'Huh?' Antonio paused in his tracks, turning his head back to the source of the voice.At first, he thought the annoying lady from the other section had caught up to him to throw her nuisance at him once again. However, the sight that unfolded before him revealed a lady in a tight white shirt, a short, black skirt, and a leather overcoat.If Antonio's memory didn't fail him, he knew this outfit belonged to the workers here. The sales receptionist, to be specific.''Sorry?'' He tilted his head, his brows arching.The tall, slim lady with brown hair tied into a bun, snarled, clasping her hands on her chest.''A complaint was made from our premium customers that you were being rude and uncultured.'' The lady uttered, her tone, curt.''It was just a misunderstanding, so if you'll please excuse me… Rebecca.'' Antonio squinted his eyes, trailing off momentarily as he read the name clipped to her shirt.Rebecca's frown deepened, as she washed Antonio from head to toe with her brown eyes.Bei
''And I was telling him to leave when you came in,'' Rebecca explained, seeing her boss's gaze travelled towards Antonio's direction.She had spent the last few minutes briefing the manager about the whole situation, and just as she expected, she could see a heavy frown on the manager's face.Chico, the manager, walked forward, his sleek back, black hair and angular jaws, giving him a sharp, and intimidating demeanour. His black suit screamed money, and his matte, brown, leather boots struck the floor with firm, precise steps.''Excuse me, young man, maybe Rebecca hasn't made it clear enough, but this place isn't somewhere any random person can enter.'' Chico's deep and mature voice that brimmed with authority echoed in Antonio's head, making him turn just as he was about to pick a shirt.''You're making other customers uncomfortable with your unbridled presence, so if you'll please honour yourself and leave,'' Chico muttered, his nose bridge tilting upwards as he tried to hide his di
''From now on, you're on our blacklist.'' Antonio uttered, his face relaxed, as though all that just happened was of no significance.Romeo knitted his eyes as he exchanged eye contact with Ellie. Her face darkened, her heart sinking with embarrassment.She came here today to be pampered by her baby, but it happened that even her said baby couldn't save her from getting her ass whooped.Biting her lips to suppress her exasperation, she harrumphed, pouted then snarled at Antonio before stomping out of the store.''Ah…'' Romeo opened his arms wide, perplexed on what to say, but he eventually chose to go after Ellie.'A retard and a simp, tell me a worse combo,' Antonio murmured.''Sir, we can settle this amicably, you can't just fire me.'' Chico pleaded, his voice a shadow of itself.''Oh, I'm now a sir?'' Antonio giggled, staring at Chico, who gazed at him, dumbfounded.''You didn't remember that we were supposed to settle this amicably when you were acting all bossy and all, huh?''
The pristine wall of the VIP ward stretched far and wide, and the facilities here were something that couldn't be found in the regular wards. Each patient had a general care nurse and special nurses who attended to the patient throughout the day.Antonio sat beside Michele's bed, his eyes looking solemn and damp, as he counted every shallow breath that his brother made.''Next two weeks is your birthday, little one,'' Antonio murmured, his hands locked in Michele's right hand.Michele's skin looked pale, a testament to his harrowing condition, and his palm felt cold in Antonio's grip.''You know, just like we always did, celebrate your birthday on Christmas Eve, go hiking, enjoy all those sumptuous meals…''A frail smile that carried gloom rather than happiness mustered on Antonio's face, as felt a stabbing pain in his chest.''You still love the taste of my burritos, right? Because Big Brother is the best burrito maker, huh?'' Antonio giggled, his eyes not letting go of the unconscio
Antonio zoomed across the secluded road of Eastern Southville City, his eyes dancing across the roadsides, enjoying the picturesque view, the small hills covered in snow, woods, stretching far in the distance, and icy vistas.He was headed to La Roche Manor Estate, which was NO789, Royal height district. The district enjoyed tranquillity and a serene environment, far away from the boisterous Urban Way, and other prominent cities that bustled with life.Living in this city itself screamed status and luxury, as it accommodated the elites and their ostentatious assets.Next to the Royal Height district was the Presidential district, where the presidential villa, Black Cliff, was located.These two districts stood as the only place where no gangs or Mafia organizations could settle. The security level here was astonishing, and unless push came to shove necessary, even the dynasties would not like to meddle in the affairs of these two places.As Antonio neared his destination, he slowed do
''Ahem.'' Caleb coughed, attracting the attention of others, as he mustered a wry smile to ease the tension. He gave both Antonio and Lukas a knowing look and nodded his head.''I welcome you all, ladies and gentlemen, to my little abode.'' Caleb's low-pitched voice resounded across the room, grabbing the hearts of everyone present.'Little abode, huh?' The guests laughed inwardly, astonished by Caleb's humble demeanour, even though they all knew it was nothing but a façade.Contrary to his minimalist aura, Caleb did have a stupefying identity as the son-in-law to the president of the States. But that was the less awe striking identity that he pronounced to the outside world. Those who knew him knew his other identity that left others not to trespass their boundaries. Even the current Antonio would have to give him the basic courtesy, as the tradition demanded.''So I believe we're all familiar with each other except for some new faces.'' Caleb smiled, gaining others' approval.''To t
''45 per cent shares with 3.5 per cent equity from the space business, at 25 per cent increase in the stock exchange rate, open for a single investor.'' Enrico's eyes moved across the room, meeting different gazes.Hearing this made others frown, Enrico had pointed out that he would only be selling his shares to one investor, meaning that the person with the highest bid, and most favourable terms would get the investment. All of them appeared calm, sipping the contents from their wine cups, their eyes observing the countenance and body language of others.Jasmine appeared to be the most restless, owing to the fact that she couldn't compare with these innate tycoons. However, Antonio was rather surprised by her shrewdness.'Trying to look stupid in front of others to gain the most benefits? Tsk, not as foolish as I thought.' Antonio laughed inwardly.Among everyone present here, he knew Jasmine the best. Even though she stabbed him from the back when he least expected it, they had bee
''50% of the shares, for 62 billion dollars, and 8% equity from the space investment… likewise, a tacit full protection, and corporation without meddling with your personal affairs.'' Antonio's words cut through everyone's mind like a hot blade.Lily couldn't help but shudder, hearing his bold declaration. She subtly glanced at him, wondering what had changed in the young man she used to know.Offering full protection, right when Caleb had just made his standing clear, wasn't a simple situation.'Did he just shut Caleb back?' Lukas's heart stirred.The others in the hall paused whatever they were doing, some still having their wine cups hanging in their hands, as they all shifted their attention to Antonio, each eye bearing mixed emotions.''Full protection?'' Enrico questioned, his eyes narrowing in doubt.Even though Antonio had gone for a higher percentage of shares and equity, the offers in return were just too alluring, so attractive that the businessman in Enrico couldn't help b