The event was meant for a qualified group of students from the engineering department, but somehow, an art student managed to pull some strings and was able to squeeze alongside the engineering department. Frederick, seeing Mason's expression, smiled and ran his finger through his hair, allowing the camera's flashes to glitter behind him. He pulled out his iPhone and car keys, then adjusted his sleeve to reveal his Patek wristwatch before stopping in front of Mason, who had his hand folded across his chest.At this point, most students' attention rested on him. “Oh, Mason, I thought you were rich? How can you come to a place like this with a mere taxi? Do you know where this is?” he asked, holding Mason's expressionless gaze, hoping his presence and luxurious lifestyle would intimidate him. Mason scans through Frederick's accessories before resting his gaze on his face. "This is the Williams Mansion; everyone knows where this is," he deadpans, adjusting his gaze to the background wh
Benedict cast a glance at her, then nodded for her to speak. Natalia cleared her throat and stepped forward, glaring at Mason before returning her attention to the instructor. “Concerning the names you're called, I think there was a mistake,” she said, pointing at the list in the instructor's hands.Benedict, with a knitted brow, quickly browsed through her list with confusion, and when she was unable to locate what Natalia was referring to, she adjusted her gaze from Mason to Natalia. “What do you mean by a mistake?” she asked. “Mason William isn't supposed to be on the list of the students getting the tour, please rectify the names before proceeding,” Natalia replied with confidence. Her statement resulted in murmurs roaming through the students, who curiously adjusted their gaze from Natalia to Benedict, caught off guard by her response. ‘Is this girl trying to get me fired!’ She muttered to herself.Mason, on the other hand, adjusted his gaze from the instructor to Natalia witho
With Benedict at the front of the line and Carl at the back, silence followed the group as they made their way to the east wing of the Willimas Museum. Students stare curiously at the men in black uniforms patrolling the premises with military-grade weapons. Just like their build, they all wore an intimidating aura, which made the students think twice and eradicated any thought of ever trespassing or breaking the rules. "Are those guns loaded?" a curious student inquired, his attention fixed on the M4 with one of the men. The girl walking next to him glanced in the direction of her friend before returning to the man, whose facial expression didn't give off a friendly vibe.“We better not find out,” the girl muttered, pulling at the boy's hand to catch up with the line.After a brief moment, they arrived at the building, which towered above their heads, holding the name and symbol of the Williams family. In front of the building were other museum staff who were also waiting for the ar
The presence of Benedict drew authority silencing the murmuring crowd, which adjusted their eyes from Cleopatra to the instructor, who furrowed her brow and said. “I believe we all know why we are here or do I have to give an orientation?” Benedict asked, her gaze specifying Natalia's direction. Natalia, forging innocent, adjusted her eye to her boyfriend who refused to utter any words to back her up. When she noticed Jacob wasn't ready to say anything she turned to the inspector and said. “It wasn't my fault, it was all Mason, why would you call out?” She defended, daggering her eye to Mason who had a grin on his lips.“It is true Instructor Benedict, Mason started the whole thing,” Flora chimed in backing up her best friend. Benedict was irritated by the intervention and turned to Flora “How shameless of you?!” Benedict retorted. “How is it his fault when you keep off someone you don't know?”Flora, hearing her words scoffed, then erupted into laughter. “Of course, we know Mason.
The atmosphere, which was once filled with enthusiasm and adventurous feelings from students, now lingered with silence and secret whispers, showing the groups' fears after discovering the value of most items in the museum. The student, not daring to go close, cautiously stepped away from the paintings and trailed behind their instructors, who led them to other sections of the building. Instructor Benedict noticed the students' suffocating mood, as they were unwilling to ask questions or go near any of the artifacts or displays. She stopped the tour in a section filled with delicate and fragile items, hoping to revive the student's lost eutheism. “I need someone to pick up that item,” she said, pointing to a transparent vase, which was displayed alongside other items. Her eyes scanned through the crowd, keeping a safe distance, and when none of the students were willing to step forward, she added. “There will be a reward at the end of today's event.” The student's eyes immediately
“What if I don't have a girlfriend? Can I still come?” Mason asked calmly. Cleopatra flickered a curious gaze at him, but before she could reply, Benedict's voice interrupted.“Gather around everyone,” she instructed, and the students who were scattered at various corners of the sections quickly clustered together to listen to the announcement. After headcounting everyone, Benedict glanced at her wristwatch before returning to the group. "We are taking a ten-minute break, and then we are going to assemble here for the last round." Please strictly adhere to the rules and regulations, and if you have any questions, please ask now before we go,” she said, and when nobody raised their hand. She nodded. “You can go for your break now.” The group hummed in unison before separating to carry out their various businesses.Mason wanted to approach Cleopatra and continue with their conversation, but the vibrating phone in his pocket caught his attention. Mason didn't want to answer the call in
Mason, wearing a confused expression, glanced from the device on the security man’s hand to his pocket, where the detector was placed. He knew what the red light signified, but he didn't want to believe it. “What do you have there?” The man asked, in a cold tone, just like the expression on his face. Mason, not waiting for the security man to empty his pocket, slid his hand into it and pulled out a diamond earring, sending a series of gasps and whispering throughout the room. Mason raised his gaze to the man. “What the hell is this?!” his voice thundered, showcasing his anger and confusion. The security, not responding, glanced at him with a frown. “What is your name, kid?” The man asked, making Mason furrow his brows at him. ‘Kid!’ Mason scoffed, with a hint the man was among the recruits of security who didn't know he was their boss.“Is this some kind of joke?!” Mason's voice thundered and silenced the whispers that spread through the room."It won't be a joke if you don't start
Instructor Benedict secretly waited for permission to proceed with the investigation. She turned to Mason, who slowly bobbed his head, giving her the go-ahead. Though he already knew who the thief was, he needed to prove his innocence to his colleague and punish the person who was trying to spit on his name by framing him for the crime. Without wasting any more time, Benedict and instructor Carl followed the security officials to the control room, where every activity inside and outside the Williams Private Museum was recorded and stored. Tension filled the atmosphere as silent whispers spread through the students, who constantly snapped their heads in the direction of the door, eagerly waiting for Instructor Benedict and the other staff to return with news to confirm the ongoing rumors. Some students who couldn't wait went as far as to place bets predicting who the thief was, and thanks to Flora's rumor spreading like wildfire, most bets were placed on Mason.“I know Mason to be str
After much contemplation, Helen finally nodded her head. With a nervous expression, she locked hands with Fiona, who guided her toward the rink.“You're going to be fine,” Fiona reassured her. With a pounding heart, Helen's breath came out in quick puffs as she tried to steady herself with each tentative step. “Look at me.” Fiona pulled her gaze away from the ground, and as they locked eyes, Helen, unwilling to let Fiona go, tightened her grip and slowly glided across the room.In a matter of seconds, with Fiona gliding next to Helen, she develops the courage to glide solo, with her movement becoming more precise than before.“Mason, I'm doing it!” Helen exclaimed, her voice echoing across the expansive skating rink. She cast a glance over her shoulder toward her brother, who stood at the rink's edge, waving at her. “That’s my girl! I always knew you could do it,” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride as he watched her glide effortlessly across the surface.After a few rounds
Fiona eyed Mason intently, noticing the determined glint in his eyes that hinted he wasn’t about to back down from the challenge ahead. Predicting the outcome of his decision, she stepped forward with her weight perfectly balanced on the edge of her skating shoe as she blocked his way. With a steady voice, she proposed, "How about I demonstrate the process, just to set a good example?"Helen, hearing the suggestions, didn't waste any time in nodding her head in agreement, and when she didn't hear a response from her brother, she snapped her head in his direction, urging him to let Fiona take the lead. Mason glanced at his concerned sister, with a brief sigh, then nodded his head in agreement. “By all means, lead the way,” he said, allowing Fiona to show him the ropes. “Great,” Fiona nodded at him, doing a routine stretch while her small audience watched as she prepared to showcase her skills. With a deep sigh, she exerted a subtle force, allowing her legs to glide effortlessly in f
With the manager gone, Fiona led the way into the building, assisted by the rhythmic click of her heels echoing against the polished floor. Behind her were Helen and Mason, who pulled his gaze from his watch to stare at Fiona leaning in to whisper something to Helen. she immediately lit up with a radiant smile and nodded enthusiastically, thrilled by whatever secret she had just shared. As they stepped into the expansive skating rink, with the door closing behind them, the familiar lyrics of the music reverberated through the air, creating an infectious energy that contrasted with the chill of the surroundings. Along the spacious bar table was a female staff member, skillfully carrying out her task without glancing in their direction. Mason smiled as he glanced around the environment, recollecting his first time inside the building; the space was filled with both professional and learning skaters who had their hearts in their mouths as they glided across it. Above the ground is a da
The manager, seeing Mason holding out his card, erupted into another round of laughter. He knew an average bank account would struggle to accommodate a single transaction of $100,000, let alone the staggering amount that Mason was now claiming he wished to pay.After laughing to his content, the manager wriggled his brown eyes across the black, and when he finally saw the distinctive inscription etched into the dark material before him, an unexpected wave of emotion surged within him. He felt a lump form in his throat, a mixture of surprise and disbelief, as he turned to Mason.“I…Is that a black card?!” The manager stammered, his mouth watered with confusion, as he fought the overwhelming urge to rub his eyes, hoping to clear the fog of uncertainty and confirm what he was seeing was real.Mason, with whom the question was directed, remained quiet, allowing the sound of reality to sink into the man.“How is that possible? You don't look—” the manager felt another lump automatically su
“Have some faith in your brother, Helen,” Mason said, faking a hurt expression. “I don't need to practice how to skate since I have a natural talent for it,” he grinned, maneuvering their way towards the other side of the park. Unlike the rest area of the park, surrounded by people and chaotic happiness, the building, which Mason assumed was meant for skating, stood empty and silent, prompting him to look up for any sign of life within its uninviting façade.“Are you sure we are in the right place?” Helen asked, her little brows knitting together as she surveyed the scene. "It looks deserted. Why is it so empty?" She asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Mason, who couldn't provide an answer to her question, tilted his head slightly toward the two men positioned near the entrance. The way they stood, broad-shouldered and alert, instantly sparked a sense of recognition. Their postures were rigid, exuding an air of authority, and he quickly deduced that they were not
A flurry of activity outside the windshield suddenly broke the lingering silence inside the car. Helen, who was sitting in the passenger seat, gazed in awe at the vibrant scene through the tinted glass, while her hands rested on the door that separated her from all the fun outside.“It's Aleric Dreamland!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with wonder as they fixated on the towering Ferris wheel that loomed against the vivid sky. From afar, they could hear the sounds of laughter and the screams of riders ascending into the air. “Holy cow!” Helen muttered, Peeling her eyes from the scene, she turned to Mason, who had already predicted her next question. “Are we going to the park? Are we going to ride the Ferris wheel?!” she inquired, her voice bubbling with eagerness, not leaving room for him to answer her first question.Mason let out a small laugh, then nodded his head. “Yes, princess, we are going to the Dreamland, and you can choose whatever activities you want to do today,” he r
As Mason approached the entrance to the fifth-grade iris classroom, two men in black suits, which he recognized as Helen's security guards, were sentinel outside the closed door. When they spotted him and the lady walking next to him, they instantly shifted their attention, performing a precise and synchronized bow that demonstrated both respect and discipline. Mason, without a word, returned their greeting with a firm nod. Ms. Telsa gently place her card on the door, and as the door slide open, the hushed murmurs of the classroom faded, and all eyes turned to the newcomers. A curious blend of surprise and interest filled the room, and the students dressed in their neat uniforms collectively directed their gaze from Ms. Telsa to the man who had interrupted their ongoing class.Mason, who wasn't expecting such a scene, instantly glanced at the watch before he navigated his gaze to the lady standing in front of the classroom.‘Are all the teachers in the school this young?’ He muttere
When she finally noticed Mason's gaze, she instantly let out a forceful smile then glance at her colleague before walking away to greet another parent. “Shall we?” The girl with tinted gray hair asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she nodded toward the entrance of the building. With a subtle yet confident gesture, she stepped forward, and Mason trailing behind her, commanded attention by his presence. They took a turn into the long hallway, and Mason's gaze dropped to her figure. Her long gray hair flowed down her back, catching the soft glow of the lobby lights and adding an ethereal quality to her appearance. The fitted uniform she wore clung to her curves in all the right places, accentuating her silhouette while remaining professional. Mason’s eyes were drawn to the way her tan skin glowed against the crisp fabric of her outfit, making it challenging to pinpoint her racial background. Each step she took made her movements almost dance-like as she navigated throu
“That's alright,” Mason replied with a casual smile, unfazed by the curious glances from those around them. With a fluid motion, he retrieved his phone from his pocket and tapped at the screen, which lit up, and exchanged numbers with them, sealing their brief conversation with a friendly nod. After a few warm goodbyes, he headed toward the administration building where his car was parked. Mason circled out of the parking lot and headed downtown Aleric City, navigating through the familiar streets lined up with shops and cafes, bustling with activities. After a few miles, he finally arrived at Heaven Institution, where Helen attended school.Keeping his promise to pick her up, Mason slowed down and navigated toward the elegant, modern building with its sleek glass facade. In front of the building, staff dressed in sharp formal wear gathered in the late afternoon light, and their polished shoes gleamed as they exchanged polite smiles and warm handshakes with the parents who had come t