COLIN VERUS, A MAN REBORN

Chapter 8

Colin strolled through the expansive offices of Marquis Group, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. The building, a testament to modern architecture and wealth, bustled with activity. Employees moved briskly, unaware that the man in a simple jacket and slacks was their new chairman.

Colin wasn’t here to bask in his newfound power—he was here to understand his empire. As he moved through the sleek corridors, accompanied by his assistant Nina, his attention was drawn to raised voices coming from a nearby office.

“I told you to redo the report!” a man bellowed.

Colin paused, gesturing for Nina to stop. Through the glass walls, he saw Mia, Livia’s old friend, standing stiffly as a middle-aged manager, Xu, loomed over her, his face twisted with anger.

“I’m trying my best, Mr. Xu,” Mia said, her voice steady but strained.

“Your best? If this is your best, maybe you’re in the wrong job,” Xu sneered. He leaned in closer, his tone dripping with malice. “Or maybe you could find another way to keep your position. You know what I mean.”

Mia’s eyes widened with shock and disgust. “How dare you—”

Before she could finish, Colin pushed the door open.

Xu turned, annoyed. “Who do you think you are? Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?”

Colin’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. “I’m someone who doesn’t tolerate harassment in the workplace.”

Xu’s face turned red. “Listen, buddy, this isn’t your concern. Get out before I have security—”

“Nina,” Colin interrupted, turning to his assistant. “Handle this. Make sure Mr. Xu is escorted out and that HR receives a full report. Effective immediately, he’s terminated.”

Xu sputtered, his confidence crumbling. “Terminated? You can’t do that!”

Colin’s gaze was cold and unwavering. “I just did.”

Nina nodded, already making a call. “Security will be here shortly,” she said smoothly.

Mia, still reeling from the encounter, stared at Colin, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. “Do I know you? You seem familiar.”

Colin gave a small smile but didn’t answer directly. “Are you alright?”

“I… I think so,” Mia said, her voice faltering.

“Good,” Colin replied. He glanced at Nina. “Make sure she’s reassigned under a competent manager.”

As Colin left the office, Mia’s eyes lingered on him. There was something about him she couldn’t place, but his calm authority left a strong impression.

Outside the office, Nina looked at Colin curiously. “Should I let the staff know about your position as chairman?”

Colin shook his head. “Not yet. I want to understand the company without the filter of titles or formalities. Keep my identity confidential.”

Nina nodded. “Understood.”

Later that afternoon, Colin arrived at an exclusive luxury housing estate, intent on finding a new home for Livia. The sales office was immaculate, its marble floors gleaming under the chandeliers.

“Welcome, sir,” a young salesperson greeted him enthusiastically. “Are you looking for an apartment or a villa?”

“A villa,” Colin said simply.

The salesperson’s eyes lit up. “You’re in the right place! Let me show you one of our finest properties.”

They drove in a golf cart to a sprawling $5 million villa. The modern design featured floor-to-ceiling windows, a private pool, and lush gardens.

“This is our premium option,” the salesperson said, her voice tinged with pride. “It’s perfect for a family—or anyone looking for comfort and luxury.”

Colin nodded. “I’ll take it.”

The salesperson blinked, momentarily stunned. “You… you mean you want to buy it outright?”

“Yes,” Colin said.

As the salesperson scrambled to process the paperwork, Colin wandered through the villa, imagining Livia living in the space. The thought of her finally having a home that reflected her worth made him feel lighter.

His moment of peace was interrupted by a familiar, grating voice.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Colin Verus.”

Colin turned to see Decimus Brunus sauntering into the villa, his expression smug.

“Decimus,” Colin said evenly.

Decimus laughed. “What are you doing here? Daydreaming? This place is a little out of your league, don’t you think?”

“I could say the same for you,” Colin replied calmly.

“Oh, please,” Decimus scoffed, adjusting his designer jacket. “I’ve been in the market for a property like this for weeks. You? I didn’t know they let window shoppers in here.”

Colin’s expression didn’t change, but his voice carried an edge. “I’m buying this villa.”

Decimus let out a bark of laughter. “You? Buying this place? Come on, Colin, don’t embarrass yourself. Villas like this aren’t for people like you.”

The salesperson returned, holding a folder. “Mr. Verus, I’ve prepared the contract. If you’ll sign here, we can finalize the purchase.”

Decimus’ laughter caught in his throat. “Wait—what?”

Colin took the pen and signed with deliberate precision. “There. All done.”

The salesperson beamed. “Congratulations, sir! The villa is officially yours.”

Decimus’ face twisted in confusion and disbelief. “How… how did you afford this? Did you rob a bank or win the lottery?”

Colin tucked the contract under his arm. “Neither. I just made better choices.”

Decimus sputtered. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You, of all people? What are you, some secret tycoon now?”

Colin smirked faintly but didn’t answer.

Decimus, trying to recover, changed his tone. “Well, since you’re apparently doing well for yourself, maybe we should talk. I’ve been looking to partner with Marquis Group. You know, expand my horizons. If you have any connections there, you should put in a good word for me.”

Colin raised an eyebrow. “Marquis Group?”

“Yes,” Decimus said, his tone smug again. “Biggest player in the city. If I could land a deal with them, it’d be a game-changer. You wouldn’t understand, of course, but people like me think big.”

Colin’s smirk widened slightly. “I’ll see what I can do.”

As Decimus walked away, clearly unaware of Colin’s position as chairman, Colin felt a flicker of satisfaction. For years, he had been mocked and belittled, but now the tables had turned.

He didn’t need to flaunt his wealth or power—his actions would speak for themselves. And this was just the beginning.