There was silence across the room as everyone took in Jason's appearance. "Please, don't tell me that is him?" Cassira, Lance’s youngest sister sneered with a raised brow, disbelief dripping from her voice. She watched Jason make his way across the room. "This is the man Dad promised his granddaughter to?"“Unfortunately, yes,” Seraphina replied dryly, unable to hide her irritation. She shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. She was more embarrassed than annoyed at this point. And it was understandable that she was embarrassed by Jason. She was wondering what everyone was thinking of her now? After all, not long ago before she had seen the man Vanessa was promised to, she had convinced herself he was a wealthy heir. She’d even boasted to half the family that her future son-in-law was some elusive billionaire, a mysterious figure with deep pockets and powerful connections.But, how wrong was she about that? Now that she had seen him, she regretted ever opening her mouth. The
Everyone at the table anticipated Vanessa's response. Was she going to accept, or refuse to honor the contract? Some of them hoped Vanessa would agree, because that way, she'd be stuck with someone like Jason for a husband. ‘Serves her right,’ some thought. But most of them were waiting for her tl reject it. The family name had already taken enough hits lately, and the Smiths couldn’t afford another scandal. Bringing in someone like Jason, who looked more like a liability than an asset, would only drag their reputation further into the dirt. Vanessa took her time to answer the question. “Yes. It was Grandfather Alaric’s wish.” She said, She did not want to in all honesty, but this was already decided by her grandfather, her parents and other members of the family. So she didn't want to let Alaric down. And, truthfully, a part of her was curious. Curious if Jason could really do what he claimed and help pull Smith Royale out of the financial quicksand they were sinking in.
With a swift movement, Charlie grabbed Jason by the shoulder, pulling hard, intending to yank him out of his seat. “Get up now, me and you need to have a conversation about respect.” He wasn’t just angry. Jason had called him out in front of everyone, dragging up a past mistake no one else dared to mention. Charlie felt it like a slap to the face. And worst of all it was Jason of all people? Charlie could hardly believe how audacious this street-level thug was. Who the hell did he think he was? And now, with all eyes on him, he couldn't let it slide. But Jason didn’t budge, he remained seated, taking a bite out of a roll, like he didn't have an extremely angry person, trying to pull him to the floor. “Hold on, I just started eating,” Jason said calmly, chewing as if Charlie wasn’t even there. Seeing Jason ignore him, made Charlie even more enraged. Gritting his teeth, he continued to pull with all his strength. But Jason might as well have been made of stone. No matter how much
Jason heard every word, and it was getting on his nerves. Who the hell did they think he was? Some mutt they could kick around and laugh at? Did they really see him as that far beneath them? They thought Jason was a poor person, and that was why they were looking down on him so much. If only they knew who he really was.As one of the Eclipse Syndicate’s top operatives, Jason had a personal net worth that would shut every mouth at that table. Infact, if he was to count everything he personally owned around the world Jason would easily rank among the top five wealthiest people in the city.Being the Syndicate’s top dog came with perks. A lot of them.Jason wanted to make it clear to them that he was not their slave, but Vanessa interrupted him. “Let's go.” He watched as she walked out of the room. At first he wanted to stay behind. However, the people here were even more annoying. The smug faces and continued whispering, while looking at him Jason decided to follow Vanessa.Vanessa w
One early morning. Jason sat at the counter, gazing into the amber liquid in his glass. He looked like a man with nowhere to be, dressed plainly and enveloped by quietness. The bar had no patrons, empty, with just him and the bartender wiping down glasses, and the faint sound of a TV playing last night’s news. His eyes drifted to the screen. The anchor was talking about market shifts, corporate deals, etcetera. A headline crawled across the bottom: Smith Royale in Financial Trouble. Jason recognized the name Smith Royale. It was a powerhouse of a company. Prestigious. Powerful. And it was owned by the Smith's, his fiancée’s family. Looking away, Jason didn't pay too much attention to the talking head on the TV and took a slow sip from his glass, enjoying the cold taste of the drink in his mouth. Just Then, a voice behind him disturbed the quiet. "You shouldn’t be here." Jason didn't turn around, instead he glanced at the reflection in the bar mirror. A man in a black coat
Jason showed no mercy to the men. Cole had ignored him, thinking he wasn't on his level, and so he had left his minions to do the job for him. And that left Jason feeling disrespected. It was clear that Cole didn't see him as a worthy opponent.Did he really think Jason was some average fighter who could be taken down by lackeys? If so, he had severely miscalculated.Beating the lackeys up was his way of sending a message to Cole.Jason walked out of the bar, leaving the unconscious guys sprawled out on the bar's floor. Walking into the city, he reached for his coat pocket and took out a piece of paper. It was a contract. But not just any contract, a marriage contract that his master had arranged a long time ago to settle an old debt.Jason had come to this city on a mission, sent to retrieve something important. But before he left, his master had informed him of something. In addition to completing his task, he had another responsibility, one that had nothing to do with his usual
The lady's fingers moved to the telephone and without hesitation, she made the call. “We’ve got a problem at the front desk,” she said, scowling in annoyance. “Some lunatic is out here claiming he’s Miss Smith's fiance.”Lunatic? Jason did not appreciate being labeled that, however he let it slide for now.Within seconds, someone appeared. It was the head of security, a towering man with a chest like a fortress war. Frowning, he sized Jason up, demanding, “You got an appointment? No? Then get lost.”Without moving, or showing any sign of being fazed, Jason answered, sounding a little amused, “Yeah… no. I think I’ll stay.”The security guard was already annoyed. Well of course, he would be annoyed, because it sounded like Jason was underestimating his authority as the head of security.Not having any of it, he reached for Jason’s shoulder.Surprising him, Jason caught his wrist midair and squeezed it, not too much, but just enough to make a point.The security guard’s brows furrowed i
Jason shut the door behind him, nonchalantly slipping his hands into his pockets as he met her gaze. His eyes roamed over her, not for too long, but it was enough for him to see how beautiful she was.Vanessa noticed the way his gaze swept over her, brief, but not dismissive. It wasn’t the lingering stare of a man entranced by beauty, but more like someone assessing something of value. Nonetheless, that was enough to irritate her. "I asked you a question. Who are you?" She demanded, her frown deepening. Jason took a step forward, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "Jason," he said simply.Vanessa’s patience was already running out. "Jason who? And why are you in my office?”"Jason Wolfe. I suppose you could say… I’m here on personal business." Jason answered.Vanessa's eyes widened at that statement. Personal business? What business could this man possibly have with her? And dressed like that, he looked downright suspicious. She felt a cold shiver creep up her spine. Has so
Jason heard every word, and it was getting on his nerves. Who the hell did they think he was? Some mutt they could kick around and laugh at? Did they really see him as that far beneath them? They thought Jason was a poor person, and that was why they were looking down on him so much. If only they knew who he really was.As one of the Eclipse Syndicate’s top operatives, Jason had a personal net worth that would shut every mouth at that table. Infact, if he was to count everything he personally owned around the world Jason would easily rank among the top five wealthiest people in the city.Being the Syndicate’s top dog came with perks. A lot of them.Jason wanted to make it clear to them that he was not their slave, but Vanessa interrupted him. “Let's go.” He watched as she walked out of the room. At first he wanted to stay behind. However, the people here were even more annoying. The smug faces and continued whispering, while looking at him Jason decided to follow Vanessa.Vanessa w
With a swift movement, Charlie grabbed Jason by the shoulder, pulling hard, intending to yank him out of his seat. “Get up now, me and you need to have a conversation about respect.” He wasn’t just angry. Jason had called him out in front of everyone, dragging up a past mistake no one else dared to mention. Charlie felt it like a slap to the face. And worst of all it was Jason of all people? Charlie could hardly believe how audacious this street-level thug was. Who the hell did he think he was? And now, with all eyes on him, he couldn't let it slide. But Jason didn’t budge, he remained seated, taking a bite out of a roll, like he didn't have an extremely angry person, trying to pull him to the floor. “Hold on, I just started eating,” Jason said calmly, chewing as if Charlie wasn’t even there. Seeing Jason ignore him, made Charlie even more enraged. Gritting his teeth, he continued to pull with all his strength. But Jason might as well have been made of stone. No matter how much
Everyone at the table anticipated Vanessa's response. Was she going to accept, or refuse to honor the contract? Some of them hoped Vanessa would agree, because that way, she'd be stuck with someone like Jason for a husband. ‘Serves her right,’ some thought. But most of them were waiting for her tl reject it. The family name had already taken enough hits lately, and the Smiths couldn’t afford another scandal. Bringing in someone like Jason, who looked more like a liability than an asset, would only drag their reputation further into the dirt. Vanessa took her time to answer the question. “Yes. It was Grandfather Alaric’s wish.” She said, She did not want to in all honesty, but this was already decided by her grandfather, her parents and other members of the family. So she didn't want to let Alaric down. And, truthfully, a part of her was curious. Curious if Jason could really do what he claimed and help pull Smith Royale out of the financial quicksand they were sinking in.
There was silence across the room as everyone took in Jason's appearance. "Please, don't tell me that is him?" Cassira, Lance’s youngest sister sneered with a raised brow, disbelief dripping from her voice. She watched Jason make his way across the room. "This is the man Dad promised his granddaughter to?"“Unfortunately, yes,” Seraphina replied dryly, unable to hide her irritation. She shifted in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. She was more embarrassed than annoyed at this point. And it was understandable that she was embarrassed by Jason. She was wondering what everyone was thinking of her now? After all, not long ago before she had seen the man Vanessa was promised to, she had convinced herself he was a wealthy heir. She’d even boasted to half the family that her future son-in-law was some elusive billionaire, a mysterious figure with deep pockets and powerful connections.But, how wrong was she about that? Now that she had seen him, she regretted ever opening her mouth. The
Vanessa sighed, rubbing her temple. But she did not say anything, even as she heard them verbally attacking Jason. “That's what we were saying.” Seraphina nodded to Charlie's statement. “Look at you,” Charlie sneered, his voice filled with condescension. “What are you even doing here? You are not a match for Vanessa. Stop with your pathetic attempt to marry into the family?” He didn’t wait for a response, already dismissing Jason without a second thought. “You can’t even manage to put on a decent suit for the occasion. You really expect us to take you seriously?” Seraphina’s smile turned cold. “Charlie’s right. You don’t even know how to dress for a proper meeting.” Jason met Charlie’s gaze head-on, unbothered. “I wasn’t here to impress anyone.” Charlie opened his mouth to fire back, but Damien’s voice interrupted him. “Enough,” Damien said, stepping forward. “Charlie. Mom. Dad. Can you stop attacking our guest? And you can’t make any decision regarding the contract on you
Jason couldn't tell the smiths what it was that he really did, and so instead he said, “I’m a man of many talents.”Lance and Seraphina frowned at his arrogant answer.It was vague and evasive. The kind of answer someone gave when they had nothing real to offer. The fact that he couldn’t give a straight answer told them everything they needed to know. He was a sore loser, who didn’t have a status.And really, what more could they expect from someone like him? One glance at his outfits, scuffed shoes, and casual attitude was enough to confirm it: he was nothing more than a jobless stray trying to talk his way into their family.At this point, Seraphina and Lance had heard enough of him.Jason's presence was already starting to feel like an insult to them. He walked into their house, dressed in rags, with nothing but an outdated marriage contract. Not only was he delusional enough to think they would allow him to marry their daughter Vanessa, but he also was below her league.He really
Before things could spiral further, Celia walked back into the room. She approached everyone and stood next to Jason. “Mom, dad, I let him in. Jason is not a homeless man,” she corrected them. Although she couldn't blame her parents for thinking that, Jason was dressed very plainly. The room fell quiet as all eyes turned to her.“You what?” Seraphina snapped. Her eyes narrowed in disappointment. “Celia, how dare you let some random man off the street into our home? Look at him, he looks like he just crawled out of a gutter.” She shouted. If it was one thing Seraphina Smith hated, it was homeless people. And so, seeing one in her home was nothing short of a personal nightmare. Her nose wrinkled.Jason chose not to react, his expression stayed neutral.Lance frowned at Celia. “You really thought it was okay to let this guy walk in here, why?” “Because….” Celia began responding, but Seraphina waved her off.“We don’t care. Get him out of our sight.”Seraphina demanded.As she opened
Rob the place? Did this man really think he was here to Rob the place?Jason stared at the guard, unimpressed, “Why don’t you call inside the villa, and ask before your next brilliant assumption huh?” Jason sighed and said, “I told you I'm a guest here, so let me in, unless you want trouble in your hands,”The guard narrowed his eyes, not buying a word coming out of Jason's mouth. This guy was bold, shameless, even. Invited by the Smiths? Yeah, right.Judging by the way he was dressed, he’d be lucky if someone asked him to mow the lawn. And now he was claiming the family invited him? What a joke.The guard's voice dropped, with sarcasm.“Oh, is that so? And why exactly were you invited here?”Before Jason could even respond, the guard cut him off with a dismissive shake of his head. “Please. Don’t insult my intelligence. You expect me to believe someone like you got invited to the Smith villa?”He scoffed and added with a sneer, “Dressed like that? It’d be more believable if you said
She clearly thought he was an intruder, because, compared to everyone else, he looked very out of place. He possibly couldn't be a customer here, because only the wealthy could bank here, and he looked very average.The woman turned toward the security guard,“What are you doing? Don’t you see that he doesn’t belong here?” she sneered. “This is a private institution, not some street corner.”Looking at him, she continued to frown in disgust. While waiting for the security to drag him out.She didn’t even know him, but it didn’t matter. She could tell he wasn’t the type who belonged in a place like this.She was about to march over to him and stop him herself, but when Jason ignored her and pulled out a keycard to swipe open a door, the woman froze. A realization hit her.Despite his plain clothing, he was someone important here, especially since he had a keycard granting access to the staff-only area of the bank.The security, who had already been on the move, also stopped in their tr