World Domination Begins With Getting a System in a Modern World-Chapter 156: The Progress On The McCullens

James was already thinking, calculating on the best way to approach the William Howell situation.

He has no plan of going through a private investigator like he had for the McCullens. That had been necessary because the McCullens operated behind polished doors.

But as for William? He’s different.

Yes, his family’s name is a big name and influential in California, but James isn’t going after his family.

He’s going just after William. And William is too young, too arrogant. And his actions and attitude indicates that he’s careless too.

But James wasn’t going to stress himself. He didn’t feel the need to, as he felt instinctively that he wouldn’t need to dig very hard and the information he wanted would come naturally.

He felt that it would be served up either by gossips, by William himself, or by the ripple effects that fools like him inevitably left behind. freeweɓnovel.cøm

He also had a strong feeling that he’d be seeing William again sooner rather than later.

The circles of the elites are even smaller than most realise. And if there’s one thing that Vivienne’s action has taught him today, it’s that anger like William’s didn’t simmer quietly. It festered, boiled, and eventually exploded.

The thought about how small the elite world is, also reminded him of the conversation with Logan and the party he had casually mentioned inviting him to. But James hadn’t heard back from him yet.

Though he wasn’t worried about whether he’d be invited. What nagged at him more was the timing.

He has obligations stacking up at the country club. From the tournaments, social events, ongoing golf training sessions and personal matters he might need to handle.

If the party landed on a day he was tied up, he’d have to decline — and he didn’t like missing potential opportunities, especially now, when every social appearance mattered.

James sighed as he enjoyed the water running down his body. There was no use over him obsessing. It was Sunday and he deserved to actually enjoy it. And that’s what he will do.

With a deep breath, he pushed all those threads of thought aside, quickly freshened up, and made his way downstairs.

***

The scent of roasted chicken, buttered vegetables, and warm bread greeted him as he entered the dining room.

Lunch, as always, was a masterpiece. The flavors were fresh, hearty, comforting. It was nothing like the sterile, over-polished brunch buffet from the country club.

There, even the luxury tasted fake. It was beautiful to look at but hollow underneath.

The thought of the brunch nearly brought back the ugly memory of Vivienne’s sharp tongue and the calculating stares of the club’s elite.

But James quickly pushed the memory down, and forced himself to focus on the moment.

He sat with Patty and Leslie, chatting easily as they ate.

***

After lunch, they drifted naturally into the living room, sprawled across the sectional, watching TV and throwing lazy, good-natured comments at whatever ridiculous reality show Patty had left running.

James stretched out, one arm thrown over the backrest, feeling utterly at peace.

Time slipped by unnoticed, the sun dipping lower into the horizon, bathing the house in warm, honeyed light.

Eventually, James glanced at his watch and realized it was nearing evening and it was almost time for his date with Natasha.

He pulled himself away from the couch and exchanged quick hugs with Patty and Leslie, then went up to grab his keys and headed out.

***

James drove first to Ralph’s place. When he arrived, he saw Natasha already waiting outside. And she was dressed in a soft, flowing dress that took James’ breath away.

The moment she slid into the passenger seat, her presence softened the atmosphere of the whole car.

They drove to a quiet, high-end bistro tucked into one of Beverly Hills’ less crowded streets. The establishment was a place James had reserved ahead of time, complete with a private table on the rooftop garden.

Dinner was wonderful a they laughed, teased, flirted lightly through it.

James enjoyed the connection the both of them shared through it. And Natasha was just beautiful, and it was complimented by her depth, humor and intelligence.

After dessert — a decadent chocolate soufflé that James insisted they share — Natasha leaned in, eyes glinting with mischief.

"Want to... extend the evening a bit?" she asked, with a low and teasing voice.

James smiled and nodded without hesitation.

Which man who is functional down there, would refuse such an offer from a beautiful lady, that’s also his lover? None. Unless they are... ahem...

***

They left the restaurant, and with barely contained anticipation, drove to a nearby boutique hotel.

The night unfolded in sweet, slow embraces and James found himself lost in Natasha. It was blissful to say the least.

When morning came, James woke up to sunlight cutting across crisp white sheets and Natasha curled against him, sleeping peacefully.

For a long moment, he simply watched her, burning the sight into his head. Eventually, he kissed her forehead gently and slipped out of bed to shower.

After dropping Natasha off — with another soft kiss and the promise of seeing her again soon — James drove home.

***

It was Monday. And even though there were no tournaments, no country club events scheduled today... there was no such thing as a day off for James Zolomon anymore.

After finishing a light breakfast — a simple plate of toast, eggs, and fruit — his second breakfast of the day, technically.

The first had been a much more decadent, lingering meal shared with Natasha earlier that morning at the luxury hotel where they’d spent the night.

The breakfast had been more about soft laughter, kisses between bites, and playful conversation under the white sheets.

After he was done, James had barely set his empty plate aside when his phone buzzed, sliding slightly across the polished surface of the table.

He picked it up and saw the name flashing across the screen: Alina.

James accepted the call with a swipe of his thumb.

"Morning," Alina’s voice came through, sharp and energetic as always.

"Morning," James replied.

After their greeting, Alina didn’t waste time, as she jumped straight into giving James the update on things related to their activities on the McCullens and their company

"The posts are starting to take off," she said. "And exactly as we wanted, the right blogs picked it up first. Nothing is mainstream yet, but the progress is undeniably good."

James nodded silently, pleased. If everything ate really as Alina says — which they are — James won’t deny that the progress is indeed good.

They started working on the McCullens more than a week ago and this much progress is good.

He could already see the ripples effect of their actions beginning to spread. And he’s sure that those ripples would soon become waves.

"And what about their reactions?" he asked.

"Mixed," Alina replied. "Some feels that it’s just someone coming with anything and trying to get clicks. But some minor players are starting to ask questions publicly — investors, watchdog groups. It’s working, James. The seeds are planted."

There was a slight pause, then Alina’s voice turned a notch more serious.

"Which means it’s time for you to start making your moves on your end as you planned," she said. "We’re synchronized now. If we push from both sides, the pressure will start to build where they can’t patch it."

James’ lips spread into a cold, razor-thin smile, when he heard what Alina said.

"I will take care of things on my end. Just continue doing your thing," James said calmly.

They spoke a little longer, fine-tuning a few minor details about future steps — when to accelerate the leaks, when to pull back, and how to handle unexpected variables if they arose.

After a couple of seconds, the call ended with a soft click.

James set the phone down for a moment and smiled coldly. The McCullens are going to fall and Brian will get everything that’s coming to him.

Without hesitation, he picked the phone back up and dialed Mr. Harrington.

The line rang once before the familiar, chipper voice answered.

"Good morning, Mr. Zolomon," Harrington greeted, ever the perfect professional. "How can I assist you today?"

James didn’t waste time with pleasantries.

"It’s time," he said simply.

There was a slight pause, before Mr Harrington replied

"Understood. Shall I initiate the outlined procedures immediately?"

"Yes," James said. "Give the information to your contacts, so that they can start working on it."