“It was a big misunderstanding. The owner of the company had asked me out once but I declined, due to that, he always tried to make life miserable for me. After he found out that I was dating his general manager, he used that as an excuse to have me fired for inappropriate relationships at the workplace.” Fiona lied right through her teeth.Of course, it wasn't a lie that the owner of AV had shown interest in her but he ultimately never acted on it as he realized what kind of person she was, he'd stopped bothering himself with her and even left the country for an extended period to focus on other things.Fiona had always felt regretful that the man had run away since she'd initially planned on getting him as a lover.Her failure resulted in the fact that when the owner returned, he was able to think enough to make the right choice, unlike his general manager who was already long gone.In any case, it wasn't like Richard could know that since he had no idea who the owner of AV was in t
Once he was done with Fiona's matter, Richard quickly moved to the airport to catch a flight to Memphis Island which was where Melinda was attending the conference with the Five Coalition.Unfortunately, upon getting there, he happened on another problem.“No flights heading to Memphis?” Richard inquired with a rather sour look.He hadn't expected to be met with such an unfortunate circumstance.The receptionist nodded. “Yes sir, we received an order that all flights to and around Memphis Island should be grounded till further notice.”“Any reason why?”“I can't be sure sir.” The woman replied only to lower her voice and add. “But I heard it might have something to do with some big names that own the island. They don't wish for anyone to come close to it.”“I see.” Richard nodded, gaining a new understanding of the matter.“Let me guess, this order was given today?”“Yes sir.”“As expected.” Richard sighed before letting out a chuckle.It would seem the Five Coalition were worried tha
Richard didn't know whether to beat up the security head for intentionally being thick-headed or just pitying him.The security head saw that Richard touched down with a private jet yet he still came to make things difficult for him, which meant that he was only trying to get on Richard's nerves.The reason of course was still not quite clear to Richard and so, he refrained from carrying out any extreme actions to avoid getting Melinda into more trouble.“Oi, aren't you listening to me?... You shouldn't be here, so pack your backs and get out.” The security head continued, treating Richard like he were some kind of fugitive.Richard could have sworn that the fool was sent to annoy him and that was when it clicked.Someone did send the security guard and from all likelihood, it was to either embarrass him or to get him to leave soon.It would seem the Five Coalition knew that Richard had arrived and wanted to prevent him from meeting with Melinda.If his conjecture was correct, then Ri
The drive back to Melinda's residence was mostly silent with the duo engaging in small talk occasionally since they were worried that the driver might be a spy for the Five Coalition.That was the first problem they had to be conscious of.They were in enemy territory so it would be more difficult to make plans than if they were on neutral grounds.Of course, that didn't mean they wouldn't still carry out what they had in mind.Soon they arrived at Melinda's residence and Richard was forced to accept that Melinda was indeed in quite a precarious situation.Her residence was on the outskirts of the main city on Memphis Island with the main city still being quite far from her place.To stay in the main city and make use of its high-tech facilities, the first requirement was to have a Black Card, and getting one meant that the owner was at least a multi-billionaire.The reason for this was because due to the Spirit Stones sales, the city had become a paradise for the rich with most not w
Richard led Melinda into the hotel building only for their presence to draw the attention of those already inside.“Oh, isn't that Ms. Melinda Dawson?... What is she doing back here?... I thought she'd already left?”“You know I heard that she was trying to act smart but then she was put in her place which is why she had to leave the hotel.”“I heard it too. Poor fool, only idiots would dare to go against the Five Coalition yet she still wishes to do so.”“Hah, can she even do anything?... I mean, look, she went to get herself so broke guy to come and beg for her. I don't understand what gives her the audacity to do something like this.”Their murmurs were loud, making sure Melinda heard them which caused her further anguish.Rubbing her shoulder to support her, Richard led her to the receptionist's desk and knocked on it twice.Unfortunately, both receptionists on the seat didn't even bother to look their way as they busied themselves reading newspapers.Melinda bit down on her lip a
There was a consensus amongst the girls who were representing their families at the conference.It was that Melinda was the most beautiful among them.Even when she wasn't trying, her effortless charm and beauty were enough to draw the attention of any man.She was just that attractive with her curves, flawless skin, and perfect face.Beside her, they couldn't even compare in the slightest.Due to this, they all developed hatred for Melinda, watching as men that they were interested, in would move to entertain Melinda, not even bothering to look their way.What was so great about her?... She was just some bitch so why did they have to hype her up so much?This was why when Melinda ended up losing her Black card, they were excited.Now she would have no choice but to leave which meant it was their time to shine.Matilda also held that inferiority complex toward Melinda which was why when she noticed Richard, the urge to prove that she could pull a man away from Melinda made her move wi
The entire reception was silent as they waited for Richard to give a response to Matilda.Most already thought it natural that he would have to accept her proposal.It was only natural, after all, he was a mere beggar.And so they waited, however, the response they expected never came and instead, Richard remarked.“You said to get a black card, you need at least $600 million.” “Of course, are you shocked?... Did you think it would be cheap?”“Not at all. However, I'm quite curious to know if that is the highest amount a black card can hold.” As he spoke, he made it clear he was addressing the receptionist as he glanced in her direction.Snorting derisively, the receptionist replied. “Can you stop wasting all our time and just accept Ms. Matilda's offer?... Gosh, you are so annoying.” “Just answer the damn question.” Richard shot back in vague annoyance causing the receptionist to step back in shock.“Fine then, since you just want to trouble me, I'll tell you. A black card can hold
Because they didn't have any clothes with them, Richard and Melinda had to make do with the ones they wore yesterday.Of course, they got the hotel staff to help dry clean it before they put it on to head out in a bid to get some new clothes.Though Richard wasn't too focused on fashion, he did understand that having only one pair of clothes wasn't a smart choice.In any case, they headed over to a fashion house branch called Diamond Clothes and Accessories.Just like Horizon, it was also owned by yet another member of the Five Coalition, dabbling into fashion, jewelry, and the like.It even made use of Spirit Stone fragments as ornaments for some of its best pieces.On their entrance into the store, they were greeted by several people already present, shopping around while being assisted by the store workers.However, no one came to assist Richard and Melinda when they came in, with some of the workers only sending over a perfunctory glance their way.Due to how they were dressed, th