The Malcolm family was one with a history spanning more than a hundred years.They had wealth, power, and connections, both within and outside Zion, ensuring that they remained powerhouses that few dared to go against.Any that had dared to always found themselves unable to withstand the might of the Malcolms, inadvertently leading to defeat, destruction, or in some cases indoctrination.Their immensity also meant that even if one had the strength to defeat them, it would make it difficult to do so.This was why Richard didn't plan on any acts that could lead to the complete extermination of the Malcolm family.No matter how angry he was, killing so many people didn't just sit well with him even though they did deserve it after everything they'd done.But he didn't necessarily have to pay back evil with evil and he had already decided on how to handle this tyrannical family to ensure that they would never rise after their defeat today.With that in mind, he took the groom's life befor
Luther stared at Richard realizing once again why he had considered him a real threat to his rule.Very few people had caused Luther to feel fear of any sort, one of them being the Emperor on the only occasion Luther was privileged to be in his presence.The same feeling he felt back then, the feeling of no matter what I do, I won't be able to reach that level, rushed through him as he stared at Richard solidifying his belief that Richard had a connection to the Imperial Legacy.Richard remained calm as he remarked. “Before you head over to jail where you'll be spending a long time behind bars, I have a few questions, one of which involves the specifics of the dealings you had with the Imperial family.”Luther froze as he realized what Richard was talking about.Then a sick smile adorned his lips. “So that's how it, I'm such a fool, why didn't I see it back then?... Haha, this is so hilarious.”“What are you talking about?” Richard inquired.Ignoring him, Luther calmly intoned. “You c
It was a genuine question asked by someone who cared about the people and their circumstances.Luther had done as any dictator would, suppressing the people's voice with the desire to ensure that they wouldn't ever speak up against him as the strongest power in a state were its citizens though few were willing to acknowledge that.Regardless, the fact that Luther had oppressed them had ensured that they would be terrified to do anything without looking over their shoulder every waking moment.Managing a smile, Richard replied. “Now that Luther is gone, you can get the people to no longer feel the need to hide. Intercity is as much theirs as it is ours, so let's fight for it together.”“Understood.” The minister replied.Nodding in satisfaction, Richard remarked. “You should get some rest for now. As is, we'd need to hold a congress to get the people to support you being reinstated as minister of the state. Before then, you'd best eat, drink, and rest as much as you can, it would do yo
By the time, they were done sharing their stories, it was already late into the night so Richard opted to leave while Maria pleaded with him to stay.Ultimately, the lady won out with Richard spending the night while she busied herself unpacking.The next day, Richard drove over to meet with Commissioner Watson after the old general had bombarded his phone multiple times, asking him to come over.Once there, he was met with a tense atmosphere causing Richard to frown. “Did something happen?” “There's good news and bad news, which would you like to hear first?” Watson began.“Good.” “The good news is that the city is recovering well from the tyranny of Luther's rule.”“And the bad?”“The Golden Circle is moving against trying to reinstate your friend as Minister and is even calling for you to be cast out as you pose a threat to the city with your army running things alongside the city security.”“Why didn't they do anything when Luther was around?”“Naturally, he promised them benefi
Richard didn't know what to make of the recent boldness of the women in his life. Was it because of the Malcolm incident that they all decided to do this?It almost felt like they had planned to do it in the exact sequence they'd entered into his life, starting with Maria and now Melinda.Who next?... Edith?No, the confusion would be too much then.Should he just reject them all and leave life alone?Before then, he'd already considered doing so it wouldn't change anything but then… he'd already done it with Maria and now with Melinda seated so close to him, making such a request, was it right to just run away?“Melinda… I slept with Maria yesterday.” Richard confessed. Melinda paused, her expression shifting for a moment before she let out a sigh. “I knew she'd be a part of it.”“What?”“I'm willing to share you but I have to pick the women, accepted?”It sounded almost like they were already married which made it weigh heavily on Richard's mind.“But… is that okay?... It doesn't
It seemed suspicious no matter how he looked at it, Richard thought.If the Legacy was so important to the Imperial family, why hadn't Maverick tried to take it from him despite figuring out that he most likely had it?Also, why hadn't he reached out to those in the capital to inform them of the situation here?Surely there had to be a reason and so far, Maverick hadn't given him a reason to believe that his hidden agenda was good.Due to that, Richard remained alert, prepared to react the moment Maverick and his subordinates attacked.Of course, he asked the question to catch Maverick off guard, and seeing the prince quiet down for a moment, Richard knew he had asked the right question.Maverick mulled over his words for quite some time before responding. “Do you want to know the truth?”“If it's on the table, yes.” Richard calmly replied.Maverick sighed. “Fine then, the reason I haven't tried to take it from you is because I'm scared.”“Hmm?”“Ruinous Drake in his lifetime was said
Richard headed back to the Smithsonian where he had a filling dinner with Maddie, Lolita, and Grandma after which he retired to bed.Of course, before he fell into a deep slumber, Maria called him, informing him that she'd done what he asked with Richard replying with thanks as he knew how hard it must have been.With that sorted, all that was needed was to wait for the morrow for the meeting with the Golden Circle.***The next day Richard woke up bright and early, heading over to the gym where he had a membership.It had been quite some time and on getting there, he was faced with a lot of enthusiastic fans as they gathered for selfies and the likes. As it was, Richard Smith was the number one celebrity in Intercity.Feeling awkward at first, he finally got into it as those in the gym decided on group exercises which was a deviation from the solo exercises Richard was used to.It lasted for two hours with Richard feeling even lighter than when he left.Waving goodbye to a few new c
Two agents of the so-called LLL Network soon arrived, one young and the other old.Having already been informed of their arrival, the staff of the restaurant led them to where Richard and Maddie were waiting.Initially taken aback by Richard's presence, they were quick to hide their surprise as they took their seat across from them.Richard was the first to speak. “Would you gentlemen like to take anything as we discuss your proposal?”“Just water would suffice.” The middle-aged man replied with Richard gesturing to the waiter waiting on them.Nodding, she left, leaving the four to continue their conversation.“Mr. Smith, before I begin, I must say it is an honor to meet you.” The young man said.“Oh?... Why though?”“Naturally because of your fame, Mr. Smith. Right now, you are an enigma in the business world and an even greater one in the world hidden in the shadows.”“I see. Well then, enough about that. You wish to enter a beneficial relationship with my sister's company. Why?”“I