It seemed like James' punch and the sound of Bill falling to the ground were too loud cause they got the attention of Bill's bodyguards, who were standing outside the house. They all rushed in and attacked James who didn't hold back.
But their numbers were just too much. After a few minutes, he was restrained and beaten up before being dragged to the police station, where he was locked up for assault. Bill didn't leave the police station without telling James, "I can give you a chance to get out of prison even though you hit me. All you have to do is bow your face to the ground in front of me and I will show mercy" Bill was just 30 years old but was already amongst the top 20 richest men in the country. He's handsome, popular, and has millions to his name along with powerful connections. James was the very first person to ever have the guts to hit him and it was like a huge slap to his pride. James slipped his hands into his pocket and walked into the prison cell, not bothering to give him a reply. Bill immediately went ballistic, screaming at him and ordering the guards to make James' life in prison a living hell. Bill wasn't just bluffing. James was beaten up with wooden sticks by more than twelve prison inmates from all sides. James didn't react, his face expressionless as fists connected with his jaw. That day passed in a haze, and the next, Lilian arrived at the prison cell alongside Bill, tossing a thick stack of documents onto James's lap. 'Sign these,' she said curtly, her voice dripping with disdain. 'They're the divorce papers.' James signed it and they left. With Bill's influence, James was sure he'd be in prison for at least three months, however, as he was washing one of the lieutenant's smelly clothes and socks. A prison administrator unlocked his cell. "James, your bail has been taken care of. You're free to go" James' was taken aback and wanted to ask questions but decided against it. He abandoned what he was doing and followed the prison administrator out. Immediately, James stepped out; a bulky man, a towering figure with a thick beard and scars on his face, strode towards him. "Sir James" The bulky man bowed his head to the ground in front of him, "The patriarch would like to speak with you, please follow me" For the first time in his life, someone spoke to him with genuine respect. Despite not knowing who the mysterious "Patriarch" was, he decided to follow the man closely. The bulky figure led him to a stunning Bugatti La Voiture Noire. Its exceptional quality and sleek design outshone even the luxurious Bugatti Divo packed at a corner. "Young master, please get in," The bulky man said, opening the door of the Bugatti and gently pushing James closer to the door. Young master?? James gazed skeptically into the luxurious car. An old man was seated comfortably inside with his legs crossed and a cup of coffee in his hand. He took a little sip then his eyes swooped over, staring right at James. A warm smile braced his lips as he spoke, "I know you might be a bit skeptical by this old man's impromptu invitation but don't you worry, I don't plan to do anything bad to you. I just want to let you know your true identity" "My true identity?" James scoffed, finding everything funny. "Yes please, just a few minutes," The old man said, his eyes begging him, and in the end, James decided to stay. "Go on" "James, I have something important to tell you. Something that will change your life forever." James kept quiet, waiting for him to go straight to the ducking point. "I'm your father," The old man says, his voice trembling. James stared at him for a moment before crossing his arms. "Oh really?" James would've argued back and yelled at the old man, calling him a liar and all that but the striking facial similarities between the two made him shut his mouth. For some reason, he wasn't as happy as he thought he would be if he met a family member one day. "I know you might not believe me, but I am, and I can prove it," The old man said, dropping the mug aside and moving towards James. He takes James' left hand and unbuttons his sleeves, pulling them upward to expose a dark tattoo. It was circular, slightly imperfect, with an arrow pointing upwards, emerging from the middle to the top and a slash/cut: A long, diagonal line cutting through the circle's side. James had been with this tattoo forever, and he never really gave it any attention. "I have a similar tattoo. This is our family's crest" The man said before lifting his shirt a bit and turning his back toward James. Indeed, he had a similar tattoo engraved on the lower part of his back. "And what reason did you thoroughly think through for abandoning me?" James said sarcastically. The old man takes a deep breath, "I know. I'm the one who left you at the orphanage. I did it to protect you." "Protect me? From what?" The man explains, his words pouring out, "I have too many enemies, James. As the CEO of XY Corps, The largest company in North America, and a well-known billionaire in the world. People wanted to hurt me, and I knew they'd target you, too. I had to keep you safe." His eyes lock onto James'. "I've taken care of my enemies, but I can't guarantee that more would not appear; however, you are all grown now. It's safe for you to know the truth. I want to make amends, James. I want to be your father." James asks, "And... What is your name?" "My name is Robert Williams" James nodded, finding the name very familiar. He would just have to browse when he gets home. "I'm willing to earn your trust, Son. I'll do whatever it takes."Robert handed James a sleek black VIP card. "This is for you, Son. You can withdraw any amount, purchase anything you desire, and take care of your needs. The pin is 6438"James looked at the sleek black VIP card in his hand and then at Robert, "Tell me, what's the limit on how much I can buy with this card?" James asked.Robert smiled. "There is no limit, Son. This card grants you unrestricted access to my wealth."James raised an eyebrow. "No limits? That's impossible."Robert chuckled. "For you, Son, nothing is impossible. This card is linked to my personal account, and I've authorized unlimited transactions."James stared at the card, finding everything that had been going on for the past few days hard to take in. Robert assured him, "And you don't need to worry, the card has state-of-the-art encryption and security measures. You're safe.""This is...incredible."Robert continued, "And there's more. I want you to inherit XY Corps one day. You'll be the perfect successor."James s
"That was quick, not that I am complaining. This is great news!" Mr Robert was a little bit surprised but happy, nonetheless."I am free throughout today, so meet me at the address that I would send to you in a few seconds," He added, and the call ended. Soon after, a message containing the address popped up on James's screen.The address that was sent was the location of a very expensive 5-star restaurant, Celestial Bites. It was a restaurant James had taken Lilian to one day to cheer her up after losing a fashion design exhibition.To put it well, James wasn't the one who brought up the idea to go to Celestia Bites; heck, he didn't even know Celestial Bites existed until Lilian brought it up and coaxed him into going there.He had his suspicions when he arrived at the restaurant to see how large and way up high the building was. And when he entered the building, he didn't need an advisor to tell him that whatever he ordered, even though it was as little as an orange juice would dig
James picked up the document, scanning the words carefully. Each line detailed the terms of his takeover of XY Corps, including his rights and responsibilities and a few clauses that pointed at the immense power that came with the position. His fingers brushed against the crisp pages as he read the final clause."You’ll have full control starting tomorrow," Robert said, leaning back in his chair. "But I have to warn you. The board, media, and even my rivals will watch your every move. Do you think you can handle that?"Before retiring and passing the reins to James, Robert eliminated Rowan Amber, his most influential rival from the Rowan family. Rowan was the one who caused Robert so much grief, and it took Robert 30 years to eliminate them from the business world. Now they were nothing more than lowly rats without influence, a stark contrast to the influence and wealth they had years ago. Even though Robert had gotten rid of them, he knew James would face further opposition in the up
"Don't worry, my legacy is safe and secure in his hands," Robert said, and James grabbed the remote, tuning to another channel. The same live broadcast was also being broadcast on countless other channels, even on a Channel that is exclusively for kids. James was forced to watch it till the very end. Soon after, he ordered enough food that he could eat. He grabbed a bottle of red wine and opened it before taking a sip.Just a week ago, he was struggling to make $20 a week and was constantly insulted by his ex-wife and 'ex' in-laws. He never imagined that such a blessing would come his way, not even in his next life. But here he was.James sighed as he removed his clothes and wrapped a white towel around his waist. He walked to the bathroom and took a warm shower. After drying himself off, he slipped into his pajamas. As he lay on his bed, he couldn't quite understand why he felt the way he did, but he knew that tomorrow would be a long day for him and the beginning of his story.The
James stepped out of his apartment. The tailored gray suit Bella had chosen fit him like a glove, exuding a confidence he didn’t quite feel yet. The new haircut and freshly trimmed beard transformed him into someone almost unrecognizable to his former self—a man who looked like he belonged in the world of billion-dollar deals.Bella, waiting beside a sleek black car, held open the door for him. "Let’s not waste any more time. The board meeting starts in less than an hour, and we need to get you prepped."James slid into the back seat, glancing at the folder Bella handed him. Inside were detailed profiles of the board members of XY Corps and a schedule of the day’s meetings.James flipped through the pages and frowned. "So, I just go in there, smile, and pretend I know what I’m doing?"Bella leaned against the doorframe, a sly grin on her face. "Pretty much. Just don’t smile too much—you might scare them. They’re not used to smiles and all that in corporate life."James snorted. "Great
(After the Meeting)The board eventually ended, leaving James and Bella alone in the room. James exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. “That was... intense.”“You handled it well,” Bella said, handing him a bottle of water. “I am sure this would shut them up for now.”James took a sip. “Let them try. I didn’t come this far to be intimidated.”Bella’s phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. “Robert wants to meet with you this evening. He said something about a personal matter.”James frowned. “Any idea what it’s about?”She shook her head. “He didn’t say, but it sounded important.”---Later That EveningJames arrived at Robert’s mansion. The grandeur of the estate was magnificent and breathtaking. Robert greeted him in the study, a glass of whiskey in hand.“Bella told me about the meeting,” Robert said, gesturing to a chair. “You handled yourself better than I expected.”“Thanks,” James replied, sitting down.Robert chuckled, his expression turning serious. “I wanted
"James, let's get a divorce," James' wife, Lilian, spoke with a hard and cold tone. James froze immediately after he heard those words; his fingers trembled a little as he continued cutting the cabbage that he had placed on a cutting board, trying to act as calmly as possible.A divorce?Why? What could've possibly gone wrong?"You can't be serious, right?" James asked with a chuckle, wishing deep inside of him that what she just said was a joke."I am serious, James. I want a divorce as soon as possible" Lilian repeated, getting seriously pissed off.James paused, dropping the knife before turning towards his wife. "But....why?. Is there anything that you're upset about? You can tell me, and I will try to make changes. I will--""James, I've had enough of this bullshit life we are living! Just take a look around! Does this place look big and beautiful to you? We've been living like this for four years!" Lilian yelled and James flinched. The house that the family of three was living
(After the Meeting)The board eventually ended, leaving James and Bella alone in the room. James exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. “That was... intense.”“You handled it well,” Bella said, handing him a bottle of water. “I am sure this would shut them up for now.”James took a sip. “Let them try. I didn’t come this far to be intimidated.”Bella’s phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. “Robert wants to meet with you this evening. He said something about a personal matter.”James frowned. “Any idea what it’s about?”She shook her head. “He didn’t say, but it sounded important.”---Later That EveningJames arrived at Robert’s mansion. The grandeur of the estate was magnificent and breathtaking. Robert greeted him in the study, a glass of whiskey in hand.“Bella told me about the meeting,” Robert said, gesturing to a chair. “You handled yourself better than I expected.”“Thanks,” James replied, sitting down.Robert chuckled, his expression turning serious. “I wanted
James stepped out of his apartment. The tailored gray suit Bella had chosen fit him like a glove, exuding a confidence he didn’t quite feel yet. The new haircut and freshly trimmed beard transformed him into someone almost unrecognizable to his former self—a man who looked like he belonged in the world of billion-dollar deals.Bella, waiting beside a sleek black car, held open the door for him. "Let’s not waste any more time. The board meeting starts in less than an hour, and we need to get you prepped."James slid into the back seat, glancing at the folder Bella handed him. Inside were detailed profiles of the board members of XY Corps and a schedule of the day’s meetings.James flipped through the pages and frowned. "So, I just go in there, smile, and pretend I know what I’m doing?"Bella leaned against the doorframe, a sly grin on her face. "Pretty much. Just don’t smile too much—you might scare them. They’re not used to smiles and all that in corporate life."James snorted. "Great
"Don't worry, my legacy is safe and secure in his hands," Robert said, and James grabbed the remote, tuning to another channel. The same live broadcast was also being broadcast on countless other channels, even on a Channel that is exclusively for kids. James was forced to watch it till the very end. Soon after, he ordered enough food that he could eat. He grabbed a bottle of red wine and opened it before taking a sip.Just a week ago, he was struggling to make $20 a week and was constantly insulted by his ex-wife and 'ex' in-laws. He never imagined that such a blessing would come his way, not even in his next life. But here he was.James sighed as he removed his clothes and wrapped a white towel around his waist. He walked to the bathroom and took a warm shower. After drying himself off, he slipped into his pajamas. As he lay on his bed, he couldn't quite understand why he felt the way he did, but he knew that tomorrow would be a long day for him and the beginning of his story.The
James picked up the document, scanning the words carefully. Each line detailed the terms of his takeover of XY Corps, including his rights and responsibilities and a few clauses that pointed at the immense power that came with the position. His fingers brushed against the crisp pages as he read the final clause."You’ll have full control starting tomorrow," Robert said, leaning back in his chair. "But I have to warn you. The board, media, and even my rivals will watch your every move. Do you think you can handle that?"Before retiring and passing the reins to James, Robert eliminated Rowan Amber, his most influential rival from the Rowan family. Rowan was the one who caused Robert so much grief, and it took Robert 30 years to eliminate them from the business world. Now they were nothing more than lowly rats without influence, a stark contrast to the influence and wealth they had years ago. Even though Robert had gotten rid of them, he knew James would face further opposition in the up
"That was quick, not that I am complaining. This is great news!" Mr Robert was a little bit surprised but happy, nonetheless."I am free throughout today, so meet me at the address that I would send to you in a few seconds," He added, and the call ended. Soon after, a message containing the address popped up on James's screen.The address that was sent was the location of a very expensive 5-star restaurant, Celestial Bites. It was a restaurant James had taken Lilian to one day to cheer her up after losing a fashion design exhibition.To put it well, James wasn't the one who brought up the idea to go to Celestia Bites; heck, he didn't even know Celestial Bites existed until Lilian brought it up and coaxed him into going there.He had his suspicions when he arrived at the restaurant to see how large and way up high the building was. And when he entered the building, he didn't need an advisor to tell him that whatever he ordered, even though it was as little as an orange juice would dig
Robert handed James a sleek black VIP card. "This is for you, Son. You can withdraw any amount, purchase anything you desire, and take care of your needs. The pin is 6438"James looked at the sleek black VIP card in his hand and then at Robert, "Tell me, what's the limit on how much I can buy with this card?" James asked.Robert smiled. "There is no limit, Son. This card grants you unrestricted access to my wealth."James raised an eyebrow. "No limits? That's impossible."Robert chuckled. "For you, Son, nothing is impossible. This card is linked to my personal account, and I've authorized unlimited transactions."James stared at the card, finding everything that had been going on for the past few days hard to take in. Robert assured him, "And you don't need to worry, the card has state-of-the-art encryption and security measures. You're safe.""This is...incredible."Robert continued, "And there's more. I want you to inherit XY Corps one day. You'll be the perfect successor."James s
It seemed like James' punch and the sound of Bill falling to the ground were too loud cause they got the attention of Bill's bodyguards, who were standing outside the house. They all rushed in and attacked James who didn't hold back.But their numbers were just too much. After a few minutes, he was restrained and beaten up before being dragged to the police station, where he was locked up for assault. Bill didn't leave the police station without telling James, "I can give you a chance to get out of prison even though you hit me. All you have to do is bow your face to the ground in front of me and I will show mercy"Bill was just 30 years old but was already amongst the top 20 richest men in the country. He's handsome, popular, and has millions to his name along with powerful connections. James was the very first person to ever have the guts to hit him and it was like a huge slap to his pride. James slipped his hands into his pocket and walked into the prison cell, not bothering to g
"James, let's get a divorce," James' wife, Lilian, spoke with a hard and cold tone. James froze immediately after he heard those words; his fingers trembled a little as he continued cutting the cabbage that he had placed on a cutting board, trying to act as calmly as possible.A divorce?Why? What could've possibly gone wrong?"You can't be serious, right?" James asked with a chuckle, wishing deep inside of him that what she just said was a joke."I am serious, James. I want a divorce as soon as possible" Lilian repeated, getting seriously pissed off.James paused, dropping the knife before turning towards his wife. "But....why?. Is there anything that you're upset about? You can tell me, and I will try to make changes. I will--""James, I've had enough of this bullshit life we are living! Just take a look around! Does this place look big and beautiful to you? We've been living like this for four years!" Lilian yelled and James flinched. The house that the family of three was living