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!"
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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. Moreover, 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 conti
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 007 Ungrateful Woman
Tyler took a step back in surprise. He had been focused on healing and had not expected the heiress to assault him physically."I'll sue you into oblivion!" She screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You monster!""It's okay, Nat…" Silas said, stepping down from the car and getting to his feet. His skin looked more youthful, and his breathing had become normal.Natalie watched her recovered father with widened eyes. Did the homeless man really heal him? Were such miracles actually possible? She began to have an existential panic."Thank you, young man," Silas said, patting Tyler's shoulder. "You possess a special gift, and I am blessed to have met you. I owe you my life."Tyler, still annoyed by Natalie's slap, shook his head at the billionaire. "The healing is temporary. I merely extended your lifespan by a week. You can spend it in the hospital if you must. But even the most talented doctors can't help you."Silas laughed a hearty laugh. "I must thank you, regardless. It gives m
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 008 Saving Erica
The young billionaire raised an eyebrow. Then he let out a taunting chuckle. "Oh, it's you, loser! They finally let you go scot-free. I couldn't recognize you under the homeless man attire. It seems prison time didn't wash away your arrogance. Have you come back for more punishment? Or are you here to fall at my feet and apologize?" Tyler pursed his lips to control his fury. He could kill Trent with one blow, and his revenge would be complete. However, it wouldn't be satisfactory. "I am here to rescue Erica. You've arranged her wedding against her will. My life is in shambles, but I won't let you ruin her life as well!" Trent raised his arms in mockery and began guffawing. His friends and butlers also joined him in the laughter. "Did you just say that Erica's life will be ruined if she becomes my wife? Are you drunk or delusional?" Just then, the sound of a pair of heels came down the corridor and stopped by the entrance. "Never mind that. Why don't you ask Erica directly wha
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 009 Unfinished Business
"You can have this woman," Tyler told him coldly. "She means nothing to me anymore. However, when your reckoning arrives, I will repay your offenses a thousand-fold!"Trent gulped anxiously and retreated into the safety of his bodyguards. "Don't act cocky! Prison may have made you loud-mouthed, but that doesn't change your social status or power level." "I can toy with your life while you can't even harm a hair on my head. I usurped your father's business; all it took was a phone call." "Stray dogs like you can only bark loudly and never understand what true power is!"The young man turned sharply and left the Sinclair premises."We'll see." Tyler took a deep breath as his mind settled on new priorities. Erica had betrayed him for Trent, but he felt nothing. However, he would give the rotten woman a taste of her own medicine at the right time. Trent Cooper would also get what was coming to him. Before that, there was another important matter to attend to. Tyler's father, Hug
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 coll
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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
246 The New Lord
Tyler pursed his lips, feeling guilty all over. "But I will help you find the perfect bridegroom!" he added quickly. "My job is to protect you, and I won't let any random guy become your husband!"Michelle raised her streaming eyes slowly. She was still weeping, but a bitter smile appeared on her face. "Thanks! I'm grateful! Please don't leave my side, ever!"Tyler wiped a tear off her cheek affectionately. He pulled out a handkerchief and raised her chin. "I won't. Now, stop crying like a baby. You are the future Queen of Petra! Don't let others see your weaknesses!"Michelle took the hanky and kissed it lovingly. "May I keep it?"The young man chuckled and turned to leave. "Of course. Now go and inform the High Council that you are ready for the royal banquet. As the Princess of Petra, you have a reputation to uphold. I will see you next during that event."Michelle nodded obediently and watched the man walk away. Tyler approached the terrace railing, leaped over it, and disappeared
245 The Proposal
Tyler was utterly tongue-tied for a few moments. What did the Douglas heiress just say? She wanted to marry him?The young man knew Michelle for a short time. But he always saw her as a little girl. Tyler's sole inclination was to protect her. That would also align with the late Prince of Petra's wishes.However, the Princess' proposal to marry him and become the King of Petra was astounding. He had no idea she thought about him that way."Michelle…" Tyler began. "Is this a prank?"The girl joined her hands against her heart and stepped closer to him. "I love you, Tyler Grant! Please become my husband and my King. I will make you very happy!"The young man chuckled nervously. "This is ridiculous! You cannot be serious!"The Princess peered into his eyes with passion. "I have never been more serious in my life."Tyler sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry, I cannot accept that proposal. I have never seen you that way."Michelle's smile faltered, and she bit her lip, visibly hurt. "Is i
244 King And Queen
Michelle tugged at Terence’s sleeve. “Terry… You’re making a big mistake… Don’t make Tyler angry… He is very powerful… It won’t end well…”“Please stay out of this, Princess. Whatever tricks this lout has been playing on you, I will put an end to them today. Let me handle the fraud. I will arrest and put him in prison!”Tyler crossed his arms and took a deep breath. “Okay, I don’t have time for your nonsense. So, let’s settle this quickly. If any of you can pull your trigger, I will surrender and ask for forgiveness.”Terence eyed the man in confusion for a moment, then laughed aloud. “Do you have a death wish? So be it!”He turned to the other guards and pointed at Tyler. “Men! Open fire at him!”“NOOO!” Michelle screamed. She tried to rush forward, but the others had formed a barrier.Whoosh! It appeared as if a sharp gust of wind blew against the men. Tyler’s image seemed to disappear for a second and then reappear.A second later, the entire royal guard found themselves on the ter
243 The Crimson Captain
One of the three Crest estates of Sterling Hill was Monarch Hall. It was across the river from Tyler’s Emperor’s Cove.Monarch Hall differed from the other two estates in that it was built two centuries ago. It was an imposing structure designed like a fortress, with turrets, towers, and battlements reminiscent of medieval times.The royal family of Petra owned Monarch Hall. The late Lord Malcolm barely ever visited it. However, after the latter’s passing, his granddaughter, Michelle, vacated the Douglas Mansion and moved to Sterling Hill.It was believed that the Princess made this decision on the advice of her dying grandfather. Malcolm was on his deathbed when he summoned Michelle and warned her she was surrounded by enemies on all sides.“Stay close to Mr. Grant…” the old man said. “He rescued you once and will protect you in the future. He is the only man I trust.”Malcolm referred to the incident when a demon abducted Michelle the previous year. She was taken to the dungeons, wh
