2023-11-10 07:36:43Silas' 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. "I see it is a secret you don't wish to share with a stranger.”
“In that case, let me verify that your diagnosis is 100% correct. Which brings me to my humble question—can you help me?"
"I have lived a satisfactory life and am prepared for death," he added. "But my daughter is too young to be an orphan. If there is anything you can do for me, I will be forever grateful."
A tear escaped Silas' eye as he made the request. Tyler could see the old man was honest about his intentions.
The only thing that had kept him going all these years was his beautiful daughter, whom he loved more than anything in the world.
Tyler sighed and scratched his bearded chin. Butch Salvatore only meant for Tyler to reach the pinnacle of the world. However, the young man wondered what the point of such greatness was if he couldn't save a helpless old man from an untimely death.
Especially when the victim was a kind person like Silas Anderson, who spent his life making humanitarian efforts toward the needy.
"I will help you," Tyler replied without emotion. "But you must keep our transaction secret."
A warm smile appeared on Silas' lips, and he nodded. "I'll take it to my grave."
"Alright. Lie down again and unbutton your shirt."
Silas did as he was told. Tyler was about to operate on the billionaire when Natalie grabbed his hand roughly.
The young woman had been watching the scene unfold in utter shock.
Why was her father giving scope to a homeless scam artist? They had to reach the hospital instead before it was too late!
Natalie’s voice was faltering but adamant.
"I don't know by what fraudulent means you discovered my father's medical details, but I won't let you fool him on his deathbed.”
“Tell me, will you ask for a huge monetary reward after whatever hocus pocus you intend to dramatize? Is that your elaborate scam?"
Tyler's piercing gaze suddenly shifted to Natalie. A shiver ran down her spine, and she let go of his hand.
The young man's aura was so tremendous it almost caused her suffocation.
"I will not charge a penny for my services," he replied sharply. "But if we delay any further, he might die. If you want your father to live, don't touch me again without permission!"
"Nat…" Silas mumbled from the back seat. "I can sense he's not an ordinary man. Let him use his gift on me. Trust me for once."
Natalie was reluctant, but she nodded obediently and backed away. She wouldn't betray her father's wishes, especially if they were his last.
However, still suspicious, she kept a sharp eye on Tyler and a finger over the call police button on her phone.
Tyler closed his eyes and entered a meditative state. He focused his energies, opening up his power vortices.
This healing technique taught by Butch was called chakra healing.
It required tremendous focus but was highly effective.
Tyler placed his right hand on Silas's chest and applied light pressure. He could feel the heart beating arrhythmically, heading towards a fatal stroke.
With a low grunt, he sent a blast of energy inside and opened the old man's heart chakra by force.
Silas felt warmth rising in his chest cavity. His weak heart jumped into rejuvenation, and the beats became rhythmic again.
The billionaire sat up, wheezing uncontrollably. His eyes ran wild, and he went into a seizure.
Natalie rushed at Tyler and slapped him hard across the face.
"You fraud! What have you done to my father?!"
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!"
"Calm down," Tyler said. "He's already recovered."
Natalia looked like she didn’t believe it at all.
"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 me sufficient time to solve a few pending issues.”
He extended a debit card to the young man.
“I wish to give you a million dollars for treating me. Kindly accept the same."
Tyler shook his head again.
"As I mentioned earlier, I won't charge a penny for my services. If that is all, I will take my leave from you. I have somewhere important to be, and time is running out."
But Silas firmly shoved the credit card into his pocket, not giving Tyler any chance to refuse.
Tyler raised an eyebrow.
Was the old man trying to bribe him? Did he think Tyler would be able to heal him completely?
Natalie was still adamant.
"Dad, let's go to the hospital. These parlor tricks won't help you. You need an actual doctor and medical intervention."
She avoided Tyler's gaze and left in the Lamborghini.
"What a rowdy and ungrateful girl," the young man said to himself as he turned and walked away. "I hope I don't run into her again."
***
The unexpected encounter with the Anderson patriarch and his arrogant daughter didn’t bother Tyler too much—he was too focused on rushing to his girlfriend, Erica Sinclair’s, place.
Just thinking about her filled him with worry.
Did Trent Cooper arm-twist his girlfriend to marry him? If so, the trauma she must have gone through was unimaginable.
Regardless, the poor girl wouldn't have to worry anymore since her savior had arrived.
Things didn't turn out as Tyler expected. He could barely recognize the Sinclair compound. Three years back, the family lived in an ordinary two-bedroom house. Now, in its place stood a new mansion! Did the Sinclairs win a lottery?
Tyler stepped through the iron gateway, bewildered by the transformation. The place was decked up in bridal decorations and swarmed with people. Relatives and uniformed servants rushed around, making arrangements for some occasion. Were they preparing for the wedding?
A familiar face emerged from the main entrance as soon as Tyler stepped into the driveway.
"Is that you, Tyler?" the middle-aged lady asked. It was Gertrude, Erica's mother.
Three years back, she used to pamper him as her future son-in-law. Now, the woman's voice was laced with derision, and she glared at him with narrowed eyes.
"Who allowed you to enter the premises? Ex-convicts need to stay out! Shall I call the cops?"
Tyler was taken aback by the woman's hostility. "Gertrude! That was uncalled for! I am here to rescue Erica."
"I know Trent is forcing her to marry him. Don't worry. Now that I am back, she can call off the wedding. I'll protect Erica."
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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
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 012 Take Me To Ricardo
Yara turned around with a look of disappointment. The stranger had turned out to be a fraud and pretender after all. Why did she have such unreal expectations?Marv and Pat sniggered and cracked their knuckles. They'd give the homeless man a beating before throwing him out."Why don't you try again," Tyler said, ignoring the advancing men. "Sometimes transactions don't go through."Yara pursed her lips. He wasn't wrong. It was actually her training to swipe up to three times if the customer insisted. She sighed and began the transaction again, entering $3000 as a charge.Beep! The transaction was successful!Yara turned around in surprise. Marv and Pat's faces looked like they were made of leather. Did the homeless man really have three thousand dollars? Was he going to dine in the restricted lounge?"Your table is booked for the night," Yara told Tyler with a charming smile. She was still reeling from the fact that the stranger possessed an active GIB card. How much money did he reall
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 013 The Bossman’s Arrogance
Ricardo shrugged and waved his hand dismissively. "I don't know this guy. Is he a janitor? I told you I can't pay any salaries this month. Get him out of my sight!"Yara took a deep breath. Ricardo had cited silly excuses to withhold staff salaries for the month. The truth was that most of the profits went into the purchase of illicit drugs, jewelry, and escort girls. There was barely anything left behind to pay the staff.Ricardo’s employees were disgruntled but were too scared to protest or approach him. Anybody with the Coopers' blessing was untouchable.Yara offered him a sharp reply. "Actually, this gentleman booked a table just to gain entry into the restricted section. He is intent on speaking to you."Ricardo raised an eyebrow and eyed the young man again. "Is that so? What do you want? Looking for drugs?"Tyler regarded the arrogant boss silently. "I am Tyler Grant. My father is Hughes Grant, the previous owner of GlobeMall. Do you remember who he is and what you put him throu
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 014 Ten Million Dollars!
Ricardo began laughing, and soon, his guards followed suit. Even some of the guests sniggered. The young man might be a good fighter, but by his looks, he was definitely not wealthy.“Is this guy drunk or delusional?” one of the regulars muttered. “Does he really think he can purchase a mall?”“His clothing suggests he doesn’t even have a few hundred dollars!”“I heard he spent all his life savings on booking a table. Now he thinks he can be the owner? What an ego trip of poverty!”“Does he even have money to rent a toilet?”“Are you out of your mind, kid?” Ricardo asked with a scoff. “Your father is a manual scavenger, and your house is a dog kennel. And yet, you claim to have enough money to purchase GlobeMall? Give me a break!”More laughter followed from the crowd. Yara glanced at Tyler, this time with pity. Why was he so intent on humiliating himself in public? Was beating down Ricardo’s guards, not a big enough victory?“Are you deaf or dumb?” Tyler retorted at the boss. His voic
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
