The sitting room was enveloped in resounding silence until Daniel broke it with a burst of hearty laughter."I never would have thought I'd see such a thing again." "See what?" Richard inquired."The day a boy would threaten me so casually without knowing who I am. It is quite the novel experience."Richard snorted. "Your first mistake is calling me a boy and I don't care who you are. You can be the leader of the Yakuza for all I care. Harm Anna and I will make you pay.""..." Daniel turned silent, taking the time to meet Richard's piercing gaze.Realizing Richard was indeed serious, he nodded in understanding. "You are a tough man, no wonder my granddaughter takes such a liking to you.""Grandpa!" Anna called out with reddened cheeks."Fine then, I'll do as you've said. No harm shall come to Anna where I am taking her to."Richard didn't immediately reply, instead taking the time to read Daniel before nodding. "Alright then, I'll take your word for it.""Richard…" Anna called out so
"Mr. Smith, are the rumors true that you plan on marrying Ms. Melinda Dawson?" Melinda replied. "I won't say no but for now, let's just say that we are working things out."Amidst a series of gasps from the crowd with some commenting on how good they looked together, a reporter inquired."Mr. Smith, what do you have to say about the auction tonight?""If anything, I hope that the money spent tonight would go to greater causes than filling the pockets of corrupt officials." Richard calmly replied.Just then, Varun stepped up and introduced himself. "Hello, Mr. Smith, I'm Varun Walia.""Nice to meet you," Richard remarked, trying his best to remain civil though he could sense that Varun was there to stir up trouble."I've heard a lot about you." Varun began in a mocking tone. "Mr. Smith must feel like some sort of hero considering how many cases you've been involved in. How about joining law enforcement?... I'm sure it would suit you quite well." And there it was, Richard thought, Var
"How about we start the auction with the deed to the Martinez family manor?... It is currently worth 10 billion dollars so then, do I hear an 11?" The auctioneer began in a spirited fashion.A black screen came up behind him where the values that were placed by the bidders were shown.($11 billion)($12 billion)($13 billion)($20 billion)"20 billion dollars going once, going twice… sold to Mr. Smith!"Claps erupted in the hall at the announcement with a few grumbling at losing out but regardless, the auction pushed on.After that, the shares the Martinez owned in multiple companies were placed up for auction.Once again… "Sold to Mr. Smith!" Then came their company. "Sold to Mr. Smith!"Then, they moved on to the next family properties, and even then. "Sold to Mr. Smith!"By the time they were done with the second family properties, the entire hall was drenched in silence."Did Mr. Smith just purchase the properties of both families?""But that's worth over $195 billion!" "How's
[I agree. It's the best way to go about it so we can at least save some face]"Fine then, but how are we going to split it?"[There are five of us so if we split the remaining three into five equal halves, it should be possible.]"Hah, fine then. I'll meet you all in the hall."Ending the conference call, Tony quickly left the VIP room to return to the auction hall.There was no way he'd be beaten so easily!***"Mr. Walia, you are sure this would work right!?" Jared, one of those that Tony had spoken with, inquired as he glanced at Varun seated away from him in his VIP room.He was the son of a corrupt politician who had collected numerous contracts from the capital to build affordable housing for citizens but instead of doing so, he built subpar houses and kept the rest to himself.In any case, he had sent Jared to help in purchasing the properties in the auction but so far, Jared was unable to get anything.Just as he was getting frustrated, Jared got a visit from Varun who had bee
"The winner of the auction is Mr. Tony Spector. Congratulations to the winner." The hall was instantly engulfed in silence at the strange news announced by the auctioneer.How did Tony win when he hadn't won any of the bids?Wasn't it meant to be Richard Smith?Richard was no less surprised by the announcement considering he'd put in a lot of money.It was easy to guess that there was foul play but for others, no one would say anything after all, the Spector family was where the minister came from and he was a terrifying man that very few dared to go against.Even billionaires had to bow to him because he held their dates in his hands."It would seem despite his extravagant showing from earlier, Richard Smith is still less compared to the minister and his family.""Of course!... What do you expect?... The minister had money, power, and connections. Richard Smith is nothing compared to such a powerful figure. I dare say he would never be able to do anything worthwhile again in this ci
Richard had left the auction hall with Melinda to find the Glass House owner to give him a chance to turn things around. It was unexpected that the man wasn't just insufferable, he was also quite audacious as well.His secretary was just as disrespectful as she regarded Richard like a fool walking around, her demeanor making sure to pass across the message. "Why are you still here?" Sara asked. "Didn't you hear what I said?" Melinda tried to speak but Richard stopped her. "Last chance, Ms. Sara. Get your boss out here now.""Either get out of here or I'll call the guards. Do you think you have any power here?... The minister is backing Mr. Walters. You are nothing compared to the minister. You have a bit of money?... Hmmph, the minister had connections in high places." Even as Sara mocked Richard, Richard didn't get upset, instead regarding her with a calm look that left the former slightly unnerved.Shouldn't he be fuming?... Why was he so calm like everything was under control?
Richard walked to the lobby of Glass House with Melinda in tow, her expression a mess while Richard remained calm.*Damn it, how dare those bastards do this?... Richard, we can't just let them get away with this.""Get away?... You underestimate me, Melinda, I don't plan on leaving here just like that. Tonight, I'll prove to everyone that no one can mess with me and get away with it." As Richard spoke, he pulled out his cell phone and promptly dialed a number."Hello."[Brother, how are you?] James inquired from the other end of the call."Quite annoyed. Some bastards dared to make trouble for me at the Glass House auction. I thought it would be a good chance to flex your military might so I need you to come over here right now."[Brother, it's not like I wouldn't like to come but the Glass House is government property and I can't legally get in without issues arising]"Then if you can't enter legally, enter illegally. You have your means, yes?"[Heh, brother, you are underestimating
"Where is he?" James Gordon inquired as he marched into the Glass House with his men fully armed.He had a cold glint in his eyes as he scanned the area like a hawk.Frank's expression instantly turned white at the sudden entrance while Tony stood as still as a statue.James marched over before coming to stand before Richard. "Brother, I arrived as soon as you called. Tell me, which one of these people do you want me to teach a lesson?"As he spoke, he regarded both Frank and Tony like they were prey ready for slaughter.Richard replied. "Both of them."Frank trembled as Tony's jaw dropped at the realization that he'd messed with the wrong person."Is that so?... Wonderful. By the time I'm done with them, they'd never cause trouble again." James said as he cracked his knuckles, his men already surrounding the area to ensure the culprits didn't escape."Sir please have mercy!...mercy sir!... I had eyes but couldn't see Mount Tai." Frank begged fervently as he dropped to his knees in te