Xavier now wakes up earlier. Sleeping in a much more comfortable place makes Xavier feel far fresher and more energetic than usual.
To maintain his ideal physique, Xavier decides to go for a morning run through the picturesque countryside. The thin mist covering the countryside doesn't dampen Xavier's spirit in the slightest.
"Good morning, Young Master!"
His two subordinates guarding the main door greet Xavier with respect. Xavier nods slightly while holding a small towel around his neck.
Xavier gazes at the thin mist before finally leaving his luxurious home. At the gate, he is greeted by the salutations of two security guards, as well as his trusted right-hand man who immediately wants to follow him.
"I'll accompany you, Sir."
Xavier looks at Zeyn intently, and a moment later, his head shakes, indicating his disapproval of Zeyn's desire.
"But, Sir..."
"I've written instructions for you on a note in my room. Carry out my orders."
"Understood, Young Master."
Zeyn can't resist. All he can do is nod, even though his heart is uneasy knowing that his boss will go alone. However, Zeyn has no choice but to comply with Xavier's absolute decision.
Xavier continues his small run. His face remains composed, focused ahead, ignoring the curious gazes from the villagers who find him unfamiliar.
He appears indifferent, walking towards the initial purpose of leaving his home.
"Stop!"
Xavier is forced to halt his steps. Two sturdy figures, resembling local tough guys, block his way.
"Newcomers must serve us. Hand over everything you have."
One of them raises his voice, threatening Xavier, eyes fixed on the watch he's wearing.
Xavier remains unmoved, offering no response.
"You dare to look defiant! You..."
Before the other man can land a blow on Xavier's face, several people intervene and overpower him.
The one still standing trembles with fear, especially when Xavier realizes Zeyn has come to face him.
"Our collaboration is over. You dared to harm the big boss."
After hearing Zeyn's broken sentence, the surviving man immediately widens his eyes. He continues to apologize and plead, shaken by fear.
"Settle his business. Take what rightfully belongs to the company."
Xavier states before walking away, entering the car directed by his subordinates.
Ding!
Just as Xavier's car stops at a seemingly luxurious yet simple cafe, a message notification appears on his phone.
He is accompanied by his private driver, and Zeyn, who will never be far from him.
-Gio
[I've arrived. I'm waiting for you at seat number 12]Xavier reads the message through the floating notification on his phone screen.
"Stay here. Let me talk to him alone."
Xavier ensures his right-hand won't follow. Zeyn nods, this time able to watch his boss from a distance.
"Alright, Young Master."
After making sure everything is in order, Xavier enters the cafe.
Ding! Ding!
The sound of the cafe door, pushed by Xavier, attracts the attention of the cafe's patrons.
Xavier scans the room and finds a man his age waving his hand, calling him. Without hesitation, Xavier approaches him.
The enthusiastic hug from the man is met with a faint smile from Xavier. He generally dislikes such closeness.
"Oh... sorry-sorry. I forgot; you probably don't like this. Again, forgive me. I can't control myself."
Xavier nods slightly. It has already happened, and there's nothing Xavier can do.
"I'm really excited when I got your message to meet in person. This is the first time we've met."
Gio, the man, smiles widely. After waiting for a long time, he can finally meet his business partner face to face.
During all this time, only Xavier's subordinates met him; Xavier never personally intervened like this.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot."
Gio then raises one finger, remembering something. He momentarily bows, taking his work bag placed under the table.
Gio seems to take something he wanted to give to his colleague from the beginning.
"Here it is. You have to attend this."
Gio hands an invitation letter to his colleague. Xavier looks at the letter for a moment before taking it.
"I intentionally organized this small celebration. The tremendous success of our business prompted me to celebrate. Just a small party. It will be held at a five-star hotel."
Gio explains with modesty. Everyone knows there's nothing small about a party, especially when it's in a five-star hotel.
"I will attend."
Gio cheers. He has been waiting for Xavier to say that. Shortly after, Gio orders food for both of them.
Talking without ordering food would leave an incomplete impression on their second meeting.
Just as Gio and Xavier are about to start their meal, someone suddenly comes and moves their table.
Thud!
"You're so shameless!"
Xavier, recognizing the voice, turns his gaze. Indeed, a middle-aged woman appears, hands on her hips.
The woman is none other than his ex-mother-in-law, Emely—Mama Elnora.
"Look at yourself now! You look so pitiful. How dare you come to a cafe like this. Can you afford it? After all, you're no longer with my daughter. You've truly fallen into poverty."
Emely insults Xavier thoroughly. All eyes make Xavier's table the center of attention.
"From the beginning, I've pitied my daughter who had to work hard to support her family. You're just a useless man with an unclear job at home. Your salary is even less than the earnings from my daughter's boutique. Useless man!"
Xavier clenches his fists, with no intention to retaliate in his heart.
"Should've become a beggar on the city street corner! A poor man who only depends on a woman's money like you doesn't deserve a decent life."
Xavier shakes his head, showing no intention of responding. In his mind, he has no desire to dignify Emely's words with a response.
"I'm sure your life will never surpass my daughter's. I'm certain she'll marry a wealthy and useful man, unlike you!"
After humiliating Xavier with all her vulgar words, the middle-aged woman decides to leave.
Emely is genuinely satisfied; she managed to insult and embarrass Xavier thoroughly. She deliberately did it all, hoping Xavier's mental state would decline, and he would continue to spiral downward until he eventually falls into a pit.
"What's this? Why are you just standing there?"
Gio appears angered. His colleague, whom he knows as a big boss, has just been insulted by a foolish middle-aged woman.
Meanwhile, Xavier, in response to such a question, just shakes his head, confirming that nothing significant happened.
"You can't. You can't just stay silent. She has no comparison to you. You're the owner of Baxier Corporation. How could she insult you like that!"
Gio yells, making everyone in the cafe startled. Their disgusted gazes instantly turn into fear and respect.
Especially when Gio shows the symbol of their partnership.
Xavier smirks, realizing the change in the cafe's atmosphere.
"Everything has its time, Gio."
Xavier offers a mysterious smile. Unbeknownst to Emely, since she started talking until deciding to leave, Xavier silently carved sly glances into her face.
A sign that the middle-aged woman is about to enter the danger she created herself.
Please, Young Master. Your clothes are ready."Zeyn stood right next to his superior's bed, and on the bed lay a suit, shirt, and trousers neatly arranged.Xavier, fresh out of the bathroom, casually drying his hair with a towel, glanced briefly at his assistant."Thank you. You can leave now."Zeyn nodded, ready to exit. However, before the man could leave the room, Xavier's voice stopped him in his tracks."Oh, Zeyn. I need a favor. Make sure none of our employees attend Gio's party. Ensure they won't be present at the event."Without needing further explanation, Zeyn understood Xavier's request. Xavier didn't want his ownership of Baxier Company to be revealed to his employees prematurely.Xavier aimed for a spectacle, a show that would captivate, not just a mundane announcement without providing an entertaining display."Alright, Young Master. I'll ensure everything is under control."Having said that, Zeyn exited the room, leaving Xavier to prepare with the clothes already laid o
"Has something happened, Young Master?"The questioning tone from his assistant snapped Xavier out of his reverie.Xavier's gaze shifted to his loyal subordinate.He shook his head subtly, indicating that there wasn't a significant issue."Apologies, Young Master. Perhaps my previous question sounded too forward. Please forgive me; it was purely my mistake."Zeyn lowered his head, acknowledging a significant error."How many minutes until the event starts?" Xavier asked, looking at his right-hand man.Zeyn seemed puzzled by Xavier's sudden question, but without much comment, he promptly activated his tablet."About 10 minutes, Young Master."Although the man clearly wore a watch on his wrist, it seemed to serve no purpose for Xavier."Please, check the guest list invited by Gio. Send it all to my personal email.""Very well, Young Master. I'll do it promptly."After stating what he needed to, Xavier stepped into the five-star hotel hosting the business success party he had invested in
The next night,"Do you like it, Mr. Xavier?"The DJ's music echoed throughout the hotel hall. After the event and the announcement that Xavier was the owner of Baxier Corporation, the party ended with DJ music pounding like a night club.Xavier placed the juice glass back on one of the tables, staring ahead where people enjoyed the music."Satisfactory enough," Xavier replied, his face showing little expression."Come. Join us. I've prepared the best and most expensive wine to welcome you."Xavier glanced at his watch. "I have to go back. You celebrate with them."Gio sighed, regretting his partner's words. "Can't you stay a little longer? Just a bit. Can't you spare a little more time for the celebration?""There's still much to take care of. Maybe, next time we can do this.""Alright. I won't force you anymore. Take care on your way. Thank you for coming tonight."Xavier nodded. Zeyn bowed respectfully and walked behind him to ensure his safety.Meanwhile, a woman who couldn't enjo
Xavier furrows his brow. The sudden bright light hitting his face forces him to open his eyes."Daddy?"He rises from his bed, staring blankly at his father."Good morning, son!"Zavier extends his arms, small strides bringing him closer to his child, embracing him tightly.Xavier, feeling uncomfortable, tries to free himself from the tight hug."Why are you here?" Xavier asks bluntly.Zavier smiles, accustomed to his son's cold remarks. "Your home is my home too. I just miss my dear son."Xavier rolls his eyes, clearly unimpressed by his father's talk."Is he threatening you? Do you want Daddy to help you?" Xavier turns and stares at him intensely."Do you think I'm a helpless child clinging to his parents? I can handle everything on my own."Zavier grins; this is his son. He's pleased to see his grown-up child."Why don't you want Daddy to announce as CEO in your own company? Has something happened?" Zavier questions his son."That's my decision."Zavier knows his son is hiding some
"Farewell, Uncle! Thank you very much!"Xavier closed his eyes, hoping the overwhelming emotions would subside as quickly as possible.The loud voice and forced familiarity with his father made Xavier feel nauseous.Now, without any guilt or shame, the figure took a position next to the steering wheel.Continuing to wave at his father."Come on! I still have to organize my belongings. I really can't wait to see your mansion. Uncle Zavi said your mansion is very beautiful. It's in the rural area."His eyes gleamed as he said all that.While Xavier, still engulfed in emotions, kept his eyes closed, staring sharply at the figure beside him.Rather than being afraid, the figure developed a wide smile on his face."Did you forget how to drive? Come, let's switch positions. I'll take over your spot."Hearing that, Xavier certainly felt provoked. As much as possible, he refrained from acting aggressively, especially now that his father seemed to be watching.Without saying anything, Xavier s
"Candy?" Xavier glanced at the extended hand before him. A children's candy was offered right in front of him. "Do you think I'm a child?" Xavier tried to remain composed. The woman seemed filled with childish thoughts. "I'm sorry... I just wanted to lighten the mood," she said. Xavier gave her a sharp look.Audi appeared saddened and shifted her gaze to the car window beside her. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of the green expanse of rice fields. "Wow! This is truly amazing. I've never seen a place so beautiful." Xavier sighed, redirecting his gaze to the woman looking out the car window. Soon, they entered the grounds near Xavier's mansion. Audi couldn't stop praising the surroundings.Bruk! Xavier stepped out of his car. "Hey! You didn't park your car properly!" Audi yelled, poking her head out of the car window. Xavier seemed indifferent and continued walking into his mansion."So annoying. He should have just put his car in the garage right away," Audi complained. One of the body
At the club, 11:19 PM. The thumping music reverberated throughout the nightlife venue, as people reveled amidst the constant clinking of glasses, toasting to forget their burdens."Am I late?" A hurried woman arrived, having made a prior commitment to the man before her.Not surprisingly, she simply walked towards the chair in front of the beer display."At least not worse than yesterday," he remarked. The woman composed herself, placing her branded handbag on the table before sitting across from the man."Elnora! Elnora! Your performance never disappoints every night," the man praised, a sweet smile on his face.Her tight dress with a slit on the right thigh revealed smooth skin, catching the man's attention."You also look handsome and charming, Victor," she complimented.They exchanged smiles filled with desire, indicating a mutual attraction."Have you taken care of it?" Elnora asked, making Victor furrow his brow in confusion. "Taken care of?" he repeated, attempting to reassure
"Please show your ID card before entering," the guard instructed. Xavier rolled his eyes. It was his first time entering the company area that had been bequeathed to him. He had no clue about such a rule, as Zeyn hadn't mentioned it. Honk! Honk! A driver just honked, and the gate opened wide for him. Xavier frowned, protesting the apparent injustice before him. "Why didn't you ask for the driver's ID card? How can he enter so easily? Is that fair?" Xavier remarked sarcastically. "Look at yourself. You haven't even been seen in this office. You might just be an applicant who may not even get accepted. Follow the rules, or you'll only dream of getting inside," the guard replied. Xavier fell silent, unwilling to speak further. The security guard then allowed another motorcyclist, just like Xavier, to enter, fueling his frustration. Quickly, Xavier searched his work bag for his ID card. However, it seemed he had forgotten to bring it. "Where's the ID card? Shit! I forgot to bring it