"Thank you, sir. I don't know what I would have done without you." Lauren praised Richard after she'd left the bank premises with him.Richard shook his head. "No need to thank me, I despise when those in power maltreat the vulnerable masses just because they can.""Very few men have the same mindset as you. Most would enjoy trampling on those lesser than them." Lauren spoke sincerely, clearly the incident caused her to see Richard as different from so many other billionaires that she'd come in contact with.Which was why she was currently considering something in her mind.There was a reason First City Bank wanted to get her husband's land by any means necessary.It was because, just adjacent to the apartment building he'd built, there was a gold mine that was worth at least 3 billion dollars.Unfortunately, her husband never had the chance or funds to mine the gold as most companies wished to cheat them whenever they heard about it.If they got their hands on it, it would be a windf
Richard Smith looked particularly dashing tonight as he stepped out of his estate dressed in a black suit with [Adam] activated.He walked over to the parking lot where a Bugatti Veyron was already waiting for him with a driver to boot.He'd asked Maria to get him a new car after the last one was totaled but he couldn't have imagined that she would get so extravagant.He could only accept her desire to please him as he got into the car and ordered the driver to head to Central Park.Maria had informed him beforehand that the popular songstress, Edith Selene, would be performing at the charity function and, instead of getting paid, she opted to perform for free as long as he listened to a request of hers.Based on what he'd dug up on her, Edith was an orphan with a good heart refusing several record labels all because she wanted to ensure the orphanage she'd come from wouldn't be destroyed.Intrigued by such a good woman, Richard looked forward to meeting with her.***The venue for th
Silence loomed at the event ground as everyone had their eyes on Richard.He had just arrived and was currently escorted by his driver who seemed to double as a bodyguard.Regarding everyone currently present with a disdainful gaze, Richard sauntered toward the stage with a few already murmuring amongst themselves."What is he doing here?""Didn't his company already send someone to attend in his place?""What's going to happen now?"Richard ignored the chatter and promptly got on stage to face the two men who had decided to turn his humble charity function into an avenue for disgusting men to reveal their degraded thoughts."You must be Larry Vaughn," Richard said to the first before turning to the second. "And you must be Reginald Collins." Both Larry and Reginald puffed up their shoulders as the former remarked."For Mr. Smith, the newest billionaire in town, to know us, then we must be quite popular." Reginald concurred as he added. "Well, it's only natural, after all, we are at
Matthew grew tense as he watched the waiter spill the drinks of Richard.The urge to scold the careless fool rose and he ended up swallowing it for fear of offending Richard.He'd already been told by his father to exercise restraint when in Richard's presence as the latter despised seeing common people get maltreated.Of course, considering the current situation, he was prepared to take the blame and apologize to Richard to prevent the situation from escalating.Just as he attempted to speak up, Steven beat him to it, lashing out like he was the one that was covered in wine."You bastard!... Can't you see where you are going?... How dare you spill your cheap wine on Mr. Smith's expensive suit?""Sir, I'm sorry, it was an honest mistake." The young man pleaded as he got on his knees."Shut up, what mistake?... You did it on purpose!... I'll have your job for this you moron!" With the escalation, several people had already been drawn over, watching the proceedings with interest.Ignor
"What do you mean Edith has been kidnapped?" Richard inquired wide-eyed.[Sir, that's the news going around right now. According to reports, they say that you were the last person seen with her]"Indeed, I was. She had gotten a ride with me and…" Richard trailed off as he realized that something was wrong.[Sir, please tell me where you dropped, Ms. Selene?]"... I dropped her off at her home. Maria, what's going on?"[Sir, I think you need to see for yourself. Check the news]Richard furrowed his brows but after a few seconds decided to do so.Turning on the TV in his room, he immediately froze as he saw the headline.{Breaking news; Ms. Edith Selene, popularly known as the Lady of the Lake has been missing with her current whereabouts unknown. Correspondence from those who have gotten in touch with her manager has sent across a rather harrowing video.}The newsroom switched to a video where Jared, Edith's manager was being interviewed by reporters.He was in tears as he spoke with t
Richard stepped out of the police station to find the place filled with reporters seeking to get a piece of the delicious scandal currently taking place.Ignoring them completely, he got to his car and quickly returned to his estate to figure out the best way to solve the problem.He knew that someone was trying to ruin his good name with this and for now, they seemed to be winning but there was no way he would allow them to enjoy this for very long.Once he got home, he first checked on Anna who seemed to have heard of the news and was just genuinely worried about him."If we can find her, maybe this whole thing will go away."Richard shook his head. "We can't just find her alone, else it would be like we were holding her hostage but after getting caught, we decided to release her.""Then?""So we have to help the police to ensure that I am absolved from all this.""I understand. But considering the cops have already searched everywhere and haven't found anything, how do you intend t
Officers Nathan and Hailey quickly stepped forward, both of them confused at the sudden call-up."Is there any problem sir?" Nathan inquired.Robert replied. "Is there something you are hiding from me?""Sir?""Tell me!""..." Nathan hesitated, clearly frightened by Robert's unusual intensity."Sir, I don't…""You and Officer Hailey were tasked with searching Ms. Edith's house for possible evidence. Did you do something to tamper with the evidence?""Sir, how can you accuse us like this?... Is it because of this man?... How can you believe the words of your men over a horrible man like him?" Hailey immediately remarked, drawing approving nods from the others.They weren't used to seeing their boss easily swayed by riches.Richard sneered as he stepped forward. "If you are so clean, hand over your phone and let me check its contents.""And why should I do that, criminal?... You should be behind bars for what you did." Hailey spat coldly as she glared at Richard.Richard remained unmove
Richard soon arrived at the airport with Robert and two other officers.Upon seeing Richard's smug face, Veronica immediately scowled as she got to her feet. "What the hell do you want with me, Richard?... If you think you can do anything you want just because I made the mistake of marrying your idiotic father, then you are mistaken!... I am no longer a Smith and I am leaving this city to start a new life in a different place, away from your disgusting hands."Richard chuckled as he remarked. "If one were to see you, they'd think you wouldn't have a hand in this but I guess I misunderstood you, Veronica. I gave you a chance, hopeful that you'd see the error of your ways and turn a new leaf but I guess I was wrong. Once a bitch, always a bitch.""How dare you!" Veronica could barely restrain herself from wanting to attack Richard but knowing it wouldn't solve anything, decided to get to the root of the matter.Just then, Gerald spoke up. "What's going on, Richard?... Are you the ones t