SIMON THE ZILLIONAIRE FROM NOWHERE

5

The festive atmosphere of the party held at one of the renowned and most luxurious beach clubs was already evident from outside the entrance gate. The booming music and cheers carried by the wind reached Eddie's ears.

"Fascinating, I've never experienced a party like this before, just some dinner parties with wealthy people who barely even know me," Eddie said to Gilbert.

"It's a bit strange to hear that, considering you're a vice-director; many people should know you," Gilbert replied.

"It's not that easy, Gilbert. In fact, you could say, I just realized now, I'm rarely involved in company matters. Frank just used my name to fill that position and shifted the blame onto me. I only often deal with lawyers or things related to the law. I should have realized it from the beginning. I was always stuck on the kindness given by Frank's family; I was just a poor guy who then became close friends with Frank and finally got the chance to become a vice-director. Isn't that like a treasure for me?" 

Gilbert looked at Eddie with a sympathetic expression. "At least now you understand that life isn't as simple as you thought; you're too naive. Poor people are perfect prey for the rich; they have their own thoughts on how to make what's below them useful for themselves."

"Let's go in. Sorry for the wait; the parking lot is quite full. You should have gone in first and brought Mr. Eddie," Douglas approached Gilbert and Eddie.

"Mr. Eddie, quite an interesting title; I didn't expect you to be this humble," Douglas said.

Douglas seemed to avert his gaze from Eddie; he was quite annoyed by every word coming out of Eddie's mouth, but because he couldn't do much as he still needed Eddie's money.

A blue electric car then entered the gate, catching Douglas's attention. He turned to Eddie. "That's your best friend, Mr. Eddie."

Eddie looked at the car, then smirked cynically at Gilbert. "I think I have a very good idea. It seems there are many journalists here; can you ask them to gather, as well as the people here? Let's surprise Frank's arrival with some joyful news."

** 

Five minutes passed, or at the same time as Frank's steps with his girlfriend, Monica, entered the party area. Eddie immediately stood up and stepped onto the highest podium near a bar. 

Several journalists were seen taking photos of him with flashes of light that caught Frank's attention. The man's steps halted, and he stared in astonishment at Eddie.

"Attention, please," Eddie began speaking, flashing a wide smile. "Hello, everyone, sorry to interrupt your fun. I, Eddie, stand here just to say that I am Mr. Jehemian's replacement in all aspects, whether assets or tasks related to my late father. So, if there are any unfinished tasks from Mr. Jehemian, then contact me. Thank you."

Applause and murmurs of surprise at the news were heard. Eddie immediately shifted his gaze to Frank and pretended to be surprised to see his friend frozen in place.

"A brilliant plan, Mr. Eddie, Frank was silenced. What do you want to do now?" Douglas asked.

"Of course, meet Frank. You and Gilbert should sit and relax first; I'll join you after talking to Frank."

Eddie walked away from Douglas and shouted to Frank, who was also walking while holding his girlfriend's hand.

"Frank, hey!" Frank didn't stop, but Eddie didn't stay silent. He ran and tapped his former friend's shoulder. "Hey! Frank, why aren't you listening to me?"

"Eddie, what do you want?" Frank asked coldly.

"You seem tense; relax, why do you look panicked? Don't you want to introduce me to this beautiful lady? I just want to talk, as your friend, we haven't talked for a long time, we haven't met for a year. I miss you, buddy!"

Frank looked at Monica, who looked confused seeing Eddie. "Go, I need to talk to Eddie."

Eddie's eyes followed Monica's steps as she left. "Your taste has always been good; I envy you. But, it's understandable; that's the standard for a director, a company owner, and a young, wealthy, and established man, right?"

"Get straight to the point you want to convey. What's your purpose? I won't ask why all this happened to you; I'm just glad to see you have a decent life now. At least, we're equal now, Eddie."

"Don't pretend to be stupid, Frank. You know why I approached you. I became an investor in Zeula Corp. Surely you're familiar with that company's name, right? And do you also remember what happened a year ago? Do you think I'll stay silent and not take action?"

Frank raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "Ah, you're threatening me. Of course, I remember what happened that night; I thank you for being kind enough to protect the company. It wasn't in vain for me to appoint you as a vice-director; now, I'm the one who will continue that chip, my company succeeded, Eddie."

"Yeah, go ahead and enjoy while you can, Frank. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to talk to me. It's nice to see you again in a different version; I can't wait to wipe the tears from my face when I see you..." Eddie signaled with his hand, mimicking a falling motion while stomping his foot.

Eddie left Frank, who was staring at him sharply, his fists clenched. As Eddie's steps grew farther away, Frank pulled out his phone and called someone saved as contact X1.

"Hello, there's a job for you. Are you available? I'll provide complete data on it, and you must ensure there's no trace left!"

"Right, just text me the details. And how munch you will be paid me?"

"$1 million, but if you fail, I will seize all your assets. I'll make you utterly destitute!"

Frank abruptly ended the call. He continued to glare at Eddie, who was now sitting with Douglas and Gilbert. "Do you think you'll win just because of your new status, Eddie? Damn it, you're still naive and will never be able to reach the luxurious life you dream of."