Old Ms. Harrington turned to Andrew and said, "I'm sorry, Andrew. I know I was the one who put you in this mess!" Her voice was firm as she embraced Andrew in a tight hug.
"I won't allow that to happen to you anymore!" Andrew nodded his head, tears welling up. "Grandmother, I'm also sorry for the shame I brought to today's celebration. I was just trying to protect myself from the man who was bullying me, saying I had to pay up for the drug money I owed him, even after I said I wasn't into drugs anymore! After that, he tried to kill me!" "I know, Andrew. You can't kill anyone; it was just self-defense, wasn't it?" Old Ms. Harrington asked, her voice gentle but strong. A devilish smile played on Andrew's face. "Yes, Grandma. I can't kill anyone," he said, lifting his head. Old Ms. Harrington held Andrew's face in her hands, looking deeply into his eyes. "How was the agreement between you and Mr. Blackwell? I hope the government has pardoned our family!" she asked, her voice full of hope. Andrew took a deep breath. "The agreement didn't go well, Grandmother. I was about to enter Mr. Blackwell's office when Tyler attacked me, saying he would sabotage our proposal," Andrew spoke softly, his eyes downcast. "So you were unable to see Mr. Blackwell, and the deadline is drawing closer. We have just three weeks left!" Old Ms. Harrington fanned herself with her hand despite the air conditioning in the villa, her anger boiling just below the surface. After Tyler left the villa, Old Ms. Harrington thought it was the perfect time for Andrew to represent her in Mr. Blackwell's office since she was busy. Today was the appointed time given to her to appeal the family's case with the government concerning the ongoing issues. They needed Mr. Blackwell's support before the deadline. As Old Ms. Harrington finished her words, Emily interjected, "Grandma, don't worry about the deadline. Once my nomination is over, the sum of money I receive will solve the hefty fine! Since this is how Tyler wants to destroy our family's reputation!" Emily said. "This will not happen under my watch!" A voice interrupted. It belonged to one of the government officials, who assured them that the Harrington family name would not be dragged to court under his jurisdiction. "But Tyler must pay for his actions," Ms. Jenner added before dragging Emily to a quiet corner of the villa. As Nicholson saw the government official standing up for the Harrington family, he thought this was the perfect time to show his influence. "Old Ms. Harrington, I know how to get that bastard back here!" Nicholson stood proudly, reaching for his phone with a determined look. As he scrolled through his contacts, he dialed a number. "Hello, Renee, send me Tyler William's profile!" he commanded. "Okay, sir, that will be done shortly," Renee replied, hanging up the call. Turning to the guests seated in the villa, Nicholson assured them, "He will be here soon!" A minute later, Nicholson received a notification on his phone. He glanced at the incoming message and read Tyler's profile, which had been sent in an email. The guests, eager for resolution, watched intently as Nicholson skimmed the information. Nicholson redialed Renee's number. "I need more than this. What about his university profile, the one where he graduated with first-class honors?" Nicholson said. "That will be delivered shortly!" Renee said, the sound of her typing audible through the call. "Done, sir," she confirmed as another notification popped up on Nicholson's phone. "Thank you so much!" he replied, hanging up. Nicholson opened the new email and scanned its contents. He found what he was looking for and smiled. He addressed the room with renewed confidence. "Tyler left behind some highly valuable research and patents tied to his university work. These documents are not just important—they're vital to his career and also future." Nicholson dialed Tyler’s number, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Tyler, it’s Nicholson." Hearing the caller’s voice, Tyler’s words carried a hint of anger. "How did you get my contact?" "That doesn't matter right now," Nicholson said. "Why are you calling?" Tyler asked. "I have something you left behind," Nicholson replied. "What is it?" Tyler asked eagerly. "It’s been a while. Where have you been?" Nicholson inquired. "Where I've been is none of your concern. Just get to the point or I'll hang up. What do you have?" Tyler said impatiently. "I found your university research and patents in your office when you were fired. They're too valuable to be left behind, and they could change everything in your life. Let’s have a couple of drinks. I know I did something wrong in the past, and we can use that time to resolve the conflict between us while I return what belongs to you," Nicholson said. "Okay," Tyler agreed. "I’ll send you the location where we can meet," Nicholson added. As Nicholson hung up the call and turned to face the guests, a sudden burst of applause filled the room. Nicholson's face lit up with joy, feeling that he was finally fitting in among the upper-class circle of San Francisco. "Thank you so much!" he said, a smile spreading across his lips as he bowed his head slightly in appreciation. "You’ve done a nice job!" a guest said, standing up and raising her drink. After a few minutes, Nicholson received a text from Tyler, indicating he had arrived at the meeting spot. "He just texted!" Nicholson announced to the crowd. "Don't go alone," a mafia boss said, stepping forward. "I’ll send two of my men with you. If he proves stubborn, they’ll make sure he comes back with you." As Nicholson left the mansion, a soft whisper came from a quiet corner of the villa where Emily and her mother, Ms. Jenner, were conversing. "I just want you to be truthful with me," Ms. Jenner said. "You were not alone in your room. There was a man with you." "Mother, what are you talking about? I was all alone in my room!" Emily insisted. "Oh, really? Are you telling me that Tyler didn’t catch you cheating with another man?" Ms. Jenner pressed. Mrs. Jenner was aware that Old Mrs. Harrington's words were just for show; she hadn't fully endorsed the divorce agreement. Any small mistake or the revelation that Emily had cheated on Tyler could prompt her to cancel the divorce, and Emily would then have to face the repercussions for breaking her grandfather's agreement. "Um, um, Mother, actually, we were just having a business conversation. The man didn’t sleep with me!" Emily said, her hand going to the back of her neck, her eyes filled with sadness. "And you know your grandmother most not find out you were cheating on that 'good for nothing' Tyler. She hasn’t granted approval for your divorce yet!" Ms. Jenner added. "Mummy, don’t mind that asshole. I wasn’t the one who cheated after all. He was the one who cheated on me!" Emily said, just as they were interrupted by Old Ms. Harrington's voice inside the villa. "Everyone, please give me a moment. I want to have a short conversation with my children and grandchildren!" Old Ms. Harrington announced. "What did you just say? He cheated on you? Let's go and hear what your grandmother has to say. We’ll come back to this later," Ms. Jenner said, her voice laced with urgency and concern."Please continue enjoying yourselves while I have a little conversation with my family," Old Ms. Harrington said, her voice calm yet authoritative. "And I apologize for any discomfort I may have caused." She smiled warmly, her eyes sweeping over the guests, who responded with nods and encouraging smiles.As she made her way toward the private sitting room, her children and grandchildren followed her immediately, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Old Ms. Harrington’s composed demeanor reassured the guests, and they resumed their mingling, the hum of conversation and clinking of glasses filling the air once more.Old Ms. Harrington paused at the doorway, turning back to give one last, reassuring smile before disappearing into the room, her family trailing behind. The grand chandelier cast a warm glow over the gathering, and the soft music playing in the background created an elegant ambiance.Inside the private sitting room, Old Ms. Harrington took a deep breath, ready
Andrew cut off Old Ms. Harrington with a smirk. “Haha! Drunk? Emily, don’t take this the wrong way, but you share some of the blame. You never let Tyler get close to you in the four years you were married. Even if you’re beautiful, it doesn’t matter if he can’t be with you. No wonder Tyler spent the night with Agnes!”Emily’s mother couldn’t stay silent any longer. “Andrew, that’s unfair. Emily’s status is far above Tyler’s. If she had been intimate with that disgraced son-in-law, it would have been an insult to her. It would have tainted her.”Andrew scoffed. “You’re just trying to keep her pure so she can marry a wealthy man after you find a way to get rid of Tyler, aren’t you?”Ms. Jenner said, "You...""Any word from you again, and you're going out!" Old Ms. Harrington hollered. "Even if Emily is like that, he has no reason to have an affair! What does he take our family for? I can't wait for that beast to arrive here!"After saying old Ms Harrington reach to her stroked poodles
As Tyler and Nicholson arrived back at the villa, the atmosphere grew tense. The grand estate loomed ahead, its elegant facade belying the turmoil within. The car came to a halt, and before Tyler could gather his thoughts, two mafia members swiftly moved in. They grabbed him roughly by the arms, holding him tightly as they yanked him out of the car. The forceful grip sent a jolt of pain through Tyler's shoulders, but he bit back any signs of discomfort.The men dragged Tyler across the gravel driveway, his feet barely touching the ground. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging as he struggled against their iron grip. His mind raced, searching for a way to escape, but the mafia members' firm hold left him little room to maneuver.At that moment, the door to the villa opened, and Old Ms. Harrington emerged, followed closely by the rest of the family, coming from the private room. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to contempt as they took in the sight before them. Old
"You insolent fool! Kneel before me this instant!" commanded Old Ms. Harrington, her voice dripping with authority."Do you think you can break the family's laws and walk away without consequence? You fool!""Family rules! What rules!" Tyler exclaimed, defiant.Old Ms. Harrington's eyes narrowed, but there was a glimmer of understanding in her gaze. "Have you forgotten the agreement you signed with our family? Three years ago, when you became a son-in-law of the Harrington family, you vowed to accept our family's rules and face the consequences if you ever betrayed us. Does that vow still bind you?"Tyler stood tall, his voice steady. "It absolutely does."A nod of acknowledgment came from Ms. Harrington. "Very well, then you understand your offense," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Bring me the 'Judgment Rod." At her command, Richard produced a long, intricately carved rod, a symbol of the family's history and tradition.The Judgment Rod, passed down through generations, was mo
"Sir, you're under arrest for the murder you committed," a police officer's voice echoed through the night air. The wail of ambulance sirens and the flashing red and blue lights of the police cars bathed the surroundings in an eerie glow."You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court," the officer recited, his hand hovering over his holstered gun, finger poised on the trigger."Turn around, hands in the air!" he barked, his voice firm and commanding.Tyler complied reluctantly, raising his hands to rest atop his head in a gesture of surrender. Despite his cooperation, the officer advanced aggressively, thrusting Tyler's head forcefully against the unyielding surface of the police car's bonnet. Bound by handcuffs, his arms contorted behind his back, Tyler's eyes met those of his brother-in-law Andrew, whose once immaculate clothes now bore crimson stains, betraying his involvement as the mastermind behind this unfolding chaos.The offi
The loud clang of the gate slamming shut jolted Tyler back to reality. He watched Diego return to his post, then shifted his gaze to the mansion entrance, where red and blue lights flickered through the downstairs windows, casting an ominous glow.Fueled by hope, Tyler tried to force his way through the gate. He imagined his wife's family throwing a welcome-back party, explaining why no one had picked him up at the prison entrance they were too busy preparing a surprise celebration. He clung to the belief that his wife, Emily, still loved him and that their bond was unbroken. However, his efforts were futile; the gate was securely locked by Diego, leaving Tyler frustrated and defeated.After a few minutes in the scorching sun on Haight Street, Tyler slumped against a waste bin, feeling hopeless. Suddenly, the click of the gate unlocking made him lift his head, wondering who was on the other side.That's when he saw her—a maid in a black top and Nike trousers, holding a black trash can
"Could he have escaped from Alcatraz?" the one in the middle speculated, glancing around at the group."Maybe. The commander of Alcatraz Island held a press conference yesterday, announcing that three prisoners had escaped," the person on the left added, leaning forward with interest."He’s probably one of them, and that's why he's here today," Keisha, the light-skinned girl on the right, chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement."How do you know?" Sophie asked, her tone playful but curious."It's obvious - it was all over the news yesterday, and now he's suddenly appeared!" Rachel exclaimed, clearly impressed by the unfolding mystery."Rachel’s absolutely right!" Sophie agreed, nodding at her friend's keen observation.As the group erupted into laughter again, drawing the attention of the crowd, Tyler felt his patience snap."I don't have time for your jokes!" he exclaimed, pushing his way past them.Tyler knew Emily's three friends had never liked him, and the feeling was mutual. Th
Diego understood that without proof of how Tyler gained access to the mansion, his job as the gatekeeper would be in jeopardy. He knew that Old Ms. Harrington was not one to forgive those who crossed her easily.A guest's sharp voice broke through the tension. "How did he get that gate card?" She pointed her wine glass at Tyler, her finger accusingly aimed at him, while Tyler's gaze remained locked on Diego with unsettling intensity.Tyler's eyes narrowed in disbelief. He never expected Diego to act this way after everything he had done for him over the past few years."After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me?" he thought, his voice barely a whisper.Memories of his last humiliation at work still lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He had revealed the cost of Diego's son's treatment, thinking he was helping, only to face backlash. His boss had punished him by deducting a portion of his salary, but Tyler never disclosed this to Diego or anyone else. He brushed