Chereads / TRUE CRIMINAL EMPIRE / Chapter 85 - Corruption

Chapter 85 - Corruption

Tyrone leaned back in his leather chair, his gaze steady as he listened to the CFO, a middle-aged man named Dominic Slate, outline the financial strategies for the record label's latest ventures. The top-floor office offered a panoramic view of the city, but Tyrone's focus remained sharp, every detail of the conversation sinking in. 

"The $30 million allocated for tours and expansion has been strategically split across key areas," Dominic explained, flipping through the spreadsheets on his tablet. "Ten million is going toward securing venues and promotions for the national tour. Another five is earmarked for artist collaborations and media outreach. The remaining fifteen is being invested into expanding our label's infrastructure—new studios, hiring top-tier producers, and strengthening our distribution networks." 

Tyrone nodded thoughtfully. "I like the numbers, but I need results. This isn't just about making noise in the industry—it's about dominance. Keep the books clean and make sure every dollar we spend has a return. Understand?" 

"Crystal clear," Dominic replied, his tone professional yet deferential. 

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Vanessa entered, holding a stack of neatly arranged files. Her demeanor was poised, though her eyes flickered momentarily toward Dominic before settling on Tyrone. "The files you requested, Mr. King," she said, her voice smooth but professional. She handed the papers to Dominic and turned to Tyrone, her posture impeccable. 

"Thank you, Vanessa," Tyrone said, giving her a brief nod. "That'll be all for now." 

As Vanessa exited, her mind raced. The mention of $30 million had her instincts buzzing. She needed to find out more. 

The day continued at its relentless pace. Hours later, Vanessa was organizing documents outside the office when she noticed a tall man in an expensive suit arriving with a pair of heavily armed bodyguards. Her curiosity piqued when Tyrone personally stepped out to greet him. 

"Director Chambers," Tyrone said, extending his hand to the man. "Good to see you again." 

Vanessa froze. Director Chambers. She knew that name—he was the Director of the DEA. What in the world was he doing here? 

Inside the office, Tyrone poured two glasses of scotch and handed one to the Director, who sat opposite him. Their conversation was casual but laced with tension. 

"The DEA's been making noise in Miami," Tyrone said, his tone measured. "I hope that wasn't part of our understanding." 

Chambers smirked, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Relax, Mr. King. The raids aren't targeting your operations. They're smoke and mirrors—pressure on your competitors. You know how the game works." 

Tyrone leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "As long as it stays that way. My patience has limits, Chambers." 

Vanessa's hand trembled slightly as she placed her ear closer to the door, trying to catch every word. This was far bigger than she'd anticipated. Tyrone wasn't just a kingpin; he had powerful, corrupt officials in his pocket. She quickly stepped back as the door opened and Chambers walked out, exchanging polite nods with her. 

Tyrone followed, his expression unreadable as he turned to Vanessa. "Reschedule my 4 o'clock," he said curtly, his mind clearly elsewhere. 

"Of course, Mr. King," Vanessa replied, masking her shock with a practiced smile. As she returned to her desk, her thoughts churned. Tyrone's empire was more intricate and dangerous than she'd realized, and if she wasn't careful, this undercover operation could get her killed.

Tyrone sat in the back seat of his Rolls Royce Cullinan, the interior wrapped in a custom black and gold trim. His driver, a composed man in his late forties, navigated the city streets with precision. Tyrone leaned back, scrolling through messages on his phone, the dim hum of city life barely audible through the car's soundproof windows. 

He tapped on his secure line, dialing one of his most trusted lieutenants, Darnell Grant, the man overseeing his Miami operations. The call connected quickly, a sign that Darnell was waiting. 

"Boss," Darnell greeted, his tone sharp. 

"How's the pressure down in Miami?" Tyrone asked, his voice calm but firm. 

Darnell sighed, the sound of clinking glasses and faint chatter in the background hinting that he was speaking from one of Tyrone's lounges. "Tense, but manageable. The DEA's been sniffing around the docks, but we've kept everything airtight. They won't find a thing. That Director you mentioned, Chambers, hasn't made any direct moves, but I'm keeping tabs on his agents." 

Tyrone nodded, even though Darnell couldn't see him. "Good. Now, about Miguel's successors. How's that playing out?" 

Darnell chuckled darkly. "Amateurs, all of them. Ever since Miguel's underboss took over, the operation's been shaky. They don't have his discipline. We've been squeezing their suppliers and snatching up their distribution lines. Their cash flow's bleeding, and the local crews are getting restless. Won't be long before they crumble." 

Tyrone stared out the tinted window as the car merged onto a private road leading to the airfield. "Keep pushing. Starve them out. And if any of their men cross our line, make an example. But be clean about it—no mess, no loose ends." 

"Understood," Darnell said. "One more thing, boss. Word is Miguel's old lieutenants are sniffing around for new alliances. Could be looking to the smaller gangs for muscle." 

Tyrone's lips curved into a cold smile. "Desperation makes people stupid. Let them try. We own Miami, and if they want a war, we'll give them one they can't afford. For now, stay focused on their infrastructure. When the time's right, I'll deal with their leadership personally." 

The call ended just as the Rolls Royce pulled up to the private airfield. Tyrone stepped out, his tailored suit immaculate, and walked toward the sleek jet waiting for him on the tarmac. The engines hummed softly as he approached, his mind already strategizing his next move. 

As he boarded the plane, he glanced back at the city skyline, a smirk playing on his lips. Miami was his now, and anyone who dared challenge that would be swept aside, just like Miguel and the others who thought they could stand in his way.