Tyler wasted no time. He rode his bike at breakneck speed and reached Sapphire City by early morning. The new Grant house was in the foothills tier of Sterling Hill and was quite affordable, considering the neighborhood. Even though it wasn’t spacious or sprawling like a mansion, it had a beautiful garden and a congenial atmosphere. However, when Tyler reached the house, he found it boarded up and a FOR SALE signpost on the lawn. Derek Sentinel was right; his family had disappeared. Tyler rushed to the security gate and questioned the guards about the matter. “Sir, your family home was in the Foothills tier?” the chief of security asked in surprise. We assumed they were living in Prince’s Cove.” “Did you see who took them?” “Sir, they left of their own volition. But…” “But what?” “Sir, one of our patrol guards saw a stranger in a luxury car going towards your family home. After he returned, your parents packed up their things and left within a few hours.” Tyler narrowed his ey
Isabella and Tyler were childhood friends. They grew up together in Maude Street and were inseparable as kids.The duo were such close friends that ten-year-old Tyler often told Isabella playfully that he’d marry her once they grew up. The little girl would giggle and immediately agree to the proposition.However, the two were abruptly separated when Isabella’s family sent her to boarding school. The youngsters tried to stay in touch over the phone but eventually forgot about each other’s existence.“Mom, how could you decide on my bride without consulting me?” Tyler asked with irritation. “Besides, aren’t we both too young to get married?”Ruth shook her head lightly and looked into her son’s eyes expectantly. “I’m not asking you to marry Isabella right away. You can begin with whatever you young folks call dating. In a few months, we can arrange the wedding..”Tyler sighed and rubbed his temples. “If Isabella has indeed returned to Sapphire City, I will meet her. But I am neither go
Paul cast a stern glance at Lena, signaling her to back off. But the woman wouldn't budge. He turned to his friend apologetically."I'm sorry for my wife's rude behavior, Hughie. She is tense because of our worsening financial condition. I can't hire Tyler or offer him any help with jobs."Hugh lowered his eyes in embarrassment. "I understand. You don't need to explain."Lena narrowed her eyes at the young man. "As far as I remember, Tyler went to Sapphire University and secured campus placement in a decent company, right? Why would he seek a job at a butcher shop? That sounds suspicious to me."Hugh shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "I have a confession, too. Tyler got into some trouble with a billionaire family after graduation. He was arrested, convicted, and sent to prison for three years. Now that he served his time, I am looking for gainful employment on his behalf.""Oh, your son is an ex-convict?" Lena snapped with derision. "He's unlikely to get a job in this climate. These
When the Grant boys reached home, it was already past dinner time. Hugh looked exhausted and worn out despite no physical exertion throughout the day.Tyler figured his father was upset by his embarrassment at Paul Walker’s home. Hugh used to be a successful businessman who provided for his family and helped his friends in need. Right now, he was a nobody whom everybody ridiculed and underestimated.“Dad, what if you could be GlobeMall’s owner again?” Tyler asked him on their way home.“It is good to dream of happy times, son,” Hugh replied in a defeated tone. “But we also have to be rooted in reality. Our family is reunited, but hard times are upon us again. Don’t worry; once you get a job, I will also start seeking one. I heard online food delivery apps are looking for delivery guys.”Hugh was indeed depressed about his helplessness but was also upbeat that his son had landed an interview at one of the city’s best insurance companies. That kept him going.Tyler was parking his bike
Hugh was speechless. How could the young daughter of his best friend talk to him in such an insulting manner? He stammered for a few seconds, trying to find the right words. However, before the man could respond, Jennifer disconnected the call rudely.Hugh lowered his phone from his ear slowly. He felt like somebody had kicked him in the face. Was he so pathetic and broke that youngsters had no respect for him? Even his son had to suffer second-hand humiliation.Tyler had overheard the conversation with his enhanced senses. “What is it, Dad? What did Jennifer say?”Hugh forced himself to smile. But the bitterness and suffering in his heart showed on his face.“Nothing important, son. She is patiently waiting for you. But you must show gratitude and appreciation for Jennifer’s efforts. Don’t forget to thank her profusely.”Tyler pursed his lips and nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad. I will pay her back a hundredfold.”***Tyler put his bike on overdrive and reached the main building of Skyline
Donald Glover was the Managing Director of Skyline Insurance Company. He sat in his office, rubbing his forehead in anxiety. Lately, profits had plummeted in the company balance sheet, giving him nightmares.Donald just got off a call with the Chairperson, Natalie Anderson. She might be a beautiful young woman in appearance, but she was a fierce tigress when it came to business. Natalie threatened the MD she would fire him if profits didn’t rise by the end of the present quarter.Donald looked at the printed reports before him. Sales had not gone down; in fact, they were much higher than last year. However, a particular account had withdrawn huge claim settlements over the previous year.The account didn’t belong to an ordinary civilian or company. It belonged to the Sapphire City branch of the Red Viper gang. They had been leeching off the company through fraudulent means.The gang members purchased fire insurance policies for old, derelict shops at huge principal sums. They set fire
Tyler relaxed in his chair and crossed his legs. "I was in prison for three years, convicted of aggravated assault. My Dad used to be a sanitation worker. Are these answers satisfactory?"Jenna winced at the young man and pushed back in her chair as if he were untouchable. "So you are an ex-convict? This was a mistake. I don't think we hire criminals in our organization. Besides, your family appears steeped in poverty, barely getting a morsel to eat.""We don't hand out jobs as alms," Ben said with a snort. "If we knew a homeless ex-convict had applied for this position, we would've struck that name from the list!"Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? I think you already know that I was an ex-convict and the son of a sanitation worker. In fact, someone tutored you on how to deal with me before the interview started."Tucker, the man to Jenna's right, slammed his hand on the table. “What nonsense are you blabbering, wastrel! Are you really here for an interview? Is this how you behave
Clyde was so frustrated that he barely spoke anything as he led Tyler into the claims department hall. The manager felt acid reflux rising in his throat as he realized their devious plan had failed miserably.Jennifer had asked Clyde to bribe and coax the interview panel to reject Tyler and humiliate him in the process. Instead, not only did they hire the young man, but he was promoted to an officer position. The CEO, Donald Glover, himself intervened and signed his joining letter!What had gone wrong in his plan? Did Tyler have influential connections? Did the guy have friends in high places? That was highly unlikely, considering his low socioeconomic background.“This is your table,” Clyde said reluctantly, showing him to an empty cubicle. “Let’s see whether you can actually read English.”Tyler ignored the manager’s insult. He seemed to be on the verge of a stroke.“By the way, what happened in the interview?” Jennifer asked with scorn. “Why was Mr. Glover so impressed with you? Di