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2024-10-29 19:42:56In 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. “What are you doing here, Kelan?”
“You, shut up!” Declared Cynthia, his mother-in-law, “Kelan was invited as a trusted business partner.”
“Ah, business. Because my inheritance is just business. Great.” Conor huffed. All the scorn and rejection of the last few years mounted upon him as he walked to the front like a cow sold for profit.
The monk, Brother Arios, wrung his hands as he glanced around the room, the family watching him like a pack of hungry wolves. “Umm, Right. Today, the temple recognizes its honor, and obligation to see to the needs of those who were left behind by the passing of our dear priestess…”
“Dovari witch” scoffed Kelan Benedict not so quietly.
The whole room gasped and turned to Kelan.
Conor was brimming with fury. “What did you say?”
Kelan smirked. “what, don’t tell me you didn’t know why that temple was sacked back then?”
It was Mr. Cochan who asked the question on everyone’s minds. “What do you mean Mr. Benedict? Are you blaspheming Celia, here, right before her very priest?”
“Celia? NO! I do not challenge Celia or any of the dragon gods. But the Dovari… those….NECROMANCER WITCHES,” he spat.
“They practiced dark magic with forbidden knowledge. That priestess was their leader. The temple needed to be purged to cleanse it back to the pure worship of Celia. Our dear brother Arios here should know that part, but the temple seems keen to forget that little part of its history.”
Jessica glanced at Conor whose face was ashen and fist clenched. She subconsciously stepped away and behind her parents.
Brother Arios on the other hand looked downright indignant and didn’t hold back.
“Blasphemous lies, young man. The temple was raided, but it was done by savage brutes with no conscience or dignity. Sister Raina was a wise and respected priestess. You know nothing at all of her greatness, and yet here you are, insulting her memory. How dare you?! Another word, and you … you, just get out of here!”
Kelan just smirked, ignoring Brother Arios completely, self-satisfaction evident.
It was Cynthia Cochan that broke the awkward tension. “Brother Arios, you said something about obligations?”
“Ah yes, well I have here a letter from the abbot for our Mr. Brantley.” Arios, who had quickly calmed down, read a long letter to the crowd about how honored the Abbot had been to serve with Sister Raina and several anecdotes from over the years.
Finally, he reached a part about the temple’s obligation. “the Abbot wishes for me to impart to Mr. Brantley our heartfelt condolences at the loss of your mother and her wise guidance and hopes their gold pieces will see you through the year to come.”
He produced three gold dragons and handed them to Conor.
Conor palmed the heavy coins but managed to quickly slide one into a pocket right under Arios’s nose, without anyone in the room seeing. As Conor turned back to the crowded room, holding one in each hand, showing them to the eager ‘family’ of his.
As Brother Arios left the meeting room, his part complete, Mr. Cochan frowned. In front of the family, he tried to maintain his composure as he said, “Well, two gold coins is not much but then again, I suppose the temple figures you will just waste it anyway.”
He and Cynthia rushed to Conor, “Now, son, you know for the years that we have supported you, one of these is due to us. One is also due to your wife, for all she has had to endure with you as a husband and for paying for your failures.”
Cynthia who has just been waiting for the priest to leave, snatched one of the gold coins from Conor’s hand faster than he could react. Mr. Cochan just watched and smiled.
Conor frowned at this pit of vipers, but he could hardly come up with an argument.
He had actually been surprised the temple had given him anything, since his mother had already sent him two dragons via Mr. Nuri. Perhaps the temple was unaware of that?
His mother-in-law Cynthia then piped up, “and he said this was to see you through THIS year, so when he comes again next year, that will be due us as well.”
What?!
Conor couldn’t believe his ears.
Did these snakes really expect the temple just keep paying him each year for simply existing? “What do you mean again? Do you really think the temple is just going to give me money every year? That is not how this works! This was it, done, finished!”
Cynthia stared at the large gold coin in her hand, and glanced to the other gold coin still in Conor’s other palm, greed filling her eyes. “Well, at least you are worth this much.”
What Kelan said next had everyone stunned. “If two gold dragons are all it takes to get you people excited, marry Jessica to me as a concubine, and be done with this son of a Dovari bitch” he spat, “Witch or whatever you want to call her. Do this, and my family will contribute two gold dragons a year to the Cochan family coffers, as well as any business deals that would be mutually beneficial.”
Cynthia’s eyes lit up instantly. However, Jessica recoiled at almost the same moment and moved closer to Conor for a change.
“HAHAHA, you think that pathetic wimp is better than me? I can provide you the world, Jessica! Do not scorn me!”
“No! Please no, mum!” Jessica turned pleading eyes on her mother.
It wasn’t that Kelan was bad looking. On the contrary, he was decent enough to look at. But his personality stank of a rough upbringing and of the mines his family ran. The harsh nature was plain for any to see. Not to mention the rumors that made her flinch.
Rumors ran amuck of the women who disappeared after being caught in Kelan’s wake. Few were ever seen again, and the few ones who came back from Kelan’s embrace were broken and battered.
Sudden steel filled Conor’s veins.
The voice that came to his lips was not his own, yet his soul resonated with every word. “Kelan Benedict, you will cease your slander and attacks against this family. You will take your foul mouth and return to the pits from whence you came.”
Jessica swallowed hard and gripped his arm tight as she heard the words.
Cynthia looked about ready to tear Conor’s eyes out. “Don’t talk to Mr. Benedict like that! He is worth 10 of you! Oh, why did we ever agree to marry our Jessica to the likes of you! Dovari indeed!”
Kelan sized up Conor before turning to Mr. Cochan, “I will not force Jessica to do anything, but I suggest you talk reason to her. I can provide your family with many resources, or I can be an insurmountable mountain in your way. Choose wisely.”
Before Conor could say anything that might get him in trouble, Kelan stormed out.
Mr. Cochan glared at Conor, as if he was some sort of contagious filth, “If you have damaged our relationship with the Benedicts, so help me, boy! You will be out of the streets begging before the sun sets! Perhaps Kelan would be kind enough to toss you into one of his mines for work. I hear the workers at least get fed, even if they don’t see the light of day ever again!.” Mr. Cochan then grabbed his wife’s arm and led her and the family out.
Jessica lingered, and Conor turned to her.
He finally held out the other gold coin and said, “I can take this to the bank today and have it exchanged and the proceeds deposited into our account. I can make sure our rent is paid for the year, and maybe have a bit more left over.”
Jessica stared at the coin, and shifted slightly, “It would be a relief to have the rent paid on time for a change.”
She then looked up at him, trying to decide something. “I can trust you to handle this, right? You are not going to just disappear with the money or go drink it ways at a bar or buy drugs right?”
Conor staggered back, the hurt obvious. “Jess, you know me better than that! I have never done drugs, and I would never drink away our money!”
“Fine, prove yourself. It was more money than we could hope for right now, so you had best use it wisely and actually pay our expenses for once. If the Benedict family turns against us, That is likely the only money we will have for a long while.” with that she turned and left the room, leaving Conor to stew in the silence.
After a long moment, he pulled out his cellphone and called Mr. Nuri.
“Mr. Brantley, what can I do for you today.” The tone was business like, but somehow it made Conor feel relieved.
Conor quickly explained the temple's donation, and the two gold coins he now had. “Also, a teen by the name of Yuri will hopefully be calling you later. He is a game designer, but he is young.”
“What can I do to help?” Came Mr. Nuri’s calm voice.
“He is in need of a financial backer as well as a business mentor. I was hoping that you might be able to meet with him and see if you agree that his business plan and game are sound investments.”
“Investment?” Mr. Nuri’s tone shifted. “Okay, Mr. Brantley, I do have a sizable team of professionals who provide a full suite of services for my clients, including what you mention. If there are investments to be made, well, if Celia guides and the deal is solid, I will see what we can do. You mentioned two more gold coins. I am guessing you are wanting to invest in this kid’s idea?”
“Yes, if the plan is sound to you and your team that is.”
“Two dragons for game investment… well it's a lucrative field. When this yuri kid calls I will have my team meet with him and we will see what potential there is.”
“Well, not two dragons… I need to make sure my rent is covered for the month, so if you could help me exchange the gold and get me enough to cover the rest of the rent we own, that would be ideal.”
“Yes of course. Not a problem. I can send one of my assistants to pick up the gold coins if that is convenient. I actually have to step into a meeting momentarily with my partners, but Anna, my top-tier assistant will come and collect the coins for me. In time, we can set up a dedicated investing account for you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Nuri!” Conor said sincerely before hanging up.
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Rejected Billionaire Chapter 10丨Life of the Community
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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
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Rejected Billionaire Chapter 14丨A Cut Above the Rest
As they turned to leave, a shrill voice pierced the air, “That wouldn’t be the infamous Conor Brantley, would it? Does that bastard think he can show his face here after failing so publicly with Celia’s Herbals? And what is he doing in a suit like that! After his losses, he’s likely stealing it!”Conor sighed inwardly and turned to face the source of the voice. A girl, overly made-up and dressed head to toe in garish pink, stood clinging to the arm of none other than Nyman Banks.“Hello, Nyman. I see you have a new girlfriend,” Conor said coolly, his tone indicating he was ready to leave.Nyman smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Conor, I hope you’re treating Jessica well. And yes, this is Natalia Silverton. So, tell us, Conor, are you stealing that suit, or have your prospects finally turned?”Before Conor could respond, Peter attempted to diffuse the tension by interjecting, “Well, Conor is working with me on a photo shoot.”Nyman laughed derisively. “HA! Okay, Conor. So, you’re
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 15丨New Beginnings
An hour later, Peter walked in to find the chair empty and Anthony grinning from ear to ear. “You brought me a challenge, my boy, and I do love a good challenge.” “Where is Conor?” he asked quizzically. “O Conor, Dear, come show us that devilishly handsome self of yours.” Conor stepped out from behind a screen near the rear of the shop and Peter was taken aback. Conor was thrilled as he watched a riot of emotion play over Peter’s face. “So, what do you think?” Conor asked, giving a bit of a spin. His shaggy hair had been neatly trimmed with a waved part to the right. His dark hair glistened as a light breeze from a nearby fan teased it. His beard had also gone from a scraggly unkempt thing to a sharp-looking close cut. “If your wife wasn’t pleased with you before, she might have to pause any arguments just to take it all in! Or at least be willing to give you a shot, just on looks alone!” Peter chuckled. Conor was pleased. The idea of improving himself and making Jessica happy w
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 16丨Escaping the Monsters
“Conor?” The door cracked open, revealing a blurry-eyed teen in a rumpled tee-shirt.“Hey, Yuri. Can I hang out here for a bit? Things are a little… crowded next door.”“Yeah, sure. Crowded?” Yuri held open the door, his curiosity piqued.“Monster-in-law,” Conor muttered, stepping inside and giving Yuri a half-hearted smile.“Ah, I get it. Well, I can show you the new release images on the game! Mr. Nuri has been amazing to work with. Oh, I forgot to mention—Mom got a new job thanks to him! She’ll be working as an assistant for some photo company that needs a secretary. We’re probably going to move in a few weeks!”“Really! That’s great news! Where do you think you’ll move to?”“Well, Mr. Nuri told her about this new part of town. It’s a bit farther away from most things, but the rent is better, and there’s a lot more space. He said they’re putting in super high-end utility lines, so I should be able to run all my systems at full speed! Mom’s thrilled too—she hates the traffic in town,
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 17丨Monster-in-law (Jessica's POV)
The apartment “I am telling you, Jessica, he has already proven himself a failure. It's time to move on.” “Mom, I think he is really trying. You saw how he cleaned up and made dinner. He is working hard” “Jessica, it's been, like, two days of this new Conor. Are you really going to forget over three years of failures because he trimmed his hair? He just wants time in bed with you and you know it.” “It’s not like he has gotten any in a few years…” Jessica muttered humorlessly. “But he is trying to improve. I don’t see any reason to discourage his new attitudes. He has been working at the GrizlHut now for over two months. He seems to really be working hard.” “Just… don’t open yourself to just be hurt again. I don’t see him being able to be worthy of you, no matter how much effort he puts in.” “I know mom, but… I want to give him the chance.” “Nyman is not going to wait for you forever, dear. If you really want him, you need to be prepared to make the separation sooner than later.
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- Rejected Billionaire
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
- Rejected Billionaire
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
- Rejected Billionaire
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
- Rejected Billionaire
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
- Rejected Billionaire
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.
- Rejected Billionaire
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.
- Rejected Billionaire
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
- Rejected Billionaire
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
