RICHARD'S POV leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight of the room shift as Brenda's eyes met mine. There was a spark there, a glimmer of curiosity and perhaps a bit of skepticism."So, Richard," she began, her tone light but her gaze piercing, "you’re really part of the business consortium?"I leaned forward, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Yes, Brenda. I recently obtained membership."Her eyebrows shot up, and for a moment, she looked genuinely impressed. "Well, color me surprised. I thought they only allowed a select few, the crème de la crème."I chuckled, shaking my head. "You know, it’s not as exclusive as they make it out to be. But yes, they do have their standards."Brenda’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Standards, huh? I was beginning to think they just let in anyone with a decent suit and a charming smile."I laughed, the sound filling the room. "Well, I do have a pretty decent suit. And my smile? It’s legendary."She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her gr
RICHARD'S POV"Brenda, you won't regret this," I said, giving her my best reassuring smile. "The benefits of our partnership are going to be enormous. Just wait and see."Brenda nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I know, Richard. I trust you. I'll contact you soon for more details."I left her office, feeling a mixture of triumph and relief. The deal was sealed, and things were looking up. As I walked out into the bustling street, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a message from Mr. Dennis, the Chairman of the business consortium in District 2, the same man whose daughter I had healed."Richard, there's a private banquet tonight at 7, to celebrate my daughter's recovery. Your presence would mean a lot to us."A banquet, huh? I thought. Sounds like a perfect opportunity to network and celebrate a little victory. Plus, the Chairman's gratitude could be a significant asset in the future.I stared at the screen for a moment, a smile playing on my lips. Dennis
RICHARD'S POV “John,” Mr. Dennis’ voice boomed, cutting through the room like a hot knife through butter. Everyone froze. “Seems you conveniently forgot to mention that Richard saved my Cathy when those high-priced hospital hacks were ready to ship her off to the morgue.” John, momentarily stunned, recovered quickly, plastering on a smile that was as fake as a three-dollar bill. "Ah, yes, Mr. Dennis, my apologies. You see how easily I’m swayed by emotion? But perhaps our esteemed guest, Richard, could enlighten us further. A little demonstration of these… exceptional medical skills, maybe?” He looked at me, his eyes gleaming with a challenge. “I for one would be very interested to witness such talent firsthand. And offer my most sincere praise, of course.”I could practically smell the trap he was setting, but his blatant attempt at sarcasm was almost amusing. He wanted a show, did he? Fine. Two could play at this game. Before I could respond, a groan ripped through the room. A
RICHARD’S POV “Impossible,” John muttered, his voice barely audible above the excited chatter. “Absolutely impossible.”I just smiled. He wanted a show? He got one."So, you thought I was all talk, huh?" I chuckled, watching the defeated look etched on John's face. Sweat beaded on his forehead, probably regretting every word he said just moments ago. He'd been all puffed up, trying to expose me as a fraud in front of Mr. Dennis and everyone else. Now? He looked like a deflated balloon, his face paler than a sheet. A small crowd had started to form, buzzing with whispers about the 'miracle cure' they'd just witnessed. Everyone seemed to have some ailment they wanted addressed. "Look, Richard," Mr. Dennis, ever the composed businessman, raised his voice slightly above the murmurs. "I understand everyone is eager, but we’re in the middle of a banquet.” He paused, his eyes scanning the expectant faces. "Let’s continue this after dinner, shall we?"The crowd, although disappointed,
RICHARD’S POV"So, you're telling me your family is holding off on marrying you off like some prized pony, all for a shot at this consortium?" I asked, stirring the ice in my scotch.Amelia nodded earnestly, her brow furrowed with concern. "It's not exactly like that," she said, a slight blush creeping up her neck. "They just think it would be a good opportunity for the family business." I chuckled. "Right, and I'm sure they wouldn't dream of picking a suitable bachelor with excellent connections if you fail." She shot me a playful glare. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?""A lot," I admitted, taking a sip of my drink. "But hey, maybe I can offer some advice. You never know, I might even have a few connections myself."Amelia's eyes widened. "You're serious? You could actually help?" I leaned back, enjoying her sudden surge of hope. "Well, I am a member of this illustrious Business Consortium you speak of."The look on her face was priceless. Pure, unrefined hock. "You're kidd
RICHARD'S POV My phone rang in my pocket, a familiar vibration that sent a jolt of anxiety through me. It was my father, and judging by the long line of increasingly worked up messages that followed, whatever it was, it couldn't wait."Look," I said, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice (and failing miserably). "I need to pay for that bracelet. Now."She barely glanced up from admiring her reflection in the glass countertop, her perfectly manicured fingers tracing the line of a diamond necklace – one she hadn't paid for, I might add. "Darling, I told you, I’m still deciding. You can wait till I'm done.”The audacity of this woman. This wasn't even a queue; I was trying to buy the damn thing! A low growl built in my chest, but I swallowed it down. There is no time for this nonsense. "With all due respect," I said, my voice tight, "I'm ready to purchase right now. While you’re still… considering.”She finally turned her head, a slow, condescending smile spreading across her
RICHARD'S POVMr Dennis gave me a ride to my father's villa when I finished at the jewelry store. He gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before I hopped out of his car. "Give your father my best, Richard," he said, his face a mask of concern. "I will, sir. Thank you again for the ride," I replied, forcing a smile. I wasn't sure what I'd find inside. The texts from my father had been frantic, filled with words like "chest pain" and "can't breathe."When I went into the house, I felt a strange feeling. The house was not quiet like usual. There was a strange feeling in the air. Jonathan and William, my stepbrothers, were sitting in the living room like vultures waiting to eat something dead."Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence," Jonathan drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He didn't even bother looking up from his phone. William, never one to be outdone, let out a loud snorting sound like a pig struggling for truffles. "Heard you were playing doctor these
RICHARD'S POV The old man's breathing finally calmed, his chest rising and falling in a normal rhythm. I almost smirked. Showman, that's me. “Just stay the night, son. Please?” Dad’s voice was thick with emotion, his hand gripping my shoulder like he was afraid I’d disappear. Honestly, if I had the energy, I might have. “Dad, come on,” I sighed, rubbing a hand down my face. He flinched, that hopeful glint in his eyes dimming a bit. Damn, he was good at the whole wounded puppy act. “I just… I feel like we could talk, you know? Really talk.” Right. Talk. Because that’s what we did in this family – air out our feelings and hug it out. Maybe it was the exhaustion talking. I should have known better than to be surprised. It was always about him, wasn't it? But against my better judgment, I agreed. “Fine,” I muttered, already regretting the word. “But I'm ordering pizza.” The pizza was, thankfully, from a decent place. Dad even sprang for extra pepperoni, my favor