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2024-10-29 19:42:56The next morning Conor slept in late.
Jessica had not felt the need to rudely awaken him today, it seemed.
Conor sighed. This extra sleep felt like a small birthday miracle. Though she could be cruel at times, Conor still liked her. He longed for her to have more faith in him. With a deep breath, he reminded himself that he had not given her much reason to believe in him.
He walked out of his room to find some food from the kitchen before heading back to the GrizleHut. It seemed Mr. Cochan was intent on having him work daily to earn his keep or perhaps he just felt he could work Conor to death as cheap labor and Conor would not be able to complain if he wanted to save his marriage.
Just then a knock sounded from the front door.
‘Odd, we don’t usually get visitors.’
Conor answered the door to find a finely dressed dark-skinned gentleman with short, cropped hair and a thin short goatee, wearing a full formal charcoal business suit and red tie. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties.
“Mr. Brantley?”
“Yes? Who are you?”
“My name is Liam Nuri. I am from the Dreadnaught Law firm of Bayan."
Dreadnaught Law firm of Bayan? Conor thought fast. He knew this name. Dreadnaught was the largest and most powerful law firm in the whole province of Bayan. Many claimed it was the premier firm in the whole kingdom!
“Well, umm nice to meet you Mr. Nuri, but umm, what are you doing here?”
Mr. Nuri withdrew two packets from his briefcase, which he handed to Conor.
“I am not being served, am I?” Had Jessica decided to follow her mother's advice and divorce him? And on his birthday no less? Cold, bitch. Cold.
“No. Well, perhaps not in the sense you are thinking. This is not a summons or a lawsuit. However, you are being served your inheritance. Happy twenty-fifth birthday." Mr Nuri said, looking at Conor amiably and handing him a small pile of envelopes.
"Pardon?" His inheritance? What inheritance? Conor was completely dumbfounded.
"Yes, from your mother. I know you likely don’t remember me, but your mother was very good to me when I was young." Nuri said solemnly and kindly explained, "Her wisdom provided many opportunities for me and for those in my employ. She helped me get established in the world. In honor of her memory, should you need anything in the future, my card is there as well. Call any time."
"Okay... oh, and ... thanks." Conor still felt dizzy while examining the business card and figuring out what Nuri meant. But before he could ask about anything specific, Mr. Nuri has already walked away.
Conor stumbled back into the apartment and opened the first sealed envelope. A silver pendant on a gold chain fell into his open palm, along with two of the kingdom's gold dragon coins and a ring with a dragon emblazoned across it. The coins were solid gold, about 10 centimeters across, and worth almost a full year's living expenses at their current apartment. The dragon ring reminded him of the royal seal he had seen on a letter from the king sent to his mother.
The visage of a grinning dragon head adorned the center of the shiny, mirror-like coins, talons gripping the rim as if trying to claw its way out. Most citizens would only see iron or copper coins, with the rare silver ones used for larger purchases or sometimes rent payments. gold dragons were normally only seen in the ranks of the nobility or very rich merchants. (Consider a gold to = around 20,000- 30,000 USD and is 10 oz of gold. A copper dragon is about $1 USD. a silver is around $150)
The pendant was of a small but life-like silver dragon statuette, with wings spread wide. The dragon was about the size of his palm and grasped a large bluish-green stone between its talons and silvery tail. Conor was mesmerized by it but then remembered the second envelope. Inside he found a short letter.
Dear Conor,
I am sorry I have to leave this burden to you. The pendant is a family heirloom and sacred trust. Guard it with your life and may Celia guide and protect you in return. I wish I could leave you more. Be wary of any who seek to take it from you. Know that you, my son, are my greatest treasure, and the biggest blessing of Celia.
Love, Mom.
'Love mom!'
What the hell was this?!
Conor sat hard on the stool in the kitchen staring at the short note.
Love mom… the words rattled in his head. After so many years of wondering what had happened, this simple note was so inadequate. However, looking down at the pendant he had seen around her neck growing up, he knew his mother must have known something.
Holding this small memento meant the world to him as one of the only links left to his mother. Celia, Conor remembered, was the dragon god his mother had served and worshipped at the temple as high priestess.
What was a dragon god going to do for him now? The god clearly had not saved his mother.
Conor held the chain for a moment before slipping the long chain around his neck and tucked it into his shirt while he slid the gold coins into his pocket. While he may not have much faith in Celia at the moment, the pendant had been his mother’s and he would keep it close in memory of her.
BEEP! BEEP! Oh, no! Conor cursed inwardly as his watch beeped. He was going to be late for his shift.
What A wonderful way to spend his birthday, working a crap job!
However, he rationalized with himself as he rushed out the door that the two gold coins in his pocket were likely more cash wealth than he had seen in one place since he had left his mother’s temple, but they were still only enough to get them through a single year if spent directly on rent. He still needed a steady income!
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Rejected Billionaire Chapter 6丨Investments
Conor arrived to find Pops counting out the till from last night. “Ah, umm, Conor. You are Mr. Cochan’s son-in-law, so I … I think I can trust you to be honest with this. Right?” He said hesitantly, handing Conor a bank bag with several thousand copper bills with the dragon emblem on it. “Take these to the bank, and deposit them for me.” As if he has finally decided, Pops added, “And I warn you, Conor! Don’t get lost on the way! Mr. Cochan will have the city guard after you in minutes if he learns you swindled his till money. And I swear to make sure you get a dose of my own brand of punishment if you make me look the fool in front of him!” “Yes sir.” Conor wasn’t thrilled about the task, but it got him out of the morning prep work. The bank held some humiliating memories for him. He couldn’t count the number of times he had visited Jinstain Bank and Trust in the past three years, only to be laughed out the doors. His most recent humiliation was his idea for selling socks in t
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 7丨Spice Of Life
As Conor crossed in front of a spice shop next to the GrizlHut a mental hook pulled at his chest, causing him to step into the aromatic store and spend a second browsing the herbs. It was strange the desire to be in here, but it felt like somewhere he just need to be. His hand found a few dried seasonings including basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. He couldn’t fathom what he might be able to do with them but headed back to the GrizlHut with his quick purchase. As he entered the back he saw Cara mixing a huge pot of fresh dough. Conor’s mouth went dry at the thought. He had tried the GrizlHut’s dough the other night and to say it was bland was an understatement. But according to Cara, Pops insisted that recipe was a staple that had been in his family for generations. ‘Generations of dead people with no tastebuds,’ Conor thought inwardly. After he clocked in, he set his bag down and returned the till pouch to Pops. “Go use your muscles for something useful and tak
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 8丨Games with Yuri
Conor arrived home later again, to find the lights off in their small apartment. He sighed. Four years, and he and Jessica were no closer to having a real relationship. These new hours were not going to make that any easier either, not that she’d care. He drifted into an uneasy sleep. Dreams of wings beating the air as he drifts through warm air currents and floated through the clouds captivated his imagination. The next morning, he awoke to Jessica again wrenching the covers over his bed. “Up! Family meeting today.” She declared while looking at Conor with a disapproving frown. “What does that have to do with me? I thought most of the Cochan family preferred I never show my face around them.” Conor complained, desperately searching for any scrap of warm cloth he could find. “Isn't the twenty-fifth birthday of the faithful followers of Celia supposed to be symbolic? We are expecting a representative from the temple to deliver any inheritance to you.” Jess scorned. “What does
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 9丨Inheritance or Business?
In the company board room, the Cochan family gathered around a small man in long brown robes. This was the newly appointed Dragon priest who had arisen to the post just a few days ago. The previous priest had died from old age, sadly. Conor’s mother had been the last true high priestess, with the current clergy seemingly unable to carry the same wisdom she had possessed. When Conor walked in, the priest perked up and immediately walked over to him. “Ah, brother Brantley! It is good to see you. I am sure you don’t remember me, but I served under your mother many years ago. She was a wise and honored priestess.” The monk even bowed to Conor, and Jessica’s whole family became tense. None of them liked seeing Conor praised. Mr. Cochan cleared his throat. “Hehem, Mr. Arios, we have gathered the family and now our beloved Conor is here. He is now of age to receive the blessing of the temple. What can you present?” Just then, Kelan Benedict walked in. “Sorry I am late.” Conor frowned.
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 10丨Life of the Community
As the weeks went by, Conor found himself eager to head to the GrizzlHut each day. Cara’s smile was so much more infectious and welcoming than the nagging he received at home from Jessica, or the outright abuse his mother-in-law, Cynthia Cochan, rained down on him. Cynthia seemed to think that Conor owed the family such a debt that he was now a family slave. She loved to order him around even in their apartment. Work at Grizlhut was definitely a welcome escape! One day, Cara and Conor were both scheduled to be off by 4 p.m. “Got any plans this afternoon?” Conor asked. “Yes, actually. Matter of fact… you should come. I think it would be right up your alley.” “What is it?” “You’ll just have to wait and see. At the end of the shift, Cara had Conor ride with her, and they drove to a run-down part of town. Kids were playing basketball in the street, and jumping rope. “What is this place?” “It’s what’s left of the Jinstain Community Center. The Temple of Celia funded it up until
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 11丨Make the First Move
It seemed Kelan Benedict's warning had opened the Cochan family's eyes to the possibility of Jessica's potential, especially as a peace offering to Kelan. Over the past few weeks, Cynthia had suggested divorce from Conor more than once. Each time Mr. Cochan was away on business, Cynthia would invade their apartment and try to broach the topic with Jessica. Jessica, however, staunchly refused to be a trophy for Kelan. But Conor knew deep down that it was not out of love for him that she clung to their marriage, but simple fear of Kelan. One night, during one of Cynthia’s invasions of their apartment, she ordered, “Conor, be quick and finish the dishes and get out! Jessica and I have things to discuss.” As Conor dejectedly took to his task, he heard his wife start in on an old refrain. “Mother, let me marry Nyman, and then I will consider divorcing Conor,” Jessica pleaded, still feeling like she was walking on eggshells with her mother. “Silly girl, the Banks family could never s
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 12丨Meeting at Dreadnaught Law
Conor awoke the next morning with a new sense of purpose. Jessica had been his wife for four years, and he had not lived up to his end of that contract. Any hostility Jessica leveled at him had been earned by his own failures and his own lack of care for her need for security and financial stability. It was time to change that. He crept out of the room, but found that Jessica had apparently awoken before him and already left for the family offices. He ate a quick breakfast of dry cereal and then called Mr. Nuri. “Yes, Mr. Bentley?” “Can we have a business meeting? With Mr. Miros if possible?” “I will have a car pick you both up. My office will have a meeting room available within an hour.” Conor was amazed at Mr. Nuri’s efficiency and dedication. He had meant what he said when he had told Conor he could call any time. *** An hour later, Conor found himself stepping out of a sleek black car, staring up at an impressive forty-story glass building, with a sweeping arch across the
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 13丨New Suit, New Style
Conor had the driver drop him off at the Cochan Mall on the southeast end of the city’s central square. Mr. Miros was waiting for him near the stone lions at the mall entrance. “These will make amazing stock photos! Many ads can be made with something like this!” exclaimed Miros. “That is excellent Mr. Miros!” “Just call me Peter, after all, we are about the same age. It just feels weird to be called Mr. Miros all the time,” he chuckled. “Fair enough. In that case, call me Conor.” Conor shook hands with Peter and then pointed down a side alley. “If you come over this way, I think you will be impressed.” Down the side of the mall, a huge mural had been graffitied onto the wall, depicting massive dragon wings. If one stood before them, you could almost feel as if the wings sprouted from your shoulders and prepared to sweep you into the sky. “This… This right here will sell the world over,” Peter exclaimed, already snapping photos. Conor walked up to the wings, placing his hand i
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S3 Chapter 22: Train rides
Monday morning broke with a cool spring breeze showing the last vestiges of winter before summer’s heat. Conor tossed his suitcase into the back of the SUV and hopped into the passenger seat.Parker drove them to Kerrigan’s house, pausing briefly to acknowledge the gate guard. Conor recognized him as one of Colonel Eli’s men he had seen around Vokrizin.“Jamison is a good man. He will make sure nothing happens to Miss Lokir’s house while you all are away,” Parker said.Conor just nodded.They pulled up to Kerrigan’s house and Parker honked twice.Conor jumped out when he saw the four ladies exit with several bags each. He and Parker quickly moved to help and filled the back of the SUV with bags, nearly completely blocking any hope of looking out the back window.“Guess you are moving out. No plans to return?” Conor asked.Kerrigan replied smoothly, “I am sure I will be back. This isn’t a fraction of what is in that house.”Parker closed the trunk and addressed everyone, “The Colonel do
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 21: Kelan
Targu Province. Saturday night “A toast! To our good brother Kelan, for without him, many of us would still be scrapping the bottom of the barrel here in Velyki!” declared Darren Krellis. “Here, here!” chorused the room. "My family thanks you for letting us take over this place and turn it into the exclusive club Velykie can be proud of!" Darren declared. Kelan Benedict stood and saluted the room with his wine glass and took a swig. “Brothers and lovely guests,” he began, eyeing the ladies around the room dressed in tight-fitting evening gowns. “Tonight, I thank you for this gracious meal. Hopefully, the future will bring mutual benefit as the Benedict family begins its absorption of Velyki and then Targu!” There was a round of cheers and Kelan slumped back into his seat, wrapping his arm around Clarise, a tall attractive blonde dressed in a red dress that did wonders for her figure. “Brother Kelan,” came a grading voice beside him as someone sat down on the couch. Kelan took h
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S3 Chapter 20 : Visiting the Spice Emporium
“That was crazy,” Conor said as they headed across the street. Kerrigan slipped up beside him, slipping her hand into his, “I get the feeling that our lives will always attract crazy.” Conor sighed, “It does seem that way. Let’s see how Mr. Arroz is doing.” Conor gave Kerrigan’s hand a gentle squeeze as they crossed the street and stepped into the spice shop. A small bell sounded as they walked in. “Be right up!” came the bellow from the back room. Conor pointed to the glass case that protected the world from the hottest spice known, Abrasax’s wrath. “Now, any idea how we can get Kelan and perhaps Nyman to swallow that whole jar?” Kerrigan giggled, “I have a few I would like to feed it to. Think Mr. Arroz will part with the whole jar?” “Depends if he thinks he can replace it,” Conor said as Faolon brushed past him. “Hey, Faolan! Sit! PRALL!” Faolan came back and sat at his feet. Kerrigan looked up at him, “She just wants to sniff. This whole place is full of new smells.” “I k
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S3 Ch19: Entitlement
Conor and Kerrigan rode in companionable silence for most of the trip back to town, content to rest from the day’s climbing. They sat, each leaning against opposing car windows, but their legs met, touching from knee to heel. Conor felt their fingers brush and gently laced his with hers, enjoying how her hand fit so perfectly with his.It was near dinner time when they finally turned onto the street near the Spice Emporium. As Parker pulled into a parking space at the far end of the street, Conor noticed the Grizlehut. It had been a long time since he had thought about his old job. While his condominium home was at the far end of the street, he never come down this way anymore. Too often, Parker would be waiting for him, and they would simply drive the other direction to get to Vokrizin.Conor reached for the door and realized Kerrigan was completely passed out against her window. He leaned over and gently shook her shoulder. As she came awake, Conor saw a flash of panic cross her face
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S3 Ch 18: Trust building
He changed his hand position and reached, finding the quickdraw dangling from its anchor. He clipped the rope in and began his attempt to crest the bulge in the rock. As he pivoted, he realized the angle he was moving to would erase any grip he had on that hold. As he thought this, he felt a weightless sensation as he began to fall away from the rock. The rope went taught and jerked him mid-air as Kerrigan was pulled off her feet, flying fifteen feet in the air. She managed to hold the rope in its breaking position but her head was dangerously close to his feet. When he had caught his breath, Conor looked down into Kerrigan’s terrified green eyes. “Fancy meeting you up here. Think we could meet up again, once we are safely on the ground?” Kerrigan gawked at him for a second before smiling, “I suppose I could let you down, but You are at my mercy. I might just have to leave you up here like a pinata.” Conor chuckled as he watched her slowly release tension, lowering herself back dow
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S3 Ch 17: Rock climbing
“OK, now it's time for you to try. Who is up first?” Conor volunteered. “Fine, Kerrigan, you are on belay. I will back you up and walk you through each step. I want you both to understand, Lead climbing like this places your life in the hands of your partner. If you don’t trust each other and learn not only to communicate but to anticipate each other’s needs, you will fail and likely hurt each other.” Kerrigan looked dubiously at Parker. “Conor is easily 50 pounds heavier than me!” Parker eyed Conor’s muscular but toned form, “You are what? 200 or 210 pounds these days?” “Last I checked, yea, right at 205.” “Should be fine. Kerrigan, you just have to learn to brace yourself correctly. You could go for a ride but if you use the skills I taught you earlier you could even belay me, and I am 230 pounds these days. Climbing is about technique as much as it is about skill. Now, let's get Conor tied in.” Parker tied the end of the climbing rope to Conor’s harness and showed Kerrigan.
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S3 Ch16:
Conor leaned against the SUV with Parker standing across from him checking through a few bags of gear. “We have three ropes, harnesses for everyone, belay devices, and four full sets of quickdraws. I am also bringing a few crash pads. I don’t plan on you needing to use them but we will put them along the base just in case. Here, try these on.” Parker tossed a pair of strange shoes to him. Conor looked at the shoes that had a sharp curve to the toe and the sole was a flat rubber that followed the arch curve. The tan material seemed to be some sort of soft doeskin or very supple leather. Conor tried to pull the shoe on but his toes cramped and they were shoved into the tight shoes. “Umm, I think these are too small.” Parker walked over and check them. “your heal fits right?” “Yea, but my toes are all curled” “Painfully curled or just uncomfortably curled?” Conor considered before finally replying, “just uncomfortable. My shoes are normally a bit loose.” “Then they fit perfectly.
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S3 Ch 15: Issues at home
Kerrigan spent the next day walking around the property at her house with Faolan. It had been a while since they had been able to just play, and she took this opportunity to play fetch. Thankfully her right arm still functioned, though being it was her off-hand, it was a bit awkward to throw. She figured this was good training for anything that might injure her dominant arm. Mercifully she had awoken almost entirely pain-free. The pills the Colonel had given her had truly worked wonders overnight and she had to admit, she was looking forward to being able to learn to climb the sheer rock faces near the waterfall tomorrow. The day passed rather uneventfully, and as the sun set Kerrigan found herself curled up on the back porch on one of their outdoor couches, with Faolan warming her feet with her furry mass. Reilynn stepped out a few minutes later with two glasses of wine and handed one to Kerrigan as Gabriella come out behind her. the girls each sank into chairs and leaned back, look
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S3 Ch 14: Kerrigan's Family revelations
The next morning Kerrigan arrived on the roof of Vokrizin for their daily training session. Colonel Eli strode over to her but before he could start setting her to drills she decided to interject, “I actually wanted to talk to you.” “Oh?” “two things really. First, do you think tomorrow I could take the girls climbing? Perhaps Conor will join us?” The Colonel glanced to where Parker was sparing with Conor, “I don’t see why that should be a problem.” He looked to Reilynn, “You feel confident in training them?” “Yes, sis.” “Fine, I will requisition the gear. What size shoe do you were, Miss Lokir?” “Umm about 23.5 cm.” “Hmm ok. I will make sure to get you and Conor some. Be warned, they will be tight. These are not meant for walking, they are designed for grip. Don’t be surprised if they feel a size or two smaller than is comfortable. What was the other thing?” “I am returning to Dragon Corporation at the end of the week.” “Ah, I see. I will begin redeploying a detail. We still
