Vivian Howard paced the bedroom, the small doll clutched in her hand.
Her mind raced with possibilities, a flicker of doubt crossing her face.
"Could Juliet and Louis be having affair behind my back?"
She wondered aloud, her voice barely a whisper.
But as quickly as the thought arose, she dismissed it with a shake of her head.
"No, that's impossible."
She remembered she had never even introduced them.
As for Juliet, she was the eldest daughter of the Beaumon Family—she had good looks, perfect figure, and a prestigious background.
Although the Beaumon Clan wasn’t one of the four major Families, they were still an established name in Apple City.
So how could Juliet possibly be interested in a lowlife like Louis?
It was clear that Louis must have obtained the doll through improper means, just like some sleazy men who liked stealing women’s underwear.
“Yuk! Truly disgusting!”
Vivian tossed the doll back into the box, her disgust for Louis growing.
She'd ask Juliet about it later, just to be sure.
For now, she had more pressing matters - Ben Gutsby was waiting to take her to Apex Z Group.
As Vivian applied a final touch of lipstick, her phone buzzed. It was Ben.
"Ready, darling?" his smooth voice came through the speaker.
"Just about," Vivian replied, a smile playing on her lips.
"I'll be down in a minute."
She hung up, grabbed her designer handbag, and headed out, thoughts of Louis already fading from her mind.
Across town, a fleet of luxury cars pulled up in front of the Apex Z Group building.
Louis Kindsor stepped out of the lead vehicle.
He had arrived earlier than planned, his mind focused on the tasks ahead.
As Louis approached the entrance and was about to look around on his own, two familiar figures exited the building.
The woman was wearing a form-fitting long red dress, her curvy figure accentuated.
Her long wavy hair cascaded down, matching the beautifully intricate make on her face.
The man dressed in an upscale dark purple suit and had his hair neatly styled.
He wore a limited edition Rolex watch, and appeared to be around 25 or 26 of age.
They were none other than Vivian Howard and Ben Gutsby.
"Oh Ben! I can't believe you know John Wales personally," Vivian gushed, her arm tightly linked with Ben’s and her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"The General Manager of Apex Z Group! And the way you handled that conversation... If this project goes through, your family stands to make billions!"
Ben puffed up with pride, a smug smile playing on his lips.
"It's nothing, really. Just another day at the office for me."
Louis saw how nice and sweet Vivian was to Ben.
It was totally different from how she treated him.
Louis watched the exchange impassively, his face a mask of indifference.
He had no intention of engaging with them, but fate had other plans.
He tried to ignore them and walk away.
But Vivian already saw Louis.
Her happy face quickly turned angry.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Vivian said with unmistakable disgust.
“It’s not a forbidden place. So why can’t I be here? Aren’t you here too?”
Louis looked at Vivian with indifference.
“Oh, come on, you loser. Can’t you tell that I came with Ben to discuss a project?”
Vivian mocked.
"As for you, are you here looking for a janitor job?”
“Wait! Don’t tell me you stalked me here to beg me to take you back!"
“I—stalkng you? To beg you to take me back?”
Louis shook his head and chuckled coldly.
"I'm just here to visit my company."
What the fuck?!Vivian couldn't believe what she heard. She couldn’t help but burst out laughing."Your company? Do you know that Apex Z Group is valued at 50 billion, and ranks 1st in Apple City? I bet a loser like you have no idea!” Vivian sneered loudly.“Ben, did you hear that? Louis thinks he owns Apex Z Group! That's funny!"Ben laughed too. "Wow, Louis. You're crazier than I thought. What's next? Are you going to say you're the king of Apple City?"Vivian looked disgusted. "I can't believe I was married to someone so stupid and boastful. You can't even tell what's real and what's not.""Maybe we should simply call security," Ben suggested playfully. "They'd love to meet the 'owner' of Apex Z Group. Want to give them a good laugh, Vivian?"Louis didn't say anything. He didn't look upset or angry. Their words didn't bother him at all.Louis moved to walk past Vivian and Ben, his face a mask of indifference. His didn’t want to waste another second on these two arrogant foo
Louis stood still, shocked. He just realized something big. The small doll he thought was Vivian's wasn't hers at all. This meant the kind girl who helped him years ago wasn't Vivian! All this time, he had been wrong!Louis felt many things at once - surprise, sadness, but also a bit relieved. He had spent years helping Vivian, thinking he was paying back her kindness. Now he knew it was all a mistake."What's wrong, Louis? Finally seeing how pathetic you are?" Seeing how quiet Louis was, Vivian said meanly.She thought he was finally embarrassed because she had caught him lying.This made her even angrier and more disgusted.Louis barely heard her. He was too busy thinking about what this all meant for his life.However, Vivian kept talking, and getting louder. "Why are you silent now? Weren’t you good at making up stories about knowing important people? Why not continue the play and give us a good show?"Vivian said more aggressively, her eyes filled with increased disdain.
Seeing how calm and collected Louis was, as if he was confident of victory, Vivian felt a surge of anger.She couldn’t wait to see how Louis would conjure up one million dollars for her right away.If he couldn’t, she swore she would make sure to drown him in her scorn!Louis calmly took out his phone and dialed a number. "Terminator X," he said, "I need you to send one million to the entrance of Apex Z Group now."Vivian's eyes got big. Seriously?!That Terminator X?! How could Louis be talking to him?“As you command, Sir. I’ill have John Wales, the General Manager of Apex Z Group, get the money ready.”Terminator X said on the phone.Louis ended the call and looked at Vivian. "Wait a few minutes," he said, not caring much.“Louis, how could your shame know no boundary?”Vivian's eyes widened in disbelief and mockery. "Do you even know who Terminator X is? Well, let me tell you, in case you have no idea.”“Terminator X is the richest man in the world! Do you know what that mean
“Mr Wales?”Louis confirmed. “Yes, Sir. Just call me John.”It was John Wales, the General Manager of Apex Z Group. Louis nodded at him.John Wales wiped the sweat from his face with a cloth. "Sir, I apologize once again. If I had known you arrived early, I would have come over sooner. I wouldn’t have kept you waiting at the entrance for so long. Please forgive me!"John Wales took a deep breath and said respectfully, with a hint of desperation.The person in front of him, Louis Kindsor, was the boss of his superior, Terminator X.Simply put, both his life and career depended on this man.If he messed up and Louis was unhappy, his job would surely be at risk.And that would be a true disaster.“No need to panic. It’s not your fault, John. I was the one who decided to come earlier midway.”Louis reassured.John had expected Louis, as a superior, to be very strict.But to his surprise, Louis was quite easy to talk to and very understanding.This really relieved him.“Thanks, Sir, for
“Would you like a tour of the Apex Z Group facilities while you’re here?”Louis shook his head. “Not today. I have other matters to attend to.”What was more urgent now was to determine who the real owner of the doll was.If Vivian’s doll was in the attic, that meant the person who saved him years ago wasn’t Vivian at all, but someone else.Who was it, then?He needed to find that girl as soon as possible.“At your command, Sir. I’m always here to await your arrival.”John said with a bow.He then indicated that he would see Louis off, but Louis politely declined.As Louis turned to leave, the entrance door swung open and a young woman rushed in.She wore a blue and white business outfit, her figure stunning and her beauty exceptional.Her long hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, looking vibrant and bouncy.She walked briskly, almost bumping into Louis. “Oh! I’m so sorry!” she gasped, looking up at Louis with wide eyes.“It’s f—fine,” Louis said curtly and hesitantly, stepping as
“... and therefore, isn’t reliable enough for us to consider a partnership at this time.”John got straight to the point as he didn’t want to waste the time.Juliet’s heart sank to the bottom.Her face fell and her lips went pale. But she didn’t dare back down. This was, after all, her last hope!Also, the Beaumons’ last hope!How could she give up so easily?“I understand the concerns, Mr. Wales.” Juliet continued, her voice trembling and rapid.“If you’re not at ease, I can offer all of Beaumon’s overseas assets as collateral.”“I can assure you they are completely legitimate and without risk.” “Additionally, to show our sincerity, we’re willing to offer a 60%—uhm, no, I mean a 70% discount. We just need a chance to prove ourselves.”Juliet? Beaumon? J and B?Just then, a light bulb went off in Louis’s mind.Of course!He remembered!Wasn’t that the name of Vivian’s best friend, the daughter of the Beaumon Family?Moreover, and most importantly, if he remembered correctly, the d
If Juliet was indeed that little girl from back then, his help now would be a small way to repay her.If it turned out that she wasn’t, he could just consider it a good deed.Unlike John Wales, who was only a General Manager, as the founder and big boss of Apex Z Group, he, Louis Kindsor, had no worries about the risk of cooperation.Juliet paused in her steps and looked at Louis with gratitude.She truly appreciated that he was speaking up for her.However, it was futile.No one, she knew of in the entire Apple City, had ever made John Wales change his mind.It was just impossible!Juliet thought it was hopeless, John Wales won’t give her a chance.“Thank you for your precious time, Mr. Wales,” she said with heavy heart, and turned to leave.However, Juliet didn’t realize how anxious John Wales had become after Louis spoke up.To Juliet's utter amazement, John Wales suddenly cleared his throat. "Miss Beaumont, please wait."She turned back, hardly daring to breathe."Perhaps I was..
Juliet finally picked up her phone. "Hello?""About time!" Vivian snapped. "I've been calling all day!""I'm sorry, Vivian. You know, I was working on a project proposal—""Yeah. Whatever. I have big news," Vivian cut her off. "Louis and I have divorced.""Oh no! What happened?""Don’t feel sorry for me, dear. Congratulate me! I finally got rid of a freakish leech.”"He's the most awful being I’ve ever met, that's what happened! Do you know what he did?" Vivian's voice grew louder."He was having emotional affairs! ”“And you know what? He even dared to require a million dollars every month for expenses!" Vivian complained whiled expressing her discoveries and grievances, as if she was a victim, not a cheater."Really? I had no idea..."Juliet couldn’t believe her ears. How could a man be so shameless?She immediately felt sorry for her childhood bestie."Of course you didn't. Nobody knew how horrible he was," Vivian replied sternly. “You know what’s more? His disgusting deeds eve
Louis and his group were cornered, surrounded by The Arbiter’s men.Gunfire echoed off the ancient stone walls, and every step they took seemed to tighten the noose.Louis glanced at Pearl, who was visibly struggling to keep up, her injuries worsening by the second.Juliet stood firm, her gaze darting between their enemies and the glowing Heart of the Eternals still strapped to Louis’s belt.A sudden vibration in Louis’s pocket pulled him out of his panic.He retrieved his encrypted communicator and saw a message flash across the screen.Python Kate: I’m in position. Hold them off for five more minutes.“Who’s Python Kate?” Juliet asked, her voice barely audible over the gunfire.“A wildcard,” Louis replied, determination hardening his features.Juliet raised an eyebrow but nodded.“Then let’s give her those five minutes.”Louis turned to his group.“We don’t hold back. Use the terrain to your advantage. Stay close, stay alive.”The Arbiter’s voice rang out over the chaos.“Louis! You
Juliet broke the silence first.“The Heart can dismantle the Eternals’ network, but it could kill anyone tied to it? How... how is that even possible?”“It’s connected to their power,” Louis said quietly, his voice heavy.“The Eternals built their influence by linking their lives to this. If we use it, the connection will sever in the most brutal way imaginable.”Pearl, leaning against the cold stone wall for support, frowned.“What does ‘ties to the organization’ even mean? Are we talking about blood relatives? Allies? Everyone who ever worked for them?”Juliet crossed her arms, pacing the room.“If that’s true, it could kill innocent people too. Staff members, people coerced into working for them… Louis, this isn’t just about taking down the Eternals. It’s about deciding who lives and dies.”Louis stared at the orb, his hands trembling slightly as he turned it over.“She knew. My mother knew this was the cost, and she still left it for me to find.”Pearl stepped closer, her voice so
The dust settled as the last guardian crumbled into a heap of stone, leaving only the faint hum of the crystalline orb on the pedestal.Louis wiped sweat from his brow, glancing at Juliet and Pearl.They were battered, but alive—a testament to their determination and teamwork.“I can’t believe we survived that,” Pearl muttered, leaning heavily against the pedestal.“Next time, let’s just deal with regular doors and locks, okay?”Juliet offered a faint smile as she caught her breath.“If only it were that simple. But look—we made it.” She nodded toward the Heart of the Eternals, its glow now calm and inviting, as if it had been waiting for them all along.Louis hesitated, staring at the orb.“This is it. Everything we’ve risked, everything we’ve lost—it all leads here.”“Then let’s not waste any more time,” Pearl said, though her voice betrayed her fatigue.Louis reached out, his hand trembling slightly as his fingers brushed against the surface of the orb.The moment he made contact,
The air in the monastery’s center was different—heavy, charged with an energy that made the hair on the back of Louis’s neck stand on end.Before them, on an ornate pedestal surrounded by intricate carvings, rested the Heart of the Eternals.The crystalline orb glowed faintly, pulsating like a heartbeat, its light casting eerie reflections on the ancient stone walls.“This is it,” Juliet whispered, her voice barely audible.She took a step closer, the journal clutched tightly in her hands.“The Heart of the Eternals.”Pearl leaned against a pillar, her injuries still evident but her determination unshaken.“Doesn’t look too scary. Guess we’ll just grab it and go.”As Louis approached the pedestal, the ground beneath their feet trembled.A low rumble echoed through the chamber, and the carvings on the walls began to glow, their light intensifying with each passing second.Juliet’s eyes widened.“Wait—Louis, stop! The journal mentioned something about a defense mechanism—”Before she co
Taking a deep breath, Louis stepped onto a tile marked with the emblem.The stone beneath his foot clicked into place, and nothing happened."Looks like you’re onto something," Pearl said, watching from behind.Louis moved cautiously, stepping only on tiles with the emblem while guiding Juliet and Pearl.Each step felt like a gamble, but the group made it across the grid without incident."One down," Louis muttered, glancing at the dark hallway ahead."What’s next?"The next chamber was vast, its ceiling high and adorned with a chandelier of rusted chains.At the center stood a pedestal holding a crystal orb, glowing faintly.Surrounding it were three statues, each holding weapons aimed at the pedestal.Juliet frowned."This has ‘trap’ written all over it."Pearl chuckled weakly."No kidding. What’s the journal say?"Juliet skimmed through the pages, her brow furrowed."‘To claim the light, one must extinguish the past.’ What does that mean?"Louis approached the pedestal, his hand ho
The journey began at dawn.The road to the mountains was unforgiving, winding through dense forests and narrow cliffs.Pearl sat in the backseat, her injuries bandaged but her strength still waning. Despite her condition, she refused to be left behind."I can fight," she insisted, though her voice lacked its usual fire."I’m not sitting this out."Louis shot her a warning look."You’re barely able to sit up. You’re staying in the car when we get there."Pearl’s glare was weak but defiant."I’ve come this far. You think I’m going to back out now?"Juliet sighed from the driver’s seat."Both of you, save your energy. We’ll need it when we get there."The mountains loomed ahead, their jagged peaks cutting into the sky like teeth. As they neared the monastery, the air grew colder, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders.When the car finally stopped at the edge of a rocky trail, Louis stepped out, helping Pearl to her feet despite her protests."I’m fine," she mutt
“Get down!” he shouted, pushing Juliet behind him.Pearl immediately moved to the side, pulling out her gun.“We’ve got company,” she said, her voice steady despite the situation.A figure appeared in the doorway, silhouetted by the dim light from the hall.His face was concealed by a black mask, but the cold glint in his eyes was unmistakable—this was no ordinary assassin.Juliet’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized the type of threat.“It’s a hitman,” she whispered, her voice low but urgent.“They’ve found us.”Before anyone could react, the man lunged forward, aiming a silenced pistol at Juliet.Pearl’s reflexes kicked in immediately. She lunged forward, knocking Juliet out of the line of fire just in time.The bullet grazed Pearl’s side as she took the hit, her body twisting with the force.“No!” Juliet cried, scrambling to help her as Pearl staggered back, her hand clutching her wound.“I’m fine,” Pearl gasped, her voice strained as she fired at the assassin, forcing him to r
Louis sat at the table, the remnants of his mother’s journal spread out before him.Pearl stood by the window, eyes scanning the darkened streets below.Juliet paced, her phone pressed to her ear as she spoke in a low, urgent tone."Yes, I know the risks," Juliet said, her voice sharp."I don’t need a reminder. Just get us the safe passage. We can’t afford to wait any longer."She paused, listening intently, her brow furrowing. "Understood. Make sure it’s secure. We’ll be there tomorrow."She hung up and turned to Louis, her face grim. "They’re in position. We leave at dawn."Louis looked up, his jaw clenched. "And the Arbiter?""His men are everywhere." Juliet’s voice was laced with frustration. "He’s turning the city against you. The law enforcement, the media—everyone's bought into his lies. The entire city is a powder keg, and we're the match."Pearl turned away from the window, her expression hardening. "It won’t be easy. You can’t just walk out of here with your head held high.
“What do we do now?” Pearl asked, her voice shaky.“He’s put a bounty on your head. Everyone in the city will be after you.”Louis ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing.“We keep moving. He’s trying to flush us out, force us into making a mistake.”Juliet crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing in thought.“This isn’t just about you. He’s trying to destroy any credibility we have left. If we don’t fight back with the truth, the entire city will turn against us.”“And how do we do that?” Pearl demanded.“He controls the media, the police, probably half the politicians. How do we get anyone to believe us?”Louis paced the room, his hands clenched into fists.“We start by exposing him. The journal has enough dirt to dismantle his empire, but we need a way to get it out without it being intercepted.”“And without getting killed in the process,” Juliet added.“The moment you show your face, every bounty hunter and opportunist will come running.”Louis stopped pacing, his eyes locking o