I grimaced as I hastened my steps into the elevator leading to Floor 35. Ever since I bought the three Megabuildings in Watson, I've committed tons of eddies to ensure that every megabuilding I own is protected from Netrunner attacks or corporate infiltrators that dare to harm my people.

While it took six months of refurbishment, as I had to, unfortunately, use the Gold I had in stock and then sell it to Militech, who then became mightily curious as to where I got my supply of Gold, to which I lied to my ass of me stealing it from Arasaka (which might explain why Arasaka send those ninjas at me, now that I think about it.), I was able to refurbish the three megatowers into four segments.

Floors 2 to 20 contained the residential district, where most of my employees and their families lived in relative safety, with the Builders patrolling each floor 24/7.

Floor 21 to 30 was where most businesses operated. Most of the shops on this floor are given loans by my corporation: with some small-scale businesses throughout Night City moving in due to the safety and relatively low rent payment I'm taking from those willing to set up shop.

Floors 31 to 40 contained the administrative districts where my company keeps tabs on the company's stock market, the employees employed by Builders Incorporated, and the place where most of the Netrunners reside. Of course, some Netrunners under my employ would rather live in their flats, but I keep the offer open if they lose their home or have no other place to go. It also housed most of the cybersecurity the company needed to not be breached by the megacorps of the world.

Floors 41 to 50 are arguably where the higher-ups live, including me. It also serves as the headquarters of the rebranded Builders Security Service, as each megabuilding contains a headquarters for Builders Incorporated's Security division. Fun fact, most board members are the former leaders of the Builders, with some still living on the residential floors to remind themselves of what they were before.

I can't blame them. Instead, I'd feel the ground beneath my feet and have no sense of familiarity when a building collapses.

The result of the refurbishment was evident that it made it easy for my company to keep track of the ongoings of each megabuilding. And while it might've made each floor easier to target, it didn't mean that each floor lacked security. I've made security the most prominent part during the refurbishment.

I dare those willing to brave the heavily defended Megatowers to their death wish.

Hearing the elevator's gate open, I hastened my walk, arriving at the room where my company keeps track of the daily ongoings of Builders Incorporated. My arrival in the room caused many to stand even straighter, feeling the tension within my eyes. I can't blame them, for I was livid at what I heard when Lucy called me the moment I returned from the Overworld.

"Report," I demanded, internally wincing at the tone of the voice. But I couldn't help it, especially when it involved the gangoons of the city.

"Sir, simultaneous attacks occurred throughout our factories in Northside, with Maelstrom and Animals gangers working in conjunction. There have also been attempts of Voodoo Boys breaching our servers, although our Netrunners successfully pushed them back before they could've infiltrated our servers. Though, it didn't come without a cost, as 30 percent of our active Netruneers died from the Voodoo Boys." I growled as I realized what was happening: the fucking gangs allied amongst themselves to target my company!

"There's more, sir." I gave the man a harsh glare, who only took it stoically before continuing, "It seems that some of the Tyger Claws decided to join the alliance and attacked our warehouses near Kabuki, with reports indicating that Scavengers are supporting them."

"And what does Wakako have to say about her runaway strays?" I questioned, to which Michael replied, "Wako denied any involvement regarding the Tyger Claws that seemed to join in the fun. I think that Wako's attempting to bullshit out of her wrinkled ass, but most of the Tyger Claws within Japantown hadn't made a move yet, so I'm trusting my gut that Wako's telling the truth."

I only gave the man a look, to which Michael looked back. I saw the room shudder at the intense killing intent I was letting out. Michael stood stoically, his eyes telling me that I should believe him.

I only sighed before the room let out a sigh of relief, with Lucy patting my back in reassurance.

"Okay, fine. I believe you, Michael, but just in case, keep tabs on her. I'd rather be paranoid and be wrong than be careless and be right." I muttered, feeling Michael's arm clasp my shoulder.

"Don't worry, Boss. Wako is pragmatic enough to know that if she does join the unholy alliance that has formed, she'll be deader than a bird attempting to fly into Night City." I let out a chuckle as Michael's shitty joke alleviated my anger.

I blinked before turning back to see Lucy, who's been looking at me with concern.

"I didn't notice that you arrived. Sorry about that." Lucy sighed before lightly tapping my head, her eyes showing concern.

"I noticed." Lucy dryly replied, shifting back and allowing me to face her fully.

"Are you alright?" Lucy asked as she took me outside the room, leaving the scrambling operators monitoring the situation and Michael behind. I took my time to respond, taking out a piece of a cigarette that burned my lungs before answering her.

"Kinda? To tell you the truth, Lucy, I was already expecting a scenario like this to happen since I took over both the gang and the company. It's just that... I'm still wrapping my head around it, you know?" I exhaled as I started to pace back and forth, "Truthfully, I was expecting the corpos to attack us first since I knew that with our recent actions, they would've liked to see me thrown into the growing pile of dead bodies I'd bought low during the past few months but to think it'll be the gangoons first that'll do this and not the corpos is just frustrating. Do they like the previous status quo that much? I only wanted to help people, and to see gangoons spit back at me was annoying. It's like, everything I've been doing has been for naught."

"Don't say that, you gonk." I saw my eyes focused entirely on Lucy as she glared at me, "You're one of the kindest, nicest people I know, Tom. When I was at my lowest, you were always there to smile at me and cheer me up. When I said that I wanted to travel to the moon, you were the one that made that happen. If anything, your kindness is a cure desperately needed in this cancer-ridden city. If not for you, I would've just left Night City entirely. Instead, I went back here. Do you know why? It's because of you, Tom. Despite you rejecting me a few times, my feelings for you would never change. And so does my opinion of you and what you've done to this city, its people, and most importantly, me. So stop being a gonk and do something about this, okay."

I only gave her a sad smile, "I know, I know. I'll do something about it."

Standing up, I prepared myself to enter the room once again.

"Also, I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to accept your feelings, Lucy. You know me, Lucy, unbound and unchained and all that jazz."

I could feel her give me a small smile as we walked back to the room, "I know, you stupid gonk."