SIMON THE ZILLIONAIRE FROM NOWHERE

6

Gilbert's face looked like crumpled paper as he hung up the phone, directing an irritated look at Eddie as he said, "Thanks to you, my phone hasn't stopped ringing. You know, after father's death, everyone who worked with him is supposed to contact me if they want to do anything. Your sudden appearance in the news made them all bombard me until my hands ache!"

"It's only natural, right? Considering you're my brother and essentially my companion, Gilbert. Just enjoy it," Eddie said casually as he sipped his cocktail.

Gilbert sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead. "Your introduction should have happened at least two or three days after this. I wanted to invite everyone for dinner and talk about you. If I may offer some advice, you seem too consumed by ego now. I mean, I'm glad to see you're no longer trapped in fear, but you also need to relax a bit."

"Relax how? I've been relaxed for too long, living life being stuffed by people like Frank. Let me be arrogant, conceited, and tacky; I couldn't care less."

"So, what did you say to Frank? He looked very upset when you left him."

Eddie rang the bell nearby and asked the bartender for another drink. He then shrugged at Gilbert. "Just greeted him and reminded him to be careful."

"What? Eddie, did you really say that? Don't you realize your words might provoke all the enemies who hate you into taking far more dangerous actions? Do you forget what Douglas said? He's directly connected to that annoying minister. You just got out of jail, came back with shocking news, and already used that power to press your enemies; it's insane, Eddie!"

Eddie gently slapped Gilbert's face. "That's what I want; I need a challenge. I won't regret anything I've done. In fact, I would regret it if I were still a coward like when I first met you. Even if something strange happens and I get hurt or even lose my life, you know exactly who's behind it, Gilbert."

"You're just adding more work for me. What's in it for me if I have to chase down people who put you in danger if you die?"

"I know where you're going with this. All my assets will be yours, plain and simple, right? I won't be stingy to my own family, and let me guess, what you want to talk about regarding the benefit is transferring ownership of the mining company to a hundred percent yours?" Eddie chuckled.

Gilbert raised his palm towards Eddie, and they both high-fived each other, laughing.

"Yeah, something like that. I didn't expect we'd been meeting for more than six hours, and your demeanor is quite enjoyable, even though you were quite annoying at first. If only we grew up together since childhood, maybe we'd be much more cohesive," Gilbert said.

"The story might be different; we'd both seem cohesive because I haven't discovered your bad traits, just like you with me. And if we had grown up together, there would surely be deep-seated jealousy because from what you said, Jehemian seemed to favor me more, right? So, our meeting now isn't a bad thing; it's a new journey. By the way, where's Douglas? Why did he run off when I asked for the share distribution to be raised to 35%? Was he objecting?" 

"He was receiving a call earlier, probably discussing that with both his parents. Besides, your figure is quite high; as far as I remember, each shareholder in Douglas's company can only buy up to 20%, and you as an investor should only receive full repayment of funds plus interest every year; you instead slightly raised the investor price and asked for shares. That's the craziest thing I've ever heard and something Jehemian never did. Do you still want to settle your score with him?"

"Yeah, something like that. I—"

"Oof!"

Eddie's sentence was interrupted when a bronze-haired woman stumbled towards him, spilling her drink on Eddie's shirt.

"Sorry, my foot... Ugh..."

Eddie's eyes immediately focused on the beauty of the woman's face, and her body's fragrance captivated him.

"Are you alright? Let me help." Eddie held the woman's arm and guided her to sit on his chair.

"Thank you, you've got your shirt dirty; I lost control because my foot hurts so much. I'm really sorry," the woman said softly.

"It's alright; if you could tell me your name, I'd say everything is even. I'm Eddie; perhaps you saw me speaking at the podium earlier?"

The woman blushed and nodded softly. "Yes, I was one of those impressed by the replacement of Mr. Jehemian. I used to work for one of your father's companies. By the way, I'm Angela; nice to meet you, Mr. Eddie."

The warm conversation made Gilbert immediately get up from his seat and whisper to Eddie, "Looks like you can win over this woman. I'll find Douglas; keep it going, brother."

Eddie's heart raced; poverty and high insecurity had prevented him from ever getting a woman. The money he earned from his salary was diverted to a house and several vehicles. He didn't pay much attention to his appearance, making it difficult for Eddie to socialize with women.

"If I may ask, who did you come here with?"

"Alone; I came because he's my former boss from before, before working in your father's company."

"Ah, interesting. You know, I'm not really used to being at this kind of party, and I think it would be more beautiful if we walked around the beach or just caught the breeze around here. Would you like to?"

"That's a very interesting idea; honestly, I actually want to go home, and if it's not too much trouble, we could just ride in my car, considering my still-aching foot. That is, if you don't mind, Mr. Eddie."

Eddie nodded eagerly and immediately embraced Angela's body to help her stand.

"Why would I refuse to help a woman as beautiful as you?"

Angela blushed and took slow steps alongside Eddie. Shortly after they started walking, Angela glanced back and signaled with her thumb to Frank, who was watching them.