2023-11-20 12:10:00Abe 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. That man is not to be trifled with. You could lose your life!”“Thanks for your concern, Abe,” Tyler said, patting the middle-aged man’s shoulder. “But I am here just to talk. And remember, your loyalty will be rewarded.” Saying this, he ignored Abe’s warnings and stepped into the elevator.The third-floor arena was a large clubbing area with VIP tables and luxurious cabins. The charges were so high that only wealthy customers could indulge in bookings. It was an adult section, and therefore, both liquor and escorts were allowed, which attracted many billionaire scions.As Tyler stepped out of the elevator, two heavy-set bouncers stopped him. “Are you a janitor or what?” one of them asked threateningly. “What are you doing on this floor?”Tyler showed no emotion. “I am here to speak to Ricardo.”The bouncers raised their brows and began laughing. “Mr. Ricardo doesn’t talk to poor stragglers. Get lost!”The young man remained unfazed. “Tell him Tyler Grant is here to see him. I am the son of Hugh Grant, the previous owner of GlobeMall.”The guards chuckled again. “Are you drunk or what, kid? Do you claim to be the previous owner’s son? That’s hard to believe. By the looks of it, your father is probably a roadside beggar!”Tyler gritted his teeth, and his aura immediately spiked. The bouncers’ laughter abruptly subsided as the surrounding air thickened, and they felt suffocated.Just then, the sound of heels echoed. A young lady dressed in a conservative bodycon walked down the corridor. She was slender and yet voluptuous at the right places. Her hair was fashionably pinned in a hairdo, and light makeup lit up her otherwise angelic face. Tyler’s aura simmered on laying eyes on her.“What seems to be the problem, Marv?” she asked one of the bouncers. The duo straightened up and turned to the classy lady, who seemed to be their immediate boss.“Miss Mathews, this homeless person somehow barged into the mini-mall,” Marv replied. “He claims to be the previous owner’s son. We’re just laughing him off. You can join us.”The young woman was not impressed by the bouncers’ conduct. “Marv! Pat! Shame on you! It’s not your job to make fun of anybody! Even if he is a homeless person, he will listen to reason and leave.”The duo nodded reluctantly, and she turned to Tyler. “Hello. I am Yara Mathews, manager of this restricted VIP section. Please understand you can’t enter without a table reservation. All three of us will be fired if you do so. And the charges are too high for you to pay in this lifetime. If you want to meet Mr. Ricardo, you can wait outside the mini-mall. When he leaves for home, you might request an audience.”Yara’s professionalism impressed Tyler. Not only did she explain the issue properly, but she also tried hard not to be disrespectful. Tyler was going to barge in after demolishing the bouncers, but now he decided to play along.“How much does a table reservation cost?” he asked Yara. On hearing his words, Marv and Pat sniggered.“Miss Mathews, he’s wasting your time,” Pat urged.“Buddy, this is not a roadside hotdog joint where you can dine at a dollar’s cost,” Marv warned. “You better leave before we lose our temper!”Yara ignored the bouncers’ comments and answered Tyler’s question. “A reservation costs three thousand dollars only for entry. You’ll have to pay additional for other amenities and services. I hope you realize now that you can’t afford it.”Tyler scratched his beard, thinking for a moment. Then he fished in his pocket and retrieved the Guardian International Bank debit card he received from Butch Salvatore.He held it up to Yara with confidence. “I’d like to make a reservation.”
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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
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
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 016 Drugged To Die
Tyler rushed to the men's washroom, where a crowd had gathered, gossiping noisily. It's as if they were visiting a zoo."Oh no, such a young lad fell victim to addiction!""Whose son is he? Which billionaire family?""We've called an ambulance, but it doesn't seem the kid will survive."Tyler and Yara arrived and pushed through the crowd to find a pale boy sprawled on the bathroom floor. He was no older than eighteen and wore branded clothes.Yara knelt by him to check his pulse. Feeling nothing, she put an ear to his chest."I think he's dead," she announced to Tyler with a grimace. The crowd gasped and began buzzing again. Most of them were drunk and considered the tragic scene as dark entertainment.Tyler had been silent all along. Because he was observing the boy's medical condition with his Chiron's Eye. He diagnosed an overdose of a psychedelic drug called Lysergic Acid, otherwise known as LSD."This is not a circus! Clear out the washroom and lock it up!" he ordered. This surpri
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 017 Closed Gate
Tyler borrowed Yara's car for a few hours, leaving her in charge of GlobeMall. He also needed time to think things through.While he was leaving prison, Butch Salvatore assured he had no material gifts to give. Then what the hell was the overloaded GIB debit card? It had millions of dollars!How much was the actual balance on the GIB card? Did Butch consider millions of dollars as immaterial?Tyler browsed debit messages on his phone to find his account's balance, but the main balance was crossed out in the text. Were the numbers too confidential to be shown through messages?Tyler cast a glance at the boy reclining on the front seat. Tony Anderson slept like a log. It was expected since he had just been rescued from a fatal drug overdose.Tyler had purified his blood, but the process took a toll on Tony's frail body. Soon, he came to his senses and opened his eyes."What's going on?" Tony mumbled in confusion. "Who are you, and where are you taking me?"Tyler gestured to him to calm d
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 018 Marian Hotel
The phone rang so suddenly that both Jerry and Ned leaped in fright."It is the long ring!" Ned exclaimed, breaking into a sweat. The gate phone usually had short rings for communications with the hotel's security team. However, the long ring meant that the big boss was calling.Jerry pressed the receive button. "Hello? Mr. Anderson? This is Jerry from the main gate."Silas Anderson was on the other end and wasn't in a good mood. "I don't care what your name is. I just received a message that someone swiped the diamond access card. Who is it?"Jerry gulped anxiously. "Sir, please don't mind the notification. A bum who calls himself Tyler Grant found your lost diamond card. He tried to gain entry fraudulently. We've confiscated the card and will call the authorities right away. He'll be arrested for and thrown into prison."There was a suspenseful pause before Silas replied. "Fools!" he thundered. "Tyler Grant is my esteemed guest! Do you think I hand out diamond cards to every commone
Latest Chapter
234 You Are Special
Maude Street was downhill on the city map, one of the middle-class housing areas. However, the night scenery from the terrace was fabulous for New Year's Eve. A sea of decoration lights ascended like a wave, rising to Sterling Hill, the highest point."You own Sterling Hill and yet live in this humble home," Natalie said, gazing at the illuminated uphill landscape. "I find that hard to digest."Tyler sighed. "It's for my Mom and Dad. I can't tell them how wealthy I am right now. It's too soon. Moreover, they are happy and comfortable where they live, and I am too."The beauty shrugged. "I guess that makes sense... I… Uh… I can also make up my mind to live here…"The young man did not respond, making her frown. "So… Do you have any?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful."Any what?""New Year resolutions…"The young man smiled thinly. "I don't… Well… As a matter of fact, yes.""Can you tell—""Wishes don't come true if you share them with others. Anyway, how's Silas?"Natalie nodded. "D
233 The Choice
Tyler considered it for a moment and then turned away. “Maybe some other day. Please enjoy the party. The girls are lounging in the living room.”He left, leaving the beauty hanging. Isabella arrived shortly after, excited to talk to him. Tyler exchanged pleasantries with her but again refused to engage privately.The final guest was someone in a hood. The veil lifted to reveal Gina Perry, the international celebrity.“You can’t imagine how difficult it was to dodge the paparazzi and come here,” she grumbled. “It’s in the middle of nowhere! At least give me a hug!”Gina’s ambition was shattered, and she had to settle for a handshake. Only Yara Mathews was missing from the picture, but it was known she was away on important business.After all party preparations were completed, Tracy, Maya, and Britta joined the other girls in the living room. They chatted wildly like old friends and played cards, board games, and charades to pass the time.The men gathered in the kitchen, drinking bee
232 (Free Chapter) New Year’s Special
The Grant household buzzed with noise and activity. Neighbors peeked from their windows and craned their necks from their gardens to know what the hell was going on. It was a three-bedroom home in Maude Street. Tyler had carried out some renovation, but it still looked ordinary. However, judging by the fanfare, one would think it was the Pope’s birthday party. The commotion started when expensive luxury cars arrived in the lane. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Porche, Audi—you name it. They parked at the intersection for some reason. Guests got off and walked to the Grant house. What was happening? Were the Grants some bigwig family? Then why did they live in such a humble household? Inside the Grant house, energies were high. Tracy rushed from one room to the other, ordering everyone around. She was in charge of the New Year’s Party. Her underlings were older than her, starting with the tall Britta Salvatore. Then there was her boyfriend, Derek Sentinel, the Captain of the Indigo Knights.
231 (Free Chapter) New Year’s Eve Special
Christmas was already history, and Sapphire City was preparing for the New Year celebrations. Restaurants, clubs, hotels, and homes were dressed like brides. There was an economic boom in Sapphire City that year. It created more billionaires and millionaires than in the entire last half-century. Almost every middle-class family was flush with cash, and they didn’t shy away from spending it on holidays. Almost every family. It was the evening of Christmas Eve. A little boy no older than seven walked along the street with an excited smile dancing on his face. A single coin was firmly lodged in his pocket. The boy’s family was poor, and his father struggled with his new garment shop. The man dreamt of building a mall, which was a distant dream. Moreover, the family recently had a baby girl. Money was tight. Christmas had been a lousy affair as they couldn’t afford a Christmas tree, turkey, or gifts. However, the kid’s mother generously gave him a fifty-cent coin as a holiday allowanc
230 Lazarus Briar
The Seraphim King’s mention induced a wave of muttering among the conference members. Lazarus raised his hand to silence them. "The last time I checked, the Seraphim King was dying in Montserrat Prison," he resumed with a louder voice than normal. "What the hell was he doing in El Abyssium? Tell me the truth!" A couple of shadows parted from the room's darkness and gradually slithered towards Dagon and Veronica. The hulk realized this and panicked. "When we reached the Hetacomb site, Butch Salvatore was already there! It was actually him who defeated Goliath!" "So you thought it convenient to claim the credit? You picked up the pieces and ran with the tail tucked between your legs?" The shadows moved faster, now only several feet from Dagon and Veronica. "No, my lord! I killed the Seraphim King with Kraken! He is dead!" Lazarus raised his brows. A gasp of surprise in unison rose from the conference members. It turned into scattered cheers. The Seraphim King was considered t
229 The Coronation Arc Begins
“You will certainly not die if you eat the forbidden fruit,” the serpent said to Eve.~Genesis 3:1-5.***Far off, a secret conference was under way in an undisclosed location. Selected individuals crowded a long table. Some faces were covered with hoods and masks, while others were shadowed. Regardless of the secrecy and covertness, the chatter was loud."What? We lost El Medalla? How could this happen?""Years of hard work and investments ruined? Shame!""What were the mercenaries doing? Did the Red Marauders give up?""Dagon has never failed us before! Does that dog's leash need to be tightened?""How dare the Prince of Petra launch a war against us? Who told him about El Medalla in the first place?""We must retaliate! We have no other alternative!"A man sat at the head of the conference table, paying no attention to the rabble. He looked engaged in deep meditation or profound thought. Suddenly, he stirred, his eyes turning to the side.A surge of incoming energy disturbed his in
228 Note To Readers
The previous chapter marks the end of the Ascension Arc. I applaud and congratulate all readers who have read this far. I hope you enjoyed the journey. However, this is just the beginning. The Ascension Arc will be followed by the Coronation Arc, where Tyler deals with more daunting enemies and situations. New characters will be introduced, and the focus will shift towards those I have ignored till now. We have had a lot of fantasy battles. It is now time to return home and face more down-to-earth challenges. Those who read so far, kindly leave a review under the story's main page. (Note: there is a difference between leaving a comment on a paragraph or chapter and under the main page) I hope you will still accompany Tyler further on his journey. Thanks again for the support and love. Yours fictionally, KAISER KEN P.S: Do read my other story, THE PEERLESS MAN WITH A THOUSAND GIFTS. It is set in the same universe with an equally awesome main character. Thanks.
227 The End
The Salvatore estate was situated in the hilly regions of Sapphire City. It was remote, accessible only by helicopters, ski lifts, and cable cars. Other billionaires of the city were rather unaware and uninterested in the massive terrain covered by the Salvatore estate. They dismissed it as waste hilly lands. Actually, the ancient estate was hidden from commoners through different geographical and magical means. However, the truth was far from it. The area was replete with mines and minerals. It was a treasure trove of riches. Moreover, a thirty-thousand-square-foot castle dominated the Salvatore estate. It was an ancient structure from where Butch used to rule when he was alive. Britta was raised within those premises. Tyler Grant touched down at a site specially selected for the old man’s last rites. As his wings retreated, he noticed a ceremonial gathering had been summoned. They were Salvatore loyalists, castle butlers and staff, and a few of Tyler’s acquaintances. Under Ty
226 Lilith
The resurrected Yara Mathews received no replies from the others. Instead, she was the object of shocked stares from the girls and a blank look from Tyler. She turned from one to the other in utter perplexity. Suddenly, Yara realized she was naked. She let out a feminine scream. With one arm, the beauty covered her breasts and her crotch with the other. “Someone help me…” she whimpered. “I don’t know what’s happening…” Tyler turned his eyes away from the nudity, instead focusing on the charred Hetacomb site. While he dwelt on his emotions, Kat and Britta rushed towards Yara to aid her. “Don’t worry, child!” the goddess called out the soothing words. “Everything’s fine. I’ll manifest some clothes on your body immediately!” “Stay right there, Yara!” the young Salvatore assured her. “We’re coming to help you!” Suddenly, Tyler’s senses tingled. His gaze whipped back to the girls. “Don’t look at her while she is naked!” Britta snapped at him. “What’s wrong with you?” The you
