2023-11-15 07:39:36Gertrude 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!"
Tyler clenched his jaw. "You know very well who I am, Trent. You put me in prison and ruined my family!"
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's clothes."
"It seems prison time didn't wash away your arrogance," he added with a smirk. "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. Moreover, his girlfriend would disapprove of violence.
"I am here to rescue Erica. You've forced this wedding against her will. You brought my family's life in shambles in my absence, but I won't let you ruin my girlfriend's life!"
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? That she is your girlfriend? Are you drunk or delusional?"
Just then, sounds of a pair of heels clicking came down the corridor and stopped by the entrance.
"Never mind that," the billionaire heir jibed, pointing towards the doorway. "Why don't you ask Erica directly what she thinks?"
Tyler turned around to see a beautiful woman in a dazzling white wedding dress. Erica looked as stunning as ever.
It had been three years since he laid eyes on her. The young man's heart fluttered to see the love of his life again.
"Tyler…" she murmured with furrowed brows. It was the expression he least expected.
"Erica… I'm back! I know you've been waiting for me all these years. You couldn't come to visit me in prison because the Coopers threatened you, right?"
"But you have nothing to worry about anymore. Neither do you have to marry Trent. I will protect you."
Erica didn't appear as pleased to see her returned ex-lover as he anticipated. She paused for a few moments before answering.
"I am glad that you are free from prison, Tyler. But I don't understand why you have come here. You weren't invited to my wedding."
"What are you saying…?"
Erica went on mercilessly, ignoring his shocked expression.
"Just to be clear, Trent is not forcing me to marry him. I love Trent and am getting hitched to him of my own will. It's time for you to leave and not come back again."
Tyler felt as if daggers had pierced his heart.
"What are you talking about? You love Trent? I don't get it! You promised to wait for me!"
The beauty rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Wait for you? Who do you think you are? Nothing more than a peasant with a rap sheet!"
"Do you think you measure up to Trent? He is a goddamn billionaire! The Cooper family owns the city! Trent is playing chess while you're eating the pieces."
"Isn't it enough that you and I could be together?" the young man made a last appeal to Erica's sentiments.
"Gah! I don't care! You're just a nobody, Tyler. Still, I'll give you a chance. Let me see—have you come back from prison with loads of wealth to sweep me off my feet?"
Tyler eyed Erica blankly, his expression unreadable. The air was suddenly tense.
"What if I tell you I have? That I have returned with unparalleled wealth and power."
"Will you regret your decision later?"
.
.
"You freaking what?" Erica's eyes widened, and then she burst out laughing, "Prison has indeed driven you nuts!"
The entire Sinclair household and the Cooper entourage joined in the laughter, mocking Tyler.
Erica pointed at him with condescension.
"Look at you! You are worse off than ever! Your family is bankrupt if you don't know already! Do you want me to live in your moldy haunted house?"
Tyler gritted his teeth and took a step forward.
"Trent put me in prison for defending you! He stole my father's business! Doesn't that bother you? Didn't you think twice before betraying your lover?"
Erica's face twisted in disdain. “Lover? Don’t make me sick.”
As she spoke, Erica leaned in close to Tyler, a wicked smile curling at her lips.
Then, in a whisper only he could hear, she continued,
“And besides… do you want to know why Trent was able to steal your father’s business? Because I gave him every secret your family ever had.“
“He usurped your father's business. All it took was a phone call. He sent the Hux gang to harass your parents every week. They tortured your bitch mother so much, she became crippled!"
"What are you going to do about it, huh? Stray dogs like you can only bark loudly and will ultimately bow down to true power! For your insolence, he'll send the Hux gang to poke out your parents' eyes tomorrow!"
Tyler snapped his head sharply, and his aura transformed. His piercing eyes were ablaze with a fury.
On encountering the young man's blistering gaze, Erica paused mid-sentence as a chill ran down his spine.
What madness did he bring back with him from prison?
"What did you just say?" Tyler growled through clenched teeth, glaring at the woman he once loved.
During the three years in prison, Tyler regretted leaving her behind at Trent's mercy. Now that he realized it was a delusion, he felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Trent didn’t notice the way Erica flinched. He strolled forward and wrapped a possessive arm around her wrap.
“Did you hear Erica?! Look at this ten-thousand-dollar diamond necklace on her! Do you know where we are getting married? The luxurious Marian Hotel!”
"Why would she throw away someone powerful and wealthy like me for a useless piece of trash like you? A loser like you couldn’t even get a decent woman, let alone Erica!"
Tyler’s eyes darkened, rage boiling in his skull. He took a step forward—but before he could do anything, the roar of an engine cut through the tension.
A sleek Lamborghini pulled up by the curb. The door swung open, and out stepped a breathtaking woman, making both Trent and Erica widen their eyes in disbelief.
Tyler, however, simply frowned. The woman getting out of the car was none other than Natalie Anderson.
"Tyler Grant. I’m here for you," she said coldly, her tone dripping with reluctant respect.
She spoke each word through gritted teeth, clearly forced into it by her father’s orders. But neither Trent or Erica could see that.
All they could see was—Right in front of them, this magnificent woman gave Tyler a shallow but respectful bow.
“What a joke!” Trent barked out a loud laugh, loud enough to draw attention. “What’s next—did you rent a Lambo and bring a hooker to my wedding just to show off? Who the hell are you trying to impress?”
Before he could finish his sentence, a crisp smack echoed across the street.
A slap. Hard and fast, right across his smug face.
“Open your damn eyes and take a good look at who you’re talking to,” Natalie said coldly, her voice sharp as a blade. “Who gave you the guts to speak to me like that?”
Trent was stunned into silence. A second ago, his eyes had been glued to her flawless figure, admiring her like just another party girl.
But now, as he turned his attention to her flawless face, he recognized her.
It made him practically tremble, his legs weak beneath him as the realization hit him like a freight train.
It was Natalie Anderson! The only daughter of the Anderson family. The wealthiest, most powerful family in all of Sapphire City!
Which made Natalie the most powerful woman in the city.
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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
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 015 Justice Served
Beep! Transaction successful!Yara turned to Tyler with a mixed expression of relief and admiration.“Congratulations, Mr. Tyler Grant. You are the new owner of GlobeMall! Mr. Carlisle will send you the papers shortly!”Tyler nodded at Yara and scanned the club. The crowd that had gathered around began gossiping spontaneously.“Whoa, is he secretly a billionaire?”“What kind of card allows a transaction of ten million?”“Is he a foreign investor?”“How could Ricardo be so wrong?”Even though most of the guests in the club’s restricted section were wealthy scions, they were shocked to see Tyler squander ten million dollars casually. Even their billionaire parents would think for days before risking such a staggering amount.Ricardo’s voice disrupted the crowd’s buzz. “I won’t let you do this!” he spat at Tyler. “Your pathetic father can’t have it back! No way!”A sharp smack echoed throughout the room. The former Bossman collapsed on the couch, clutching at his face in agony.Tyler had
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
