchange."

Darrow pursed his lips, his gaze sliding back to Corbin's face. "When do you propose we do that?" he asked, his tone laced with caution. "Tonight," Corbin answered, his voice decisive. "I've arranged for transportation to the warehouse. We'll meet there, inspect the gold, and you'll pay me the agreed-upon sum. Simple as that."

Darrow nodded slowly, his mind already turning over the possibilities. "I'll have to bring some muscle with me," he said, his eyes narrowing. "For security, you understand."

Corbin laughed, his voice full of mirth. "Of course, Darrow. And so, under the cover of darkness, Darrow and Corbin made their way to the warehouse on the outskirts of Hong Kong.

The place was surrounded by a high, electrified fence, with a single, guarded entrance. But Corbin had planned for that.

"This way," he said, leading Darrow and his men to a small, unmarked door at the side of the building. "It's a service entrance. It'll take us directly to the gold." Inside, the warehouse was a maze of crates and barrels, their contents carefully labeled and catalogued. Corbin led them through the maze, his footsteps echoing in the vast space.

Finally, they reached a large, steel door, emblazoned with the words "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY."

Corbin entered a code on the keypad beside the door, and it slid open with a hiss.

"The gold is in here," he said, stepping aside to let Darrow and his men through. The room beyond the door was windowless, the light in the room a cool, artificial blue. And in the center of the room, surrounded by an array of security cameras and sensors, sat a mountain of gold.

Darrow's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. "My God," he breathed, taking in the sight of the glittering treasure. "That's…that's more gold than I've ever seen."

Corbin smiled, his expression smug and self-satisfied. Corbin chuckled, his eyes gleaming in the harsh light. "This is just the beginning, Darrow," he said, his voice dripping with greed. "With the money from this transaction, I'll be able to expand my operations. And then…who knows? The sky's the limit."

Darrow nodded, his mind already whirling with plans of his own. "I'll have to bring in some people to verify the authenticity of the gold," he said, his tone hard and businesslike."Of course," Corbin agreed, the smile still fixed on his lips. "Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting."

And so, Darrow set to work, bringing in a team of experts to examine the gold.

The process was lengthy and meticulous, but in the end, the results were undeniable.

"It's real," the head of the team announced, his voice heavy with awe. "All of it."

Darrow turned to Corbin, his expression grim and determined. "The gold is genuine," he said, his voice rough with greed. "And I'm prepared to pay you the agreed-upon price."

Corbin smiled, a flicker of triumph crossing his features. "Excellent," he said, his voice smooth and full of satisfaction. "Let's proceed with the transaction."

Darrow nodded, a sneer twisting his lips. "The money will be wired to your account immediately," Darrow said, his voice low and flat. "There's no need for cash."

Corbin nodded, his expression cool and collected. "Very well," he said, pulling out his phone to confirm the transaction.

And then, in a single, swift moment, the funds were transferred, the money moving from Darrow's account to Corbin's in the blink of an eye.

"The money has arrived," Corbin said, his smile broadening. "Good," Darrow said, his expression stony and emotionless. "Now, let's get the gold out of here."

Corbin nodded, his eyes fixed on the treasure that had once been his. "As you wish," he said, a hint of regret in his voice.

Darrow's men moved quickly, loading the gold into a series of armored trucks waiting outside. And then, in a matter of minutes, the room was empty. Darrow watched from the shadows as Corbin stepped outside, the night air chilly and damp around him. He knew that the billionaire was wary of being followed, and he wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of being right.

Darrow turned to his team of MI5 agents, his expression grave. "Follow him," he said, his voice low and urgent. "Keep your distance, but don't lose sight of him." The agents nodded, their movements silent and efficient as they trailed behind Corbin. The billionaire moved with ease through the streets, his eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of danger.

But he didn't see the agents, hidden in the crowd, tracking his every move.

And then, just as the agents began to close in, Corbin took a turn to right and disappeared, when they agents followed behind. Corbin had already disappeared. Back at the hotel suite, Corbin appeared in a flash of light, the air around him crackling with electricity.

"That was close," he muttered to himself, his heart still racing from the chase. "Too close."

He moved to the window, peering out at the city below. The streets were silent, the night a cloak of shadows and secrets.

He turned away from the window, his gaze drifting over the luxurious furnishings of the suite. He knew he had to be careful. He had enemies everywhere, and any misstep could cost him everything.