"That's the first thing I'll do in the morning," Ashley said with a smile."Enough with work. I'm sorry I brought up work at our dinner as friends," Jack replied with a smile.Jack didn't realize that his smile made Ashley's heart beat twice as fast. But then, Ashley couldn't contain her curiosity about Jack. Why did Jack and Gordon Hawthorne's ex-girlfriends insist that Jack was a poor servant? It really bothered her.“Jack… Since this is a dinner between friends, may I ask something? But… it's okay if you don't want to answer them,” Ashley said with a little hesitation.“What do you want to ask, Ashley?” he asked.“I-I… I was just curious, why do they keep saying you're a maid, Jack?” she asked. But as soon as he asked his question, Ashley regretted a little to see Jack's changed expression.“I'm sorry, Jack. This may be a sensitive question. It's fine if you—”"It's okay, Ashley," Jack said, interrupting Ashley's words.Ashley fell silent because of it."I was once a maid in the Ha
“Fine, Jack. I'll find out soon enough,” Ashley said excitedly after hearing how much bonus she would get just by finding out about it.Ashley didn't have much of a connection to the Hawthorne family, but she could find out through friends. Ashley had a friend who worked as a financial administrator in one of the Hawthorne family businesses. Her name is Hailey Stunt, a friend from Ahley's high school days. She was also the one who told her that the Hawthorne Family had a new real estate business. Ashley just hopes Hailey knows something about a gift for Jamie Cowell from Gordon Hawthorne."Oh before that, I almost forgot something, Ashley," said Jack who suddenly remembered something."What can I do for you, Jack?" asked Ashley, her notebook ready.“About the donation, I talked about earlier. Have you done it?” he asked. He needs points in order to increase his wealth.“Sure, Jack. I've checked the places that need the most help and found an orphanage on the outskirts of town. The pla
Dylan Hawthorne took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger. He knew how important it was to uphold the Hawthorne family's good name, and news of Jack Ashworth having his son kicked out of a clothing store infuriated him. It's so embarrassing.“Oh my dear, did it really happen? My poor child,” said Rita Hawthorne when she heard all that. She immediately hugged Gordon and caressed her son's face."Are you hurt, honey?" she asked again while examining her son's body."I'm fine, Mom, but my pride is hurt. It's not only my pride that's hurt but our family's pride!” he exclaimed.“Then why did you let him do that to you? Useless bastard!” Dylan shouted, raising his hand to slap Gordon. Rita immediately blocked her husband.“Dylan, what are you doing? It's not Gordon's fault but the damn loser! We have to do something!” Rita exclaimed. Dylan took a deep breath and lowered his hand again."We have to check all of this before taking any action," Dylan said in a calm but firm voice. "If it's
Ashley was starting to feel nervous at Gordon Hawthorne's words, but Jack looked calm and smiled."I'm sorry, Mr. Ashworth. Please ignore my friend's words," said Jamie Cowell, trying to neutralize the atmosphere."It's okay, Mr. Cowell. I won't be bothered just by the annoying voices,” replied Jack.Gordon widened his eyes at Jack's answer completely ignoring him. At the same time, Jamie smiled and opened the present that Jack had given him. Inwardly, he longed for what gifts this rich man might bring."Get ready Jamie, you're about to receive junk that even your maid won't accept!" he exclaimed.Several people laughed at Gordon's words. Others just sit and watch. Jack was completely calm, he just smiled faintly. He'd been glancing at the pile of presents on the big table behind Jamie since earlier. There was an antique urn that must have been a gift from Gordon.Most of the guests did give away antiques because they knew Jamie Cowell liked antiques. But what Jack brought was far mor
Gordon remains adamant with his stance. He was sure that Jack must have robbed or done something illegal to make his fortune. However, Jack just smiled calmly, showing his confidence.Jack looked at Gordon with a sharp gaze, reflecting his strong determination. He wanted to make sure that everyone here would see the truth."Gordon, we have made a bet. I have proven that my gift is far more expensive than yours. So, what are you waiting for? Get on your knees now," Jack said in a firm voice.Gordon felt the pressure from all the eyes staring at him. Some people looked curious, while others continued to jeer. But he didn't want to give up so easily. He smiled sinisterly as if feeling sure of his own convictions.“I won't because I'm sure your present is fake or you stole it! Even all your wealth is fake! There's no way I could kneel before someone like you! You liar!" he exclaimed.Just then, the door to Jamie's residence opened, and Dylan and Rita Hawthorne arrived. The room fell silen
Jack mingles with the conglomerates at Jamie's birthday party but is surprised to find there's so much he doesn't know about the lives of the rich. That made him more silent."Mr. Ashworth, tell us which piece of art you prefer?" said one of them.“Ah, sorry. I'm not really interested in art," Jack replied. But apparently, his answer actually made the people around him gossip. Jack could already guess what the gossip was about. Since Gordon Hawthorne had spread the word that he was a former servant, everyone was still speculating about him, but there was no proof that Jack was a fraud. However, his low knowledge about the upper-class life makes him secretly laughed at."Excuse me, I have to go to the toilet," said Jack.Jack kept his cool even though everyone was gossiping about him. The old money, intentionally or unintentionally, exposed Jack's ignorance of several things. Raised in a servant environment, Jack did not study art, literature, etc. at all. He only studied what was in s
“Dylan, come on… I'm sure all the guests at Jamie Cowell's birthday party will forget everything in no time. I don't think it will affect our business,” said Rita, trying to defend her son.Dylan exhaled roughly, indicating that his anger had still not subsided. Gordon was really a disappointment to him. Of all the descendants of the wealthy families in Lumina City who were as old as Gordon, he was the only one who could not yet be trusted with the family business. Dylan hadn't been able to put any of his business into Gordon's hands. Now, Gordon has become the butt of gossip.“You're lucky we made it in time, otherwise you would already have to kneel before that damn servant boy! What an idiot!” Dylan shouted again.“Dad!” protes Gordon.“Shut up! I am so done with you!” cried Dylan. He then walks away.Gordon was teary and his face was read.“Oh dear, your father is just emotional. He will be fine after calming his mind,“ said Rita comforting her daughter.“I will avenge Jack! All o
Jack walked side by side with Ashley. Unknowingly, Ashley was still holding Jack's arm."You can let go now," Jack said with a crooked smile.Ashley was shocked and very embarrassed. He immediately removed his hand from Jack's hand. Her face was red and felt very hot.“Why so shy? Just now you were acting so nice while calling me 'honey'," Jack said with a chuckle.Ashley grew embarrassed by it. Jack then opened the car door for Ashley and Ashley immediately got inside. Jack then got behind the wheel and started the engine.“I'll take you home. Tell me where you live," Jack asked Ashley."Ah, no need, Jack. I can go home alone. You just need to take me to the nearest bus stop, or I can take a taxi," Ashley replied."No. I said I'd take you. Give me your address,” replied Jack.Ashley's heart pounded as she spoke the address. Somehow she was so nervous. Ashley really couldn't hide her love for her boss. However, she must remain professional.Jack smiled faintly as he headed to the addr
As the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the chaos of the decimated lab, Jack's enhanced vision honed in on Patrick, a formidable figure even in his wounded state. Blood trickled down Patrick's forehead, mixing with the grim determination and seething anger in his eyes. His breath came in ragged gasps, a testament to the intensity of their struggle."You think you can defeat me like this?" Patrick's voice reverberated through the chamber, his words dripping with contempt as he advanced towards Jack. "I won't let you win, Jack!"With a sudden burst of speed, Patrick lunged forward, his armored form hurtling towards Jack with frightening velocity. Jack barely had time to react, his instincts kicking in as he braced himself for the impact.The clash was thunderous, the force of Patrick's charge slamming into Jack like a battering ram. They grappled fiercely, each trying to gain the upper hand in the brutal melee. Jack's muscles strained against the weight of Patrick's armor, his mind r
Jack's situation was dire. He lay on the cold floor, pain radiating through his body, Ashley's bloodied form just out of reach. His vision blurred and darkened at the edges, but he wasn't ready to give up. He knew he had one last trick up his sleeve.With a barely noticeable movement, he activated the communication implant Jill had embedded in his arm. It was a last-resort device, meant for emergencies only. Jack whispered urgently, his voice barely a breath, "Jill, now!"Even though it looked like he was talking to himself, he knew Jill was listening. His eyes briefly met Patrick's smug gaze before he summoned all his remaining strength. With a sudden, almost inhuman burst of energy, Jack leaped high into the air, his body propelled by the advanced tech Jill had provided.He soared upwards, smashing through the ceiling and creating a gaping hole. Dust and debris rained down as the astonished guards and Patrick stared up, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. The room fell s
Patrick, sensing a slight tremor of control slipping from his grasp, attempted to regain his dominance with a sneer. "You think you're clever, don't you, Jack?" he jeered, his voice echoing off the cold, stone walls of the lair. "But you're just bluffing. We both know what happened the last time you tried to fight alone. You lost, and you lost badly. Look around you. My men guard every corner of this place with the highest vigilance. There's no help coming from Jill or anyone else. You think you can fool me? I anticipated your move, and I've made sure it won't happen."Jack's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as he fixed Patrick with a steely glare. "You talk too much, Patrick," he retorted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. His confidence was unwavering, a stark contrast to the villain's bluster.Without another word, Jack launched himself into action with a burst of explosive energy. His movements were a blur, honed by years of training and battle-hardened experience. He b
As Jack's cries of anguish reverberated through the glass chamber, something within him snapped. A surge of adrenaline and sheer willpower coursed through his veins. His eyes, still wet with tears, hardened with a new determination. He strained against the metal restraints with every ounce of strength he possessed, the cords of his muscles standing out in stark relief against his skin.The glass walls seemed to close in on him, but Jack refused to accept defeat. With a roar of pure rage, he wrenched his arm free from one of the metal bindings, the steel groaning under the force of his fury. The other restraints seemed to tighten in response, but Jack was beyond pain now. He tore at the remaining bonds, his breath coming in ragged gasps.The guards outside the chamber stared in shock, their initial disbelief giving way to alarm. The sight of Jack breaking free sent a wave of panic through them."What's happening?" one of the guards shouted, his voice tinged with fear.Patrick's smug ex
Jack watched intently as the guards began to unfasten the restraints binding Ashley to the chair. Every movement seemed to drag in slow motion, his heart hammering in his chest. Despite her weakened state, Ashley managed to shake her head weakly, her voice a mere whisper, carrying the weight of her desperation. "No, Jack," she pleaded, her eyes wide and glistening with tears. "Please, just go. Leave me."Jack’s determination was unshakeable. He shook his head firmly, his jaw set in a hard line. "Ashley, you have to go now," he insisted, his voice steady and resolute, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade. He knew there was no other option if she were to have any chance at freedom.Ashley remained in the iron grip of the guards, her strength all but spent. Her eyes, though filled with despair, still bore into Jack’s with a silent plea, a plea he could not heed. She understood the depth of his resolve but felt the crushing weight of helplessness. Her body slumped slightly as
As Jack was escorted further into the heart of The Golden Apple's new stronghold, the dimly lit corridors seemed to close in around him, suffocating him with their oppressive atmosphere. The guards flanked him on either side, their eyes boring into him with a mixture of suspicion and contempt.Patrick stood at the end of the hallway, his presence commanding and his demeanor oozing with arrogance. His arms were crossed over his chest, and a smug smirk played at the corners of his lips as Jack was brought before him."Well, well, if it isn't our obedient little errand boy," Patrick sneered, his voice laced with disdain as he regarded Jack. "Coming here unarmed, all for the sake of the traitor who betrayed you. How noble of you, Jack."Jack's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he struggled to contain his rising anger. He knew Patrick was trying to provoke him, but he refused to take the bait. Instead, he focused on the urgency of the situation at hand."Wher
As Ashley teetered on the brink of consciousness, her senses dulled by the relentless onslaught of pain and exhaustion, she felt as though she were adrift in a sea of torment. Every breath was a struggle, each heartbeat a painful reminder of the ordeal she had endured. Her body felt heavy, weighed down by the bruises that marred her skin and the ache that permeated every fiber of her being.The dim light in the room seemed to flicker and dance before her eyes, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls like specters of her own despair. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and blood, mingling with the metallic tang of fear that clung to her like a suffocating shroud.The henchman of Patrick's approached with an air of calculated menace, his footsteps echoing ominously in the dimly lit room. Ashley strained to lift her head, her muscles protesting against the effort as she braced herself for whatever news he bore.With a glance over his shoulder to ensure they were alone, t
Jack's heart skipped a beat as his phone vibrated, signaling an incoming message. With a sense of urgency, he glanced at the screen, his eyes widening in shock at the sight before him. It was a video, sent from an unknown number, and as Jack tapped to play it, his blood ran cold.The video opened to a chilling scene. A dimly lit room filled the screen, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. In the center of the frame sat a wooden chair, its surface worn and weathered, and bound to it was Ashley. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.“Ashley?” Jack breathed, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.“What? What happened?” Jill's voice crackled with concern, her eyes widening as she leaned in closer to see the screen of Jack's phone.For a moment, Jack's mind reeled in disbelief. It took several seconds for the reality of the situation to sink in—that the woman in the vi
The soft hum of machinery filled the air as Jack slowly emerged from his slumber, the gentle rhythm of Jill's movements resonating in the laboratory. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he turned his gaze towards Jill, who was already engrossed in her work, her movements fluid and purposeful."Rise and shine, sleepyhead. It's time for you to join the land of the living," Jill greeted him with a playful smirk, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I need your help with some brainstorming."Jack yawned and stretched, feeling the weight of the impending tasks settling upon him like a heavy cloak. "What's the plan?" he asked, his voice still tinged with drowsiness as he sat up and gave Jill his full attention.Jill's eyes gleamed with determination as she launched into an explanation of the necessity for a tracker device that could evade detection by their adversaries. "Jack, we need a failsafe in case things go south. We can't risk you getting caught or lost in the chaos," she began,