2025-03-20 23:46:33
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
From Humiliation to Godhood 20: Echelon [1]
Leon was satisfied to see Jarvis bow to his will. “This is good,” he mused. “Now that you kneel to me, that means I stand above everyone, doesn’t it?” Jarvis hesitated, brow furrowing. “Not exactly,” he admitted. “This city still has its laws. And there are powerful figures, both in the underground and within the system itself.” Leon bobbed his head, understanding him. “Then they should learn who true power belongs to.” His gaze sharpened. “And that’s where you come in. I have a task for you, and you will do it well.” Jarvis sighed, and replied, “What do you need me to do?” “First,” Leon said, glancing around at the watchful guards, “do you have an office? I’d prefer privacy.” Jarvis led Leon to his huge office, and Edward followed, happy to see that he was included in whatever discussion they were about to have. The door closed shut. Then Jarvis said, “I’m all ears now.” “I’d like to stay anonymous,” he made known, taking off his face cap. “Since you serve me now, it’s only r
From Humiliation to Godhood 21: Echelon [2]
Leon cast an indifferent glance at the towering building before turning his sharp gaze back to Diane. “Are you implying that this place is beyond me?” Diane hesitated, clearly trying to avoid sounding rude. “I mean… I can’t afford to eat here, and, no offense, but you don’t really look like someone who can either.” Leon glanced down at his casual shirt and jeans, then let out a low chuckle. “I see. All the more reason for me to walk through those doors.” According to Jarvis, he owned the building and since Jarvis served him now, then Echelon itself would bow to his presence. Diane, however, grew visibly anxious. “Wait, please, we’re just going to get into trouble. I only need to talk to you. We can find somewhere simple to sit and discuss.” She grabbed his wrist and attempted to pull him away. Before she could take another step, a sleek black Accord pulled up in front of them. Diane stopped in her tracks, her grip on Leon’s wrist loosening as she saw the man stepping out of
From Humiliation to Godhood 22: Echelon [3]
Leon and Diane settled into their private booth, and the moment they did, a holographic menu projected upward from the table, displaying an extravagant selection of high-end cuisine.Diane’s eyes widened in disbelief. She blinked, then blinked again, as if her vision was playing tricks on her. Every dish started at thirty thousand dollars and only climbed higher from there.“This… this is robbery,” she whispered under her breath, barely able to process it. Her hands clenched into fists in her lap as she tried to suppress her reaction, but her stiff posture betrayed her discomfort.Her gaze darted toward Julian and Brianna, silently questioning whether they were actually prepared to cover such a ridiculous bill.Meanwhile, Leon? He was unfazed. No, more than that—he was amused. A slow smirk curved his lips as he leaned back, his fingers tapping lazily through the menu as if he were picking from street food vendors rather than dishes worth more than most people’s yearly salary.Diane sw
From Humiliation to Godhood 23: Echelon [4]
“Aren’t you being a little too rude?” Leon asked Brianna. Julian scoffed, his smirk widening. “Rude? What’s so rude about what Brianna said? She only spoke the truth.” He turned to the onlookers, eager to humiliate Leon further. “Everyone, allow me to introduce this man… Leon Ashford. A professional freeloader with an unmatched talent for being a burden to those around him. The audacity of him walking in here, knowing he can’t afford a single thing. Truly remarkable.” The waiter sighed, clearly frustrated as he glanced between them. The commotion was drawing attention, the murmur of the patrons growing louder. Julian smirked, wanting to stir things further. “Tell me, Diane, how did you even meet this guy? What could have possibly led you to associate with someone like him? Look at where it’s gotten you, embarrassed in public, stuck with a man who can’t even pay for his own meal.” He shook his head dramatically. “Even his wife finally came to her senses and dumped him. But he?
From Humiliation to Godhood 24: Echelon [5]
“Kane Valon?” Leon asked over the phone. “I’m Leon Ashford. I’m on the second floor of Echelon, and I expect you here immediately. My patience is wearing thin.” The moment his name was spoken, the tone on the other end shifted entirely. “Leon Ashford? You’re the one Mr. Grave told me about?” Kane’s voice was mixed with urgency and disbelief. “You’ve been here this whole time? I had my men stationed outside waiting for your arrival. I wasn’t informed you had already entered! Are you really inside the Prestige Lounge?” “As I said, I'm losing my patience, so you better start running.” A hint of panic laced Kane Valon’s response: "Just hold on a moment, I'm on my way!" Julian let out a short, mocking laugh, shaking his head. “Leon, you must be truly desperate to resort to this level of bluffing. Do you even understand who Kane Valon is? Everyone here flinches at the sound of his name, and no one dares to act recklessly in front of him, especially given his ties to Jarvis Grave. A
From Humiliation to Godhood 25: Echelon [6]
“Ah… wh… what’s going on here?” Julian chuckled awkwardly and faced Kane. “Mr. Valon, I am Julian Hayes, and my dad is the director of St. Pete’s Hospital. I'm a VIP here at the Prestige Lounge, And that guy…” he jabbed a furious finger at Leon, “… that guy walked in here to eat even though he knew that he couldn't afford it.” Brianna quickly nodded. “Yes. We all know him. He's poor and wretched. He's a loser tainting your grounds with his filthy legs!” “Do yourself a favor and shut your mouth, Brianna,” Diane snapped and turned to confused Kane. “Mr. Valon, they‘re the ones who invited us here. We were about to leave, but they insisted on bringing us inside, promising to treat us.” Kane’s expression darkened, his gaze flicking between the parties before settling once more on Leon. “So, you came in to eat… and they insulted you?” Leon gave a slow nod. “They did. I couldn't even eat in peace.” His voice sounded too casual. Then, his lips curved into something that could almo
From Humiliation to Godhood 26: The Lancasters [1]
It was late when Leon returned to the Hartwell Estate. As usual, Isabella and Miranda were in the living room, as if waiting for him, or perhaps this was simply their routine.The moment he stepped inside, their glares locked onto him, sharp and accusatory. Unbothered, Leon made his way toward the staircase, unwilling to entertain their presence.“And where do you think you're going?” Isabella stopped him, standing on her feet. “You’ve been gone all day, and now you think you can just walk away like nothing is wrong?”Leon turned to look at her, his silver eyes narrowed as if staring through her soul.“Where were you?” she pressed, closing the distance between them. “You better tell me, or else—”“I was out looking for work,” Leon cut in, deciding to indulge her. If he truly wished to leave this house, he could. But not yet.“Work?” Isabella frowned, scrutinizing him. “What kind of work?”“Just work.” He offered no further explanation.Miranda scoffed and stood up as well, rolling her
From Humiliation to Godhood 27: The Lancasters [2]
The next day, a shocking announcement rippled through Brookdale, leaving the entire city in shock.The news was almost too surreal to believe.The broadcast played on every major network, and even the anchor’s voice carried an air of disbelief and intrigue:“An event unlike any in medical history is set to take place in Brookdale, an event being called ‘A New Dawn in Medicine.’ Experts are already calling it the most mysterious medical phenomenon of our time. A man, known only as ‘Azrael,’ has declared that he will perform a healing unlike anything the world has ever seen.”“Details are scarce, but billionaire Jarvis Grave, the most powerful man in Brookdale, has personally backed this event, vouching for its legitimacy. Sources say one person will be chosen, a famous sick or disabled individual, and in front of the world, Azrael will attempt to heal them.”“Who is Azrael? A doctor? A miracle worker? Or something else entirely? No one seems to know, but in just a few days, the world w
Latest Chapter
41: Diane’s birthday [3]
Old Gregory Lancaster approached the heavyset man and took a seat beside him, flashing a pleased smile. “David, let me introduce you to Larry Payson from Vale Group. He oversees the company’s purchasing department.”At the mention of Vale Group, a major corporation in Brookdale and a key business partner of the Lancaster family, Donald and Abigail’s eyes immediately lit up with hope. The success of the Lancaster business largely depended on Larry Payson’s decisions.Donald quickly bowed in greeting. “Mr. Payson, it’s an honor to meet you!”“Likewise.” Larry took a slow puff from his cigar, his eyes locked onto Diane with an unsettling interest.Greg’s tone cooled slightly as he continued, “The progress of our project with Vale Group has been unsatisfactory. Brianna has been managing the deal, which is worth over 60 million. However, according to Mr. Payson, he requires… someone like Diane to take over.”Brianna merely scoffed at the remark. ‘Like hell this is about business. He just h
40: Diane’s Birthday [2]
Diane was momentarily stunned, not expecting Leon to bring her flowers. Moments ago, under the weight of so many judgmental stares, she had been drowning in stress. But now, just seeing him eased the tension in her shoulders, grounding her in a way she couldn’t quite explain.That familiar sense of security wrapped around her again, something she always felt in his presence.With a soft smile, she accepted the bouquet. “I’m glad you’re here.”Leon nodded, but as his gaze shifted, it landed on Isabella, who was staring at him in disbelief.She remembered the flowers he used to give her—small gestures, never a full bouquet. ‘What the hell is going on?’ A restless, uneasy feeling churned inside her.Before the silence could settle, Ethan let out a mocking chuckle.“I knew you’d show up,” he sneered. “Diane, seriously? You actually brought a freeloader to Grandpa’s birthday? As if you and your parents weren’t enough of a burden.”The crowd began to murmur.Murmurs rippled through the crow
39: Diane’s Birthday [1]
It was the day of Diane’s birthday, or rather, Gregory Lancaster’s. Another grand event in less than a week.Although the spectacle at Grand Majestic Hotel was still the talk of the town, it didn’t stop the Lancasters from throwing an extravagant celebration for Old Gregory Lancaster’s birthday.This time, they had chosen Reign Hotel as the venue.Reign Hotel was one of the most luxurious establishments in Brookdale, boasting ten floors, each representing a different level of exclusivity and prestige just like Echelon. The higher the floor, the greater the status, and the steeper the price. Even access to the first floor required a net worth of at least tens of millions.For Gregory Lancaster’s birthday, the event was set on the third floor. While it wasn’t the highest, the Lancasters were still thrilled. For most of them, the second floor had been the farthest they’d ever gone. Even Gregory himself wasn’t qualified to book the third floor—he had only managed it with the backing of a
38: Little experiment
“Her birthday is coming up.”Edward informed Leon about Diane’s upcoming birthday. He had uncovered the detail during his research on her and figured Leon should be aware.Later, as Leon stepped out of the hotel, intending to head home, he halted at the entrance. Just ahead, Diane and Isabella stood face-to-face.“want you to stay away from Leon. He’s mine,” Isabella declared with a serious gaze.Diane felt uncomfortable by her words. “Um… I would, but you’re not married to him anymore, right? So, I don’t see how I’m doing anything wrong here.”Isabella scoffed, her lips curling in disdain. “You? A whore like you? Brianna, your own cousin, told me all about you. Do you really think someone like you has a chance with Leon? Stay away from him.”“Brianna is lying,” Diana shook her head. “Slandering me is her favorite pastime.” She exhaled sharply before continuing, “And for the record, Leon is my friend. You don’t have to be this worked up over it. Besides, aren’t you with Victor Marston
37: A New Dawn in Medicine [6]
“Diane Lancaster?” David blinked, carefully choosing his words. “Ah, yes, but Mr. Valon, I represent the Lancaster family, along with my son, Ethan Lancaster. If this is about business, we’re more than prepared for a discussion.”Kane barely spared him a glance before shaking his head. “She’s not here? Then there’s no need for me to stay.”He turned to leave, but Greg quickly spoke up.“Mr. Valon,” he called, his voice eager. “I heard the Lancaster family has an investment opportunity with Jarvis Grave?”Kane paused, then looked at him with a faint nod. “You’re fortunate. Someone is backing you…”And with that cryptic remark, he walked away, leaving the Lancasters staring after him in confusion.“What the hell does that mean?” David muttered.Brianna scoffed, folding her arms. “Dad, Grandpa, what did I tell you? Diane must have spread her legs for him. Why else would he be looking for her?”Ethan nodded smugly. “She’s such a whore.”Margaret wrinkled her nose. “Disgusting.”Greg, howe
36: A New Dawn in Medicine [5]
Jarvis continued, “Whatever you need, whatever answers you crave, you will have them soon,” he declared. “This is not just medicine. This is beyond medicine. But know this… you can be healed. All of you can be healed.”The room was no longer filled with doubt, but with a frantic need to understand what had just happened.“Even Jarvis Grave is certain about this… then this is real.”The murmurs spread like wildfire.“A miracle? A real miracle?” someone whispered, their voice hushed, almost afraid to believe it.“I don’t understand…” a doctor muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. “This goes against everything we know…. everything!”One of the older surgeons scoffed. “That’s because it’s not science. It’s something else entirely…” He swallowed hard. “And that scares me.”Meanwhile, the journalists were scrambling.“Get a shot of him! Get Azrael before he disappears!”“Mr. Grave, when will he be available for interviews?”“Can we confirm who Azrael really is?”A woman in the audience c
35: A New Dawn in Medicine [4]
Gasps echoed throughout the ballroom as the bright red stain bloomed against Daniel Mercer’s trembling fingers. He stared at his palm in shock, his breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. The entire room seemed to freeze in that instant.A doctor in the front row surged to his feet, pointing accusingly at the stage.“Is that blood?!” he bellowed.The crowd erupted into chaos.“He’s coughing up blood!” a woman shrieked.“Damn it! These oriental doctors!” another doctor snapped, his face red with fury. “I knew this was a sham! He’s just made things worse—he’s going to kill the patient!”More voices joined in.“This is what happens when you let superstition replace real medicine!”“That poor man, someone stop this before it’s too late!”“Jarvis, you brought us here for this?”Camera flashes erupted like wildfire, journalists scrambling to capture every second of what they now assumed was a disaster. Some of the medical professionals rushed toward the stage, prepared to intervene, to expos
34: A New Dawn in Medicine [3]
Isabella looked around, noticing she had drawn attention from the people in the ballroom.She cleared her throat, forcing composure, but as her gaze settled on Leon, her breath hitched. He had never looked like this before. Poised, commanding, effortlessly sophisticated, and handsome.Then her eyes dropped to Diane’s hand in his. A flash of anger surged through her, and without thinking, she struck their hands apart.Diane gasped, and shifted back a little, not wanting to get involved with their dispute.With folded arms, Brianna sneered at the sight.“You…” Isabella turned to Diane with a look of disdain. “What are you doing with him? Don’t you know he’s my—”She stopped mid-sentence as she remembered she wasn't married to him anymore.Her expression faltered, sadness flickering in her eyes as she turned back to Leon. “Why haven’t you been home for days? And why isn’t your phone number going through? Every time I try to call, it says the line doesn’t exist anymore.”Leon regarded her
33: A New Dawn in Medicine [2]
The day before the highly anticipated event, Leon had been at Jarvis’ mansion. He didn't return to the Hartwells, not because he couldn’t, but because he had no desire to deal with Victor.If he saw that man now, he would kill him. And while he had every right to, he didn't want to. Not yet.Standing before the full-length mirror in what he had claimed as his godly chamber, he stared at his reflection with an air of detached amusement.Then he muttered, “Mortals… even without power, they have always been dangerous, anyway.”A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Without waiting for permission, the door creaked open, revealing Jason.“H-Hi, um… my dad asked me to get you,” Jason said hesitantly. “He’s downstairs. Something about the event…”Leon turned toward him, taking a measured step forward. “You seem to be doing better.”Leon nodded, walking toward him. “You seem to be doing better.”Jason smiled, nodding. “Yeah. I feel… great, actually.”Leon said nothing more and left
