Even though Emerson's head hung low, Darius only needed a second to notice the former's grim expression. He placed his hands behind his back and maintained a stoic expression. "Why have you lowered your head, Emerson? If I were you, I'd raise my chin and face my future boss. After all, I'm the only one who can guide you toward a brighter future."That convinced Emerson to slowly lift his gaze to meet the former. Still, his voice sounded hoarse as he spoke. "I apologize. I was merely desperate to end the issue I'm currently facing. It torments me every second of the day."Darius nodded, sighed, and answered, "Very well. Since you've already started explaining things to me, I'd like to ask what's causing you so much stress?"Hansley could no longer stand the two's slow conversation, so his head shot upward to face Darius. His gaze hardened, but his lips thinned with hesitation.Upon sensing Hansley's stares, Darius turned to face the former but kept his hands against his lower back. On
After some time, Darius sighed and stated, "Many things are affecting the company now, so I don't wish to waste any time on both of your pathetic tantrums—" He lifted his gaze off the ground to meet Winston's eyes. "As for what Ursula told you, there's no need to believe a word she says because she's currently being held captive in my basement. I suggest you act on your urges if you have any now."Only after saying that did he speedwalk back to his villa. Once there, he locked himself inside his study, then sighed helplessly at the pile of urgent problems in the company that he needed to sort out. The irony was his progress in dealing with those things got interrupted by his future employee, Winston, and his father's ex-best friend, Hansley. Darius knew he shouldn't have allowed such an interference to occur. He took a deep breath, his features loosening into an exasperated expression. Sitting on a nearby chair, he crossed his legs and continued sighing. At the same time, his thought
Winston's gaze swept past Hansley before landing on Darius again. His eyes darkened with gravity as he declared, "I can help achieve Hansley's goal. I'm doing this to atone for the many awful things I did, especially since I continued my horrible ways after accepting your advice and offer to work in your company. I realize now how severe my mistakes are, and I'd like to make up for them.""Sure," replied Darius, who kept calm while slightly raising one brow. "I'll give you one last chance to prove yourself."He then pivoted on his heel to face a trembling Hansley. It was plain to see that the latter had reacted that way out of pure rage. Again, Darius sardonically lifted a brow but kept his tone neutral as he asked, "You seem bothered by this, Hansley."Hansley paused, inhaling deeply before lifting his gaze off the ground to meet Darius. With a nod, he said, "Yes—"He was about to elaborate on his reasons for refusing Winston's help when a clamoring erupted from the spot below the wi
Darius raised a brow but soon put his hands behind his back again.Upon seeing that, Bridget sighed in relief and opened the gate. With a soft click, everyone—including the other bodyguards in the villa and the three arguing unannounced visitors—turned to look at her.The man dressed in trendy sportswear rushed toward Darius once he saw the latter. "Hey! You're that Darius Reid, right?"Darius flashed an unimpressed stare but nodded, saying, "Yes, I am. May I know why you've approached me?"Almost instantly, the man's arrogant grin turned into a polite smile. Even his prickly attitude softened with civility. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Reid. My name is Craig Fledor. Maybe you haven't heard of my name before, but you need only know this—I can pay you twice the amount you used to purchase this estate, including the renovation and furnishing fees. After all, I would never use any furniture or appliance that you've already broken in. Consider all of this a splendid opportunity for you."By th
The two workers bent down to help Craig off the ground. One of them simultaneously glared daggers at Darius, then shot the same stare at Bridget."I'm sure you've seen how that specific worker looked at me, right?" Darius voiced, causing Bridget's cheeks to pale like chalk.She lowered her head, shut her eyes, and sighed. It took her a moment to reel in her emotions before reopening her eyes. When she did, her expression resumed its usual frostiness. "Yes, sir. I understand. I'll deal with him right away." While saying that, she rolled up her sleeves and approached the rude sales office worker.As for the worker, his brows furrowed with disappointment at Bridget.That was when Darius placed his hand on Bridget's shoulder, exerting some pressure so she couldn't move forward. A sigh left his mouth as he shook his head and remarked, "I've always seen you as an intelligent woman, Bridget. But I never thought you'd pick this guy as your boyfriend, or even have feelings for a man like him
A thunderous growl left Mateo's lips. "Oh, I see how it is, Bridget! Are you breaking up with me and punching me because of that man beside you? I don't understand—what makes him better than me? Is it because he's taller? Or do you find him more attractive than me?""Good that you're at least aware of that. You're not as dim as I thought. Yes, Edward's looks are superior to yours in many ways, but that's not why I'm breaking up with you. Still, you realized your many inferiorities, how you're unworthy of me, and that I have many better options out there; that's a pretty decent improvement," Bridget sneered, tucking her hands into her pockets. Her face was devoid of emotion, but her eyes were full of agony.Mateo still hadn't got up. Only bitterness radiated from his gaze as he snarled through gritted teeth, "Well done, Bridget! You've got some nerve to insult me! Are you trying to destroy my pride just because you can't have me?"Bridget's brows drew close. As for Edward, who patient
He looked up at Darius as his breathing sped up, but he tried to keep his appearance and voice as calm as possible. "Darius, I know you're civilized—I can tell from your face. Based on that alone, I think we can properly discuss everything that's happening now." Craig thought he was being nice enough, but the only response he received was a mocking smile from Darius. It made his hair stand on end, and before he knew it, he blurted out, "I'm warning you, Darius—don't look at me like that! You have no idea how ugly you look right now!"Darius raised an eyebrow. "I hear you, but I also have to tell you that I couldn't care less about your opinion." He sighed, straightened up, and walked toward Craig. "You and I are obviously on opposing sides; there's no way you'd harbor any positive intentions toward me." Then, he stepped on Craig, making Craig cry out in pain and stare up at him in shock.Craig couldn't believe what was happening. He gulped and trembled all over as an ominous feeling
Craig had wasted so much time here just to get this piece of land. With this thought in mind, Darius sat down and crossed one leg over the other, shaking his head as he crossed his arms. "It's not entirely impossible, but I need to know what it is that's underneath this land. Why are you so desperate to get to it?"Craig's head shot up, looking delighted. In the next second, he scowled and growled, "You're pulling my leg! I've been nice to you from the beginning, yet the same can't be said for you. You disappoint me, and I swear I'll make you pay for this!" His chest heaved with rage.Darius shrugged, looking unruffled. "Have you forgotten that you're still tied up? Don't you find yourself laughable when you say things like that?"Craig faltered and quickly rearranged his expression to force out a smile. "I was wrong to say those things. Please, release me from these bonds! I swear it won't happen again!"Darius raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I'd believe that? Especially after every