Chapter 6
As Michael closed in on the old man, the commotion around him grew louder. Concerned onlookers began to gather, their faces etched with worry.
"Oh my God, someone's hurt!" Someone shouted.
"Someone needs to call an ambulance!" another voice yelled, desperately seeking assistance.
"Hurry, we need medical help!" someone else cried out their urgency resonating through the air.
People started to panic, their voices mixing with the sound of sirens in the distance.
"They already did!" Two men shouted back, panic in their voice.
The urgency in Michael's stride matched the urgency in the voices around him.
Feeling the weight of the situation, Michael's instincts kicked in. He knelt down beside the old man, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Sir, can you hear me?" Michael asked, gently placing his hand on the man's body.
The old man's eyelids fluttered, and he weakly turned his head towards Michael, struggling to form words.
"I... can't... breathe," he managed to gasp out.
"Sir, stay with me!" Michael urged, panic creeping into his voice.
But the old man became unresponsive, his breathing shallow and irregular.
"I think he needs CPR!" someone in the crowd urgently suggested, their voice filled with concern.
"No, wait! I have a feeling... I think I can help him!" Michael declared, his voice resolute and determined.
The bystanders exchanged worried glances, unsure if Michael's intuition could really make a difference. But they were desperate for any glimmer of hope, so they quieted down, allowing him to take control.
Ignoring their pleas, Michael closed his eyes for a moment, visualizing his actions and silently praying for the old man's healing. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead.
Michael reached out and gently checked his pulse, finding a weak flutter that indicated there was still a fighting chance.
With his heart pounding in his chest, Michael took a steadying breath and placed his hands on the old man's chest, feeling the fragility beneath his fingertips. He applied steady pressure, trying to pump life back into the aged body.
"Come on, sir. Come back to us," Michael whispered fervently, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and desperation. He willed the old man to fight, to find the strength within to return to the land of the living.
As Michael continued to administer compressions, someone in the crowd spoke up, his voice trembling with fear. "Shouldn't you be performing CPR? Isn't that what they teach?"
Michael's focus remained solely on the task at hand, blocking out all distractions. "I know CPR," he responded, his voice steady and confident. "But right now, all I can do is try to will him back, to give him the strength to hold on."
"I won't let you die," Michael declared, determination shining in his eyes.
Ignoring the commotion around them, Michael placed his hands again on the old man's body, searching for any signs of a pulse. He pressed down firmly, hoping to resuscitate the fading life within this stranger.
His movements were rhythmic and deliberate, each compression pushing air through the man's damaged lungs.
"Hang in there, sir," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and hope.
The minutes felt like an eternity as Michael continued his actions, his wishes for the old man's recovery growing stronger with each passing second. He felt his own chest become warm, as if an invisible force was guiding his every move.
The crowd watched in awe and trepidation as Michael tirelessly continued his efforts, his hands never wavering from their position on the old man's chest. Time seemed to stand still as they held their breath, waiting for a sign of life.
And then, just as doubt began to creep into their minds, a faint gasp escaped the old man's lips. Eyes widened with renewed hope, tears of relief streaming down faces.
"He's breathing! He's breathing!" someone exclaimed joyously, the news rippling through the crowd like an electric current.
The old man's eyes fluttered open, confusion etched across his face.
"He's alive!" Michael exclaimed, his voice filled with relief.
Michael's determination had paid off. With a mixture of gratitude and awe, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, their voices rising in praise and thanks for his inexplicable act of healing.
"This is unbelievable! You have a gift, a true gift!"
"How did you do it? It's like something out of a fairytale!"
"You are a miracle worker!"
"This is a miracle right before our eyes!"
“Please, tell us how you did it, we need to know!”
"I have never witnessed anything like this! You are undeniably special!"
"Your selflessness and compassion are truly inspiring!"
"I can't believe we have witnessed such a divine intervention!"
"Thank you, son," the old man rasped, reaching out to grasp Michael's hand.
A wave of gratitude washed over Michael as he smiled down at the man he had saved.
The chaos of the accident scene slowly calmed as the old man regained his consciousness, thanks to Michael's quick thinking and actions. The crowd around them had dispersed, an ambulance on its way. Michael felt a sense of relief wash over him, as he helped the old man back onto his feet.
"People often forget the power of human touch and kindness," Michael said. "You're going to be okay now."
The old man looked at Michael, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Son, you saved my life. I don't have enough ways to thank you," he said, his voice wavering with emotion.
As the old man's breathing slowly returned to normal, Michael wondered if he could do anything more for him. But he didn't expect what the old man said next.
"I know this is the least I could do, but please take this as a token of appreciation," the old man said, as he pulled out a checkbook from his coat pocket. "It's not every day that you find someone as compassionate and selfless as you."
Michael was taken aback, feeling uncomfortable with the offer. "I appreciate the gesture, sir, but I didn't do this for any reward," he said, politely.
"I understand that," the old man said. "But this is just my way of thanking you for saving my life. You can do whatever you want with the money."
Michael shook his head, feeling grateful but hesitant. "I can't accept this, sir. I just did what I thought was right."
The old man persisted, trying to convince Michael. "Please, take it. It's the least I can do. You can use it to pursue your dreams or help out someone in need."
Michael felt his resolve weaken as the amount on the check became visible, $500000. It was an enormous sum, one that could change his life drastically.
But he knew deep down that accepting the money would go against his principles. He finally spoke up, his tone firm.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but I can't accept this. I don't want to put a price on someone's life," he said, handing the check back to the old man
The old man looked at Michael, nodding in recognition. "I understand," he said, handing the check back. "But please, let me know if there's anything I can do for you in the future."
Michael smiled, feeling content with his decision. "Thank you, sir. I'm just glad that you're okay now."
As he walked away, Michael felt a sense of pride in his actions. He knew that he had made a difference in someone's life, even in a small way.
But little did he know that his actions had caught the attention of someone powerful.
Unbeknownst to Michael, the old man's face transformed as soon as he turned away. His disguised countenance faded, revealing the true identity of a powerful figure.
As the man watched Michael walk away, he couldn't believe his eyes.
Astonished, he directed his gaze towards the security guard nearby, all too eager for answers.
"Find out everything there is to know about that man," he commanded the guard, an undercurrent of disbelief present in his voice. "I need to know more about him."
Douglas looked at his employer, an air of confusion on his face. "But sir, what about the meeting you have to attend?"
The man shrugged, a playful gleam in his eye. "I think I have some time to spare. After all, I have a young man to investigate."
Chapter 7:Meanwhile, Michael's younger sister, Emily, decided to pay him a surprise visit at his workplace. She walked into the office, looking around for her brother. Finally, she spotted a familiar face behind the reception desk."Excuse me," Emily approached the receptionist. "Is Michael here? I'd like to see him."The receptionist, Megan, hesitated for a moment before forcing a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I have some unfortunate news. Michael is no longer with the company. He was actually let go a few hours ago for theft."Emily's heart sunk, shock and concern evident on her face. "What? I had no idea. Are you sure? Is there any way I can reach him?"Megan nodded compassionately. "I'm afraid so , he stole confidential documents and the gold bond of the son of the CEO of the company. I'm really sorry to be the one to tell you. I'm not sure about his exact whereabouts, but you could try reaching him on his cell phone."Feeling a mix of disappointment and worry, Emily thanked
Chapter 8:After Ryan hung up , John turned back to Emily. "The boss will see you in his office. It seems he was intrigued by your determination." He said with a playful smile . Emily asked nervously," what is he like? Will he help my brother?"" You'll find out soon enough. Just follow me." John said leading her .The men escorted Emily to Ryan's office, their lecherous laughter echoing down the hallway, their hands already reaching out to touch her. But she quickly stepped back, giving them a defiant stare. "Don't even think about it," she warned.The guards chuckled amongst themselves, teasingly calling her a tigress before walking away. She let out a sigh of relief and composed herself before approaching Ryan's office.Taking a moment to steady herself, she raised her hand and knocked on the heavy wooden door.Ryan, who had been expecting her, calmly adjusted himself in his chair, preparing for her entrance. "Come in," he commanded coolly, his voice filled with authority.Turning
Chapter 9:Michael rushed to his former company, Goldrex Corporation. He hailed a taxi, but unfortunately, there was a terrible traffic jam that delayed his arrival. After a long 30-minute journey, he finally reached the gates of "Goldrex Corporation."Anxious and worried, Michael hastily entered the building in search of his sister, Emily. She had mentioned earlier that she would be leaving the company. As he looked around, he couldn't find her anywhere. Frustrated, he took out his phone from his pocket and dialed her number, hoping for some reassurance.But to his dismay, Emily did not answer the call. Michael's fear intensified, and he began to panic. Unsure of what to do next, he walked towards the reception desk where Megan, the receptionist, was stationed. Megan was known to be at least nice and polite to Michael, even during his time of employment.At the reception desk, Michael asked Megan, the receptionist, "Have you seen my sister? She said she was here."Megan looked up fro
Chapter 10:Michael could feel the anger boiling inside him as he watched Ryan step closer to his sister. He needed a plan, and fast. "Ryan, what the hell are you doing? Leave my sister alone!" Michael yelled, his voice sounding shaky as he tried to control his anger.Ryan turned his head towards Michael, his sickly smile becoming even wider. "Oh, the big brother is going to try and stop me now, huh? Not even your courage will be able to save your sister from me," Ryan taunted. Emily was now in full panic as Ryan began to undo her blouse."No! Leave her alone! You sick bastard!" Michael roared, clearly unable to hold back his anger any longer. He took one step closer to Ryan, his fists clenched at his sides.Ryan's expression turned to one of amusement, his hand now resting on Emily's exposed shoulder. "I'll tell you what, Michael, we'll make this a little more interesting. If you can stop me from undressing her before the guards aim you, I'll let you both go free."Michael hesitated
Chapter 11:Shocked by the swift action taken by the CEO, Michael felt a mix of curiosity and anxiety. To his surprise, the CEO broke the silence by gesturing for Michael to follow him. "Come with me, sir," he invited, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.Feeling a knot in his stomach, Michael hesitantly followed the CEO through the bustling office. They left behind the sea of cubicles and entered into a secluded corridor where the CEO led him to a lavish room tucked away from the chaos.The room exuded an air of luxury, with ornate decorations and elegant furnishings that spoke of the CEO's opulence. Michael's confusion deepened as he struggled to connect the dots between the manager's behavior, the CEO's apology, and now, this lavish room.With a soft sigh, the CEO turned towards Michael, still maintaining a serious demeanor. "Please have a seat. I understand that this situation has left you bewildered." He motioned towards a plush leather chair, inviting Michael to settle in.A
Chapter 12:*Goldrex Corporation* *Ryan's office*Ryan sat in his office, his feet propped up on the table, idly sipping whiskey. Enjoying the peace and quiet, he reveled in the solitude it provided. However, his tranquility was soon interrupted by the sound of a TV newscaster's voice.TV Newscaster: Breaking news! In a miraculous turn of events, an unidentified billionaire man was rescued by a young man.Intrigued, Ryan turned up the volume, wondering who this guy was and how he had managed to save a billionaire.TV Newscaster: Eyewitnesses are claiming that it was nothing short of a miracle. And get this, rumor has it that the old man even rewarded the young man with a whopping one million dollars!While the reporter was talking, Michael's photo appeared on the left of the screen. Ryan was shocked.His face twisted with anger as he processed the shock of the news he had just seen, he couldn't comprehend how michael had achieved such a feat. The emotions surged through him
Chapter 13:As the laughter continued to fill the store, Michael's determination grew stronger. He knew his card had money on it, and he was not about to let their insults go unanswered. "Excuse me, but I think there might be a mistake," Michael said, his voice steady and determined. "I have more than enough funds on this card to pay for the necklace."The salespeople scoffed. "Oh, really? And where exactly did you get all this money from, sir?" the counter retorted sarcastically.Michael remained calm, knowing that he had the power to prove them wrong. "That's none of your concern," he said firmly. "I assure you, the money is there. Please check again."The counter reluctantly took the card and swiped it once more. To everyone's astonishment, the machine made a different sound this time – a sound that signified a successful transaction.The laughter died down as the counter's face turned white with shock. "I...I don't understand. It went through," he stammered, glancing at the scree
Chapter 14:Michael immediately backed up his sister, and they dodged the car in time, causing it to come to a screeching halt. As the car parked, Michael's heart sank when he recognized the driver. It was Ryan, his worst enemy. Ryan emerged from the vehicle, his gaze filled with disdain as he looked at Michael and Emily. "Well, well, well, who do I see here? The imbecile and his prostitute sister," Ryan sneered.Michael felt a surge of anger boiling up inside him, but Emily grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down. "Easy, Michael. He's not worth it," she whispered urgently.Struggling to control his fury, Michael took a deep breath and demanded, "Repeat that, Ryan. I dare you."Ryan smirked and repeated his insult, relishing in Michael's reaction. Fuelled by rage, Michael lunged towards Ryan, ready to defend his honor. But before he could reach him, Emily hastily intervened, grabbing his arm even tighter. "Michael, don't! It's not worth it," she urged, her voice filled with concern.
~ 6 months later, ~It had been 6 months since Edward's return, and Michael was filled with joy. Life seemed perfect - his father was healthy, the company thriving, and his love for Olivia deeper than ever. Tonight, he planned to take their relationship to the next level. After work, Michael drove them to their favorite spot overlooking the city. A picnic dinner was laid out as the sun set over the horizon, bathing them in a glow of warmth.Michael gazed deeply into Olivia's eyes. "Liv, I still remember the first time I saw you, a year ago at that coffee shop. You were yelling so ferociously on the phone, and even though you pushed me away at first, something about your spirit drew me in."Olivia gave a watery laugh. "I was always feisty, even then. But you wore me down with that handsome smile of yours," she teased. "When you told me what Maxwell was doing, threatening and blackmailing you, I felt such rage," Michael continued, his eyes darkening briefly
The next day, Michael, now fully aware of his responsibilities, took center stage at the press conference. Reporters gathered, cameras flashing, as he faced the daunting task of addressing not only his father's disappearance but also his unexpected inheritance of the conglomerate.Michael began, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. As many of you are aware, my father, Edward Ventura, has been missing for the past three days. It is a challenging time for our family, and we appreciate your support during this difficult period."Questions flew from the reporters, probing into the circumstances and expressing condolences. Michael, composed yet vulnerable, answered with sincerity. He continued, "In light of my father's absence, I have assumed the interim leadership of the Ventura conglomerate. It's a role I never anticipated, but I am committed to upholding my father's legacy and guiding the company through these uncertain times."A murmur of surprise rippled through the
182"Douglas, there has to be hope. We can't give up on him," Michael pleaded desperately. The thought of his father's life hanging by a thread was unbearable.Douglas, placed a comforting hand on Michael's shoulder. "I understand your feelings, but false hopes can be more devastating. We need to prepare for the worst," he replied, his voice tinged with sorrow. "And his disappearance is not good for the conglomerate," Douglas continued, his tone becoming more serious. Michael looked up, his eyes filled with concern. "What does his disappearance mean for the conglomerate?" he asked, resigned to the fact that the situation had larger implications.Douglas hesitated momentarily before responding, his words carefully chosen. "Your father has already signed his will, Michael. If anything happens to him, he has designated you to take full control," he revealed, his voice steady but filled with a weighty sense of responsibility.Michael's shock was palpable. "What? I'm not ready for that. I
181Lea stepped forward, grinning. "Well, your dad here orchestrated a little surprise for you."Edward chuckled. "I couldn't let you go through all that without something to lift your spirits."Emily could hardly believe her eyes. After everything that had happened, seeing her father and Lea Boutin standing there seemed too good to be true. "Is it really true?" She pinched herself and felt the pain, so it was true.Her father beckoned to her with a smile. "Come now darling, don't stand in the doorway. Let us in, you must be exhausted."Emily slowly stepped aside numbly as they entered. Lea presented the bouquet with a gentle grin. "These are for you Emily, to lift your spirits as your father said."Still in shock, Emily turned to her father. "Dad...is this real? Or am I dreaming?" He patted her arm reassuringly. "It's no dream sweetheart. I promised you something to cheer you up, and I meant it."Lea nodded. "It's truly me, Emily. Not the fraud who deceived you before. When your fa
180"What incompetence is this?" Ryan exclaimed incredulously. "Ouuuuuuch!" The thug groaned in pain, writhing on the floor, and Ryan's expression turned from shock to fury.Seething with anger, he barked orders, "You imbecile! Get up and finish the job!"The thug continued writhing on the floor, screaming in agony as the poison started to take effect. "The syringe...it broke the skin...I can feel it burning!" "Get up you fool!" Ryan screamed, his face red with rage. But the man was incapacitated, gripped by the searing pain shooting through his veins. Ryan scoffed in frustration and snatched the fallen syringe. "It seems I'll have to take matters into my own hands." He swung his gaze to Emily, eyes glinting manically."No!" Michael shouted, straining against his bonds. "I warned you Ryan, you're in over your head!" But Ryan ignored him, advancing on Emily with the syringe. She sobbed in terror, shrinking back against the wall. "Please, don't do this!""Emily!" Michael cried despe
179Ryan sauntered into the room, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, well, Michael Ventura, fancy meeting you here. What brings you to our little hideout?" A sardonic grin etching his features. Michael, his eyes narrowing at the sight of his adversary, spat out the words, "Ryan. Should've known you'd be slithering behind all this."He leaned against the cold, concrete wall, his arms folded in mock admiration. "Surprised, Mikey? I've been watching you play hero on the six o'clock news. Quite the spectacle you made, snagging those two-bit kidnappers," he said disdainfully, "It was almost as enjoyable as the time I sent those three goons to rough you up but you beat them up. Quite impressive of you ."Michael's jaw clenched, his anger barely contained. "Why am I not surprised? You always were a coward, hiding behind others to do your dirty work."Ryan chuckled darkly, circling Michael like a predator. "Oh, Michael, always so direct. Coward or not, Mikey, I always find a way to get what I
178The disguised voice continued, "We're watching you, Mr. Ventura. You have five minutes to find a safe, isolated location. We'll call you back. Don't test our patience."Michael, feeling the weight of the situation, disconnected the call. He looked at Olivia, his face tense."What was that, Michael? Who was on the phone?" Olivia asked, concern etched on her face.Michael hesitated for a moment, then lied, "It's the police. They've got a new lead, and I need to go meet them. I can't take you with me right now."Olivia, puzzled, insisted, "But Michael, we're in this together. Let me come with you. We can face whatever it is as a team."Michael, wanting to protect her, shook his head. "No, Olivia. This is police business. I'll update you as soon as I can. Just trust me on this."Olivia, sensing something amiss, pressed further, "Michael, you're hiding something. I can feel it. Is there something you're not telling me?"Michael, his tone firm, replied, "Olivia, this is not the time. I
177The store employees were in a state of panic, the air thick with confusion and fear following Emily's abrupt abduction. Lily, Emily's trusted assistant, was the first to recover her wits and dial the police, her hands trembling as she held the phone."911, what's your emergency?" the dispatcher's voice crackled over the line.Lily stammered, choking back tears, "It's... it's an abduction. My boss, Emily Ventura, she’s just been taken in broad daylight outside our store!"The dispatcher's tone sharpened with urgency. "Can you describe the vehicle or the abductors?""It was a black van, no license plates visible. The men... they wore masks. We have surveillance cameras! You might get something from them," Lily relayed, struggling to stay composed."Officers are on the way. Keep the line open and do not touch anything. We need all potential evidence intact," the dispatcher instructed.As the police sirens approached, Lily called Michael, her voice a mix of fear and urgency."Mr. Vent
176Emily eagerly called Olivia to share a stunning revelation."Olivia, you won't believe what just happened! Remember that person I mentioned?"Olivia, intrigued, responded, "Oh, yeah! Congratulations on whatever it is! What is the name ?""It's Lea Boutin! Can you believe it? Things are finally happening!" Emily exclaimed.Olivia's voice crackled with surprise, "Lea Boutin? Are you serious?""Yes, deadly serious," Emily exclaimed.But Olivia, with a hint of skepticism, mentioned, "Lea Boutin? I thought she was abroad for a fashion show."Dismissing Olivia's doubt, Emily insisted, "No way! I saw her, we even had a conversation today. It's definitely her, same voice and everything."A note of concern crept into Olivia's voice, "Are you sure? Lea's supposed to be out of the country."Frustration creeping into her voice, Emily insisted, "I saw her, Olivia. We talked. It was Lea, no doubt. Same voice, same presence."A note of doubt lingered in Olivia's response, "Em, I'm certain Lea is