CHAPTER 2

"Welcome back, sir," the crisp voice of Terminator X came through the phone. 

"It's time for you to return to your rightful place. You’ve been held back for too long."

Louis leaned back in the plush leather seat, a fleeting look of desolation crossed his face.  

"You’re right. I’ve wasted too much time.”

He then quickly adjusted his demeanor and ordered. 

“Forget it. Let’s talk about the current situation."

"As you command, sir," Terminator X replied, “the 300 billion assets you previously invested globally have now multiplied several times, reaching 2 trillion. I’ve been overseeing them for you.” 

“Also, your 300 domestic companies are showing steady performance improvements.”

“Now that you’re back, I can finally hand everything over to you, sound and safe.”

Louis chuckled.

He could feel Terminator X’s eagerness to turn in the burden, as if the weight of these assets was suffocating him. 

“No rush, my man, can’t you spare me a few days for relaxing? I just divorced, you know?”

“I apologize, sir.”

On the other end of the line, Terminator X clearly paused for a moment, but soon asked with a tone of confusion and coldness.

“But if you don’t mind me asking—why didn’t you divorce that woman earlier? She has been a drag on you all these years.”

"Her success is entirely due to your silent support. If it weren’t for you, she would have still remained average and unnoticed. However, she failed to appreciate it and has proven herself unworthy of your partnership."

Louis sighed, memories of the past decade flashing through his mind. 

"I understand that now.”

“Should I give her the punishment she deserves then, Sir? I will make sure to reveal her true colour and ...”

Before Terminator X could finish his suggestion, Louis interrupted.

“No need. Given our history, I won't pursue any issues regarding her infidelity. It's time to move on and cut all ties."

He didn’t want to waste time on Vivian anymore.

After confirming Vivian’s infidelity and her complete lack of remorse, he had already decided to consider his previous help to Vivian as repayment for the assistance she had given him over a decade ago.

From now on, there would be no further connection.

"As you wish, sir," Terminator X agreed. 

"I've prepared the handover of your four core companies in Apple City. This includes the hotel where Ms. Howard had her... indiscretion, and the Apex Z Group, currently valued at 50 billion, which makes it rank the 1st among all the local groups, and is at least five times that of the second-place group."

Louis nodded, his mind already shifting gears. 

"I'll inspect Apex Z Group soon. What's our current position there?"

"You're the founder and still the majority shareholder, sir. The company is primed for your return."

“And one more thing, sir, the manager will be welcoming you.” 

Terminator X reminded, before hanging up the phone.

As the convoy of cars wound its way through the city streets, Louis found his thoughts drifting back to a time before his rise to power. 

Over a decade ago, he had been cast out by his family, the prestigious Kindsor clan. 

He had wandered the streets of Apple City, starving and homeless.

It was then that he met her – a sweet little girl who shared her food with him. 

She had told him to stay hopeful, and that life was always a miracle.

If it wasn’t for her sweet donut, he might have died soon after.

She was soon taken away by an old lady, but in her haste to leave, she had dropped a small toy. 

He had picked up that top and kept it close ever since then.

After that, he was found and taken in by Elder Z, a mysterious and powerful old man.

Not only that, the old man had also taught him various skills, which enabled him to rise to where he was now, being sought after and coveted by countless royals, presidents, tycoons and prestigious.

But he had never forgotten that girl who had lent him a helping hand during his most helpless time.

Fortunately, just a few years ago, he found the owner of the toy.