2025-02-05 03:23:08Arthur approached the building with cautious steps, his instincts on high alert.
The place was a rugged, decayed structure, barely standing under years of neglect. The walls were cracked, exposing layers of peeling paint and mold, while the wooden door hung loosely on rusted hinges. The faint flicker of light from inside barely illuminated the grimy floor, littered with cigarette butts and broken glass. A strong stench of dampness, alcohol, and sweat filled the air, making Arthur’s stomach churn. He reached the door and turned the handle—it was unlocked. Carefully, he pushed it open and slipped inside unnoticed. The living room was dimly lit, with an old, flickering bulb casting eerie shadows on the walls. The furniture was torn, and empty beer bottles were scattered across the floor. A cracked television sat in the corner, creating a low, unsettling buzz. In the middle of the room, five burly men stood in a circle, grinning wickedly at the terrified young woman tied to a chair. Her hair was disheveled, her face streaked with tears, and her wrists were bound tightly with thick ropes. She struggled, but the men only laughed. One of them—a man with a crooked scar running down his cheek—leaned in close, gripping her chin roughly. “You thought you could refuse us? Too bad, sweetheart. We’ll have our fun first—then we’ll decide whether to let you live.” The other men chuckled darkly. The woman whose voice was already hoarse from crying, pleaded desperately. “Please, let me go! I swear I have nothing to give you!” The scar-faced man sneered. “We no longer need your money, we’ll take something else.” Just as the men moved closer, Arthur stepped forward with a loud and firm voice “Let her go. Now!” The men froze, turning sharply toward the sound of the voice. Their expressions shifted from amusement to fury. “Who the hell are you?” one of them snarled. Arthur took another step forward, his gaze unwavering. “Your worst nightmare if you don’t back off.” The scar-faced leader let out a cruel laugh. “Looks like we’ve got a hero here, boys.” He cracked his knuckles. “You must have a death wish, barging into our place like this!” Without another word, the five men lunged at Arthur. Arthur sidestepped the first attack with lightning speed, catching the thug’s wrist and twisting it hard. A loud snap echoed in the room as the man howled in pain, dropping to his knees. The second attacker threw a punch, but Arthur ducked and drove his elbow into the man’s ribs, sending him crashing into the broken table. Two more rushed him at once. Arthur spun on his heel, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick that sent one flying backward. The other managed to grab Arthur’s shirt, but Arthur pivoted swiftly, grabbing the man’s arm and flipping him over his shoulder. The thug landed hard, groaning in agony. The scar-faced leader charged at Arthur with a knife. Arthur caught his wrist mid-strike, twisted it, and slammed the back of the man’s head into the wall. The man collapsed, dazed. Arthur took a deep breath. In just seconds, all five men were sprawled across the floor, groaning in pain. He rushed to the young lady and began loosening her ropes. As Arthur knelt beside her with his hands working swiftly to loosen the thick ropes cutting into her wrists, he finally got a proper look at her face. For a moment, he almost forgot the danger they were in. She was breathtaking! Her fair skin, smooth and unblemished despite the ordeal, seemed to glow under the dim, flickering light. He noticed her long, dark lashes framed striking emerald-green eyes. They held a mixture of fear and gratitude. Her lips looked full and soft, a natural rosy hue, as though they had never needed any artificial enhancement. Her long, wavy chestnut hair tumbled over her shoulders in silken cascades, some strands falling across her face. Arthur instinctively reached up to brush them aside with his fingers grazing her skin for a fleeting second. Warm. Soft. Like the finest silk! Arthur had seen beautiful women before—Isabelle had been one of them. But this woman's beauty was completely different; nothing compared to Isabelle's! For the first time in a long while, Arthur felt his pulse race for a different reason. His body tensed and he wanted to hold her, to let his fingers trail against her porcelain skin to see if she was real. For a moment, Arthur forgot himself. But then—a sharp frown creased the lady's delicate features. Her brows furrowed, and she jerked her wrists away from his grip. Her expression turned cold, irritated by the intensity of his gaze. “What?” she snapped with her eyes narrowing. Arthur blinked, snapping out of his trance. His face hardened, and he quickly looked away, cursing himself for getting distracted. What the hell was he thinking? This wasn’t the time to admire a woman’s beauty. She needed rescuing, not his foolish stares. Clearing his throat, he straightened his back and took a step away. “We need to leave. Now.” But just as they were about to leave, a chilling sound filled the room. Click. Click. Arthur looked up to see two of the men back on their feet, pointing guns at him. The scar-faced man, blood trickling from his forehead, smirked. “You shouldn't have meddled in what wasn't your business, hero. Now, we’ll teach you a lesson!”
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One of the men raised his gun. "Try to take her, and we’ll put a bullet in your skull!” When they saw Arthur let go of the woman's hand, they assumed he was ready to surrender. "Hey, bastard!" one of the men sneered, thinking Arthur was about to walk away. "Once we shoot your arms, they’ll be completely useless! So you'll learn never to go where you're not invited!" Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. “Cowards! If you’re so tough, drop the guns and fight me like men.” The thugs' fingers tightened on their triggers. The woman gasped in horror. “Please, just leave! I don’t want you to die because of me!” Arthur ignored her plea. His mind worked fast, calculating his next move. In a flash, he jumped at the two gunmen from an angle they didn’t expect, twisting his body mid-air. His elbow smashed into one thug’s wrist, knocking the gun out of his hand. At the same time, Arthur grabbed the second man’s arm, wrestling the firearm away. A struggle ensued, fi
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Arthur leaned against the janitor’s closet with his mop forgotten at his side. The muffled whispers of his colleagues echoed in his mind. “She and her mother were kidnapped. The family paid the ransom, but they weren’t released.” Isabelle’s face flashed before him—proud, arrogant, and filled with disdain for him. She had treated him like a burden, tossed him aside for wealth and status, and humiliated him in ways that still stung. But despite it all, Arthur’s conscience gnawed at him. He couldn’t let them suffer—not even Isabelle, who had thrown him away. “I have to find them,” he muttered to himself. “No one deserves this.” Arthur knew that the only place to get information about their whereabouts was the Lewis estate—the very home he had vowed never to return to. His feet felt heavy as he walked up the winding drive, past the manicured lawns and towering iron gates. Just as he approached the front door, Annie Lewis stepped out with her face contorting in dis
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The night air was heavy with silence as Isabelle and Harriet staggered into the grand entrance of their mansion. Their steps were weak as their bodies trembling from exhaustion. The Lewis estate was vast, a collection of multiple luxurious mansions scattered across a well-secured compound. Each family member had their own residence, making it easy for Isabelle and Harriet’s arrival to go unnoticed. Isabelle and Harriet staggered into their residence with their faces pale and hollow from days of hunger. Their clothes were also dirty and wrinkled. Harriet’s once-proud posture was gone, replaced with the slumped shoulders of a woman who had suffered greatly. Isabelle, who always carried herself with elegance, now looked frail and distant. “Oh my God!” Annie exclaimed, rushing to them. “Mum! Isabelle! What happened to you?!” Greg’s voice was laced with distress as he hurried forward, grabbing Harriet by the arm to support her. Neither Isabelle nor Harriet could fi
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“That bastard is the reason we suffered!” Harriet seethed as she clutched the armrest of her chair. “That miserable excuse of a man had the audacity to come here, pretending to ask about our whereabouts!” Annie added bitterly. “And after all I did for him! After all I gave him! That ungrateful wretch wants revenge just because I divorced him. I’ll make him regret it. I swear to God, I will make him suffer for what he has done!” Isabelle spat. **** The following morning, Arthur was on his way to work when his phone rang. “Hello, is this Arthur Evans?” a formal voice asked. “Yes, this is he.” “I’m calling from Kembre Associates. We recently reviewed some previous applications and noticed you once applied for a position here. We have a special opening—a ‘Facility Maintenance and Sanitation Supervisor’—and we believe you are qualified.” Arthur’s heart leaped with hope. He had once applied for a cleaner position at Kembre Associates when he was desperate for a job. Now, th
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Chapter 35
The man who walked in was Victor Jenkins, the heir of the Jenkins family, one of the most prominent and influential families in Telara, the capital of Dalton City!The Jenkins were known for their immense wealth, political influence, and strategic marriages that strengthened their family’s standing. Victor himself was a rising star in politics, vying for a top-ranking position in the country. For the Darwins, aligning Karen with Victor was a dream come true!If she married him, their family's name would echo beyond Dalton City, giving them unmatched status and influence in the country.As Victor entered the lavish living room, Nathaniel and Evelyn beamed with pride. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, exuding power and confidence. His tall, athletic frame and sharp features made him a striking figure. A servant promptly ushered him to a seat, setting a special package before him as a token of the Darwins' appreciation.Nathaniel wasted no time. "Karen," he said
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The once-confident saleswoman stood frozen with her eyes wide in utter disbelief. Before she could even process what was happening, one of the guards grabbed her employee badge and yanked it off her uniform. Another pulled the keys to the store from her trembling hands.Her lips parted in shock and her knees buckled.She had been mocking the wrong person!Arthur wasn't some worthless scumbag. He was someone powerful!"Wait, sir—please!" She dropped to her knees, crawling toward Arthur with tears streaming down her face.Arthur merely looked down at her with cold indifference."Forgive me!" she sobbed, grabbing onto the hem of his trousers. "I didn’t know who you were! Please, sir, I have children at home—I can't lose my job! My husband is irresponsible, and I am the only one who provides for my kids! They will starve!"Arthur didn’t flinch.He did not even acknowledge her.The security guards grabbed her arms and hauled her up. She kicked and screamed, but it was no use. Within sec
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Isabelle stood in stunned disbelief with her arms folded tightly against her chest. No matter how she twisted the thought in her mind, it simply didn’t add up.Arthur… sleeping with women for money?That in itself was enough to make her feel sick. But what made her nearly explode with rage was the woman in question—Karen Darwin!Karen was a powerful, influential figure in Dalton City. A woman of her status had no business lowering herself to a man like Arthur. It was absolutely unthinkable!"Pathetic," Isabelle sneered, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Karen Darwin must be completely out of her mind to sleep with a lowlife like you, loser. I guess even powerful women can be so blind and useless!"Chris, standing beside her, let out a disgusted scoff. "You know, I always thought Karen had some class, but I see now that she’s just as stupid as him," He shook his head, laughing bitterly. "All these years, I actually respected her. But she’s nothing more than a scumbag—just like him
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Almost immediately, the others caught sight of the policemen."Officers, that's the man!" Isabelle pointed directly at Arthur."Yes, that's him!" Chris added."He's a criminal!" "This man isn't just a robber but also a kidnapper. Just last month, he duped my family of $100 million," Isabelle explained.Chris nodded aggressively. "She's right! You need to arrest him immediately before he disappears again."Arthur's eyes widened in disbelief. "This is ridiculous! None of what they are saying is true!"The officer turned to Isabelle and Chris. "Are you certain about these accusations? False claims can lead to severe consequences."All three of them, including Julie, nodded confidently."We're more than sure.""I swear he's guilty. Conduct a proper investigation, and the truth will be undeniable. The fact that he’s shopping here is proof enough—he stole from my family!"Chris folded his arms, his voice laced with certainty. "She's absolutely right, officers. This man is nothing more th
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The luxury of Regal Plaza, the most prestigious shopping mall in Dalton City, was unmatched!The mall was a haven for the city’s elite, a place where only the wealthy dared to shop. Each store displayed designer items with price tags that could rival a middle-class salary, and exclusivity was the rule of the game.For Chris, bringing Isabelle here was a statement—one that showcased his wealth and status. With their wedding just a week away, he wanted to remind Isabelle why she had chosen him. He was the perfect provider, capable of fulfilling her every material desire!Isabelle, draped in an elegant dress, walked arm in arm with Chris while her best friend, Julie, tagged along. The two women strolled through the high-end boutiques, selecting gowns and shoes for Isabelle’s upcoming bridal shower.As they browsed, Julie suddenly paused, her eyes narrowing. She nudged Isabelle."Isabelle, look over there," she whispered.Isabelle turned, her gaze following Julie’s pointed finger. He
Chapter 30
The men guided Arthur into the backseat of a sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom.The car glided smoothly down the highway, leaving the chaotic streets of Dalton City behind.Within minutes, they reached the outskirts of Dalton City, passing lush green landscapes and gated communities. Soon, the vehicle took a private road that led into a gigantic estate.Arthur’s breath hitched as the massive wrought-iron gates swung open effortlessly. The driveway stretched for miles, flanked by immaculate gardens, marble fountains, and golden streetlights that shimmered like stars.Then, as they approached the mansion, Arthur’s eyes widened in disbelief.It was a masterpiece of architectural brilliance!The exquisite white marble façade gleamed under the evening lights, adorned with gold-trimmed columns and massive glass windows that reflected the vast estate. The entrance boasted a grand double staircase leading to towering doors of hand-carved oak and gold filigree.A cascade of water fell from an elegan
Chapter 29
Later that evening, Isabelle was in her room when she heard her phone beep. She glanced at the screen and saw the startling alert.A billion dollars?!She was excited. Chris had done exactly as she told him.Her decision to dump that pathetic lowlife, Arthur, had been the best choice of her life!Chris wasn’t just rich—he was powerful and willing to prove it.And now, thanks to him, Lewis Associates’ crushing debt was gone.Within hours, she made swift moves, ensuring that the company’s accounts were cleared, and all outstanding balances were settled.Meanwhile, Harold Lewis sat in his dimly lit office as the smell of expensive cigars filled the air. He scrolled through the latest reports.Then he saw it.Debt: CLEARED.His grip tightened on his whiskey glass.Of course, the transaction had been traced to Isabelle.That bitch had wiped the debt clean with money from Chris.And now—she thought she had the upper hand.Harold sneered.He would not sit idly by and let the company slip awa
Chapter 28
It was one of the servants busy with errands. He cleared his throat as he passed by Karen and Arthur. Arthur, still holding Karen gently but firmly, hesitated for a brief second. Then, with a slow exhale, he reluctantly released her. His hands fell to his sides, and he took a step back. Karen, on the other hand, remained frozen to the spot. Arthur said nothing more but simply turned and strode toward the mansion doors as Karen watched him leave. --- Later that day, Chris paced restlessly in his study with his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke to Sarah. "This isn’t how things were supposed to go! I attended that conference specifically to see Miss Darwin. I thought she would handle everything about Williams Empire, but you didn't t even do anything about it!" He exhaled sharply. "You were supposed to make a move, Sarah!" Sarah, on the other end of the line, rolled her eyes. "Relax, Chris," she said. "I actually did speak to Miss Darwin on behalf of Williams E
Chapter 27
Shifting his gaze from Arthur, Nathaniel's sharp eyes flickered across the room, taking in the faces of his family and the servants. He cleared his throat. "Water," he murmured. For a second, no one moved—everyone was still frozen in disbelief. Then, as if snapped out of a trance, one of the servants rushed to fetch a glass of water and handed it to him. Nathaniel took it with a steady grip, something he hadn’t been able to do in weeks. He sipped slowly with his sharp gaze still scanning the room. Karen, overwhelmed with emotion, lunged forward and threw her arms around him. "Dad!" she sobbed, her tears of joy soaking his shoulder. "Oh my God! You're back!" She kissed his cheek as her heart overflowed with gratitude and relief. It felt like she had just been given a second chance—one she never thought possible. Evelyn and Ted rushed closer. Just a few minutes ago, Nathaniel had barely been breathing. And yet, here he was—alive and looking strong! The servants murm
