“Trillionaire?! What a fucking twist of fate.” Adrian whistled, his feeling of shock starting to dissipate. “One minute I’m a nobody begging a man who considers me worse than the dirt on his shoes for money and the next minute, I’m the beneficiary to an empire worth trillions. The universe really played a fast one on me.”
Sir Edward gave Adrian a relatable smile. “Jonah would escort you to the bank tomorrow to transfer all my assets to you and finalize all legal proceedings.” He explained with a look of contentment on his face. “Tomorrow?” Adrian’s brows furrowed, a sudden worry gnawing at him as he remembered he was yet to pay for his mother’s surgery. Edward noticed the change in his countenance. “Is there a problem?” “My mother is down with cancer and in dire need of a $100,000 dollar surgery.” Adrian replied. “I managed to get the money from Robert a few hours ago but it was stolen just before I could get to the hospital.” “I see…” Edward said, his voice filled with understanding. “That’s not a problem at all. Since it’s already so late and the banks would be closed, first thing tomorrow morning, you’ll go and withdraw whatever cash you need. There’s no need to beat yourself up any more. You now have a huge amount of fortune at your disposal.” “Now let me propose a toast…” Sir Edward offered. “To the beginning of a new chapter for you.” He raised his glass of wine to Adrian. “Cheers.” Adrian let go of his worry and clinked his glass with his father with an optimistic smile on his lips. The next morning, Adrian and Jonah arrived at the bank’s premises and while Adrian got down from the car and made his way into the bank, Jonah stayed back in the car to make a phone call. Stepping into the bustling bank, Adrian scanned the room, his gaze landing on the receptionist corner and he approached the desk in swift strides. “Good morning.” He greeted the receptionist whose name tag read ‘Gary’ in a polite tone. “I would like to initiate an asset transfer and make a withdrawal.” Gary, looked up from his computer and gave Adrian a once over before responding with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m sorry but you must be mistaken. We only initiate asset transfers for customers of a certain…standing.” “No I’m not mistaken.” Adrian countered in a firm voice. “As a matter of fact, I’m being expected. Jonah Leigh has already spoken with the manager.” “Look, it’s way too early for this.” Gary rubbed his temples in frustration as he regarded Adrian contemptuously. “You sure do have some balls coming in here and claiming to be what you’re not. We are definitely not expecting a country bumpkin like you and did I hear you mention Jonah Leigh?” Gary scoffed. “The audacity!” He had dealt with people like Adrian who come into the bank pretending to be what they’re not only to waste his precious time. “I advise you to leave this place immediately, and if you really want to withdraw money which surely wouldn’t be more than $100 then do that at the ATM machine outside.” Gary waved at Adrian dismissively before returning his attention to the computer screen in front of him. Adrian, his jaw clenching slightly, decided not to waste words. Instead, he darted his eyes around the room and he spotted a discreet door marked "VIP." Without another word, he marched towards it, entering the exclusive section before Gary had any time to stop him. The manager, Alex Peabody was reviewing some documents when he heard the sound of someone coming in. He looked up with a smile that instantly vanished the moment his eyes scanned Adrian’s outfit. “Who are yo-” “-I apologize for the intrusion sir. I tried to stop him!” Alex was interrupted by Gary who bursted into the room with a flustered face. Alex glared at Gary for a second before turning back to Adrian with an annoyed expression. “Young man. How dare you barge into my office? Didn’t you see the sign outside the door? This room is restricted to VIP customers only!” “Jonah Leigh informed you that I was coming, right? Doesn’t that make me a VIP customer?” Adrian asked, completely indifferent to Alex’s outbursts. Alex laughed condescendingly at Adrian’s words. “Are you trying to pass yourself as the Young’s heir? Don’t be ludicrous, you are just a loser and that’s all you will ever be.” “Call the security to get this moron out of here this instant before I lose it!” He barked out to Gary who was about to comply when the door swung open, revealing a livid Jonah. “You dare to disrespect the Young master?!”Jonah Leigh entered Capital Bank, a bank which he had been assigned the position of the CEO by Sir Edward. Looking around, his brows furrowed when he didn’t see the receptionist at the front desk and decided to head straight for the VIP section where he believed Adrian was. As he got closer to the door, he heard a voice yelling, “Call the Security to get this moron out of here before I lose my cool!”Jonah’s blood ran cold as he flung the door open and roared with a loud voice, “You dare to disrespect the Young Master?!”“T-The Young Master?” Alex and Gary gasped unanimously as they gaped at Adrian with wide eyes. Then, Alex instantly scrambled to his feet and rushed towards Jonah with a shaky voice. “W-welcome sir. I-I didn’t know he was the special guest you informed me about. I thought he was just a nobo—”Before Alex could finish his sentence, Jonah landed a deafening slap on his face. The force of the slap sent Alex's head reeling to the side as a red handprint began to form on h
Flynn Holt had his head glued to his mobile phone as he texted his flavor of the day while walking towards the bank. He didn’t see Adrian approaching and they collided. The impact of this collision made his phone drop to the ground, leaving a spider web-like crack on the screen. Taken aback by the audacity of whoever dared to bump into him, he froze for a millisecond before looking up to find Adrian staring with an apologetic expression on his face.Anger surged through Flynn and before Adrian could utter a word, he shoved him forcefully to the ground, “Are you blind you useless twat! How dare you bump into me with your filthy body!” He sneered as he glared down at Adrian with disdain.Adrian blinked, momentarily stunned by the aggressive reaction before he rose back to his feet and dusted his clothes, “You didn’t have to do that.” He said calmly despite the growing pain in his shoulder. “I was just about to apologize.”“Who cares about your stupid apology? You stained my expensive Ar
Sliding some cash into the cab driver's hand, Adrian exited the taxi and hurried towards the Lifemate Hospital. Immediately he opened the solid doors, he was greeted with the familiar scent of sterile bleach and drugs. He quickly approached the counter where two nurses sat gossiping, their faces plastered with animated expressions. Adrian cleared his throat to gain their attention. “Good afternoon, Please I'd like to see my mother.” The two nurses on duty stopped mid-chat and simultaneously turned in their seats to look at Adrian, an irritated expression instantly settling on their faces at the sight of him. “Are you sure your mother is in this hospital?” One of the nurses with the name tag, Kate asked dryly.“Yes I’m sure.” Adrian confirmed. “She’s been here for about a month now and I’ve even visited her several times.” “Then why haven’t I seen you before even though I’m always on duty?” She asked with narrowed eyes before shifting her gaze to her colleague. “Amy, have you seen
Adrian returned the director’s handshake with a mirrored smile, “Likewise Dr. Arnold. However,” He paused and his gaze flickered towards Kate and Amy, a smirk forming on his lips at their bewildered expressions. “…it seems these two nurses have a problem with me.”Dr. Arnold’s brow furrowed as he shot a sharp glance at Kate and Amy. “Mr. Muller just tell me what they did and I’ll ensure they won’t go unpunished.”“Should I tell him or would you both rather do the honors?” Adrian raised an inquisitive brow at the two nurses in a bid to bait them.As if a bucket of iced water had been poured on them, Kate and Amy both regained their senses. Faster than a bolt of lightning, they scurried towards Adrian, almost tripping on their feets. “S-s-sir, we…we are so sorry. We acted foolishly. Please don’t punish us.”“It’s too late for an apology don’t you think?” Adrian muttered, his face betraying no emotion. “It would be best for you two if you report your actions yourselves because it would b
“You!” The both of them exclaimed in unison and Adrian’s eyes widened as he remembered Anita. Few days ago, he had accidentally ruined the parcel which he was supposed to deliver to a customer at a company where Anita worked. The owner of the parcel humiliated him and threatened to get him fired but Anita intervened and even paid for the damages. Even though Adrian was fired from the job because the customer had complained to his boss, Anita’s offer to pay for the damages had saved him from being arrested by the police and he promised himself to pay back her kindness one day. Could she be the granddaughter of the Davies whom he was supposed to get married to?The recognition and surprise in Anita’s eyes changed into that of confusion as her gaze raked over Adrian. “Was he here to deliver parcels?” She thought then proceeded to ask cautiously. “What are you doing here and why did you ask if I was Anita Davies?” Adrian cleared his throat at the now awkward situation as he was unsure
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Adrian demanded in a tone filled with indignation. “I was definitely not-.” The lady’s high pitched voice cut him off. “Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. I clearly saw you peeking under my skirt.” Her accusation drew a wave of murmurs and gasps from the patrons at the restaurant. “Some men are just too daring. Looking under a ladies skirt? What a pervert.” A woman scoffed in disgust. “Can you believe this bumpkin? He surely deserves ten more slaps.” Another person voiced out. Anita, who had witnessed the entire scene, knew the truth. “I’m sorry but you are mistaken,” she interjected, her voice firm. “He was simply tying his shoelace.” “Stop trying to defend him and don’t interfere.” The lady put her finger up dismissively at Anita then turned to face Adrian with a look of disgust. “Only a weakling like you needs a woman to defend him.” Adrian clenched his jaw and looked at her coldly. “You can’t just accuse me out of t
Alex Peabody strode towards the La carte restaurant in Penthouse Hotel with two bodyguards in tow. The anger he felt rolled over him like waves. The person that insulted his favorite nephew was simply too daring. As soon as he reached the entrance of the restaurant, his eyes darted around until they landed on an obvious confrontation between two men and two girls. Seeing the exasperated look on Jerry’s face, he roared as he approached them. “Who dares to insult my nephew?!”Murmurs elicited from the customers at the restaurant, even the waiters had paused to see what was going to happen. The entire atmosphere was bubbling with anticipation.“Woah! This is the first time I’m seeing Alex Peabody in person. He looks really furious.” A lady whispered to her friend.“This lad should have begged when he had the chance. Those bodyguards look like they could crush someone with a finger.” Another lady shuddered at the sight of the burly bodyguards trailing behind Alex Peabody.“I’d definitely
Liam Muller had just stepped out of a bar across from the courthouse when he sighted Adrian standing in front of the courthouse. “Isn’t it that bastard?” He mused, a cruel glint shining in his eyes as he approached Adrian who seemed to be lost in thought. “If it isn’t the good-for-nothing beggar.” He drawled in a bit to goad Adrian.Adrian sighed and closed his eyes for a second as if to calm himself before reopening them and staring coldly at Liam. “I’m not cut out for your trouble today, Liam.”“My trouble?” Liam snorted. “You should be on your knees thanking me for gracing a cheap loser like you with my presence.”Adrian ignored Liam and turned to walk away but Liam’s taunting words stopped him in his tracks. “How is your dear mother?” He asked maliciously. “I hope she hasn’t died since you couldn’t pay for her surgery.”Adrian clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as a surge of anger coursed through him. Forcing it down, he glanced back at Liam suspiciously. “How did you know t
Adrian pushed the doors of the Life-mate hospital open, and headed straight for the intensive care unit without as much as an acknowledgment to the staff at the reception. He met Vincent, who had been out of Wibston on a trip, and Regina pacing in the waiting room of the intensive care unit and the panic and worry on their faces made his heart sink.The moment Regina saw him approaching, the panic on her face morphed into anger as she marched to him. And before he could say anything, her hand collided with his cheek in a slap that resounded through the waiting room.“What kind of husband are you?” She seethed, her irises flickering with rage. “Anita has been fighting for her life for the past one hour, and you dare to show up just now?!”Her voice rose a few notches as she grabbed the neckline of Adrian’s tee in her hands, completely disregarding the tiny patches of blood around it. “What were you doing that you couldn’t protect my daughter?” She spat again, her voice trembling with
Kai didn’t bother to pay any attention to Adrian as he tightened his grip on Blaze’s neck. The color on Blaze’s face transformed from red to ashen, and it became obvious that Kai was infusing some of his dark energy into him.Adrian’s anger rolled off him in waves, and his body seemed to glow a little more as he crossed the distance to Blaze in the speed of light. Before Kai could process what was happening, Adrian retracted his palm and slammed it against Kai’s chest with enough force to send him flying across the ring and landing on the ground with a thundering crash.Blaze fell to the ground after Kai released him and he wheezed as he tried to catch his breath. The whole arena was silent at this point, as no one dared to utter a word, not even an intake of breath.Adrian walked up to Blaze and extended a hand towards him. “I’ll take it up from here, Blaze. You did well holding the fort for me.”Blaze looked up at Adrian, and his expression was filled with awe as he took in his gl
“Could the duel be over?!” Julian boomed from his spot at the front stand of the arena. “The other guy seems not to be getting up. If he’s still down in the next twenty seconds, he’ll be declared the loser!”Blaze’s ears perked up in alarm at Julian’s announcement, and seeing as Adrian wasn’t going to get up on his own, he rushed to him without hesitation.With a precise strike of his fist against Kai’s spine, Blaze sent him stumbling away from Adrian.Taking advantage of Kai’s momentary disorientation, Blaze knelt beside Adrian and quickly placed an arm around his shoulder to support him. With some effort, he helped him up to his feet just before the final seconds elapsed. “Master, you need to fight the dark energy before it consumes you,” he advised, his tone filled with concern.Adrian wiped the blood from the corner of his lips and held onto Blaze’s arm for a moment longer to steady himself. “I’m trying,” he gritted, his face tightening as the dark energy wrapped around his hea
Nathan’s anxiety began to fade as his friend Malik methodically worked to cover up their tracks, ensuring no one would ever trace Anita’s accident back to him.Still, the memory of her terrified scream, and the sound of the crash replayed in his head like a broken record. His heart gnawed with extreme guilt, but then a dark sinister voice whispered in his head.“Cheer up, Nathan. It’s too late to cry over spilled milk. At least now you’d get back all you lost to her. You’ve won.”At the mention of him finally defeating Anita, every shred of guilt he felt vanished and was replaced with sadistic triumph, and a befitting smile slowly crept up his lips.“It’s all done, Nate,” Malik announced as he pushed back from the table, and reclined on his swivelling chair, both of his hands coming to rest at the back of his head.He looked up at Nathan’s relieved face and chuckled. “That was kind of scary, wasn’t it? Even I froze for a moment before my mind geared into action.”Nathan scratched the
“N-Nathan?” Anita’s jaw dropped in shock as she heard the voice of her cousin come in from the speaker. Her grip tightened on the steering wheel as her unease became stronger. “What’s happening? What did you do to my car?” “Oh, nothing much, just a little…rigging,” Nathan replied in a casual voice. “Isn’t it exciting to know that I can control your car from where I am? I can even..” He trailed off and before Anita could respond, the steering wheel jerked suddenly under her grasp and started moving on its own accord. “Nathan, stop!” She screamed in panic as she tried to regain control of the steering. “My car is swerving out of control! Why are you doing this?!” The mocking sound of laughter came from the speaker again, and slowly the steering wheel started working normally. “Oh you look so sacred, Anita. You should see your face right now.” Anita’s heart dropped to her stomach as her eyes darted around the car. Was he watching her? A shiver ran down her spine as she scanned for an
The air in the hall crackled with tension as the four men faced off with each other. Adrian and Blaze, Lawrence and Kai.Lawrence and Kai wore identical smug expressions as they undermined their opponents, while Adrian and Blaze wore unfazed, yet confident expressions.Lawrence, deciding to add more heat to the tension, turned to Kai with a cocky smirk. “Kai, what do you say we make things more interesting for our dear opponents?”Kai’s brows rose in intrigue and a sly smirk slowly crept up his lips as his gaze flickered to Adrian and Blaze, then back to Lawrence. “I think that’s a splendid idea, boss. Let’s spice this challenge up a bit.”“Perfect, then,”’Lawrence clapped and turned to face Adrian and Blaze, but his gaze was particularly trained on Adrian. “Why don’t we make a little bet?” He tilted his head challengingly.Adrian and Blaze exchanged glances with each other, and Blaze shrugged. “It’s entirely up to you, master. I’ll go ahead with whatever you decide.”Adrian nodded hi
Murmurs and hushed whispers erupted from the crowd at Adrian’s declaration and everyone began to wonder what would have given him the courage to say such.Julian Xu’s brows furrowed as he sized Adrian up from the podium. Adrian was wearing a black, silk untucked shirt and black slacks with a pair of white air force ones, looking more casual and unassuming than any other person in the hall.Was he dreaming? Julian thought as he watched the young man approach the front of the podium.Adrian didn’t pay any mind to all the comments as he strode towards Julian, his head held high and his hands tucked into his pockets.Lawrence Smith, on the other hand, was seething as his irises flickered wildly at Adrian, while Xavier Palmer and Nolan were wide eyed with disbelief.Nolan was the first to break the silence as he turned to Lawrence. “Mr. Smith, you have to do something!” He blurted out. “You can’t possibly let that loser challenge your position!”“Yes, Lawrence,” Xavier added with a frown.
Adrian had overheard Nolan’s request for Lawrence’s help, and initially he paid no mind to it, but seeing as Lawrence had agreed, he became curious to see how things would play out. Especially since he had given specific orders for Sebastian not to be released without his permission.He observed quietly as Lawrence placed a call to his supposed friend. “Hello, Chief Legal prosecutor Rashford,” Lawrence greeted the person on the other end with a smile. “I have a favour to ask you.”“Lawrence Smith, my good friend. Long time no see,” the chief prosecutor responded with equal familiarity. “Of course, tell me what favour I can do for you.”Lawrence’s expression gleamed with hope. Maybe the chief prosecutor will be able to help afterall.“So the thing is,” he began, lowering his voice slightly. “I have a friend whose brother was thrown into Hades Prison. Is there any—”“Hades Prison?!” Lawrence’s chief prosecutor friend echoed, his voice pitched with shock. “No, no, friend. I’m afraid I w
Xavier Palmer’s gaze snapped to Nolan’s direction when he heard his son’s words, and his brows furrowed as he saw him approaching with a silver haired man he didn’t recognize. He glanced back at Adrian and withdrew his hand before he completed their handshake, then turned towards Nolan again. “What do you mean by ‘more beneficial to us,’ son? Who is he?” He asked as his eyes flickered curiously to Lawrence.Lawrence didn’t wait for Nolan to introduce him as he took a step closer towards Xavier, deliberately brushing against Adrian’s shoulder as he walked past.Adrian’s jaw tightened, and his fists trembled with the need to bash the smirk off Lawrence’s face, but he held himself back.Not yet. There will be plenty of time to do that during the duel. Lawrence plastered on a wide, charming smile as he extended a hand to Xavier Palmer. “This will be our first time meeting, Mr Palmer. My name is Lawrence Smith, a friend of your son, and an aspiring candidate for the imperial circle’s lea