''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 about the entire situation, in the depth of his mind, he wanted to give the biggest payback possible.'You all think you're mighty and powerful, huh?' He thought inwardly.'Fine, I'll show you what real oppression and humiliation look like, you all just wait.' Austin smirked, keeping his thoughts to himself.Still not receiving any response from him, Rebecca threw him a side glance before motioning for the driver to start the car.After a while, they came to a stop in front of a palatial building, guarded by hefty men in black.Austin took a glance at the flat, the picturesque entering his view. Height that tore through the sky, black gate that stood proud, ready to defend any incoming threat.Tall, beautiful, lush flowers twirled around the fence, adding to the beauty of the flat, making it seem as though an otherworldly painter splashed his beautiful ink into reality.''You can stay here for the moment until we sort everything out… legally, you know,'' Rebecca said, her eyes on Austin who remained unmoving.'This district…' Austin wondered, still absorbed in the exotic view before him.Being a delivery man for a while now, he knew this district like the back of his hand. Only the cream of the crop could afford even the smallest flat here.''Is everything okay?'' Rebecca asked, having not received any response from Austin.''Or you don't like it? This is the smallest flat in your family's possession, just give me a while, and I'll personally move you to a better one,'' Rebecca explained, misunderstanding Austin's weird reaction.''Huh?''Austin's mind broke into fragmented thoughts, wondering if he heard Rebecca clearly.He knew his family's business was flourishing pretty well back then. However, he never expected it to have reached such a terrifying level.So great that one of the best flats in this elite district was deemed as a leftover property.Regaining his composure, Austin nodded, collecting the keys from Rebecca, who kept glancing at him with a doubtful look.'Not that I have anywhere to go anyway.' Austin said inwardly, a smirk etched on his face, shielded away from Rebecca.With the company of Rebecca, Austin walked into the palatial building, his mind still telling him that he was in a dream, and the earlier he woke up, the better.However, this dream seemed to be one that came to stay, lasting forever.As they entered the room, Austin couldn't help but whistle in amazement. From the matte, grey wall, to the family-size bed, down to the ethereal floor-to-ceiling windows— everything appeared to be in sync.'If this is really a dream, then I don't want to ever wake up from such sleep that gave me this bliss.' Austin thought, still not believing that a day would come when he would be sleeping in such a king-class room.Glancing at the inheritance document in his hand, handed over to him by Rebecca, Austin didn't realize it, but a growling confidence had started brewing in his mind***Yawning and stretching his arms, Austin switched on the light, realizing that it was already the next day.Having a quick look at the room, a thin smile crept on his face, his mind feeling soothed.'It's not a dream… I'm not dreaming, Austin this is damn real.' He covered his mouth in excitement, his eyes twinkling with intense feelings.Ding!The dumbbell rang once more, making Austin jump to his feet. He had forgotten what woke him up in the first place before he got lost in his own world.Opening the door, Austin saw Rebecca's graceful figure who met him with a soft smile.''Good morning.'' She greeted, offering a handshake.''Morning.'' Austin received the warm handshake with a nod.''I hope the bed didn't feel too closed up?'' Rebecca smirked with a knowing look.Upon hearing her, Austin couldn't help but blush, shaking his head with a wide grin.''We've got a place to go in the next fifteen minutes, I hope you'll be ready by then.'' Rebecca handed him a piece of black suit, excusing herself from the room before Austin could utter a word.Seeing her leave, he dashed into the bathroom, as he freshened up in the shortest time possible, adorning himself in the suit.Exactly fifteen minutes later, Austin stepped out, bumping into Rebecca who froze for a moment, before recollecting herself.''Stunning is an understatement I must say.'' She laughed.___''You didn't tell me it's going to be this rowdy,'' Austin gulped as reporters flooded them immediately after he left the car.However, the security guards got them covered, as they soon paved a path for them.Following Rebecca at close quarters, they soon reached the door. Just as they were about to enter, though, Austin's eyes caught a familiar person, making him pause in his tracks.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
After a few hours had passed, the gatherings of the elite finally neared its end.The important personalities bade one another farewell, some drowning in business discussion, while others simply talked about the current trends in the world.Austin and Katerina had extricated themselves from the spotlight, leaving everything for Rebecca to handle.Although Katerina hosted the gathering, everyone still gave her face. Although some still tried their luck to rope in the new, ambitious young man, beaming with valour.Inside a private office, Austin and Katerina sat opposite each other. The subtle golden glow from the chandeliers, basking their faces in a beautiful allure.''So, when can I see my father?'' Austin asked, his eyes filled with a myriad of emotions.Upon hearing his question, Katerina Blake mustered a smile, letting out a soft sigh.''Very soon.''''He's in a business meeting abroad, and it may take a while before his arrival. However, I'm sure he wouldn't take that long,'' she
''Who are you?'' Austin jumped, straining his eyes in cold fright.His gaze stuck to the curtain, wondering if he had started hallucinating again or perhaps the dream had weighed on his mind, more than he thought.However, this place felt too real for it not to be real. Right behind the curtain, he could make out the silhouette of a human figure.Yet… there was no response.The silhouette only stood there like a statue, casting a shadow against the silky curtain fabric.''I said who are you?'' Austin yelled, his voice beginning to sound distorted from terror.As he yelled, he also tried to crawl back to create distance between himself and the enigmatic figure, but the primal fear that weighed on him strapped him down to the same place.''I-if you don't reveal yourself, I'll-''''You'll call the security guards.'' A hoarse voice rang from behind the curtains, its lingering echoes, permeating the room like a menacing spirit.''An impulsive choice, not so intelligent, but perhaps that'