Zoey Parker wasn't shy about spending. If Walter Parker's approval was a game NPC's favorability meter, she'd max it out with gifts. A top-tier protection buff for Gus Harper? Worth every penny.
But Gus wasn't sold. Years as a corporate grinder taught him the art of gift-giving. Too cheap, and you're dismissed. Too lavish, and the boss thinks you're milking company funds. Walter might see these cigars, whiskey, and massagers as Gus siphoning WindyPeak's cash. Capitalists could be weird like that—convinced every dollar you earned came from their pocket. He'd seen it in past jobs: "996 is a blessing," "don't overpay workers." Nonsense, but real.
Worse, Gus's $1.5M salary and VP title at his age? Walter might smell trouble. Nebula Tech's $1.2M poaching attempt already raised flags. If Walter thought Gus was overpaid, he could slash his role or Zoey's autonomy.
"Zoey, your priorities are off," Gus said, frowning. "WindyPeak's got decision-making freedom, sure. But my salary? Nebula Tech's offer? The fact our funds grew 1,350 times in two years? A paranoid boss might question that."
Zoey patted his shoulder. "Gus, don't sell yourself short. No sane leader would doubt you after those results. Dad's not some cartoon villain."
Gus shrugged, muttering, "You didn't see my old jobs." Still, he relented. "Fine. I'll Venmo you for the gifts. Let's do this."
At Riverside Heights, Uncle Liam, Walter's chief secretary, handed over an invoice. "Total's $63,800, including service. Reservation's at 10 a.m. at Riverfront Manor."
Walter, graying at the temples, glanced at the bill for the award-winning restaurant. Three appetizers, four entrees, one soup—$63,800, or $8,000 per dish. Steep, even for a Parker Capital bigwig.
Uncle Liam, twenty years at Walter's side, raised an eyebrow. "Who's this for, boss?"
Walter's smile was cryptic. "A special guest."
Liam knew better than to pry. Walter's vagueness meant no answers. "Alright, I'll head out," he said, stepping into the elevator.
But curiosity nagged. A $63,800 family dinner? Rare. As Liam reached his car, a black Navigator pulled up. Zoey hopped out, punching in the garage code. The driver's window rolled down, revealing Gus.
"Forgot your own garage code?" Gus teased.
Zoey laughed, flustered. "It's usually automatic! Your car's not registered." She fiddled, the garage rumbled open, and the Navigator rolled in.
Liam's eyes widened. "Well, damn. The son-in-law's the special guest."
In the elevator to Walter's villa, Gus clutched the gift bags, heart pounding. Walter Parker, titan of Parker Capital, loomed in his mind like a movie villain—icy stare, hawk-like eyes, ready to crush him. Maybe he'd slide a check across: "$1B to leave my daughter's apartment. Keep it quiet."
Zoey poked him, grinning. "Why so serious? Thinking Dad's gonna eat you?"
Gus grimaced. "Wondering if he'll say, 'Here's $1B, get out.'"
Zoey burst out laughing. "Too many soaps! What'd you say back?"
"I'd thank him," Gus deadpanned. "Maybe kowtow for extra flair."
Zoey pinched his waist. "Be serious!"
"Hey, no fighting in the elevator!" Gus dodged, laughing. The gifts jangled.
DING. The elevator opened to the villa's lobby.
Gus braced for a cold, oppressive aura. Instead, Walter strolled over, all smiles. "You kids didn't need to buy all this! Zoey, make Gus pay next time."
Gus blinked, thrown. No icy stare? No check? "Uh, Mr. Parker, I bought these. Hope I didn't overdo it."
Zoey chimed in, "He insisted, Dad! Grabbed everything—whiskey, cigars, the works!"
Walter ignored her, shaking Gus's hand warmly. "Too much for a family dinner, kid." He grinned. "Call me Walter."
"Uh, Walter," Gus corrected, setting down the bags. "Didn't want to show up empty-handed."
"Good man," Walter said, clapping his shoulder. "Let's have tea."
Zoey stood, stunned. "Hello? I'm right here!"
Over tea, Walter tapped the table. "Busy lately, huh? Two projects—To the Moon and Outlast. Must be tough."
Zoey, trailing behind, puffed her cheeks as Walter and Gus chatted. Gus glanced at her, smirking. "Zoey's been key. She's a quick learner, poured her heart into To the Moon."
Walter chuckled, sipping tea. "She's all enthusiasm, no stamina. Three-minute firecracker."
Zoey poked Walter's shoulder, glaring. "Excuse me? I'm half the reason To the Moon's a hit!"
Gus laughed. "She's grown, Walter. WindyPeak's thriving—three years, 1,350x fund growth. That's not just luck."
Walter nodded, impressed. "I just wanted her to get some experience. Didn't expect this."
Zoey huffed, arms crossed. This house is a nightmare.
Gus leaned in. "Walter, if I may. A game studio's success isn't just design—it's the boss's vision. Take Komina. I worked there two months, saw their flaw. Joetsu Keimasa chases profit, kills innovation. WindyPeak? Zoey lets us run wild. That's why we grew 1,350 times. She's got your courage."
Walter's grin widened, clapping. "Well, damn! Zoey's got some spark, huh?"
Zoey's jaw dropped. Gus, you genius.
Walter set up a chessboard. "Let's play." He and Gus dove in, chatting economics, WindyPeak's future, and Walter's early gambles. Gus praised Walter's bold moves; Walter offered pointers, calling Gus a "young gun." The board heated up, pieces flying.
Zoey sulked. Two hours of this? Her dad and Gus bonding, ignoring her? I'm invisible!
Walter's rook pinned Gus's king. "Checkmate."
Gus sighed, ready to concede. Then Zoey swooped in, snatching Walter's rook. "Undercover move! I'm Gus's spy, Dad—you're done!"
Walter gaped. "You little—! You don't mess with a chess game! Where's your respect?"
Zoey spun, hands on hips. "Respect? You two have been chatting for hours, roasting me! Gus never gets mad when I wreck his chess games!"
Walter pointed at her, turning to Gus. "She's just like her mom—impossible! You deal with this daily?"
Gus chuckled. "She's a handful, but the team loves her."
Zoey groaned. This family's done. Without Gus, it's Dad's new son and me out here alone.