2023-11-02 01:53:18As Ruth struggled in vain, one of the henchmen spoke up. "Boss, the bitch hasn't paid the installment for six months. She owes ten grand every month to compensate the Coopers. But every time, she sent us off with old furniture instead. I just checked the house and found only thirty-two dollars in her stash."
The leader spat with disdain. "You filthy scum of a woman! Where are you hiding our money?"Ruth wailed in pain and tried to explain herself. "I'm sorry, mister. But my husband's wages are quite low. We don't have enough for three meals a day. Please forgive us...""Do you think this is a joke, wench? Is the Cooper family going to be fooled by your lies?"Ruth joined her hands, crying profusely. "Please, I am telling you the truth… Wait! I'll sell some cutlery to neighbors and try to arrange five hundred dollars. I promise! Please give me fifteen minutes."The leader's eyes were bloodshot in anger. "Five hundred? Have we come here to collect spare change, bitch? Maybe you aren't taking us seriously. I think breaking your arms will teach you a good lesson!"He extended out her arm and raised his foot to stomp her."Take your filthy hands off her!" Tyler warned with a commanding voice. "If you want to live, you will step away from her!"The leader turned towards the young man who had just walked onto the porch. "Who the hell are you?"Ruth's face put on a look of dismay. "No, Tyler! They are dangerous people! Gangsters! Save yourself! Run and hide!"The gang leader scanned him from head to toe. "So you are Tyler Grant? Are you out of prison already? Good thing we spotted you. Time to shell out one and a half million dollars you owe the Coopers!"Tyler's eyes became cold and distant, as if he was barely listening to the thug. Inside him, a volcano was about to explode."I won't pay you a single penny. Neither will my family. Today is the day your brutality ends. Now unhand my mother before you lose your life."The goons broke into hysterical laughter. "Do you know who I am?" the leader asked bashfully."I don't know who you are, and I don't care!"The leader guffawed. "Boy! Since you were gone for three years, you are ignorant. I am Huxley, the leader of the Hux gang. Everyone in this locality is scared to death of my name. Your machismo will disappear when I break all your limbs!"Tyler was unmoved by the gang leader's threats. "Are you good at terrorizing elderly and disabled people only? You don't scare me at the least!"Huxley gritted his teeth and let Ruth go. He felt emasculated for a moment since he was caught dragging and beating a crippled, helpless woman. It would do well for his reputation if he were to beat up a young man instead.Tyler straightened Ruth's wheelchair and helped her get on it. "Go inside the house, Mom. I'll deal with these punks."Ruth eyed her son nervously. "Is it necessary to get into a fight? If I grovel before the gangster enough and take some beating, he may give us an extension. Besides, you already have a criminal record. It may get you in trouble with the law. I don't want to see my son in prison again!"Tyler turned and gave her a reassuring nod. "You don't have to beg or even lower your head, Mom. From today onwards, no one will bother us. I promise."Ruth looked uncertain, but her son's conviction made her feel secure suddenly. She followed his instructions and entered the house."If your sob drama is over, it's time for you to become a cripple like your mother!" Huxley spat with a smirk."Bring it on!"Huxley signaled one of his men, and the latter lunged at Tyler with a swinging arm. The young man stepped out of the way dexterously and landed a powerful chop on the goon's back. The latter hit the ground like a bag of sand.Huxley looked stunned. What just happened? Could the loser guy really fight? Perhaps it was a fluke? He figured he needed to step up the attack by a notch.The gang leader gestured to all his five remaining men, and they gradually surrounded Tyler. "Let's see how you fare against all of us!"The goons rushed at Tyler together, aiming punches and kicks at him. There was no way to escape or evade.The young man's eyes shifted with lightning speed. He moved his limbs even faster.Bam! Bam! His attacks hit them like a whirlwind. The five goons bit the dust before they could realize what happened.Huxley's jaw was left hanging. How did a young man like Tyler learn to fight like that? It couldn't be a coincidence or fluke at all. The leader decided to try different tactics."It seems you learned a few tricks in prison. Good for you. But you're still a pathetic loser whose girlfriend is marrying another man. Shame!"
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 004 Tyler’s Wrath
The words made Tyler stop in his tracks. "What did you say?"Huxley guffawed loudly and pointed a derogatory finger at the young man. "Didn't you know? Your girlfriend Erica is marrying Trent Cooper in the Marian Hotel today. What a joke you are! You should kill yourself!"Tyler furrowed his brows. Was Erica really getting hitched to Trent? That didn't make any sense! Trent tried to rape her, and he sent Tyler to prison under false charges. Why would she agree to marry him? Perhaps Huxley was lying?Tyler could read the gang leader's expressions. He was downright evil, but he wasn't a liar.Huxley saw Tyler was distracted and figured it was his chance to land a successful attack. He lunged at the young man, aiming a punch at his face. However, his fate was already sealed.Pow! Tyler caught Huxley's fist in his right hand without even looking in his direction. Then he turned to stare into the gangster's shocked eyes.Huxley broke into a nervous sweat. Tyler's hand on his fist felt like
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 005 Meeting the Andersons
"Do you know who I am?" the beauty snapped. "I'm Natalie Anderson! How dare you try to scam me? Are you aware of my family's influence? The Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Chief City Attorney are our family friends! Get lost, or you'll end up in prison for the rest of your life!"The Anderson family was the wealthiest in Sapphire City and owned many businesses, hotels, and shopping malls. They practically bathed in money and, no wonder, had contacts in high places.Tyler narrowed his eyes. The cinematic bubble of running into an angelic beauty had popped for him. Natalie was just a spoiled heiress, and he hated such women with a vengeance.Billionaires who didn't raise their kids right created brats who thought they owned the world. Such ingrates believed their acts had no consequences; they trampled and abused everyone in their paths without mercy or sympathy.A tragic example of such a horrible brat was Trent Cooper, who destroyed his life and tortured his family over a petty inc
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 006 At Death’s Door
Silas' face darkened while Natalie looked like she would explode."What nonsense are you blabbering?" she said in exasperation. "Are you drunk or on drugs? My dad is going to be okay once we get to the hospital in ten minutes! A world-class cardiac surgeon is waiting for us there! Get out of our way before I punch you!"However, her father reacted differently. Silas realized that every word Tyler spoke was accurate. The old man had lived a long, disciplined life and could tell when someone was lying. His experience told him Tyler's insights were miraculously genuine. It was a near-death leap of faith to trust the stranger."Young man, what is your name?""Tyler Grant.""How did you know I have two holes in my heart? It is medically classified information."Tyler stood silent and offered no response to the question. He believed there was no cause to reveal details of his abilities to a random billionaire.Realizing the young man wasn't inclined to answer his query, Silas continued. "
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 007 Saving Erica
Gertrude scoffed at the young man. "Rescue? Force? Has prison rotted your brain, punk?""Who asked you to come back, huh? We don't want your stink in our mansion! We don't want you anywhere near our daughter! Get lost!"Tyler was about to protest when three Rolls-Royce limousines cruised into the compound. Sharply dressed butlers and bodyguards shuffled out and stood in attention.The middle limo's chauffeur opened the passenger door, and a young man in an Armani wedding suit stepped out gracefully. It was none other than the billionaire scion Trent Cooper."Oh, Mr. Cooper is here with limousines!" Gertrude called out to the servants. "Everyone! Let's get ready quickly to move to the wedding venue—Marian Hotel!"As the Sinclair servants ran helter-skelter in a hurry, Trent came face to face with Tyler. "Who are you?" he asked with condescension."If you are a beggar, we will distribute alms outside the wedding reception. Homeless guys can have leftover food. Now, get out of my way!"T
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 008 Bitter Truths
Erica, however, was completely unaware of who she was dealing with. She had been convinced Tyler was finished. Just another loser who’d end up sleeping under a bridge or digging for scraps in the dirt. And now, this breathtaking woman was standing protectively beside him, demanding respect.Rage and jealousy exploded in her chest, clouding any sense of reason. She shrieked, her voice shrill and venomous.“You bitch! How dare you slap Trent?! Are you tired of living?! Do you even know who he is?!”SMACK!Another slap landed, this time not from Natalie, but from Trent himself.Erica stumbled back, her cheek blazing red in shock and humiliation. Her eyes filled with tears as she stared at Trent, disbelieving.Trent, on the other hand, was trembling like a leaf. Even he as the arrogant, spoiled, and well-connected guy, knew better than to cross the Anderson family.“Shut your damn mouth!” Trent growled at Erica. “Say one more word, and this wedding’s off. I’m serious!”Then he spun arou
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 009 Unfinished Business
Natalie exhaled sharply, clearly irritated. Her father had told her specifically not to force Tyler. Only to deliver the card and wait for his time. It burned her pride, but there was nothing she could do.As her little revenge, she pulled the car to a stop with a scowl, and without another word, pushed the door open.“Out.”Tyler stepped out casually, and the door slammed shut behind him. The car sped off, leaving a slight screech on the pavement.***A few blocks back, Trent had been holding his breath the entire time as he watched the luxury car disappear into the distance.He finally exhaled, whispering to himself in disbelief, “That… that can’t be real. There’s no way that guy has anything to do with the Anderson family…”Beside him, Erica was still sobbing, her hand pressed against her burning cheek.“Who the hell was that woman?! And why did you slap me for her?!”Trent’s rage reignited at the question.“That woman is Natalie Anderson, from the Anderson family! The one no one i
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 010 Restricted Club
Abe sighed. “Ricardo knows nothing about business. He squandered the profits lavishly on parties and women. In one year, we were bankrupt. Ricardo sold GlobeMall to a billionaire and became a salaried caretaker of this establishment instead. He continues to incur losses, and I think the mini-mall will be shut down sooner than later.”Tyler gritted his teeth. “Ricardo stole the place from my father and ran it into the ground! Tell me. Where can I find him?”Abe pointed to the third-floor arena. “Mr. Ricardo built an exclusive club up there. It’s frequented by many billionaire heirs. The club’s income is quite handsome, but he wastes all the profits on his extravagant lifestyle anyway.”Tyler nodded and turned to leave. “Alright. I will talk to him.”Abe held back the young man anxiously. “I know Mr. Ricardo wronged your father. But don’t go around offending him. He has over a dozen ferocious security guards around him at all times. Moreover, he has connections with the Cooper family. Th
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 011 First Transaction
Yara raised an eyebrow in irritation. What was the stranger playing at? She had been considerate with him all along, explaining why he couldn't afford to enter the restricted club. Wasn't he now taking advantage of her kindness? She considered for a moment to expel him with the help of her bouncers. Yara had been raised by parents who held values and morals above everything else. Their conservative beliefs led to their social status remaining middle-class. Yara's parents could not provide their daughter with the best things in life. However, she never resented them for the modest upbringing. In fact, she was grateful. The principles helped Yara become self-dependent and uncompromising. Growing up, she sharpened her mind and enhanced her body to get ahead in the world. Yara was a model, a part-time hostess, and had already graduated from business school. However, her job applications to five-star hotels and top companies were rejected primarily because she had no references. Yara's
Latest Chapter
255 The Rose Trail
Tyler needed larger numbers for the Gilded Men to actually act as a shield for Sapphire City, especially now that the world center was being developed right there in Sterling Hill."How's the world center coming along?"Dune, the third lieutenant in charge of city expansion, replied. "My Lord… Lady Yara Mathews is coordinating the World Center project. Representatives from all major countries have already arrived. I'll share a day-to-day update on your phone.""What about their safety?""We've allocated one cultivator to every delegate as a bodyguard. However, our numbers are spread too thin."Tyler sighed. As expected, his organization needed to grow faster to maintain the city's security. What if there's an insurgence of cultivators? He was anxious since his encounter with Amelia."Alright. You may return to Emperor's Cove and coordinate the other cultivators."The four exchanged glances. "But, my lord," Gemini spoke up. "We are your protective detail."Tyler laughed aloud. "Do you
254 The First Disciple
The very next day, Tyler launched the ambitious cultivator program with Derek's help. The latter recruited potential candidates from all over the world through his military contacts.These were talented young people with good family backgrounds and martial arts experience. They were inducted into the cultivator program after rigorous tests of intelligence, personality, and latent abilities.As far as the artificial cultivation tools were concerned, Derek Sentinel was the first test subject. The Mayfair Sapphire itself was turned into a locket that he wore around the neck.Derek was also the first one to learn the art of cultivation. He went on a wilderness retreat to the Salvatore estates with Tyler."Okay, now let's put the training to the test. Make a fist and punch me.""I wouldn't dare attack you, sir," the Indigo Captain replied grimly. "May I hit a tree or a boulder instead?"Tyler shook his head. "I know you can smash trees and boulders with raw strength. However, cultivation i
253 Invention
Half an hour later, Tyler and Derek reached the automobile showroom that the former owned. It was previously called Carlisle Motors but was renamed Maya Motors.Maya, a bright little girl, was its General Manager. She had vehemently opposed the showroom being renamed after her."Sir, it is your property!" the girl had protested. "I cannot have my name on the company title!""Well, you have no choice in the matter," Tyler had replied stubbornly. "You handle all the responsibilities anyway. Moreover, my privacy will be threatened if I use my name on the properties."Maya greeted the duo at the showroom's entrance. "Welcome, sir.""How's our secret project going?" Tyler asked.The female manager looked enthusiastic. "It is running fabulously, sir! We have already manufactured over five hundred units! Would you like a tour?""Most definitely. Actually, I brought Derek to see our operations, and unveil my plan."Maya escorted them to the showroom's VIP elevator. Once the doors closed, she
252 Forgiveness
When Tyler reached the Grant house on Maude Street, he found Derek Sentinel standing guard outside. On seeing him, the man rushed forward and knelt on one knee."Sir, I took Tracy out shopping and distracted her. She knows nothing about what happened earlier. Amelia is still your girlfriend, in her opinion. Now Tracy is resting."Tyler nodded and began to walk past the kneeling Indigo Captain. "Sir, please, may I have a word with you?" the latter begged."Go ahead.""I am very ashamed, sir, for failing you and Tracy! I am prepared to break up with her and go into exile for penance. Moreover, I will accept any other punishment you think I deserve. Death is also welcome."Tyler shook his head. "Enough of that. The danger has been averted. Stand."Derek rose to his feet, but his face still hung in shame. "Please forgive me, sir, and punish me for my tardiness."His young master waved a dismissive hand. "There is nothing to forgive, Derek. A sly woman tricked you, and I know Tracy is stub
251 Adultery
"What are you doing?" Tyler demanded, preparing for a fight. He detected no bloodlust, but the confrontation was unexpected.The beauty glanced at his face up close. "I'm doing what I came here to do, Tyler Grant. To take what is owed to me. Have you forgotten our promise?""What are you talking about? Our promise? I've never met you before!"Amelia disregarded his shock. Her hand moved to his face, and her soft fingers touched his rugged cheek. Something in Tyler allowed it. What was wrong with him suddenly? Why were his defenses down?"Listen, lady. I don't have the time—"Then, abruptly, the memory flooded into his mind. A blast from the past. He was probably younger than ten years.It was Christmas, and the boy wanted to purchase food from Mama's Bakery. Because of his disheveled appearance and lack of money, the obese guard turned him away with humiliation.Tyler was about to leave when a little ran outside the bakery, calling to him. She offered him a chocolate pastry.The boy d
250 Amelia
On hearing the lovesick words, Tracy's cheeks immediately turned red in embarrassment. "Oh… I'm so sorry…"Naturally, lovers separated by distance and time were forced to sacrifice their sexual urges. They would look for a chance to jump each other's bones during a reunion. Tracy was old enough to know that."Stupid, stupid me!" she blurted, evidently flustered. "You lovebirds need private time!" Before leaving, Tracy whispered to her brother, "Good choice, bro. You knocked it out of the park. Amelia is a keeper. Don't let her escape."Tyler pursed his lips. "Don't worry. I won't let her escape so easily," was the rather morbid reply.Once Tracy exited the bakery, Tyler sat across the table and gave the stranger a piercing gaze."Who are you?" he asked bluntly. "What do you want from me?""And what was that lover's farce about? I don't know any Amelia! I've never heard or seen you before."In response, the exotic beauty stood to her full height gracefully. She was in a black, trendy
249 The Stranger
Tyler met Derek Sentinel at the junction of Bakery Alley in West Sapphire. As soon as the young man saw her sister's boyfriend, he grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into an electric pole."You swore to protect my sister! Why did you leave her alone?! Where were you when she was taken?"The wind was knocked out of Derek. He took the punishment without complaints and instead lowered his face in shame.Earlier, the Indigo Captain had received a call from Tyler demanding he come to Bakery Alley immediately. Apparently, Tracy's life was in danger, and it was because of his stupidity."Did the cat get your tongue?!""Sir…" Derek groaned. "I was with Tracy when the stranger arrived and invited her to this location. Your sister insisted it was a private meeting between women; therefore, men weren't allowed. She wouldn't listen to me at all!""You know how stubborn your sister is. Moreover, the stranger claimed she was your close acquaintance. My hands were tied."Tyler let the man go bu
248 The New World Order
The conference room echoed with tunes. The perplexed dignitaries whipped out their devices and began answering the calls and reading the messages."What?! The child trafficking group was wiped out?""I don't believe this! The bombs were found, and the terrorists surrendered?""The hijacked plane was returned?""The workers in the collapsed mine were rescued?" "The hostages are back home?""The humanitarian supplies were recovered?"Apparently, all the problems the elite members had stated had already been solved! They looked at each other in utter disbelief, trying to understand what was going on.It was time for Yara to speak up. "Respected dignitaries! Let me illuminate you about what happened! Lord Tristan fixed your problems while you were on your way from your nations! This is how capable he is.""What? Impossible!""That's inconceivable!""Is Lord Tristan really that powerful?""His scale of operations is even grander than Lord Butch!"The grateful members turned towards Tyler
247 The Elite Conference
The dignitaries in the conference room came from all over the world—Europe, China, Russia, India, Japan, and so on. They were CEOs of multinationals, government officials, and even from international agencies.As soon as Yara announced Tyler's new alias—Tristan Salvatore, the room became flooded with gossip and whispers. The members exchanged surprised glances and even voiced their confusion."Miss Mathews!" the representative from China began. "With due respect. We accepted your invitation because we were promised an audience with Lord Butch Salvatore. We've met him before, and he is a much older man."The others nodded in agreement. "We do not recognize Lord Tristan, regardless of him being related to the man we seek.""Moreover, we usually meet in the Salvatore Estate. Why are we at Emperor's Cove in Sapphire City?"Yara offered the group a professional smile and stepped forward. "I regret to inform you that the Lord Salvatore you knew passed away a few months back. His unfortunate
