Payback's a B!tch

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BREAKING NEWS:This is Sandra Rodriguez for Channel 7 ABC News - We interrupt your program to inform you about a shooting that has taken place, possibly involving the Notorious Madame of Chicago, Ms. Vanessa McBride. Our sources inform us that there was a shooting outside of a famous restaurant frequented by many celebrities , politicians and of course the well known Ms. Vanessa McBride of Elegant Industries, and the daughter of the very prominent Mr. Ronald McBride of the outstanding McBride Hotels and Hospitality.

We have reports that one of Ms. McBride’s employees were shot however we cannot confirm the details at this time nor are we aware of the condition of the individual that was assaulted. All of this comes on the heels of the on-going investigation regarding Richard Fitzgerald II and one individual employed by Ms. McBride. Everyone is familiar with the ongoing matter of Ms. McBride and her escort service and from what has been the speculation of prostitution within the company.

We will keep you updated as further information is received. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programs.

Vanessa

I can’t believe this motherfucker had the audacity to try to fulfill this hit he placed on my head. I got something for him. I couldn’t believe Brian took all of those shots for me. He didn’t have too, but I knew he would, no matter what. Seeing him on the ground, not moving and me just holding his head - kept replaying in my head.

Samuel and Poppie came and picked me up from the hospital. I couldn’t stay there any longer seeing Brian lying there. I was pissed off and I needed it to be known. Richard needed to know that he has fucked with the wrong Bitch. I was happy Samuel had Poppie to support him right now. Samuel is close to Brian, not like a father, but like a big brother. So I knew he might need some support.

As soon as I got to the mansion, I went directly to the office. I waited like normal for Brian to follow behind me into my office but he wasn’t coming. Just thinking about what happened to him made me furious. Tears swelled up in my eyes as I turned on my computer. Samuel and Poppie entered shortly after.

“Mother, are you okay?”

“I will be. This man must pay for what he has done to me and mine.” I said typing furiously on the computer.

“Oh shit,” Samuel said. “Okay, call me if you need anything. Poppie and I will stay here if you need us to.”

“I’m good, I have to keep busy to keep my mind off what has happened. If I need you, I’ll call, but you two can leave, I’ll be fine alone. Set the alarm.” I said and went back to typing as they left the office.

I dialed Richard II. He picked up on the second ring - on speaker phone.

“Vanessa, how are you? I didn’t expect to hear from you. What do I owe this call to?”

“Funny Richard. You knew I was going to call. You already know the answers to your questions,”

“This is true Vanessa. I heard a member of your entourage was shot in a drive by shooting, it wasn’t Mr. Peabody was it?” Richard II scoffed over the phone. Heat began rising up my neck.

This motherfucker was playing games. I had to let him in a few details and show him that I was the Baddest Bitch in this chess game. I’m the Queen! The most powerful piece on the board and I will not lose at this game.

“Cut the shit Richard. You already know why I’m calling. Where is the settlement?”

“Oh, Vanessa,” he laughed and I heard chuckling in the background which I assumed could only be his lawyers which is why he put me on speakerphone. “Yes, I wanted to discuss that,”

“Fuck you Richard. You think I’m playing with you?” I said sternly. “Let me tell you something, you have crossed the wrong Bitch today,”

“Oh Vanessa, don’t let our frustrations get the better of you. You might say something that my lawyers will most definitely hear,” he said chuckling again over the phone. I was beyond pissed.

I took a deep breath as I knew I wanted to go ballistic on him but I digress. I wanted to make sure what I was about to say resonated with Richard II because I wasn’t going to stutter and say it twice.

“Good. I want your lawyers to hear what I have to say. Because from the information that I know, you were involved in the incident.” I said, waiting for him to take the bait.

“I’m sorry Vanessa that you think that. You must have gotten your information mixed up. Who told you that I was involved in the shooting?”

“Tavarius Jackson.” Richard II instantly picked up the phone. His tone had changed from the man with the biggest balls to a bitch ass motherfucker begging to save his life.

“How do you know about him?”

“Don’t worry about that Richard you just need to listen. I do not appreciate what you’ve done to one of my employees when you were under contract. This is NOT the first time we’ve had this discussion. I tried to reason with you and gave you adequate settlement stipulations yet, you decided it didn’t work for you and tried to have me killed!”

“I’m sorry...sorry Vanessa. I..don’t ...I didn’t mean...I didn’t....”

“Shut the fuck up! I am talking!” I demanded. “I’m offended Richard. I thought we had an understanding. But apparently, you don’t know how this is business and you don’t fuck with me and my business. But you took it a step further, Richard. You tried to have me killed, Richard! Do you understand what that means?!” I asked, waiting for him to respond.

“Vanessa, please....let’s talk about this,” he begged. Now he wanted to talk. Just like a bitch.

“No more talking Richard. I just want to let you know that I’m coming for you. I’m coming for you Richard, the same way you came for me. So watch your motherfucking back!” I uttered with everything in me, closing my eyes as tears fell, thinking about Brian.

“Wait Vanessa,” he interrupted.

“And don’t think you will be safe in that mansion of yours. I used to fuck your father, so I know all of the ins and outs of that fucking building. I know places you don’t even know. So be prepared Richard, because I’m coming for your ass!” I said and hung up the phone.

I closed my eyes and tears started to fall freely. I didn’t have Brian with me and I felt absolutely lost. Tonight would be the first night in years that I would have to sleep alone. I kept anticipating him coming in my office at any moment but I couldn’t hear his footsteps approaching in the hallway, like I usually did. His eyes were always so bright when he entered the room. They would fill with love and excitement as soon as he laid his eyes upon mine.

I don’t think I am going to get any sleep tonight. I thought.

As I sat in my office wishing none of this had happened, my phone rang. The caller ID shown that it was Richard II. I let it ring at least 3 times before I answered.

“Speak.”

“Hello Ms. McBride, this is Mr. Ruiz.”

“Hello Mr. Ruiz, how can I help you?”

“Yes, We are calling to inform you that the settlement has been paid and an additional 10 million has been added for pain and suffering. We have also agreed to all of the terms stated and Richard II will no longer be a client of Elegant Industries and will be banned from the premises.” Mr. Ruiz stated.

“Thank you Mr. Ruiz.”

“My pleasure, Ms. McBride.” Mr. Ruiz said and he disconnected the phone. I checked the transaction number and he wasn’t lying, Richard II had paid $20 Million dollars and settled out of court, as I predicted.

I was happy that he had finally understood the consequences of breaching a contract. What he didn’t understand was that the settlement wasn’t going to make me go away. He had paid monetarily. Now he must pay for what he has done to me and mine -mentally and physically.

First, I placed $10 million in Poppie’s account. She deserved it and so much more. However, I knew she would be satisfied with what she had. Besides, I have plans for her within the company.

Second, I downloaded all of the videos we had on Richard II. Every last incident that we have had with him has been recorded and now placed in a compilation video. I’ve also arranged for the video to be released on every social media platform as well as news media. I also had the connection with him and Tavarius Jackson released and how he had hired a hitman to kill me to cover up the rape.

I told Richard I wasn’t going away quietly and I wasn’t going to allow him to think that I was done with him just because he paid the settlement. He planned a hit on me and he violated one of my employees, therefore, he must pay fully. He needed to understand that when you fuck with the bull, you get the horns. Richard thought that because I was a woman that I would back down against his ass, but he had another thing coming.

The news media channels jumped on it so fast, I’m sure Richard wasn’t ready for the shit storm that was coming his way. And with the settlement not mentioning anything about the release of the videos, I was free and clear to do as I pleased. My phone started jumping off as the reporters called in to get confirmation and legitimacy of the video in which I informed them that they were in fact real and the allegations were true.

It wasn’t long before Richard II called me complaining that I had taken a low blow by releasing the videos I had of him along with the information about the hit.

“Vanessa! How could you?” Richard II screamed over the phone.

“How could I, Richard?! How could you?!”

“But I paid you!”

“This has nothing to do with the settlement, Richard. This shit is personal. You brought this on yourself.” I said and disconnected the phone. I didn’t have to explain the shit that he was about to deal with and nor did I want to hear about it. I wanted him to deal with the humiliation that doesn’t even compare to what he has done to my ladies, especially Penelope. My phone rang again - it was Poppie.

“Hello Poppie, how are you?”

“Ms. McBride,” she said excitedly. “Did you see...um...I just received...uh..Did you know about..” Poppie was so shocked, she didn’t know what to say.

“Yes Poppie, it is your compensation for what you had to do through. I’m so sorry sweetheart, I didn’t expect that to happen to you and I truly apologize. I know that money can’t take away the pain and suffering he caused you, but I hope this can at least compensate for the time you had to be in his presence.” I said. I liked Poppie. I knew I would.

“Thank you so much! I’ve never had this much money before,” she said; I could tell she was smiling from ear to ear.

“I understand. No worries, I will have you speak with my financial advisor who will help you to manage your money.”

“Thank you for everything Ms. McBride. I’ve never had anyone to care for me like this.” I heard Poppie sniff as if she was crying on the other end of the phone.

“It’s okay. You have a family now and we take care of our family.” I said smiling.

“Thank you again.” Poppie said as she disconnected the phone.