The butler turned to Jackson, his expression resolute. "Your son, Brock, has incurred the debt. He has to clear it."Jackson furrowed his brows, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Have you lost your mind? Has Gabriel charmed you or something?"The butler shook his head firmly. "No, Mr. Springfield. This is about doing what’s right. Brock made the bet, and now he must face the consequences."Jackson started to protest, but the butler raised a hand to stop him. "Enough, sir. It’s time to settle this matter properly. You should just write an IOU since you don't have the money now to pay."With reluctant agreement, Jackson turned to Gabriel. "Fine. I will write an IOU."The butler produced a piece of paper and a pen, handing them to Jackson. The room watched in hushed anticipation as Jackson scribbled down the details, each stroke of the pen a testament to his frustration and resignation. He handed the IOU to Gabriel, his expression a mixture of anger and defeat.Gabriel took the paper, h
Gabriel was about to drive away when he got another call. Seeing it was from Mr. Mac, he exhaled and cleared his voice before answering."Hello, Mr. Mac.""Gabriel, I need you to go to The Opulent Lounge," Mr. Mac said without preamble.Gabriel recognized the name immediately. "The Opulent Lounge? The high-end club in the city?""Yes, that’s the one," Mr. Mac confirmed. "It’s one of my clubs, and right now, only esteemed guests and relatives are there to celebrate the post-birthday festivities for the patriarch of the Springfield family."Gabriel nodded, even though Mr. Mac couldn’t see him. He remained silent, contemplating his next move."Please, Gabriel," Mr. Mac pressed, sensing his hesitation. "I would really appreciate it if you could join us."Gabriel hesitated. "I really need to go home. There are things I need to settle."Mr. Mac's tone softened. "Is this because I didn’t welcome you personally at the banquet? If so, I apologize. It was an oversight on my part."Gabriel shook
Gabriel took a step closer, his voice low and menacing. "I’m done with your threats. Now, either let me in, or you’ll be joining your guards on the ground."At that moment, Zendaya, Mr. Mac's younger brother's daughter, whom Gabriel had met earlier at the hotel, stepped out of the club and saw the security guards wriggling in pain on the floor. She shot a glare at Gabriel as she approached him."What's the meaning of this?" Zendaya demanded, her eyes blazing."They tried to throw me out," Gabriel replied sharply, dusting his palms. She chuckled darkly. "Seems like you've just purchased a load of trouble."Jackson, feeling emboldened, stepped up behind her. "Young miss, this man caused a nuisance."The butler chimed in. "Miss Zendaya, he went against me."Zendaya silenced them with a wave of her hand and sneered at Gabriel. "You’re done for. Do you even know who you’re dealing with?"Gabriel stood gallantly, asking softly, "And who might you be?"She smirked and introduced herself. "I
Anna turned back to Gabriel, her tone softening. "Please, come inside. My father is eager to meet you."Gabriel nodded, the tension in his posture easing. "Thank you, Anna."As he took a step forward, Gabriel stopped. "Anna, the butler needs to be punished for his disrespect."Anna's face hardened. "I agree. I will handle it right now." She reached for her phone, ready to call her father, but a voice interrupted her."What's going on here?" Chris, her elder brother and heir of the Springfield family, strode forward, his presence commanding immediate attention."Chris," Anna started, "there was a misunderstanding, and—"The butler, seizing the moment, interjected, “Young master Chris, this man—Gabriel—caused a commotion. He disrespected us and assaulted our guards."Chris's eyes narrowed. "Is that so?"Gabriel, maintaining his composure, said, "Your butler and guards attacked me first. I was invited here by Mr. Mac, and I expect to be treated with respect."Chris sneered. "Invited or n
Mr. Mac shifted slightly. "I had some urgent matters to attend to, but I made sure my daughter, Anna, went to welcome him."Master Chen nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "That was the right thing to do. The young man is remarkable, beyond his age. I am eager to meet him."Mr. Mac smiled, though still feeling uneasy. "I'm sure you will be impressed by his presence, Master Chen."Master Chen's gaze softened as he looked around the opulent surroundings. "Greatness often hides in the most unexpected places. A true master recognizes potential, regardless of its guise."Mr. Mac nodded, feeling the weight of Master Chen's words. "Indeed, Master Chen. Gabriel's potential is undeniable."Master Chen placed a hand on Mr. Mac's shoulder, his voice carrying a tone of finality. "Let us go inside and see how the evening unfolds. I have a feeling tonight will be quite revealing."As they moved further into the lounge, the celebratory atmosphere seemed to pause, sensing the presence of the rever
Mr. Mac took a step forward, staring at Anna in disbelief. “What did you just say Chris did?"Anna flicked a gaze at Chris and repeated. "He ordered for Gabriel to be thrown away and Gabriel angrily left." Mr. Mac's face darkened with anger as Anna reluctantly confirmed Chris's actions. His disappointment in his son was palpable as he took a step closer to Chris, his voice laced with fury."You did what?" Mr. Mac's voice boomed, echoing in the quiet corners of the club. "I told you to welcome our guest, not drive him away!"Chris, unrepentant, crossed his arms defiantly. "Father, he was nothing but a troublemaker. I did what I thought was best for our family's reputation," he retorted, his tone defensive.A thunderous slap from Mr. Mac landed on Chris' cheek as he silenced him."Shut up!” Mr . Mac's eyes narrowed, his disappointment turning into frustration. "You've embarrassed us," he chided sharply. "You judged him by his appearance alone, without understanding who he truly is."C
As Gabriel drove away from the Opulent Lounge, his phone buzzed with Mr. Mac's incoming call."Gabriel, where are you?" Mr. Mac's voice sounded urgent yet apologetic.Gabriel hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm not far. Just heading home."Mr. Mac didn't waste a second. "Wait there. I'm coming to you."True to his word, Mr. Mac arrived swiftly in his luxury sedan. Stepping out, he approached Gabriel with a solemn expression."I'm truly sorry for what Chris did," Mr. Mac began, his tone sincere. "That was uncalled for. Please, come back with me to the club. Let's make things right."Gabriel looked at Mr. Mac, weighing his words carefully. "I don't want to go where I'm not respected."Mr. Mac nodded, understanding. "I know you're upset, and you have every right to be. But I assure you, things will be different. Master Chen himself wants you to be there. It would mean a lot."Gabriel remained silent for a moment, contemplating his decision. Finally, he sighed softly. "Fine. But
The butler, simmering with jealousy, couldn't bear the special treatment Gabriel was receiving. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he cleared his throat loudly, drawing the attention of the gathered guests."Ladies and gentlemen," the butler began, his voice dripping with disdain, "I must question the integrity of this young man, Gabriel. Do we really know who he is? From what I can tell, he's just an opportunist who’s managed to worm his way into the good graces of the Springfield family."Gasps echoed through the crowd, and all eyes turned towards Gabriel. He stood there, unflinching, his eyes locked on the butler."Look at him!" the butler continued, pointing a finger at Gabriel. "He’s probably using deceitful means to get close to our respected Master Chen and Mr. Mac. We can't let such a charlatan roam freely among us!"The guests murmured among themselves, uncertainty rippling through the room. Jackson, seeing an opportunity, nodded in agreement, adding fuel to the but