2024-03-18 06:50:09Alexander Chase smirked as he scrolled through his social media feed, reading aloud, “Money has never made man happy, nor will it; there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness.”
He chuckled to himself. "Whoever wrote that must've been either filthy rich or completely delusional." Rising to his feet, he took a moment to admire the breathtaking cityscape from the top balcony of the Lockwood Family Mansion. The lights below glowed against the fading twilight, a reminder of the wealth and power surrounding him—but none of them were his. "Money does make a man happy. Crazy money, that is. The real question is, do men, by their very nature, deserve such happiness?" Alexander mused, his voice barely a whisper as he looked out into the night. After a lingering moment, he turned back toward the mansion, his attention still fixed on his phone. He didn’t notice someone approaching until he bumped into them, almost spilling his drink. It wasn’t just anyone. Standing before him was Jacob Harrington, the king of Diamond Crest Enterprises, flanked by his assistant, Silvia, and his imposing bodyguard. “My apologies,” Alexander said, quickly reaching out to wipe the champagne that had splashed onto Jacob’s expensive suit. Jacob shrugged. “It’s fine.” But in a flash, the bodyguard's fist slammed into Alexander's stomach, sending him doubling over in pain. The man sneered, looking down at Alexander’s worn suit and outdated phone with disdain. “You spilled a drink on my boss and think a simple apology will suffice?” he growled. Alexander straightened, brushing himself off. “Well, so much for being polite,” he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. “Oh, you think you’re tough, huh?” The bodyguard cracked his knuckles, preparing to teach Alexander a lesson. “Cool it, tough guy,” Jacob interrupted, holding up a hand. He turned to Alexander. “You alright? Apologies for my bodyguard—he tends to overdo it.” “I’m fine,” Alexander replied, regaining his composure. As he walked past them, he glanced at Jacob’s wrist. “Nice watch,” he remarked casually. Silvia, Jacob's assistant, stared after him, her mouth slightly open in shock. Did that man just refer to a thirty-one-million-dollar Valera Chronos as a ‘nice watch’? She thought, baffled. “Silvia,” Jacob said, intrigued, “who is he?” “Alexander Chase, sir. He’s part of the Lockwood Family—well, sort of. Just a son-in-law, and apparently not one with any real standing. From what I’ve heard, he has no wealth of his own. He got lucky enough to marry into the family, but beyond that, he’s practically a nobody.” Jacob’s eyes narrowed. “Interesting. Did you notice anything… unusual about him?” “Nothing, sir,” Silvia replied. “Except… even at a high-class event like this, he managed to carry the scent of poverty,” she added with a hint of contempt. “Keep an eye on him,” Jacob instructed, a strange intuition gnawing at him. As they continued watching, Jacob’s bodyguard felt a sudden sting in his wrist. He looked down to see it was swollen. A memory flashed in his mind—the moment he’d punched Alexander. Suddenly a thought crossed his mind. Had Alexander deflected the blow with his elbow, whilst somehow managing to hit back without anyone noticing?! No, impossible, he thought, brushing it off. That kind of precision and timing would be… unheard of. It had to be just a coincidence. But either way? Jacob Bodyguard swore to himself to make Alexander pay. ........ ....... ...... Tonight, the Lockwood Family Mansion was alive with celebration. It was Lady Charlotte Lockwood’s seventieth birthday, and news of the event had traveled fast across the Pantheon Valley. Family members and esteemed guests from all corners of the valley gathered in the grand hall, paying tribute to the matriarch of the Lockwood Family . The mansion itself was a spectacle, draped in decorative lights that cast a soft glow over the polished floors and elegant furnishings. The air buzzed with anticipation, heightened by the promise of a memorable evening. Alexander returned to the hall, settling into his seat beside his wife, Seraphina Lockwood. “Where have you been?” she whispered, a hint of annoyance in her tone. “Just getting some fresh air.” “The air conditioners not good enough for you?” she snapped, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “We’ll discuss this later. They’re about to start the gift-giving ceremony.” One by one, family members and guests presented Lady Lockwood with lavish gifts, each more extravagant than the last. “Grandma, as an art lover, I’ve chosen this original ‘Midnight Horizon’ painting by Elias Drevlan for you. It’s worth five hundred thousand dollars,” one said. “Grandma, I thought you’d appreciate this limited-edition Alarion timepiece, crafted with only the finest materials. It’s valued at seven hundred thousand dollars,” said another. “Grandma, here’s a necklace made from Lumerian emeralds and flawless diamonds, worth nine hundred thousand dollars.” Lady Lockwood accepted each gift with a warm smile, her laughter filling the room. The atmosphere was harmonious, a moment of familial pride and unity. But the real highlight of the evening came when Daniel Lockwood, Lady Lockwood’s favored grandson, stepped forward, holding a small, elegant box made entirely of sapphire crystal. A murmur of anticipation swept through the crowd. Daniel cleared his throat, pausing for dramatic effect. “My dear grandmother, I present to you… the Azure Star Diamond.” He lifted the lid of the box, revealing the vivid blue gem. The crowd collectively gasped, mesmerized by the jewel’s beauty. “Lady Lockwood, this diamond is one of the rarest and most exquisite in the world,” Daniel announced, clearly relishing the attention. “It weighs twelve-point-three carats and is worth an astonishing forty-eight-point-five million dollars.” The room erupted in applause as Daniel held the gem aloft, basking in the adulation of the crowd. But as the diamond sparkled under the chandeliers, Alexander remained unmoved, his gaze steady and unimpressed. Seraphina nudged him, whispering, “Why are you looking at it like that?” Alexander leaned in, his voice low. “Because it’s a fake.” “What? Are you serious?” she asked, incredulous. He nodded, gesturing subtly toward the jewel. “Look closely. The color lacks the depth of the genuine Azure Star Diamond. And the clarity… well, it’s just not there.” Across the room, Daniel noticed Alexander’s unimpressed look and sneered. “Well, Alexander, care to share your thoughts with the rest of us?” he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. All eyes turned to Alexander, some amused, others curious. Alexander shrugged. “Your Azure Diamond is a fake.” The crowd gasped, stunned by his audacity. Daniel’s face twisted in anger. “What the hell are you talking about?” Lady Lockwood looked at Alexander, a mix of curiosity and disbelief in her expression. “Can you prove it?” Alexander stepped forward, his gaze locked on the jewel. “Yes, I can.” He reached into the display case, lifted the diamond, and held it up to the light. The room fell silent, everyone watching as he inspected the gem with a practiced eye. Then, with a swift motion, he smashed the diamond to the floor.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 2: The Blue Diamond 2
The entire hall fell into a stunned silence, every eye fixed on the glittering fragments of the Azura Star Diamond scattered across the floor. No one dared to move or speak, as if the shattered gemstone had cast a spell over the room. Daniel’s face contorted in fury, breaking the silence with a furious shout. “How dare you! Do you have any idea how much that diamond was worth?!!” Alexander shrugged, unfazed by the rage radiating from Daniel. “Considering how easily it shattered, not much,” he replied calmly. “A real diamond wouldn’t have broken from that height. And certainly not the Azura Star Diamond, which is supposed to be one of the strongest diamonds in the world.” Murmurs erupted across the room. Guests exchanged glances, whispering among themselves as they processed Alexander’s words. A wave of disbelief rippled through the hall—how could such an expensive prized gemstone shatter so easily? Daniel’s anger intensified. His carefully constructed lie was unraveling in fron
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 3: Master Caspian
“I’m sorry, but you seem to have made a mistake. I’m not who you’re looking for,” Alexander said firmly, his voice cold and unwavering. The elderly man with the white beard took a step closer, his gaze filled with something between relief and disbelief. “Master Caspian, even after ten years, I would never forget your face,” he said, his tone reverent, as if addressing royalty. Alexander clenched his jaw. “My name is Alexander! Now get lost.” The old man’s eyes softened with a mix of sadness and understanding. His name was Geoffrey, and he had once served as Caspian’s butler. Time had added lines to his face, but his loyalty seemed unshakable. Geoffrey studied Alexander carefully, noting how different he looked from the young master he had once known—thinner, his hair slightly disheveled, and his demeanor hardened. But the eyes, Geoffrey thought, those eyes told the true story. “Master Caspian,” Geoffrey said with a small, hopeful smile, bowing his head slightly. “I know
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 4: The Diamond Banquette
After persistent persuasion from Seraphina, Alexander finally caved in and agreed to attend the Diamond Banquet. It was an invitation he hadn’t expected and, frankly, didn’t want. But with Seraphina’s insistence and curiosity gnawing at him about why Jacob Harrington, the King of Diamonds himself, would invite him, Alexander found himself in a tailored suit, entering the grand hall alone. The entrance was a showcase of opulence, designed to awe even the wealthiest of guests. Twin marble staircases, draped with fresh white lilies and roses, spiraled upward, leading to intricately carved double doors flanked by torches held in ornate brass sconces. The soft hum of a string quartet filled the air, mingling with the laughter and murmured conversations of the elite. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow across the room and creating a labyrinth of light on the polished marble floors. As Alexander stepped into the banquet hall, he felt a pang of
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 5: King Harrington
The crowd at the Diamond Banquet stood frozen, their collective breath caught in disbelief. Every gaze was locked on the scene unfolding at the bar. Jacob Harrington, the King of Diamonds himself, was shaking hands with Alexander Chase, the live-in son-in-law of the Lockwood family. Whispers rippled through the banquet like wildfire. "Why would Jacob Harrington know him?" "Is he someone important we don’t know about?" "Impossible. That man is just a leech living off the Lockwoods. There’s no way Jacob Harrington would associate with someone like that." Julian Monroe, still sitting at the bar, watched with a mix of shock and fury as Jacob Harrington ignored him entirely. For a man like Julian, used to being the center of attention, it was nothing short of humiliating. “Alexander Chase, I wasn’t sure you’d make it,” Jacob greeted him warmly, shaking Alexander’s hand firmly. His voice carried across the room, silencing the whispers for a brief moment. Alexander returned the hands
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 6: Monroe
As Alexander left the banquet, “Maybe they are not all the same after all”, Alexander thought to himself about his meeting with Jacob Harrington as he walked down the dimly lit streets of Billiard Maze Avenue. It was aptly named for its labyrinthine intersections and dead ends. The sky above was pitch black, a perfect backdrop for the unsettling silence that crept along the deserted road. Alexander’s footsteps echoed faintly, but the sound wasn’t solitary. Someone was following him—he could feel it. His instincts had been honed through years of hardship, and every fiber of his being screamed that he was being watched. He paused and glanced over his shoulder, catching a fleeting glimpse of a shadow slipping into the darkness. Alexander’s jaw tightened. Persistent. He took the next left turn, quickening his pace, but the shadow reappeared at the next intersection. Another turn, then another—each corner only revealed more pursuers, silently closing in like wolves circling their p
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 7: The King's Resolve
The next day, Alexander woke up a bit later than usual. His wife, Seraphina, had already left for work, and Caroline, his mother-in-law, must not have slept in at the house. If she had, Alexander would surely have been woken up with a rain of curses and beatings for sleeping a second longer than four hours. Starting his daily chores, Alexander, being a live-in house husband, embarked on his routine: cleaning, sweeping, arranging the house, and cooking. Amidst his tasks, he found a note on the table with folded cash beside it. "We are out of milk, go to the store and get some," it read. It had to be from Seraphina. Alexander swiftly cleaned up and dashed to the nearest supermarket. The sky was cloudy, and as he walked, he couldn't shake off the feeling of being followed yet again. This time, he halted abruptly. "Exactly how long do you plan on stalking me?" he said. Suddenly, two men merged from the shadows behind him, and in a matter of seconds, he was surrounded by seven of them.
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 8: Tidal Waves
Looking down at the world from his top corner office, Wilson Monroe observed the societal hierarchy in its natural order: the poor cowering in fear, those of similar status getting along, and the wealthiest vying for the top spot. Everyone seemed to find their place without much effort. “Sir, we have a situation,” his assistant Vanessa's voice came through his earpiece. “What is it?” He inquired. “We just received word that the Floating Mary K9 has capsized and been destroyed,” she reported. “What happened?” The kingpin asked, puzzled. “We're yet to confirm, but it seems like tidal waves,” Vanessa replied. “Tidal waves?” The kingpin's disbelief was obvious. “Yes, Sir,” Vanessa confirmed. The Floating Mary was a top container ship for Monroe Logistics; a simple tidal wave shouldn’t have been able to take it down. “Alright, calculate our losses and contact the insurance company,” Kingpin instructed. “Copy that, Sir.” Despite the loss of the Floating Mary, Monroe Logistics stil
The Enigmatic Alexander Chase Chapter 9: Maverick Corporation's hundred-billion-dollar Contract
'The Fall of the Kingpin’ became the headline in every Pantheon Valley billionaire news outlet, media platform, and bulletin. The fall of the great Wilson Monroe and his multi-billion-dollar company was unprecedented and had never been seen before; it was termed the Black Swan of the century. Despite the buzz of the Kingpin tragic fall, another multi-billion-dollar company, Maverick Corporation, seven times bigger than Monroe Logistics, flooded the Pantheon Valley media headlines with their hundred-billion-dollar contract up for grab by a construction company. Every construction-based corporation went on their toes, eager to make a move, pulling every string in their guitar case to secure this contract. The Lockwood Family was one of them. Lady Charlotte Lockwood knew that collaborating with a company as big as Maverick's would open many doors for the entire family. It would increase Lockwood’s societal ranking, and elevate their family status. She called for an urgent family mee
Latest Chapter
Chapter 37: Checkmate
A few hours had passed since Seraphina was re-offered the Maverick contract, a desperate move by the Lockwoods to salvage their crumbling deal. And now, she was ready to give her answer.She sat at the dinner table with Alexander, her fingers drumming anxiously against the surface as they waited. The tension in the air was thick, but thankfully, they didn’t have to wait long.Her phone rang.Seraphina’s breath hitched as she glanced at the screen. Lady Lockwood. Her grip tightened around the device. She turned to Alexander, hesitation in her eyes."Alex… are you sure about this?" she asked, doubt creeping into her voice.Even after hearing the truth from Jacob Harrington himself—one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in Pantheon Valley—Seraphina couldn’t shake the feeling that she was about to gamble away a golden opportunity. Fate had handed her a second chance, a rare gift in a world that seldom forgave mistakes. And yet, here she was, about to throw it all away.Alexander met
Chapter 36: Beneath the Surface
EarlierAt Maverick Corporation, Alexander finished his call to Seraphina, a smile of satisfaction tugging at his lips. He had set the wheels in motion—now all he had to do was watch as the Lockwood family found themselves on their knees, forced to acknowledge Seraphina's worth.“Thank you, Archie,” Alexander said, handing the phone back.“Anytime, sir,” Archie replied with a nod of respect.Alexander added his personal number into Archie's phone before returning it. “Let me know if you need anything.”Archie stared, surprised by Alexander’s humility. For a man who wielded power and influence so effortlessly, his humility was almost startling. Archie couldn’t help but contrast Alexander with Daniel Lockwood, who possessed much less power yet flaunted it shamelessly. It was a striking irony that lingered with him.Outside, in his car, Alexander composed a message to Seraphina:“Seraphina, Lady Charlotte will call soon and offer you the project head position for the Maverick contract. W
Chapter 35: Dumb-dumb
“Wait, let me get this straight. Lady Lockwood—the matriarchal bitch you basically thought was going to banish you—called you directly, apologized for the misunderstanding, and went as far as offering you the project head position, and you said no?” Happy yelled, her voice filled with disbelief as she stared at Seraphina like she’d lost her mind."Welllll, technically, I didn’t say no," Seraphina replied defensively, fidgeting with her hands. "I told her I’d think about it."“That’s the same thing, you dumb-dumb! What the hell is there to think about?” Happy threw her hands up in exasperation.“Seraphina, what is wrong with you?” Caroline interjected, her voice tight as she tried to keep her temper in check. “Please, tell me you have a good reason for delaying your response to Lady Lockwood.”Seraphina looked down, avoiding her mother’s piercing gaze. She opened her mouth as if to explain, but no words came out. How could she explain something she barely understood herself?Caroline s
chapter 34: Hangover
Seraphina had passed out, the result of too much alcohol consumed with Happy. They both lay sprawled on her bed, and even in her sleep, Seraphina’s pain was visible. Tears trickled down her closed eyelids, leaving damp trails on her cheeks. Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, and a voice yelled, “Seraphina!” It was Caroline, her mother. The noise was deafening, but only Happy stirred, squinting against the light. “Hey, Mrs. Caroline,” Happy greeted, her tone casual, as if Caroline hadn’t just stormed in. Caroline shot Happy a venomous glare. How dare she greet me like we’re friends, she thought, remembering the heartbreak Happy had caused her son, Shay. The only thing they shared was a mutual disdain for Alexander. “Happy, what the hell are you doing here?” Caroline asked, her voice dripping with scorn. “What the hell does it look like I’m doing here? I’m helping my best friend after her so-called family betrayed her and kicked her out,” Happy replied, her tone laced with sas
Chapter 33: The Lunch Date
Earlier That DayGrace’s heart began to race as Alexander’s calm but insistent voice came through the phone.“You’re with Daniel Lockwood, correct?” he asked.Grace was taken aback that he knew this. How could he possibly know that? She hesitated before responding, “Yes, sir.”“Good. I need you to relay a message to him.”“Of course, sir. What should I tell him?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.Alexander’s voice remained steady, but there was an edge to his words. “Inform Mr. Lockwood that Maverick Corporation will only accept Seraphina Lockwood as the project head for our deal. And as a response to his actions, we have decided to terminate our two hundred billion-dollar contract with the Lockwood family if Seraphina is not restored to her rightful position.”Grace’s eyes widened. She struggled to hide her surprise. Daniel Lockwood had been sitting here, trying to charm her into putting in a good word for him with the head of Maverick Corporation… and now Alexander himself was instru
Chapter 32: Roses
Earlier That DayDaniel Lockwood pulled into the parking lot of Maverick Corporation in his sleek blue Chevrolet. As he stepped out, adjusting his tailored suit and straightening a bouquet of roses in his hand, he couldn’t help but replay his earlier conversation with Lady Lockwood. It had taken some careful maneuvering, but he had successfully managed to persuade her to keep him as the head of the Maverick project.Lady Lockwood, after watching Ethan Bishop’s confession, had initially texted Seraphina, asking her to come see her. The intent was to apologize for the misunderstanding and crown her as project head. But the moment Daniel heard of this, he rushed to Lady Lockwood and urged her to reconsider. He argued that the midnight confession seemed suspiciously convenient, likely falsified to cover Seraphina’s shame. Even if it were genuine, he argued, would the media and the elite of Pantheon Valley really buy into it? The scandal was still too fresh, too hot to be cooled down by a
Chapter 31: Flowers
Alexander could have walked to Maverick Corporation, but time was of the essence. Every second counted, and he couldn’t afford to waste any more of them."Sir, if I may ask—what seems to be the pressing matter?" Geoffrey, his butler, asked, his hand steady on the wheel as the car sped through the early morning streets. Alexander sat in the passenger seat, tension radiating off him. His brow was deeply furrowed, his thoughts racing behind his eyes."Just drive faster," Alexander ordered, the sharpness in his tone betraying his frustration. His mind was spinning in a dozen directions at once, and what made matters worse was that he couldn’t get in touch with Grace Pemberton. He had searched his phone for her number, only to realize it wasn’t there. Of course, it wasn’t—Grace was on a three-day leave, a fact that only added to his growing irritation.Geoffrey pressed harder on the gas, the car surging forward. As they sped through the streets, Alexander’s mind wandered, replaying his rec
Chapter 30: Happy
Alexander dropped the woman and her child off at the nearest police station. He didn’t wait to give a statement—he couldn’t afford to. The sound of Seraphina’s sobbing still echoed in his ears, driving him to move faster. What could have happened? Alexander questioned himself as he ran home, moving so quickly that anyone who saw him would have caught nothing but a blur. He promised himself he would find out who had hurt his wife and make them rue the day they dared to do so. When he reached home, Alexander was panting heavily, short of breath. He pushed the door open with urgency. “Sera!” he shouted, his voice laced with concern. To his shock, there she was, sitting in front of the TV, a half-empty bottle of alcohol in her hand, with more bottles and cans scattered across the floor. It was clear she was drowning her pain, something completely out of character for her. “Oh, Alex, I’m sorry… I was just overwhelmed,” Seraphina mumbled, turning to him, her head slightly lowered in emba
Chapter 29: Moments ago
--- MOMENTS AGO “It’s Lady Charlotte... she wants to see me… Lady Charlotte wants to see me!” Seraphina stared at her phone in disbelief. She had hoped and prayed for this moment, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to happen so soon. “About damn time,” Alexander replied, clearly ecstatic, mostly because the conversation had shifted away from the tension that had been hanging over his head moments before. “What do you think she wants?” Seraphina asked, even though she already knew the answer. She just needed someone else to say it, a second voice to confirm what she was too afraid to believe on her own. “What do you mean? Don’t tell me you don’t know why she texted you.” “Yeah, I do, I just… I don’t know, I want to be sure.” “You want to be sure?” Alexander scoffed in disbelief. “Come on, Seraphina, I thought you’d be happier.” “I am! It’s just…” “It’s just nothing, Seraphina. You earned it, you deserve it, so stop doubting yourself and go meet the sadistic old
