You’re saying I’m not wealthy? Do you see this shirt I’m wearing? It’s by a small designer from Ioblia, worth 3 million dollars. I’m 28 this year, and it’s the first time I’ve been called poor. Honestly, your accusation is hilarious. Everyone in Almiron City knows me because I’m a member of the Gillette family!”While speaking, the man cockily jutted his chin at Erin. He could already picture Erin groveling at his feet for forgiveness. Should that happen, he was more than ready to claim her as one of his women.Yet, that did not happen, much to his dismay.Erin merely stood there with her eyes wide. “The Gillette family?” she said before letting out a frosty chuckle. “Oh, I know all about that family—they’re filthy rich.”A smirk curled on the man’s face.However, it quickly vanished as Erin placed her hands on her hips. She thundered, “I’ve heard plenty about that family, like how they used improper means to acquire massive wealth. Likewise, I know they’ve continued to utilize unscr
“Darius!” Erin’s amplified cries filled the air. Then, she heard Thomas muttering a curse, which sent a chill down her spine. She did not dare stand and see what had happened to Darius. Instead, she remained frozen on the ground.“I’m so sorry, Mr. Reid. I got here too late,” a familiar voice suddenly spoke.“Bridget!” Erin thought, rising to her feet at an inhumanly fast rate. She then looked over the newly arrived car next to her, where a woman got out from the other side. Pressing her aching chest, Erin stumbled onto the ground again. Her legs had given in, and her mind went blank. All her body could do was breathe at that point.On the other hand, Bridget saw Erin from afar and wanted to speak with her. Before she could, she saw Erin collapse onto the ground. Bridget assumed Erin had gotten hurt, so she dashed over to Darius, stopping before him briefly to bow. “Mr. Reid.”While she had not risen from her bow, her eyes continued to examine the other side of the car for Erin.Seei
Following the navigation system’s direction, Darius drove Bridget and Erin to the location of the banquet.Sometime later, Erin finished fixing her makeup in the backseat. She felt awful for letting Darius, her boss, drive them all to the event, so she cleared her throat twice to speak. “Mr. Reid, based on my investigation, the banquet will occur at a location that the Gillettes are familiar with—Remnard Estate, their family home. According to tradition, their family gathers in that estate for significant events throughout the year. Earlier, when we encountered Thomas Gillette, I searched for photos of the Gillette family’s events online and did not see him in any of them. Thus, I firmly believe that man has ulterior motives. Not to mention, it’s quite an uncanny coincidence that he’s showing up now. The Gillettes have always been arrogant. The family’s focus isn’t on their money. Instead, the Gillettes are more concerned with whoever poses a potential threat to them. It’s always bee
Darius could tell Erin was still nervous. Even so, he no longer criticized her opinions nor spoke anymore. All he did was drive in silence.Stifled by the sudden tension, Bridget regretted riding shotgun just then. She complained in her heart, “No wonder Edward refused to join us!”Pin-drop silence filled the car. Such a void was something Bridget had never experienced before, so it suffocated her. She opened her mouth but then kept quiet out of fear, giving up after failing to speak a few times. Not wanting to focus on the awkwardness any longer, Bridget decided it was better to look through the map on her phone instead. That way, she could concentrate on ensuring Darius’ safety.When she scanned every last detail on the map, she felt the car slow down.Numerous expensive cars had parked in the space ahead. Yet, none cost nearly as much as the car Darius drove. Thus, when he arrived at the road before Remnard Estate, everyone halted in their tracks, eyes glued onto his pricey vehicl
Darius knew that meant the hostess wanted to do something vicious or planned to ruin his reputation and humiliate him. Despite that, curiosity filled Darius’ mind as he looked forward to seeing what tricks the hostess had up her sleeve. Thus, he silently stood there with his arms behind him.That reaction was not what the hostess expected. Her lips parted slightly in shock, but it only lasted briefly as she soon snapped out of her daze. Then, she fished a document from her pocket and revealed it to everyone. “We invited 120 guests for tonight’s banquet, and ‘Darius Reid’ isn’t one of them. Furthermore, our guests have assigned hostesses who will lead them to their seats—but you don’t have a hostess. Not to mention, you seem unaware of our customs, so I doubt you’ve ever been on the guest list of the Gillette family’s parties before.”The hostess’ voice grew louder by the second. “I believe everyone here knows only the wealthiest figures in Almiron city, or any other city, can appear
Darius was sure he had looked at everyone present, yet he could not determine the source of the voice. That was because he did not see anyone open their mouths when the person spoke. It rattled Darius. Still, he kept a blank countenance with both hands in his pockets. “If any of you guys find those words reasonable,” Darius said calmly, “Then you should be helping this hostess out instead of allowing her to stay here and start trouble.”He sounded so unbothered that no one dared look into his eyes. In truth, he found it silly how the person’s retort made everyone, including the security guard earlier, glower at him in distaste.Thus, he turned to face Erin, instructing, “That lady looks like the epitome of all hostesses. Her dress, shoes, necklace, earrings, and every little accessory appears expensive. On top of that, her hands are smooth, free from any scars or wrinkles caused by hard labor. That said, I’d like to know what she used to do before working here, and I believe you ca
The hostess’ eyes reddened.On the other hand, Darius narrowed his eyes. He felt the latter was quick-witted, or she would not have come up with such an excuse on the spot. His expression did not improve because of that. Instead, his nose scrunched up as he kept his hands in his pockets. “You aren’t actually working hard, though. If you were, you would’ve investigated all the guests’ backgrounds beforehand and targeted other people. Consider this—you arrived in appropriate clothing and successfully impersonated a hostess. Since you’ve researched so much about hostesses, it’s unlikely for you not to look up information on the attendees tonight. Thus, I can go as far as to say you’re causing me trouble now because you found out the Gillettes and I are on bad terms. That’s what led you to act the way you did toward me.”Darius had keen eyesight; it was as though he could read every thought in the hostess’ mind.That was when Erin, who stood aside, nodded sternly. “Indeed, Mr. Reid. Th
“You claiming to be Darius seems far too suspicious,” Cerys pointed out. “Moreover, no one here knows you.People would surely recognize you if you were a tycoon—or, at the very least, they would’ve heard about you. What unnerves everyone here is how you’re an enigma to everyone here.”Darius did not speak up to defend himself even then.On the other hand, Cerys’ lips curled triumphantly. She was confident that all the guests would believe her over Darius if she continued voicing her suspicions. Hence, she announced at the top of her lungs, “You only showed up here because you wanted everyone to think you’re wealthy! But is that the truth? No! Your actions and words from the moment you arrived can’t prove that you’re someone wealthy!”Darius had been standing for a long time, so his legs started to ache. After sighing deeply, he replied, “I’d very much like to know this—what are your motives for saying that about me?”That surprised Cerys as she gulped anxiously, knowing she was too
"If you hadn't picked on me, I wouldn't have ended up like this. No matter how wealthy I've become, I'll never be able to take these black robes off!" The mysterious man's voice was shaky. He was extremely agitated.James frowned at that. He said curiously, "You keep saying I've done you wrong, but everything I did to you was what you did to others. I only gave you a taste of your own medicine."The mysterious man's breathing sped up when he heard that. He barked out a laugh and sneered, "I'll be honest with you. I never thought I'd have the chance to meet someone as dumb as you again."He shook his head. "I find it hard to imagine what your grandson will do when he sees you like this." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the door was kicked open with a loud bang. The man was caught off guard. He looked at Darius as his body trembled violently.Darius frowned when he saw this. It was completely different from what he'd imagined. He narrowed his eyes at the mysterious man, his
Gabriel smiled and nodded. "Alright, then. I'll return to my workstation and prepare a proposal on what to do with Noah."Darius nodded and smiled. "Good. That's all I ever wanted." He turned to leave. "You need to get to work, and I need to return to my hotel to get some rest."Gabriel stopped. Darius' words made him hesitate. "I'm sorry to be asking this because I don't think it's my place, but it's probably better for me to ask anyway. I don't remember there being any hotels nearby."You should head home if you wanna get some rest. I don't understand why you're heading to a hotel to rest."Darius raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. He turned with his hands behind his back to look at Gabriel helplessly. "I don't know how to feel about what you've just said. You're making me think you're a little silly. Wouldn't I know how to search for a hotel?"It won't take you long to prepare a proposal, but it'll take me ages to get home from here." Darius turned and left.Gabriel's lips twitc
"Because you realized the risk was far greater than what you were comfortable with," Darius said calmly.But Noah started trembling. He looked at Darius in terror. He didn't expect Darius to see right through him after some simple back-and-forth. His eyes widened in fear.Everything that was happening now made him feel like he was dreaming. Noah had only been a step away from success, yet Darius had ruined everything.Tears filled his eyes as he gazed at Darius. "I've said everything there is to say. I'm the lowest rung on this ladder, and I only have one purpose for being here. It's to make you come under the authorities' control. Once you're here, my mission's accomplished."Someone else from the authorities will be here to deal with you, but that has nothing to do with me. They wouldn't have told me about it, anyway."Darius put his hands behind his back without saying anything. He turned to leave. Noah's eyes widened as he stared in fear at Darius' back.Darius didn't see this, bu
When Darius straightened up, his face became devoid of emotion. He said calmly, "I've wasted too much time on you. Now, I only want frank answers. Otherwise, I'll punish you for every lie that you tell me. I don't see any hope in your eyes, but let's see whether you prove me wrong."Darius paused, then continued, "I've already said something similar once. That was a chance I gave you. From this moment onward, I want you to know that I won't repeat myself because I believe you've had enough time to prepare yourself."Gabriel stood beside him and put his hands behind his back as his lips twitched. He'd thought about the various reasons for Darius repeating himself. But the one thing that hadn't occurred to him was that Darius had done it to give Noah time to prepare.Gabriel felt like applauding Darius, but the rational side of him stopped him from doing so. His rationality told him he'd be in for trouble if he were to do that, so he only looked at Darius with a smile.Darius sensed Ga
Darius raised an eyebrow and smiled. Then, he said, "You're too nervous, Gabriel. It makes it seem like you don't trust me. In truth, there's nothing for you to worry about."He stretched his neck and continued, "I know very well how bad the consequences of destroying this building will be. Aside from those silly regulations, I'll also need to pay for it. I might be wealthy, but that doesn't mean I'll enjoy forking out a huge sum of money as compensation."Darius spread his hands and shrugged. At the same time, he pointed at the window and turned to look at Gabriel. Then, he said, "Look. The windows are perfectly fine. They're not even scratched. That shows my life force is non-destructive."That's why you have nothing to worry about. You can put your heart back into your chest."Gabriel straightened up and sighed in relief. Then, he gave Darius an embarrassed smile.Darius grinned but didn't say anything in response. He put his hands behind his back and turned to look at Noah. He sai
"We're classmates from the same major, too! We were interns at Dream Investment Group, remember? And we got kicked out on our first day. You broke my legs because of a tiny argument we had outside the building! The surveillance cameras captured all of this!" Noah cried.Darius tucked his hands into his pockets and rolled his eyes. Then, he said mockingly, "You're the biggest fool I've ever met. Do you think you're the only one who can tamper with the surveillance footage? Any footage that can be tampered with can also be restored."Noah's eyes widened in shock. He gulped and tried to think of a way to explain away the injuries Darius had inflicted on him. Still, he couldn't think of anything. Before he had the chance to think any further, Darius spoke.He said, "There's one thing you got right, though. Gabriel is on my side, so he'll stand up for me no matter what you say."Gabriel's lips twitched at that. He subconsciously opened his mouth to say something in return, but Darius bea
"And I don't think it's my job to make you see sense," Gabriel continued. He put his hands behind his back. He gave Noah a look that was an odd mixture of gentle iciness. "I've given you more than enough time and chances."Gabriel sighed. "It's obvious that you don't care for that, though. And so I think it's time for me to treat you as an officer should." He sat down on the other side of the desk again.Noah's face was white with fear. Gabriel acted like he didn't see this, though. He smiled. "As I mentioned, I gave you plenty of time and chances, but you didn't appreciate them."His gaze turned frosty. "If that's the case, I'm sure you won't object to me doing this per our guidelines."Noah cried, "No, wait! I don't know what Darius has promised you to make you side with him unconditionally, but there's no way I'll let you two get away with this. You have to make sure you do everything by the book. It's a reasonable request, and you have no right to turn me down!"He trembled viole
Gabriel put his hands behind his back as he looked at Noah with a smile. "Now, you've piqued my interest."Noah looked up at Gabriel. His voice was deep and hoarse as he said, "If you help me, I'll give you half of the Reid Consortium's assets once I get my hands on them. You should know that without me, there's no way you'll get a dime from the Reid Consortium."Gabriel snorted with laughter when he heard that. He straightened up and slowly circled Noah. He sounded mocking as he said, "You've lost me there. I tried to puzzle it out, but it doesn't make sense at all."Why would I want to get my hands on the Reid Consortium's fortune? Even without it, I'm perfectly independent. I don't need it to survive."Gabriel crossed his arms and looked at Noah mockingly. "Or maybe you're different from the rest of us. Maybe you'll die without the Reid Consortium's wealth." He smirked and gave Noah a sharp gaze.Noah raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You're the one making me laugh now. I don't know
Gabriel sounded gentle, but everyone knew that was far from the truth. This was especially true for Noah, who sat across from him. He felt incredibly nervous. He shut his eyes and breathed rapidly.Noah never would've expected to still be in danger after being taken in by the authorities. He frowned and looked up at Gabriel. "So, are you determined to help Darius now?" His voice was shaky, and his eyes were wide because of his nerves.His emotions were clear as he looked at Gabriel. Gabriel bit his lip, feeling like he was about to laugh. To stop Noah from noticing, he quickly exhaled and sat down with one leg over the other. At the same time, he leaned forward to place his hands on the desk.He tapped his fingers on the desk quickly but rhythmically. Gabriel's eyes were devoid of emotion as he looked at Noah. "Tell me, Noah. What happened between you and Darius? Earlier, you said he was the one who injured you. Do you have any proof?"Because we checked the surveillance footage, a