"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
The Minister of Intercity was a major position in the empire.Intercity, though, incomparable to the capital, was a major city in the empire, touted as one of the most advanced cities in the world.So it was understandable that those in such a position would have money, power, and connections to do whatever they wanted.This was why Xavier would have never expected what he saw when he stepped out to receive his son after he'd returned from the auction.In all his life as the minister, no one had ever dared to touch what he was his but today that record was shattered."What!?" Xavier could barely believe his eyes as he watched Tony, his son, get carried into the ministerial estate by his servants.He looked quite beaten and was in a generally terrible state."Who did this?" Xavier asked in a furious tone. *Who dared to touch my only son?... Give me a name now!" The head of Tony's security, Morris stepped forward to reply seeing as how Tony was still unconscious to do so. "Sir, it was
Snorting derisively, Richard glanced at Queen Mother who was staring hatefully at him. “Due to your antiquated beliefs, you have allowed nonsense to remain, ensuring that progress is not made. Do you think that if this man rules, he would do a better job than his father?... I mean, at least the Emperor is sufficiently strong, but this fool?... Ah, well, what can I say?”Seeing as how everyone was silent, Richard continued. “My mother should have sat on that throne, she was the natural choice, but you all decided that because of her gender, she would not rule. Foolish. Too foolish. Now she lays dead, having tried her whole life to ensure that her family was safe and secure, a feeling she would have extended to everyone here had she remained.”The silence indeed deafening as no one knew what to say.The fact that Tabitha was dead was also quite shocking.“Regardless… I am here now and I plan to make changes. The first change I shall make as Crown Prince…”“You are not Crown Prince and w
Richard sat in his bedroom, already prepared for the bout that would bring everything to a natural conclusion.His expression is impassive, he sat before a mirror and wondered what he would do after he had won.It was a question he needed to answer before he could take the right to the Crown in good faith.He was no leader, so was he willing to become one all because he wished to avenge his mother?Letting out a sigh, he thought to call his beloveds only for someone to knock at his door.“Come in.” He calmly responded.Moments later, Gina entered alongside her father, Elder Wu, both of whom had their heads down as they found themselves unable to meet Richard's gaze.Seconds passed before Richard inquired. “Why are you here?”“... I… no, we are sorry, your highness. We were scared and…”“And so you decided as long as you survived, an innocent man paying the price would not be too bad.”“That…”“Sums it up nicely. If only you had stood your ground, I would have made sure you both got th
“Ahem, Princess Liliana.” An elder who could hardly control his curiosity any longer called out, drawing the attention of the first Princess. “Yes, elder?”“... Can you see me?” He inquired as it was common knowledge that the first princess had gone blind at some point as a result of her condition.Silence followed for a moment before the princess replied. “Of course, I can see you, older.”A flurry of gasps escaped the lips of everyone present as one exclaimed.“It's a miracle!”Soon enough, many more began to comment causing the hall to turn rowdy.“The princess is cured of her condition?... How is this possible?”“It makes no sense, the Princess couldn't have been healed just like that.”Just then, the Emperor erupted. “Silence!”Immediately, the hall went pin-drop quiet as everyone shifted their attention to the Emperor who had his eyes on Lily.“Are you truly cured, Liliana?” He inquired softly.Lily pursed her lips. “Yes… I am.”“But how?... Even your aunt Tabitha who was a pow
Eve could never have fathomed that Richard had anticipated her sabotage and carried out measures to make up for it.In her long life, she had never met someone who was able to match her cunning which was why even though Richard proved himself smart, she still considered herself superior.She had superior intellect, superior resources, and superior manpower and most importantly, Richard was on her home turf.There was no way he could pull a fast one on her yet here he was, doing exactly that.Her mind turned fast, trying to figure out how exactly she missed these drones but despite her efforts, she found herself pulling up repeated blanks with no end in sight.She'd made sure she destroyed all the drones after Richard had unceremoniously revealed that he had a network of drones currently spying on every portion of the capital.Of course, he hadn't said it outrightly but she had deduced it judging from what she had learned about his life so far.Which was why she had gotten her most tru
“It's not even been a week since he arrived yet he does something like this, so despicable.”“If he couldn't control himself, couldn't he have gotten a courtesan?... So cheap, utterly disgusting.”“I can't believe such a person is the Legacy. If he truly is the Legacy, he needs to have the Black Book stripped from him before he turns into a monster.”A lot of murmurs flew around amongst those Richard saw on his way to his destination, with many giving scathing remarks as they hurried past him.Whatever the first prince and Queen Mother were planning, its initial effect seemed to be quite good.They'd played an incredibly good card.Soon, he arrived at the courthouse where several elders both from the Right Hand and the Left Hands were gathered.Several looked upon Richard with scorn and absolute disgust with some even voicing their discontent.“I knew we should have never allowed him into the city. He looks like the textbook definition of a hooligan.”“To dare do such a thing and to E
Lily hadn't ever thought she'd be able to live a normal life again.From birth, she'd already been tagged as a child with little prospects and so was left to suffer alone for years.Few of her step-siblings ever showed any form of care, instead treating her as an opponent out of the race.That was the unfortunate thing.Every single member of the Royal family saw themselves as opponents to be defeated and not as a family.It was a situation born out of a desire to rule over millions.Very few were like Maverick, who didn't bother with anything and instead just tried to enjoy as much of their lives as they could.But here comes someone who has no connections to her, doing what no one else had ever deemed necessary to do.No, perhaps, she indeed had a connection to him.Hadn't he said it himself?... This was his attempt at finishing what his mother had started.Tears clouded Lily's eyes as she muttered softly. “Thank you.”Richard managed a smile as he reached out and cleaned a tear tha
The lady, having finished her heartfelt melody, took a deep breath before proceeding to empty her lungs, a look of satisfaction etched on her face.However, she soon paused with her expression shifting as she seemed to sense something, then she asked.“Who's there?” Her voice sounded hoarse, almost like it wasn't used as much as it was supposed to.Richard pondered on how best to respond before deciding to be straightforward.“My name is Richard Smith, I was attracted over by your zither playing. I must confess, it was incredible listening to you play, you are a genius.”The lady seemed to relax only for her expression to shift to curiosity as she inquired. “Smith?... You mean the man who claims to be the Legacy?”“I have been called that.”“I see, it would explain why I didn't detect you immediately. You carry a presence that despite being so immense, can be easily ignored… almost like a ghost.”Richard was unsure of how to respond and so, remarked. “Do you play this every night?”“
In a certain way, Richard had come to rely on the camouflaged drones as the best way to ensure he was never blindsided.If evidence couldn't be gotten from other sources, why not make your own?That was his understanding and so he didn't hesitate to apply it with necessary, hence the reason why he had already unleashed a good number of drones into the capital the night before.Ensuring they covered every corner of the city, nothing was happening in the capital Richard wasn't aware of.How he knew that Elder Wu wasn't doing as he had instructed and was instead meeting with his fellow Rights to discuss what he considered to be a potential disruption of the Order of the city.It seems he feared that Richard would cause chaos in his desire to get revenge.It was understandable why he would think that way but Richard was no madman and he had no desire to implicate innocents in his quest for justice for his mother.Regardless, that wasn't the point right now as he watched Prince Harry's exp
When was the last time he'd been so casually insulted that it felt like a compliment?Harry couldn't remember, perhaps because it had never happened.Those that had dared to look down on him had paid the price without question yet the man before him made him feel like that wouldn't be the case no matter what he did.Harry turned livid as he hated the fact that someone else, a nobody for that matter, would lead him to feel so wary.“How about we put that claim to the test then?” Harry inquired, unwilling to back down just like that.Richard raised a brow. “Wasn't this meant to be a party?”“Plans changed, let us compete. I believe it's a better way to decide if your words are true or you just have a big mouth, don't you agree?”“I see.”“Or perhaps, are you scared?” Harry asked in slight provocation.Richard shrugged. “Alright then, if you really wish to humiliate yourself, then sure, let's fight.”Harry snorted. “Good. We shall exchange three blows. Whoever can remain standing without