Upon seeing the black SUV overtake him, Austin came to a halt, his gaze stuck on the graceful woman who walked out of the car.
Her long, wavy, ink-black hair fell to her chest. Her red bodycon of luxurious material, revealing her tight curves and snow-white skin.''It's been ages, no?'' She smiled, her red lips curving into a knowing expression at the sight of Austin.However, Austin didn't reply, his eyebrows arching, confused at the sudden turn of events.''How did you locate me?'' Austin asked, removing his helmet.''Of all things to say?'' The woman chuckled, taking calculated steps towards Austin.''Rebecca, I said how did you locate me?''''Okay, okay… you win.'' Rebecca raised her hands, faking a pained look.''Can we at least get into the car? You know…'' She looked into the sky, snickering as she pointed at her skin.Knowing the kind of woman that Rebecca was, Austin could only look in silence before eventually agreeing to her request.''Fine,'' he said, shrugging as he walked towards the car.'Whew… he's still as stubborn as I remember him to be.' Rebecca thought, following Austin in a close quarter.Bam!Rebecca slammed the door, sitting just a few breaths away from Austin who couldn't help but glance across the cat, a bit, trying not to make it too obvious.''It could be all yours, you know that much, right?'' Rebecca said, her tone conveying her seriousness.That quickly brought Austin's attention back to the woman beside him, making him raise his brow.''You still haven't answered my question.'' He pushed.''Well, nothing is that difficult to get, the moment your father picks interest in it.'' She shrugged, as though she was stating the obvious.''So it's him again,'' Austin mumbled, understanding dawning on him.''Austin… I know you probably hate him for what he did, but he actually cares about you, he has always cared about you.'' Rebecca's voice softened, grabbing Austin's hand with concern.However, Austin shifted his gaze away from her, glancing through the window on his right to soften the awkward atmosphere inside the car.Soon enough, the old memories which he thought he had locked out of his life forever began to flood out like a raging tsunami. Evading his thoughts as he fell into a trance.He remembered back then how he lived a life of comfort, alongside his family business that was operating pretty fine.Nevertheless, that changed one day when his father brought a marriage contract before him. Not wanting to marry someone out of his own volition, feeling that he should be left alone to decide as an adult— the sole heir of his father. Austin straight-up turned down his father's offer.Annoyed by his stubbornness, his father did the one thing that led him into this whole mess, kicking him out of the house.Not only was he kicked out of the house, but also stripped of his heir's title, and his father even went further to ensure that he couldn't get any suitable job.''He did all that because of marriage, yet, you dare to say that he cares?'' Austin snapped, taking in a long breath, realizing that he was beginning to lose his cool.''He did Austin, you just need to look past what's happening on the surface,'' Rebecca said, her face locked with mixed emotions.''Is that girl even worth going against your father? Lara or Tara or whatever.'' Rebecca squeezed her nose in utter disgust.''Seriously, Austin, you need to start giving things around you a deeper scrutiny.'' She nagged, adjusting her hair.Rebecca couldn't understand Austin to some extent. This young man left power and riches for a low-class whore. He even worked day and night, giving all the money to his wife, so she could live up to her dream lifestyle.Yet, how did she pay him in return… she dumped him for a richer man, even committing all forms of atrocities before her husband without a tinge of remorse.''Well, I still don't feel remorseful about my past actions.'' Austin bit his lips, his face contorting.''However, I want her to pay… I want her to regret every bit of her actions, she needs to realize that she fucked up with the wrong person.'' Austin clenched his fists, his face reddening with hidden fury.''Hahaha.'' Rebecca couldn't help but burst into laughter, seeing the traces of god-knew-what liquid on Austin's shirt.''Like this?'' She furrowed her eyes, not hiding her mocking gaze.''Sorry darling, but no woman will regret leaving you for a greener pasture, at least not the current you.''Rebecca's statement stung Austin's heart, feeling chills run down his back as the bitter truth slapped him right on the face.He soon buried his head in his lap, shame weighing him down. He didn't even have proper clothing as all the money was given to Lana.''Here.'' As if reading his thoughts, Rebecca handed him a black card.''I-''Austin stopped mid-sentence. He was no stranger to stuff like this, having worked with some billionaire young masters. But he knew he had to pay a price for it. The price he ran away from.''Get some nice clothes with that, and one more thing.'' Rebecca brought out a document.Austin was prepared for this, though. Hence, he didn't freak out.''Sign this, and everything you lost shall be yours again,'' Rebecca said, her voice beaming with confidence.A drowning silence that lasted for several seconds enveloped the two before Austin broke it with one sentence.''Hold on, I'll be back.''The car screeched as the driver pressed the brakes, bringing it to a halt in front of Austin's flat. Well, his former flat.Releasing a long breath, Austin opened the door, but Rebecca's voice stopped him.''Do you want me to come along with you?'' She asked, her soft voice filled with sincere worry.Turning back to meet her gaze, they both exchanged eye contact for a brief second before Austin shook his head.''That won't be necessary,'' he said, slamming the door.Knowing what awaited him inside, he didn't want outsiders to see the kind of humiliation he suffered daily. Most especially the people from his father's den. They wouldn't let him have peace of mind afterwards. And with the new plans in his head, he couldn't allow such embarrassment to repeat itself.Letting out a sigh, Austin shrugged, as he strode into the all-familiar flat. Taking a sharp turn from the courtyard, he walked into the sitting room, but he soon paused in his tracks.There, he saw Alicia, his mother-in-law,
''Phew.''Austin slumped into the car, his eyes looking distant, coupled with his swollen lips, a testament to how much he had bitten his lips.After a brief silence, Rebecca sighed, her eyes not leaving Austin.''How did it go?'' She asked, her eyes furrowed.However, another seconds of weighing silence padded, yet, no response came from Austin.''Those fuckers, what did they do this time around? Do you want me to intervene?''''Just give the permission, I can make those dimwits beg for forgiveness on their knees,'' Rebecca said, her contorted face full of resentment.''I can even-''''It's okay please.'' Austin waved his hands, interrupting Rebecca halfway.''I can't go back to that gloomy house, not now,'' he mumbled, dropping his shoulder.However, different thought processes were coursing through his brain. He might've hidden it from everyone, but deep inside he felt hurt, pained, and betrayed.Although he acted strong before Rebecca, posing as though he wasn't that bothered abo
Austin's eyes lingered in the direction of the familiar figure for a few seconds before shrugging his shoulders, as he followed Rebecca into the room.''You still haven't told me what this whole meeting is all about,'' Austin said, the door closing behind him.''Jeez, you saw those reporters?'' His eyes widened, still marvelled about why a bunch of reporters was flocking them.''You make it seem like something alien.'' Rebecca smiled, throwing a teasing gaze at Austin.''Well, to satisfy your curiosity… this is a family bidding meeting,'' ''A family bidding meeting?''''Yes, renowned, wealthy family come together to do… you know, business shit.'' Rebecca winked.''Oh…'' Austin nodded, a part of him still finding it difficult to connect the dots.However, he didn't have an opportunity to think much about it, as they soon entered the large hall connected to the room.Inside, all eyes turned in their direction, each person sending a warm gesture to the new arrivals.Austin's heart could
Katerina Blake, a relative of Austin, walked down to the scene with poise, her face, forever impassive.Her evening dress clung to her body, revealing her tight curves, and silky skin that bounced back the evening's subtle glow.Upon sighting her, Marcus felt a familiar sensation down his pelvic region, making his face flush. ''What a sweet angel, if I may ask who you are, though?'' He asked, his face softening with a smile.Unfortunately for him, his question fell on deaf ears. Katerina walked past him, not even sparing him a glance.The air around Marcus turned awkward, realizing that a lady had just ignored him, and he couldn't help but grimace. His face wrinkling with displeasure.Lana, on the other hand, also glimpsed at Katerina as she harrumphed, unable to hide her envy, seeing a beautiful lady with a refined composure.''And why did you call this thing a VIP, wait don't tell me he has been going around, posing as a fake, hahaha.'' Lana burst into laughter.''Pardon me, but it
Lana's utterance sounded like a jarring bell in the silent setting, quickly grasping the attention of others. All eyes, falling on her.Katerina paused her speech, her hand still on the mic as she sent Lana a cold look, irritation written all over her face.Yet, she didn't lose her composure or act brashly, considering the important personalities present in the hall.''Who is she?'' a man in a brown suit asked.''I wish I knew.'' The blonde-haired lady sitting beside him shrugged.''Most likely one of these naive heiresses of those tiny families.'' A third company chided in, a man in a black suit, holding a glass of wine.''My thoughts too,'' the first man said. ''This is why I was against the new system, some of those hillbillies think we're equals, leaving their manners unchecked.''”Regardless, messing with Katerina is an unwise decision, even the other powerful families tend to avoid getting in her bad book,'' the lady whispered, glancing left and right before heaving a soft sigh.
''Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr Austin Blake as he comes onto the stage.'' Katerina's sonorous voice rang in the hall, making everyone hold their breath for a second.Clap!Clap!A resounding applause rang from one corner, and it soon spread across the hall, submerging the atmosphere in a standing ovation.The guests cheered, seeing the young man climb the stage, his face not at all aloof.Over to Marcus and Lana's table, their bulging eyes and sagging jaw said everything they were feeling inside.''W-what is going on?'' Lana stammered, her eyes fixed on the young man on the stage.The same could be said for Marcus. He had encountered way too many surprises in his life, but this was off the chart.''What… isn't that your ex-husband?''''I think so.''''You think so?'' Marcus rolled his eyes, his attention still on Austin.''See I'm equally lost here, he's supposed to be homeless by now… or could it be that you worked the way for him?''''Worked the way for him? Damn, do you
''I will-'' Just as Lana opened her mouth to speak, Marcus covered her mouth with his two palms, making her gag. He shot her a cold gaze, his veins bulging with fury. ''You're not fucking qualified to go on that damn stage, you dead brain.'' Marcus blurted out, his voice sounding hoarse, exhausted from all the drama. ''Not only did you not keep shut like I warned, but also picked on that woman again, wait… is your brain leaking?'' He released his hold on her, his eyes glinting with fury. ''Keep your doll in check, or she will face the consequences of her rash behaviour,'' Katerina warned in a cold tone, unfazed by the little scene the duo once again created. Lana, on the other hand, still felt as though she wasn't done speaking her mind. But the fiendish look coming from Marcus made her stop whatever thing she planned to do. Seeing that he had got the situation under control to a certain degree, Marcus heaved a sigh of relief. However, his mind remained unsettled, thrown into t
Lana's eyes twitched as a burning sensation zapped to her head, the after effect of the slap lingering on her face.''And what gave you the audacity to think you can judge him?'' Katerina chided in, finally not buying her shit.''Yes, I'm asking.''''You think those few years of humiliation that you and your entourage called marriage is enough to know the real him?''''For someone who can't even afford the basic needs of life without sucking up to a man, you sure think highly of yourself, huh?''A momentary silence hovered in the air, making everyone hold their breath after Katerina's piercing words.''W-what did you just say?'' Lana's face turned aghast, hearing those venous words Katerina spat on her face.However, she didn't receive any reply from Katerina, if anything… the cold gaze from the elegant, but scary lady made her shrink back in apprehension.''And you.'' Lana shifted her gaze to Marcus, her bloodshot eyes, relaying her resentment.''Is this how you want to keep humiliat