"Timo, what do you want now?" Madame Eliza snapped as she answered the phone, her voice filled with frustration.
"Hahaha, Madame," Timo chuckled. "Relax, I didn't call to stir up trouble. I just wanted to chat," he said from the other end. "Really? you want us to chat? I've already set everything up for you and your gang to start fresh in Germany with new identities. Do you really want to risk getting caught by the cops for good? I don't understand why you reached out to me considering you don't work for me anymore," Madame Amelia asked, her impatience evident. "Nah, woman. You want me to sit in Germany and wait for food to come to me?" Timo joked. "How do you expect me to survive? My gang and I engage in a bit of pickpocketing here in Heralzia, of course! By the way, I have some exciting news and a proposal for you," he announced. Madame Eliza sighed, "I'm all ears. Hurry and spill the beans, but don't get me in trouble," she pleaded, wondering what Timo would want to tell her. "Can you believe it? I ran into your biggest fear today," Timo said with a casual yet mischievous grin. "Biggest fear? What are you talking about?" Madame replied, completely baffled. "I saw your step-son today," Timo said eagerly on the phone, prompting Madame Eliza to quickly glance around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "Isn't this the perfect opportunity to finally rid yourself of him and his mother for good?" Timo proposed with a sly smile. "Will you please be quiet, Timo? I don't engage in that sh!t anymore, at least not right now," Madame Eliza replied angrily. "Sigh... I miss doing these lives-deleting jobs for you, Madame Eliza," Timo said with a grin. "Timo, imagine that I've never asked for your help and never met you before. Do not contact me again," Madame Amelia stated. "Can you believe this? You're denying me now, Madame Eli..." Timo tried to complain, but before he could finish his sentence, Eliza abruptly cut the call. Madame Eliza was in a state of utter confusion, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of what had just transpired. She was acutely aware that Timo's perilous mini-robbery attempts could spell trouble for both of them if he ever got caught by the Contreal Police. She marched into the grand estate, her voice filled with determination as she muttered to herself. ''Sooner or later, I have to take him out of the way before he starts spilling information that's supposed to remain confidential.'' ************************* The following morning at Emerald Cottages, Madame Amelia jolted awake to the piercing sound of doors being forcefully opened. She rubbed her eyes and saw Logan struggling to unlock the door. "Hey there, son, where are you heading off so early?" she asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Eii mother, I mentioned it last night that I really need to swing by Skyville Suites today to grab some dirty clothes for laundry," Logan said, while grappling with the stubborn wooden door. Madame Amelia nodded and said, "Yes, I remember. Was that why you couldn't say goodbye?'' Upon realizing his mistake, Logan quickly leaned down to his mom and gently placed a kiss on her cheek. "I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't want to wake you; I saw that you were enjoying your rest," he said. "Not really," Madame Amelia declared with a shake of her head. "I couldn't relax at all; my thoughts were consumed by the bootleg landlord's words from the previous night.'' Feeling the weight of her sadness, Logan lifted her chin and gazed directly into her eyes, aiming to boost her confidence. "Rest assured, Mother. He can't harm us, he's just making threats.'' With a sense of urgency, he whispered in her ear, "I have to go now before someone else snatches the contract.'' As Madame Amelia bid him farewell, she tenderly rested her hand on his head, offering a heartfelt prayer, "May the compassionate Mother Mary watch over and safeguard you every step of the way on your journey, Amen.'' “CRASH!” As Logan turned the doorknob, the feeble wooden door shattered, propelling him back into the room and slamming his head against the wall. "Mother, don't move," Logan winced in pain. "The way that door was smashed in, it looks like someone powerful did it from outside," he explained. The cloud of dust from the collapsed door billowed in the air, obscuring the entrance to the room. Logan and his mother squinted through the haze, trying to discern the figures that had burst into their home. Madame Amelia's voice trembled as she called out, "Who's there? Why did you break down the door? Please, don't hurt us..." Her words trailed off as rough hands seized the collars of their clothing and forcibly dragged them out of the room. "Throw them on the bare floor," barked Mr.Thomas, the bootleg landlord who had been waiting outside. At that instant, they realized they were being forcibly dragged by Mr. Thomas's hired goons. "Yesterday, I specifically told both you and your mother not to sleep here but you didn't listen. Right?" Mr. Thomas exclaimed angrily as he landed a harsh slap on Logan's face. Mr. Thomas sneered as he bent down in front of Madame Amelia. "If only you had agreed to be mine from the start, you wouldn't be suffering like this, you good-for-nothing woman," he hissed with disdain. Logan suddenly realized that Mr Thomas'behaviour was influenced by his mother's rejection of his unpleasant proposal. Mr. Thomas erupted in anger, shouting, "Common sense should be slapped into you too!" as he menacingly raised his fist, ready to strike Madame Amelia's face. Out of nowhere, a strong hand grabbed his and held it back, causing everyone to look up in surprise. It turned out to be none other than the most highly trained retired military man in all of Heralzia. "War Lieutenant Tempête Amaya!" Mr. Thomas and his henchmen exclaimed in surprise. They didn't anticipate finding him in a place as grungy as the emerald cottages. Tempête was a formidable presence, known not only as a guardian of the Reed family but also a renowned figure in Heralzia due to his imposing physique and his past military service. His reputation preceded him, making him a figure of both respect and fear among the tyrants and thugs of Heralzia. Mr. Thomas was taken aback as he began, "Surprising to see you in a dirty place like this, sir. I hope we didn't break the law. What brings you here unexpectedly?" He asked fearfully, his wrist still in Tempête's grip. "If my lord is comfortable living here for 23 years, then who am I not to stay until eternity?" Tempête replied coldly, studying Logan intently as he uttered his words. "Your lord? Please don't blaspheme, sir. The lord is up there in the sky, not in this dirty environment," innocently exclaimed Mr. Thomas, unaware that Tempête was actually referring to Logan. Fuming with frustration, Tempête brushed Mr. Thomas's hand away and pointed an accusing finger at him. "You have no right to tell me what's right or wrong, civilian. My lord is the one you just dared to touch. Leave before I lose my temper!" he demanded.Chapter 012- $15 billion premium cardFuming with frustration, Tempête brushed Mr. Thomas's hand away and pointed an accusing finger at him. "You have no right to tell me what's right or wrong, civilian. My lord is the one you just dared to touch. Leave before I lose my temper!" he demanded."I'm sorry, Lieutenant Tempête, but this poor commoner is not your Lord or anything related to royalty. I understand that you're just trying to let us free him, but we surely won't. We respect you so much, sir." Mr. Thomas whined but his plea was immediately met with a swift kick to his belly, causing him to wince in pain and cry out, "Ouch!''"If you don't leave here at this moment, I might be forced to bring out my gun!" Tempête yelled, making Mr. Thomas and his thugs hastily flee away in great fear of being shot.Throughout the ordeal, Logan and his mother remained silent as they sat on the dry, bare floor. Surprisingly, Logan appeared unperturbed by Tempête's timely arrival to their rescue, wh
Chapter 013- Logan refuses the money''How did you know the amount without even looking at my phone? Did you send it?'' Logan demanded.Before Tempête could respond, Logan hurriedly read the transaction details.He read aloud, ''Heralzia Central Bank—$300 million—Dian…'' He paused mid-sentence, his eyes widening in anger as if about to slam his phone on the floor, but he stopped himself.''Why did she send me this money? Did I ask for it? What do she and her mother think they’re doing, trying to manipulate me with unsolicited money?'' Logan fumed.Madame Amelia's tone was both advisory and concerned as she said, "I hope one day you’ll learn to control your temper. Why did you stop yourself from throwing the phone?”Then she turned to Tempête, her curiosity piqued. ''Who is Logan talking about?''Tempête replied, ''He’s referring to Diane.''''Diane? Who’s Diane?'' Madame Amelia asked, her tone growing sharp.Tempête answered, ''Diane is the daughter of Lady Eliza, your husband’s secon
Chapter 014- A father figureTo his surprise, it was Cody, the main gate guard at the Bennett estate."Wait, what? Mr. Cody! How can that even be possible?" Logan exclaimed in disbelief."Hi Logan, Lady Zora caught me talking to Heiress Diane last night, and I got fired after they left. They told me not to show up for work today. So, this morning, I headed to the Reed estate to seek your help, considering your newfound wealth. That's when Mr. Tempête here told me you weren't at the estate, and he brought me here," Cody replied."Wow, Tempête, you really know how to surprise me," Logan grinned. "Mr. Cody has been like a father to me at the Bennett estate, always there to guide me through tough times.""Is he the guard you mentioned who would watch over me?""Yes, my lord," Tempête nodded."Mr. Cody means more to me than just a guard; he's like a father figure. Yes, I want him by my side," Logan declared, embracing Mr. Cody."Thank you, Logan," Mr. Cody expressed his gratitude.Logan th
"Young man, do you think I'm joking here? Look at your rough clothes. Do you think you're qualified to see the Manager?''Logan was taken aback as the security guard peered down at him with disdain, clearly judging him for not wearing expensive clothing.He opted to avoid a confrontation with the security guard, so he flashed a smile and spoke calmly,"I'm dead serious - I absolutely need to speak with the Manager.''As Logan kept repeating the same words, the security guard's anger reached a boiling point. With a cold stare, he lashed out at Logan once more."Young man, you don't have the right to enter so please leave now else I would be rude!'’As the security guard's icy words echoed for the second time, Logan's patience wore thin and a frown creased his face.He took a step forward and seized the security guard by the collar. Then, he swiftly retrieved his phone from his pocket and thrust it right into the security guard's face.Madame Amelia and Cody froze in disbelief, torn bet
Chapter 016- Three hundred dollars contract "Felix, did Lieutenant Tempête get back to you about the ceremonial uniform of the security team for the upcoming anniversary?" Fabio inquired eagerly, but the security guard just shook his head."Negative, sir," responded the security guardThe Reed family oversees several big and small companies, including Skyville Suites. Interestingly, these companies cannot directly contact the family members and have to communicate through Tempête instead.Logan couldn't help but smile as Fabio mentioned Tempête with admiration; the same Lieutenant who had respectfully bowed before him just a few hours earlier.Fabio pressed his thumb against what seemed like a high-tech scanner on the door. In a matter of seconds, it emitted a series of beeps and flashed green, unlocking the door and revealing the plush office space beyond.Fabio went into the office, catching Logan off guard as he stood lost in thought, a faint smile on his face. However, Fabio's su
"Enough with the suspense. Please, just spill it already," Danny urged."Check it out, I landed you a contract, dude!" Logan exclaimed, causing Danny to leap up in excitement and give Logan a bear hug."Thanks, man! I didn't see this coming, I gotta admit," Danny said, beads of sweat glistening in his blonde hair.As Logan laughed, he patted Danny on the back and said, "Hey, don't thank me just yet. We've still got to grab the clothes.''Danny leaned back, his excitement waning. "Okay, okay. But I'm curious, why didn't you grab the contract for yourself? You needed it as well.''Logan's face tensed, the hint of a determined smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I don't need it anymore. You'll understand everything soon, I promise.''As they walked towards the reception, Danny glanced at Logan, curiosity piqued. "By the way, did you have a good time at Madame Ruthie's birthday dinner last night? And how's Zora doing?''Logan's expression darkened at the mention of Zora. His usual
Chapter 018-"What if I don't?" Logan replied with a question.Katherine's smirk turned into a sly grin as she uttered, "Prepare to have your ego shattered, Mr. Logan. You won't be staying here for long." With those words, she stormed out of the room, returning almost instantly with a security guard by her side. To Logan's surprise, it was the same guard who had knelt before him some minutes ago."Okay, what's happening here? Who's causing trouble? Where is he?" The security guard bellowed as he scanned the wide open space, observing each individual. Logan was positioned towards the reception counter with his back turned to the others so the security guard had not spotted him yet.Madame Amelia's heart pounded with fear as she watched Logan, fearing he might get into trouble.She made a move to stand up but was stopped by Cody's firm grip. "Don't, ma'am, he knows what he's doing," Cody reassured her. However, Madame Amelia couldn't shake off her worry."It is possible that he might n
Chapter 019- The Exclusive VIP Lodge "Are you deaf?" he bellowed. "Is the Exclusive VIP lodge open? And tell me, on which floor is it located?" Logan's frustration boiled over with each passing second.Katherine's laughter faltered as she sensed Logan's mounting frustration. Her previous confidence disappeared, replaced by a nervous tremor. "Sir, I... I apologize. The Exclusive VIP lodge is on the top floor. However, it's strictly reserved for the prestigious Reed family and their guests.''Logan's eyes narrowed as he shifted from being confident to being determined. "You're correct. I am a guest of the Reed family, and I require immediate access to that lodge immediately.''Katherine's eyes widened in disbelief as she struggled to process Logan's words. "Are you telling me that you actually have permission from the Reed family to access the VIP lodge?''"Absolutely," Logan retorted, his tone daring any disagreement.The room became silent, replacing the murmurs of the customers with