~ Vark Slade's POV~
A Rolls-Royce Sweptail was parked in front of the VSI company as I stepped out, looking sharp in my black suit. I smiled as I emerged from the car.
I relished the way my employees greeted me with bowed heads. I returned their greetings with a wave, feeling a sense of pride. I walked into the company with my head held high, hearing the rhythmic beats of all my workers' hearts, except for one.
I didn't let this minor distraction bother me, and I kept my smile intact. I approached the individual whose heartbeat differed from the rest. His heart raced faster than the others, which I noted but didn't jump to conclusions. I preferred not to assume he was a werewolf just based on this.
"Hi, young man. How long have you been working here? I don't think I've seen you before," I asked, addressing the gentleman in front of me. He didn't seem suspicious, but I was curious.
"N-n sir, I've been working here for almost a year," he stammered, keeping his head bowed.
"Wow, and I haven't seen you before. Maybe it's because I don't visit here often, but my daughter, your boss, should know you. What's your name?"
Before he could respond, someone approached me.
"Sir, they're waiting for you in the meeting room," she said.
I turned to her, smiled, and asked her to lead the way. I had to set aside my questions for now, but I planned to find out more about that young man later.
*The Meeting Room*
As soon as I entered the room, all the investors stood and greeted me with bowed heads. My daughter Jessica, however, moved closer and pecked me on the cheek.
"We need to talk after this meeting," I whispered to her, and she looked surprised.
"Everyone, please have a seat," I said as I took my own seat.
"The reason for this meeting is to discuss a new project. We plan to start an initiative to hunt down all the werewolves and eliminate them. This project will also help us appear benevolent to humans, gaining their support for our goals," I explained. The investors looked taken aback.
Clearing his throat, one of them spoke up, "Excuse me, Vark, but what kind of project are you proposing? Why are we still focusing on werewolves? They're no threat to us. We are the most powerful and influential creatures in the Philippines. I don't see why we should waste time on them."
"Don't forget, the chosen werewolf is still alive," I replied firmly. "There's a possibility that the werewolves are protecting him. They might become a threat if we don't take action now."
"Well, are you scared, Vark? Because I'm not! You're the most powerful vampire; things like this shouldn't bother you," one of the investors said.
I didn't like that comment. It seemed to me that the respect they have for me was slipping away, and I wouldn't tolerate that. Never.
In a flash, I moved from my seat to where he was sitting. I grabbed him by the neck and lifted him with one hand. The other investors looked alarmed, clearly thinking I was about to kill him, judging by the anger on my face.
"Don't forget who you're speaking to. I'm Vark Slade, the most powerful being on Earth! If any of you dare to call me a coward again, I'll make sure your ashes are scattered across this room," I growled, my rage ready to incinerate everything around me. I threw him back into his seat and returned swiftly to mine.
"Now, as I was saying, we're launching a new cell phone called V&S, and we'll be giving them away for free." I noticed the investors exchanging glances, clearly unsure but too intimidated to ask questions.
Jessica raised her hand slightly and asked, "What does V&S stand for?"
I smiled and said, "Vark Slade. No one outside this room should know this."
Clearing his throat, one of the investors spoke up, "Excuse me, Vark, can I speak?"
"Go ahead, but choose your words carefully," I replied.
"Are you suggesting we invest in this new venture and get no profit in return? Building a new cell phone and giving it away for free seems like a huge loss. Also, we don't need the help of humans. Why should we give them free cell phones?" He questioned, squinting at me.
"Mr. Imperial, we're not just giving away cell phones. We'll install a tracking signal in each phone. Our employees will monitor the signal whenever the phone is used. This phone will be exclusive to hunans and vampires. If a werewolf uses it, we'll be able to detect and track them. With this, I'll find the chosen werewolf and eliminate him," I explained.
The investors agreed and signed the project file. If the chosen werewolf come for me, it would affect them as well. By being part of VSI company, they were under my protection.
"So, Jessica, focus on making this project a success. I can't wait to hunt down the chosen werewolf. You all can head to the darkest room and enjoy yourselves. The meeting is over. Expect our call for the launching day."
Everyone left the room except Jessica. I asked her to lead me to her office because we need to discuss something important.
Jessica stood up, folding her arms. "Popman, why can't we discuss this here?" She looked directly at me.
"We need to go somewhere else. I have something to show you," I said, removing my glasses.
"What is it? I'm curious. Let's talk here," Jessica insisted.
"One of your staff isn't breathing like a human. His breathing is faster than normal. Did you notice that?" I asked her calmly, hoping to hear her explanation.
"Uh, who is that? You must be mistaken, Popman. I ensure that only humans work here. There shouldn't be any vampires among them," Jessica replied, her voice wavering.
Smiling, I speak gently. "Remember who your father is. I can tell the difference between a vampire and a werewolf. I even know the heartbeat of humans because I drink their blood daily. Are you saying vampires now have heartbeats?" I raised my eyebrows.
Jessica was speechless, unsure of what to say. If she knew there was another creature among the staff, she would have dealt with it without informing me.
"Jessica, that person might be a werewolf. However, I haven't concluded yet. All werewolves fear me, and none would dare work for me. Make sure my suspicion is wrong. You know I don't tolerate failure."
Stuttering, Jessica asked, "How did he look, Popman? Maybe I can identify him."
"I don't know. Just be vigilant and ensure you don't hire anyone suspicious," I advised.
I put my glasses back on and left the meeting room, putting on a polite smile. As I left the company, I scanned the surroundings, hoping to spot the person again, but he was nowhere to be seen. I didn't hear his heartbeat either. I got into my car and removed my black contact lenses, feeling uncomfortable wearing them.
My mind kept returning to the person I had encountered before the meeting. I couldn't ignore it. Those werewolves would do anything to bring me down. I need to talk to Jessica again.
******************
Meanwhile Eric was inside the restroom, pacing around while scratching his head. He couldn't believe what had just happened—he had come face-to-face with Vark Slade for the first time.
He remembered Vark's questions, which had left him rattled. In a daze, Eric pulled out his cellphone and dialed Gabriel's number.
"Hello, Gabriel," Eric said, his voice heavy with concern. "You and Kaelos need to stay put in your apartment. Vark Slade is in the city, and I can't believe I actually saw and spoke to him. I'll come over to your place as soon as I close from work." Breathing heavily, Eric ended the call.