"Understandable." Paul let out a small chuckle. "I guard my energy well" He said."So why me?" Rachel asked Paul took a few seconds to answer, stretched out his hand across the table and held Rachel's hand in his as he said, "Cos you resonate perfectly with my energy."***As Paul and Rachel's date continued, Ethan was still in his office, trying to make sense of the day's sad event.Rachel had volunteered to stay back late and help with the mess but he told her to go and have fun on her date. Paul had already told him before hand about it.The office that was once bustling with the day's activities, now sits in an eerie silence, punctuated only by the distant hum of the city below.Moonlight filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a silvery glow over the expansive space. The sleek, modern furniture takes on a ghostly sheen, and the glass walls reflect the scattered papers and clutter that tell the story of a frenetic day. The grand mahogany desk, a symbol of power and
Ethan heaved a sigh as he rested his back on the chair. The memory of Jason coming at him about his secret the previous day came to the forefront of his mind. "Could they be related? The threat and the attack." Ethan wondered in his mind. As Ethan contemplated on what to do next, A subtle transition happened between Ethan the Trillionare and Ethan the Street boy. "If the Houses want to play dirty, then let's play dirty." He concluded in his mind.***Back at the Signature Restaurant, Paul and Rachel's date was still on. "Honestly I think I might have misjudged you the very first day I saw you." Rachel said."Oh really?" Paul asked with a smile. "And what was your initial impression about me?" He asked further."Well I thought you were one of those guys who was too strict and too rigid to have a life outside work." Rachel confessed "No way." Paul said as they both shared a quick laugh."And now?" He asked as the laughter died down."I'm happy to say my initial impression about you w
"You were the one that told me to stay put and not rush things, so as not to give our house a bad name or appear classless. And so I listened, I stayed put." Denera defended."I had to be sure." Jason countered."Well are you sure now?" Denera asked crossing her hands across her chest. Her face was squeezed into a frown"You can't blame me for thinking you were behind the attack, can you?" Jason asked seeing the frown on his sister's face."Yes I can, and I do blame you." Denera said. "Shows how little you think of me." "Since it's not us, and I doubt if your husband has the stomach to go to that extent, that leaves Gerald." Jason analysed."Maybe, I don't know." Denera shrugged her shoulders. "Anyways, since it's not us, it doesn't matter who it is." Jason said as he stood to his feet and walked over to his sister. "Be good." He said as he pecked her head and headed out.As Jason was out of the door, an evil grin came out on Denera's face. She picked up her phone and dialed a numbe
"I know honey, never had a moment's doubt." She said with a smile as she kissed her husband gently on the lips."Let me leave you to get back to work." With that she walked out of the study room, her evil grin back on her face.***In the Anderson Mansion, tucked away behind a wall of glass and steel, lay the gym. A testament to luxury and functionality, the space was a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and refined elegance. Polished marble floors met mirrored walls, creating an illusion of infinite space. State-of-the-art equipment lined one side, each piece meticulously chosen for peak performance and aesthetic appeal.The air was cool and crisp, conditioned to the perfect temperature for a rigorous workout. Soft, ambient lighting bathed the room in a gentle glow, contrasting with the vibrant energy pulsating within. At the center of this opulent arena stood the focal point: a professional-grade boxing ring, its ropes taut and pristine, the canvas beneath a muted shade of b
Reaching into the pocket of his torn jeans, he brought out his phone and dialed a number."Hello who is this?" Ethan's voice came from the other hand of the phone."Hello Ethan, did you miss me?" Jackson asked with a wide grin on his face."You." Ethan said on the phone, his voice filled with anger and disdain."Yes, me." Jackson replied with a smirk."What do you want?" Ethan asked, the quicker he knew why he was calling, the quicker he could end the call."I believe I've made that obvious already, Ethan." Jackson answered, pacing around the walkway."And I already told you that you should forget it." Ethan replied."Let me stop you right there Ethan, It seems you've forgotten that I hold all the cards here." Jackson pointed out.Ethan scoffed over the phone. "You gain nothing if I go down" He said.Jackson knew he was right. His gain laid in Ethan remaining in his position, anything that would make him crumble would be detrimental to his goal."Either you do what I want or I reduce
"Come in." He said, his head bowed on the table in front of him.The door opened and a clicking sounds of a heel was heard."Hello Ethan, it's been a while." A soft female said making Ethan raise up his head swiftly."Denera?" He called out, his face filled with shock."In the flesh." She smiled as she entered the room fully with a confident stride, her presence immediately commanding attention. Dressed in a form-fitting, tailored dress that highlighted her striking features, she was the epitome of elegance and allure. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, locked onto his with a smile that promised more than just pleasantries."I would have called ahead but I was in the neighborhood and decided to branch and say hi." she said, her voice smooth as silk. She walked over to his desk, each step deliberate, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.He rose to greet her, extending a hand. "Of course, always a pleasure. Please, have a seat."She accepted his handshake, lingering ju
A few seconds of silence followed them as they both stared into each other's eyes. Their mouths were not moving but their eyes did the talking."I had an amazing time last night." Rachel said her cheeks getting flustered."I'm glad you did." Paul replied with a wide smile, raising his hand to gently stroke her cheek. "We should do that again soon." He added.As the lovers stared into each other's eyes, completely lost in each other's presence, at a far corner, Mr. McDave stood well hidden as he observed the two lovebirds.***Gerald sat beside Denera in the living room of his mansion. "Where are they? I can't be gone for too long." Denera asked, getting impatient."Relax, they'll soon be here." Gerald assured as he sipped the alcohol that was in the cup placed beside him.The soft ding of the door announced the arrival of his guests. The doors slid open with a hushed whisper, revealing two figures cloaked in shadow. Their faces were obscured by intricate masks, the silver and black
On the screen, frozen in grainy detail, was the incriminating video that had landed in his possession a couple of days ago. It showed Ethan and Jackson—it was the video Alex had recorded.The weight of the evidence pressed down on him, the magnitude of its potential impact clear. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, and leaned forward, replaying the video for what felt like the hundredth time. Every frame reinforced the power he held in his hands, but also the danger.A knock on the door broke his concentration. He quickly minimized the video and composed himself. "Come in," he called, his voice steady.The door opened, revealing his assistant, her expression concerned. "Is everything alright, sir? You’ve been in here for hours."He offered a reassuring smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "Just working through some things. Thanks, but I’m fine."She nodded, hesitating for a moment before closing the door softly behind her. He was alone again, the weight of his thoughts set