Colette’s high school classmate, Richard Washer, whom she had sought help from was a guy interested in Gia—love at first sight. Upon learning about Gia’s situation, he pleaded with his father, Philip Washer, to intervene.Philip, who had been college classmates with Julius Granger, the president of the Merchant Union in Green Hills City, decided to honor his son’s request. Recognizing Julius’s influence and capability, Philip quickly headed to the Merchant Union headquarters for assistance.At the Merchant Union Building, Julius was deeply engaged in high-stakes negotiations with an investment company. Each side of the table had ten representatives, and the deal under discussion involved a staggering sum of $800 million.The negotiation was approaching a critical juncture, with an agreement expected within fifteen minutes. Julius wore a confident expression, certain his team was on the verge of securing the project.Suddenly, the door to the meeting room swung open, disrupting the pr
It was raining heavily at nine O'clock in the evening in Citadel City.Finnick Lachlan was on his bed in his dorm room, staring at the ceiling while his two roommates snore away.Then his cell phone suddenly rang.He quickly answered it to avoid waking up his roommates.“Hey, I need a box of Trojan condoms and two packs of tissues. Send them to room 1201 of the Luxe Hotel. Hurry up!”It was Jerome Danvers from school.“Alright,” Finn shook his head with a low scoff.‘That horny fool is at it again. How does he always forget to make full preparations before having sex? If it wasn’t for the tip…’Finn needed Jerome’s money since his girlfriend had always wanted to try the newly opened Michelin restaurant for a long time, but he was just too poor to afford it, although he had been saving money for it for a while. With this tip, it would be close to enough to finally be able to buy dinner for his girlfriend.Finn quickly got off the bed, put on a raincoat, and headed out into the rain on
“What?”Finn’s eyes widened as he stared at Dana.“We’ve been together for more than a year. Now you want to break up with me for him?”“Yes!” Dana answered sharply. “I feel absolutely nothing but disgust for you right now, no feelings whatsoever because you don't deserve it! And why are you so surprised about that, huh?! I mean, take a good look at yourself in the mirror! Always wearing cheap clothes. How can you afford me the life that I truly deserve?! Do you know the others are always secretly laughing at me for being with you? You have no money, no power. That is not the life I want! I am so beautiful and young, and I deserve to be with someone better than you! I told you several times that I wanted to try that Michelin restaurant, it has been over a month, Finn, and you did nothing?! Are you even a real man?! Unlike you, my love, Jerome, not only took me to the Michelin restaurant, he also bought me a lot. Someone as ordinary and cheap-looking as you can not afford to buy one of
“Sir, do you have a CentraBank card?” Verna Diaz asked politely.She was beginning to think that Finn had no experience or idea of CentraBank’s policy. He might be thinking that other bank cards could also be used in the CentraBank.“Nope,” Finn shook his head casually.When the long-haired lady heard Finn’s honest answer, she had to laugh.Then someone from behind called to her. “Gia, let’s go!”“Coming, Dad,” Gia said to the man in his late forties, before speaking to Verna. “Manager Diaz, allowing this kind of poor-looking person…” she looked at Finn in disgust, “enter your bank is unfair to other worthy clients, don't you agree? It could even reduce the rating of this bank. Be careful because you do not want something like this to happen again.”After she finished speaking she held her father’s arm and they walked out.Verna immediately followed them, walking them out, and saying, “I assure you, ma’am, it won't happen again. It will be thoroughly dealt with.”When Verna returned t
“Wait!” Finn quickly stopped him. “I think I used the wrong finger. Let me try my index, I remember now.”“Are you trying to play a trick on me?” The Manager asked cautiously. “It won't end well for you.”Finn nodded in understanding. “Yeah, and I’ll advise you not to threaten me. It won't end well for you either.”The manager blinked, noticing the confident expression on Finn. The young man looked completely unfazed.The manager exhaled deeply, thinking to himself, “If his index finger also fails, is he going to try his middle finger then? What is he going to do if none of his fingers works?”Whatever! If Finn didn't pass the verification this time, he would call the police and get him arrested.Just when the manager was lost in his thoughts, Finn already pressed his index finger into the verification area.The equipment emitted a faint hum as a green light illuminated its surface. On the LCD screen, text scrolled into view:Verification SuccessfulFamily Account ID: 05Identifier: F
“You’re nothing but a thief! What kind of parents raised you, huh?! You will spend the rest of your life in prison, I’ll make sure of that!”Of course, Verna did not think that the card belonged to Finn. It was preposterous. How could a pauper-looking guy like him own a Supreme Card? It was unthinkable.He must have stolen it from the VIP room when the manager wasn’t paying attention. That must have been his goal all along.“Sly criminal…”“Give it back to me!” Finn demanded.“No!” Verna yelled at him. “Don’t think you're ever gonna get away with this, you thief!”A crowd of people, upon hearing the commotion, had already surrounded them. They joined Verna to berate Finn with condescending looks.Meanwhile, after putting everything in place, Callum finally made his way outside, hoping he would be able to meet up with Finn.That young man was his biggest client as of that moment. He had never seen such assets from someone clearly in his twenties, a college student. Who really was he?
Inside the classroom, their curious eyes shifted from Dana, Jerome, and then Finn who just sat there, staring at the book in front of him like he didn't just see his girlfriend kissing another man.They all knew about Finn and Dana’s long relationship. But they didn't know they had broken up Finn tried not to care even though he felt disgusted.Last night wasn’t the first time he’d delivered condoms to Jerome. In fact, it was the sixth—each time for a different woman. And who knows how many more times Jerome had actually remembered to bring protection himself?He found Dana pathetic being with someone like Jerome. She must feel so proud, but ignorant.Jerome grabbed her waist with a smirk and was about to take her out of the room, but she immediately said, “Love, wait, there's something I need to return to Finn.”Finn turned his gaze toward Dana.She walked toward him and slammed something on his desk in front of him. Then she removed her hand.“I think this belongs to you.”It was a
The only reason why Finn went to the Palate Haven, a restaurant only for the rich kids in school, was because Nick wanted it. He was just one of the many people good to him since the start of school.Nick was his best friend. When Nick saw him, he was happy and he quickly led Finn to a private dining room on the second floor.When he entered, he met more familiar faces.Nick’s other friend, Billy Jones, Angela, and two of her female friends were present.And none of them liked him which made the situation more awkward.Billy had a deep glare at him which was actually understandable after a huge fight happened between them, and he broke a nose and fractured a hand.For Finn, though, it had been one of the best days of his life. He wanted nothing more than to crack a joke about Billy finally being free of his cast, but for once, he decided to hold his tongue.Upon seeing Finn, they all suddenly laughed.Wanting in on the reason for the sudden laugh, Nick asked with an amused smile. “Wh
Colette’s high school classmate, Richard Washer, whom she had sought help from was a guy interested in Gia—love at first sight. Upon learning about Gia’s situation, he pleaded with his father, Philip Washer, to intervene.Philip, who had been college classmates with Julius Granger, the president of the Merchant Union in Green Hills City, decided to honor his son’s request. Recognizing Julius’s influence and capability, Philip quickly headed to the Merchant Union headquarters for assistance.At the Merchant Union Building, Julius was deeply engaged in high-stakes negotiations with an investment company. Each side of the table had ten representatives, and the deal under discussion involved a staggering sum of $800 million.The negotiation was approaching a critical juncture, with an agreement expected within fifteen minutes. Julius wore a confident expression, certain his team was on the verge of securing the project.Suddenly, the door to the meeting room swung open, disrupting the pr
Finn and Jeffer met at a small coffee shop. As soon as Jeffer spotted Finn, he pulled him into a tight hug. “It’s been ages, you silly bastard! Look at you, all grown up!” When he pulled back, his expression turned to a frown as he took in Finn’s appearance. “But seriously, what’s with this look? Are you testing out how pauper clothes look on you?”Finn scoffed, heading straight to the nearest seat. “I never told any of you, but my father punished me for that whole gambling mess.”Jeffer’s eyes widened in surprise as he took the seat opposite Finn. “Really? I remember being shocked, thinking your dad was letting you off too easy as his only son, especially after you lost that insane amount of money the first time. So, he actually punished you, huh? I told you that you were taking it too far.”Finn shook his head, his tone colder now. “I still hold him responsible for my mother’s death, but I have no intention of getting punished again now that the restrictions are gone.”Jeffer nodde
“Who?” Nathan asked as he sat across from Finn at the Neon Bar, where Finn had arranged to meet and discuss something urgent.“A bastard named Galvin Smith,” Finn replied curtly. “I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”Nathan nodded, leaning back. “Yeah, I know that piece of work. That guy’s bad news—definitely not someone to cross,” he said, glancing briefly at the waiter who poured their beers with visibly trembling hands before bowing and walking away quickly.Nathan blinked, noting how cautious everyone seemed around Finn. It still amazed him that Finn was the real deal—a Lancaster hiding in plain sight.“Finn, can I ask something?” Nathan leaned in, curiosity sparking. “Why do you keep such a low profile? No one would guess you’re a Lancaster dressed like this. And your name—Lachlan—that’s not even your last name, right?”Finn scoffed, a faint smirk forming. “That’s my middle name.”“Oh,” Nathan said, realization dawning. “So, you’ve been using your middle name as your last name to keep
Groans and the sound of punches echoed through the room, accompanied by frightened yells.In a campus playroom where the school’s privileged elites gathered to drink, play poker, and indulge in games like darts and billiards, chaos had broken out. A young man lay on the ground near the wall, battered and bleeding as he endured a relentless barrage of punches.“Stop, Galvin! You’re going to kill him!” one of the guys shouted desperately, but Galvin ignored the plea.He just kept punching, and punching mercilessly.Most of the room’s occupants froze, abandoning their games to watch the brutal scene unfold. Those who had been playing darts and other games flinched with every punch that connected, their faces twisted in discomfort and fear—except for one person, who remained disturbingly unaffected.“Lukas! Lukas! Can’t you get him to stop?!” Another guy begged desperately. Lukas, lounging casually on a sofa, barely spared a glance at the scene. His expression remained bored as he saw G
“The police?!” Melanie exclaimed, her voice rising enough to draw Gia and Colette’s attention.Vincent nodded, already pulling out his phone. “Yes, let’s call them or go to the station. This is exactly what the police are for.”“Are you guys dumb?” Finn asked them with a frown. “The police won’t do anything about this.”“And why wouldn't they, Mr. Know-it-all? Isn’t this the perfect situation for law enforcement to intervene?” Vincent asked him.Gia sniffled quietly and spoke up, her voice hoarse from crying. “Finn’s right. Calling them is pointless.” She slowly sat up, her tear-streaked face pale and her red, puffy eyes revealing her exhaustion.Colette handed her a tissue, and Gia wiped her face as she continued with a trembling voice. “If we involve the police… it’ll only make things even more troublesome.”Colette shot the boys a furious glare. “You guys are just so stupid! I don't even know what you're doing here! How could you possibly think involving the police is a good idea,
Intrigued, Finn and Vincent headed back to their dorm, eager to hear what Jason had to say.“So, what’s the deal with that rich girl?” Vincent asked as he settled on his bed.Jason chuckled, shaking his head in a mocking way. “You know I really find this funny. This is to show you that nobody knows tomorrow. A reminder that no one’s untouchable. Sure, someone might be rich, but there’s always someone above them. Even the Nexus Group has to answer to a higher power. God.”Vincent raised an eyebrow. “God? Not even the president?”Jason burst into laughter. “Oh, Vincent, you’re so clueless. Politicians rely on the wealthy. Think about it—without rich backers, where would they get funding for their campaigns or projects? There are so many corrupt politicians, and the president’s no exception! Haha! It’s all about who holds the purse strings,” he scoffed.Finn frowned, his curiosity deepening. “Are you implying the president of Nexus Group is corrupt?”Jason shrugged casually. “I’m not try
Finn couldn't help but sigh when Angela came after him. He leaned back in his chair, and lowered his gaze, having nothing to say to her. “I’m talking to you, you bastard!” she snapped, slamming her hands on his desk. The sudden noise grabbed everyone’s attention, including Dana and also Lara, whose tear-streaked face turned toward the commotion.“Hey, aren’t you Nick’s cousin? What could Finn have done to make you barge into our lecture room like this?” a guy in the class asked, his tone curious but skeptical.Angela scoffed, her finger pointing at Finn with unrestrained contempt. “Because of this bastard—” she began, but her voice faltered as a sudden realization struck. If she revealed too much, everyone would find out about her embarrassing failure to pay for the lavish meal she’d treated her friends to at Palate Haven.Her eyes darted around nervously, and a flurry of thoughts ran through her mind. ‘I can’t humiliate myself further than I already have.’Nick raised a mocking ey
“Was that the case or were you actually trying to hit me?” Finn asked, his tone calm and his expression blank. “Because last I checked, I was on the pedestrian path, and you were the one out of your lane.”Jerome raised an eyebrow and smirked mockingly. “Don’t say something stupid! I can drive in whatever lane I please and people like you are the ones to scram when you see an Audi driving your way! But no—you just fucking stood there like some statue! What’s wrong with you?! Do you have a death wish?!”Finn let out a dry scoff, shaking his head. “People like me, huh? It’s enough to know that this was on purpose. You wanted to run me over. I should be the one asking you what the fucking hell is wrong with you?!”Jerome let out a cold, mocking laugh, looking at him with a condescending gaze. In a low, menacing tone, he said, “And what if I did try to run you over? There's nothing fucking wrong with me and I'm as sane as ever, you worthless idiot! What could you possibly do if I really d
The boys returned to the dormitory and Jason turned to look at Finn who was behind him. Who would have thought Finn was such a pushover with the kind of attitude he had?Jason gave him a grateful look, patting his arm and keeping his hand there for emphasis. “I don’t know how you managed to get such an expensive wine, but thanks for keeping quiet. You’re a good friend, Finn. You didn’t let me down, and now Melanie thinks the world of me.”Finn’s face remained stoic as he brushed Jason’s hand off. “Whatever,” he replied curtly.Jason chuckled, loving how he could get away with anything. “You know, for what it’s worth, Finn, that girl, Gia, I think she likes you. I mean, the way she was looking at you? Man, I’d say you’ve hit the jackpot.”Finn frowned as he made his way to sit on his bed. “Hmm. I don't think so. She was probably just being friendly.”Jason laughed, shaking his head in amusement as he found Finn funny. “You really know nothing, Finn. Were you blind not to notice that sh