Arnold could feel someone's stare burning an invisible hole through him. It made him very uncomfortable. So uncomfortable that he could no longer sit still opposite Jia and eat his meal, sip white wine, and pretend like all was well when it wasn't."I'll be back soon," he told Jia.Standing, he scraped his chair against the floor as he moved swiftly, trying to catch the person fast. Jia watched him in confusion, but for a moment, he didn't mind.If it was who he thought it was, he didn't care what extent he had to go to catch the culprit.That lady on all black was going to pay.He balled his hands into fists by his side as he walked towards the door of the restaurant, ready to avert trouble from Jia and him while teaching the person a lesson, in return. He had to do what he had to do. And fast.His phone buzzed.It was Jia.I dunno why you left the table in a hurry. Any problem? By the way, my client has arrived. I'm heading outside to meet her.As soon as he read the message, he put

Arnold knew better. He knew way better than to act out based on the overwhelming anger he was feeling. Or, at least, he was supposed to know better. But, after everything that had gone down in one day, it was hard for him to keep up the calm guy, big talker act. He had to hit something, to hit someone. He needed to take it all and free it from his chest, from that cage that was becoming so crammed and tight within him.Jia had gone. What he'd looked forward to had gone along with her. He'd genuinely looked forward to spending a cool, serene evening with her and maybe they could have bonded even more after diner. But, he'd never know now, after the two women he regretted ever being with had come to ruin what was left of him and Jia's evening.Everything good he got. Everything good was leaving him. That was what it felt like. And he couldn’t help but stop feeling that way.It had happened before. When he as broke and miserable. And now that he'd gotten money and a little bit of fame,

The sun was streaming in and all suddenly felt light and good. Jia opened the door and let him in. Again.One would think she'd gad enough with the way she'd stormed off at the restaurant, leaving him speechless in the dust. But, she'd yielded. Again.Arnold had a way with words. It was so easy to just swim in his voice. In the way he said his words, speaking calmly, choosing carefully before saying more. So, when he came knocking on her door, begging for one more chance to explain things."Jia," he started, his face looking so remorseful, it was so hard to resist."Come in."She led him to her living room and watched him watch her home. This was the first time he was entering inside. He'd always just stood outside the door or met her in her driveway.She looked at him. He looked at her back. Somewhere within her, she wanted to hate him for being the way he was. She knew he was far from perfect. She didn't even expect him to be perfect. Heck, she knew about his one night stand between

Some hours later and Arnold was back at his safe haven. His apartment.Going straight to his bedroom, his feets took him to the safe where he kept the black card Mr Black had mailed to him. Typing in the combination, the electric pad unlocked and the safe opened.Seated beautifully—alongside the cards that the Nexus had given him at the start of this system journey—was the black card. His one time free pass and the only thing he could use to meet Mr Black now.“Phew…” Arnold scoffed, his hands reaching out and grabbing the safe item. Staring at it, and caressing the card, he felt some kind of thrill and a certain joy buzzed within him.It seemed just like yesterday when he had first received the card. Not only that, but could remember just how he’d even gotten the card, and the obstacles he’d had to overcome before getting it. The gamble. The game. The anxiety and fears he’d had to overcome and everything had boded well in his favor.Everything was clear, and lips quivering as if

"What brings you here, The Apprentice?" Mr Black asked, staring at Arnold earnestly as he waited for a reply.Taking an empty glass and pouring a considerable amount of whiskey in it, he handed it to Arnold who collected it sharply. “Do you like whiskey neat?"“I do sir.” Arnold nodded and taking the glass, he downed a respectful sip and then nothing more. Despite how much he needed the burning alcoholic liquid at the moment to calm his nerves, Arnold also knew he had to keep himself in check. He wasn't about to go get himself drunk, and act out of plan. Besides how would he able to negotiate if he was drunk, and slurring out in his speech?‘Get a grip on yourself man. Get it together.’ He thought inwardly, hissing slightly at the same time. "Come, sit on the couch with me. Let’s talk.”Mr Black said again, his hands outstretched as he led pointed to the couch at the middle of the room, and Arnold followed him as he walked over.He watched Mr Black get comfortable, and then the r