Sebastian scrolled through his contacts—the system had helpfully provided him with information about key personnel when the shares transferred to his name. He found what he was looking for: Michael Xander, the Chief Operating Officer.
He pressed call.
It rang twice before a professional voice answered. "Michael Xander speaking."
"Mr. Xander, this is Sebastian Fairfax. I'm one of your shareholders, I hold a 10% stake in Sunrise Tech."
There was a brief pause, then Xander's tone became noticeably more deferential. "Mr. Fairfax! Yes, we received notification of the share transfer yesterday. How can I help you?"
"I'm currently in your lobby," Sebastian said, his eyes locked on Thomas Wright, whose expression was beginning to change. "I need you to come down immediately."
"Of course, sir. I'll be right there."
Sebastian ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
Thomas Wright's face had gone pale. "You... you're the new shareholder that the chief operating officer was speaking about?"
"You will find out, now."
"I—I didn't know..."
"Obviously."
The elevator dinged, and Michael Xander stepped out—a sharp-looking man in his forties wearing an impeccable suit. His eyes immediately found Sebastian.
"Mr. Fairfax," Xander said, walking over quickly and extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I apologize for not greeting you at the entrance—I had no idea you were visiting today."
Sebastian shook his hand. "No apology necessary. I came unannounced." He gestured toward Thomas Wright. "However, I did have an interesting encounter with one of your employees. This is Thomas Wright. He seemed to think I was here for an internship interview."
Xander's expression hardened as he turned to Wright. "What?"
"I—I made a mistake, sir, I didn't realize—"" Wright stammered.
"He also called my watch fake, suggested I was wearing a knockoff to look important." Sebastian added casually.
Xander's jaw tightened visibly. "Mr. Wright, you insulted a major shareholder?"
"I didn't know! He looks so young, I just assumed—"
"You assumed that because I'm young, I must be insignificant. That's poor judgment, Mr. Wright. And poor judgment in business is expensive. What happens if you do the same to an important client of a young age? You would have lost us hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue."
Sebastian turned to Xander. "I want him terminated. Effective immediately."
"Sir, please!" Wright's face went from pale to red with panic. "I have a family! I need this job! I'm sorry, I made a mistake!"
"You made several mistakes," Sebastian said, his tone devoid of sympathy. "You judged someone based on age. You were unprofessional. And you were rude to someone who holds significant power in this company. Those aren't small mistakes."
"Mr. Xander, please!" Wright turned to the COO desperately.
Xander looked uncomfortable but resolute. "Mr. Wright, clear out your desk. Security will escort you out. Your final paycheck will be mailed to you."
"No, please! I've been here for three years! Three years!" Wright's voice cracked. "I have a mortgage! My daughter's in college! You can't just—"
"I can," Sebastian said flatly. "And I did. Maybe next time, at your next job, you'll think twice before disrespecting people based on assumptions. Also, you can find another job, don't act like I killed you."
Security had already been called and arrived quickly, escorting a still-protesting Thomas Wright toward the elevators.
[You are slowly getting accustomed to your nature. You are finally showing traits of a pragmatic villain.]
[Bonus Reward: Low-rank cultivation manual]
Sebastian's eyes widened slightly at the notification before a huge smile erupted on his face. A cultivation manual was something he didn't expect at all, no matter the rank, cultivation was going to help him become much stronger.
'This means that there is cultivators in this world too...' Sebastian thought.
Xander turned to Sebastian once Wright was gone. "I sincerely apologize for that interaction, Mr. Fairfax. That kind of behaviour doesn't represent our company culture."
"Forget about him. Now, let's discuss business. I'd like to meet with your largest shareholder."
"That would be Richard Zhao. He holds 35% of the company." Xander pulled out his phone. "Let me see if he's available."
Twenty minutes later, Sebastian was seated in a luxurious conference room with Richard Zhao—a distinguished man in his early forties with silver hair and an calculating expression.
"Mr. Fairfax," Zhao said, studying Sebastian with interest. "Michael tells me you wanted to discuss your shares."
"Yes," Sebastian said directly. "I'm interested in liquidating my position. I'm offering to sell my entire 10% stake at its current valuation—$1 million."
Zhao's eyebrows raised. "You want to sell already? You just acquired them."
"I have other investment opportunities that require liquid capital," Sebastian explained smoothly. "Holding equity in a single company doesn't align with my current strategy."
"Interesting." Zhao leaned back, fingers steepled. "You're young, but you think like a pragmatist. Most people your age would hold onto shares just for the prestige of being a shareholder."
"Prestige doesn't help me achieve my goals, cash does." Sebastian replied.
Zhao smiled. "I like you. Direct. No nonsense. I'll buy your shares at valuation. $1 million, cash transfer within 48 hours."
"Perfect," Sebastian said.
They shook hands.
Within an hour, the paperwork was drawn up and signed. Sebastian's shares were transferred to Richard Zhao, and Zhao's legal team initiated the wire transfer.
"You know," Zhao said as they concluded, "most people would try to negotiate for more. Push for a premium."
"Time is more valuable than a premium," Sebastian replied. "I need the liquidity now, not potentially more money later."
"Smart." Zhao nodded approvingly. "Let's exchange numbers. I respect young people who understand the value of decisive action."
Sebastian accepted the proposal, and exchanged details with Zhao. Connections were always good, and the middle aged man didn't seem simple either.
As Sebastian left the building and returned to his limousine, he checked his phone.
A notification from his bank confirmed the wire transfer was processing.
By tomorrow, he'd have $1 million in liquid assets, money his father couldn't track or question.
Money he could use however he wanted for his mission to destroy Ethan Cole.
===Status===
Host: Sebastian Fairfax
Combat Power: 82 (Average human: 100)
Villain Points: 2,350
Villain Halo: 265
Luck: E
Charm: E+
→ Skills: None
→ Inventory: Empty
→ Assets: $1,000,000