"That's enough Connor!" Arabella intervened sharply, shooting Connor a cold stare, and this slightly bruised Connor's ego. He expected Arabella to join in on the fun.
"Now let's talk about something else. Zack, I heard you bagged a new job at Jarvis's Tech Corp. Congrats by the way" She switched to Zack, trying to dilute the tension. "Yeah, I did. I didn't expect to get picked though but I'm really happy about it" Zack replied cheerfully. "Lucky you Zacky, I heard their pay is really good" Rose added coquettishly and Connor's eyes twitched in jealousy. "Yeah, it really is," Zack confirmed. "That's great bro. But I bet it's not as stressful as me being the manager of Urbanworks Construction, my schedule is really tight, that's one of the reasons I came late even" Connor said, raising an eyebrow, trying to bring attention to himself. "Wow Connor, you're the manager of the famous Urbanworks Construction Company?! That's a huge position you've got there" Rose cooed, diverting her attention off Zack as soon as she heard Connor. "Oh, it's nothing. In fact, I'm sure you guys don't know this but my cousin Justin Smith will soon take over the company from his dad and he's promised to make me the Vice President when he takes over" Connor proudly revealed with a smile across his face. The moment he said that, Evan raised an eyebrow in surprise. He didn't know Connor was Justin Smith's cousin but it made sense as their personalities were quite similar, they were both jerks. This must be how he got to know Evan's personal issues. "Dude, are you serious?! That's crazy man!" Nicholas chimed in, his eyes widened in amazement. "Yeah, my cousin is also close friends with the owner of this hotel. They're best buddies" Connor added and they all seemed to slightly envy him, well, all of them except Evan, he kept a plain facial expression at Connor's brags and Connor was slightly triggered by this. The truth was, Connor lied, his cousin wasn't close with the hotel owner but he said it to look more cool. "Every one of us seems to have things going well for us. What about you Evan?" Rose teased as she took a bite of her food "Oh, my bad. You lost your job, as Connor mentioned" she added slyly and Connor couldn't mask his smile hearing that. Soon, the waiter returned, gently handing over the bill to Connor and at the sight of the bill the smile on his face swiftly vanished. "What?!" He exclaimed in shock, drawing the attention of everybody present in the room. "Impossible! What do you mean by this?! How can the bill be $3,500,000?!" "Sir, the bill is accurate. The Celestial Crystal Grandeur Champagne costs $3,000,000 while your meal costs $500,000" the waiter explained to Connor, whose forehead was already beaded with sweat. "Why didn't you tell me the drink was that expensive before serving it?! You clearly don't know how to do your job properly" Connor yelled at the waiter, his face contorted with anger. "Sir, I tried to tell you but you cut me off" the waiter replied, trying to reason with Connor, and Evan couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "I will not take this! Why would I spend $3,000,000 for just a silly champagne?! I demand to see your manager right now! I will only be paying for the meal" Connor ordered, with veins at the corners of his face becoming visible. Despite his braggadocious attitude, Connor didn't have anywhere close to $3,500,000 in his bank account, and he tried to act defensive so as to escape embarrassment. The waiter couldn't help but sigh before rushing to get the manager. "It seems he can't afford the drink he ordered for. What a shame" one patron murmured to another. "Why did he come here then, if I'm not mistaken I thought I heard him say he is the manager of Urbanworks Construction Company" another whispered. "I know right, I could hear his voice all the way from here because of how loud he talked with his friends" The voices of the patrons echoed across the room and Connor tried to mask his anxiety as he heard them. Zack, Arabella, Rose, and Nicholas all sat there slightly worried about the unfolding scene. None of them had $3,000,000 to spare for a champagne and none of them offered to help out as they hadn't requested for the drink. A few seconds later, the manager arrived, having been told everything by the waiter. "What kind of waiters do you have here?! They can't even do their jobs properly! How can this drink cost $3,000,000?!" Connor demanded from the manager, his voice laced with frustration. The manager took a deep breath before responding "Please, sir, calm down, this drink right here is the Celestial Crystal Grandeur Champagne, it's not just any drink, it's one of the most expensive drinks in the city" "According to my employee here, you requested it and she told me she tried to tell you how much it costs but you dismissed her. There is evidence of this as it was captured by our security cameras" "So that's how you guys operate here huh?! Deceiving patrons into paying for what they know nothing about!" Connor countered, grabbing the manager's collar. "I'd advise you to unhand me, sir" the manager cautioned. "You requested the most expensive drink here, and now you're refusing to pay for it?" "Or what?! Do you know who I am?! My cousin is Justin Smith! He knows your boss and can easily get you fired because of this!" Connor sneered, attempting to intimidate the manager "You leave me no choice, sir. Security!" The manager called and five buff men came in instantly, causing some of the patrons to let out slight gasps. Connor was immediately frightened at the sight of them, he almost peed his pants. The buff men grabbed Connor forcefully, causing him to let go of the manager's collar. "I'll pay for the bill" Evan instantly uttered calmly, shocking his former classmates, including Connor, who thought he misheard. A stunned silence filled the room as everyone processed Evan's unexpected offer."Are you trying to be funny, Evan? You couldn't even afford your own meal" Connor blurted out."Exactly. What are trying to prove, Evan?! I would have asked if you're drunk but you didn't take from the champagne" Rose finally opened her mouth to speak, her tone filled with disdain."Bro, what are you doing?" Zack asked with a low tone, nudging Evan's arm in a subtle manner."It seems to me you all came to play jokes here" the manager said, eyeing Evan with contempt.Ignoring their remarks, Evan calmly stood up and gently dipped his hand into his pocket. With a composed demeanor, he retrieved the Emerald Prime Card and handed it over to the manager to pay the bill."It can't be! Is that an Emerald Prime Card?!""Only a few respected billionaires have access to that card!""I can't believe my eyes!"Some of the patrons whispered in disbelief.The manager raised his brows skeptically as he narrowed his eyes at Evan. "What do you take me for? A fool? How dare you try to play me with an ob
"Welcome, young master. I trust the reunion went well?" Mr Johnson warmly greeted, as Evan entered one of the waiting convoys of luxurious cars parked outside the hotel."Ah yes it did" Evan replied with a smile on his face.Vance Harlow had done as Evan ordered. Connor, Rose, and Nicholas were humiliated and thrown out of the hotel by the security guards and stood outside the building in shame.Connor especially, was mortified."This is all your fault, Connor. Look what you've caused" Rose and Nicholas had scolded him in disdain.It was then shortly after, Evan came out of the hotel with Zack and Arabella and they were all stunned to see a convoy of huge luxurious cars waiting for him. The perception of Evan they had in their heads was altered, he wasn't the pauper they had thought he was.…Mr Johnson took Evan to see his Grandfather Williams Stone. He was surprised to see his grandfather at a hospital. Grandpa Williams Stone was really old and had been terribly sick, so he had be
A little smile visibly formed at the corner of Evan's lips as he stared back intently at Xavier. Seeing this, Xavier instantly felt a pang of irritation, while Caitlin raised her eyebrows in surprise. "What's funny? Does this look like a joke to you?" Caitlin questioned in disdain, she was taken aback by Evan's composure. Why was he so calm and confident? This wasn't the person she knew him to be. "Maybe he feels too important to kneel before me. Let's not waste any more time on him, babe. He's not worth it. Come on, let's head inside" Xavier said, wrapping his arm around Caitlin's waist. "You're right, baby. When he starves, he'll come begging for the job like the vagrant he is" Caitlin mocked, laughing as they walked toward the company. "Welcome, sir" the guards greeted Xavier as he and Caitlin reached the entrance. Without any waste of time, he sternly ordered, "See that dolt over there? Make sure he doesn't get in, or you both are fired" "Yes sir" the guards replied
"I want Xavier sacked. And I want him sacked now" Evan ordered firmly, his aura calm yet dominating. "Y-yes, sir. I'll send the secretary to inform him of his termination immediately. Is there anything else you'd like me to do?" She replied, a bit shaken by Evan's demeanor as she sought to please him. She felt like she was walking on needles and couldn't afford to be the next to lose her job. She knew how hard she had worked for it and couldn't bear the thought of it being taken away in an instant. "You can handle that for now. I'll let you know what I need next once that's done" Evan replied. *** In Xavier's office, he heard a knock on the door, interrupting his and Caitlin's make-out session. "Can't they just leave you alone for one minute?" Caitlin grumbled under her breath, she was slightly miffed. "Who is it?! I'm busy now, just come back later!" Xavier shouted, irritation creeping into his voice as he felt disturbed. He was about to resume their make-out session,
"I want you to make an official announcement about the new company's president. However, keep my identity a secret. Just refer to me as a member of the Stone family, Mr Stone" Evan ordered."The second announcement should be about our willingness to cooperate with new companies" he added.Evan had a plan. He knew both announcements would shake the media, grabbing the attention of various billionaires and prominent figures. Most importantly, it would attract the Reynolds's family's attention."Yes, sir. I'll get this done immediately" Bella responded, nodding. As she was about to leave, Evan stood up from his office chair and said,"Also, I want you to know that I won't be here often. So you'll primarily be in charge of the company's affairs""Yes, sir" Bella replied. She understood Evan being the grandson of the Stone's family automatically meant he was a very busy man.Being aware of the numerous companies the Stones owned, she knew that while GigaBank Financial Group is also a sig
"Have you heard?" a middle-aged woman in the bustling streets of the city said to her friend."Heard about what?" her friend replied, curiosity piqued and eager for the latest gossip."GigaBank Financial Group has a new president and they're open for partnerships. Do you know how rare that is?""Really? That's huge news!" her friend exclaimed."Rumor has it that many moguls and companies have reached out, but they only accepted one" the woman continued."What? Just one?! That's unbelievable. Who did they choose?" her friend asked, eyes wide with anticipation.The news about the new president of GigaBank Financial Group spread all over Metropolis Central, just as Evan had predicted.No one knew he was the new president, except Bella Blaze and Mr Johnson, of course.Every billionaire and CEO in the city and beyond did indeed reach out, being willing to do anything to become partners and to discover the identity of the new President.Who wouldn't? Being close to a Stone family member was
Surprised by Evan's boldness, the sales assistant paused for a moment then replied with a contemptuous stare and tone, "Or our security will escort you out!" Her eyes shifted to the side and Evan's gaze followed, noticing the huge security guards closing in, their eyes fixed on him like predators.The voices of the patrons echoed through the store, each adding their own opinion on the scene before them."He sure has a mouth for someone who looks like that" a patron murmured to someone beside her."Tell me about it. Just look at what he's wearing. I wonder how they allowed someone who looks like a peasant to come in here" another chimed in."Can't he see he shouldn't have come here to shop? The things here wouldn't even be in his income bracket" someone else added, their words soaked in resentment."Maybe he's a scammer, like the sales assistant said. They often come in here to take pictures, posing as a customer without buying a thing, just so they can post on social media and show o
Unknown to everyone, earlier, Mr Johnson, concerned that Evan had been in the boutique for a long time, got out of the car to check on him. When he saw the commotion from outside, he quickly dialed the manager's number, reported the situation, and instructed him to come immediately, which he promptly did.***Mr Patrick, still reeling from being shut down by the manager he thought he was close to, watched in disbelief as the manager turned to Evan and said,"Please, sir, what did you come here to get? Just mention it, and it will be brought to you right now. You also don't have to pay, it's all on me""What?!" Mr Patrick fumed with envy. Despite his close relationship with the manager, he had never enjoyed such favor from him.Why was this supposed peasant receiving such special treatment?"Why are you doing this, Mr Julian? What has this peasant done to deserve all these favors?" Mr Patrick asked, his voice dripping with bitter anger as he glared at Evan in disgust."I thought I tol
Knowing Patriarch Charles, he never gave easy conditions, and this made Adeline's heart skip a beat as she anxiously wondered what he was about to demand.The rest of the family also watched closely, their curiosity piqued as they eagerly waited for Patriarch Charles to reveal his condition."As you all know, Valtor Corporation is building a new convention center and they're accepting bids for contracts…" Patriarch Charles began, leaving everyone to wonder where he was going with this."Okay… but Grandpa, what does that have to do with you allowing Evan and me to be together?" Adeline asked calmly, raising her eyebrows in confusion.The other members of the Davis family exchanged puzzled glances, equally curious about how Valtor Corporation's contract bids were connected to Adeline's relationship with Evan.A small smile formed at the corner of Patriarch Charles's lips as he finally revealed his condition. "This contract is very important to our family and our company. So, Adeline, if
Evan had tried several times to reach the unknown number that had sent him the text claiming to know who was responsible for his parents death, but there had been no response. He still hadn’t told Mr. Johnson about the message.During this time, Evan’s connection with Adeline grew stronger, and soon they started dating. Eventually, Adeline invited him to her family home to introduce him to her parents.Evan arrived in a cab, simply dressed in dark-washed jeans, a crisp white button-down shirt, paired with a tailored black blazer, and polished dress shoes."There you are! You look great!" Adeline exclaimed, greeting Evan with a warm hug as soon as he stepped out of the cab."Thanks, I did my best" Evan replied with a smile, though he felt a bit nervous."Come on, let’s go in" Adeline said with an excited tone, taking his hand and leading him toward the house.As they walked towards the front door, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, they'll adore you. Just be yoursel
The muscular leader smirked, taking a step closer to Evan. "I see you want to play hero, huh? Well, let’s see how long that lasts"Evan stood his ground, his pulse steady. "You have no idea who you're dealing with"The leader’s smirk faltered for a moment before he chuckled darkly. "Big words for someone who's outnumbered. But fine, let’s play"Without warning, one of the men charged at Evan with his baton raised, but Evan swiftly grabbed the man's arm and twisted it with a quick, brutal motion that sent the man sprawling to the ground with a pained cry.Adeline gasped, her eyes wide with fear and admiration.The leader’s eyes narrowed. "So, you’ve got some skills in you. But it won’t be enough". With a flick of his wrist, he signaled to the remaining men.The two men rushed forward simultaneously, swinging their batons at the same time. Evan ducked under the swings, then landed a hard blow on the first man's ribs and the man stumbled back, gasping for breath.Evan then took down the
Evan's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked around the room carefully before leaning in closer to Adeline. "Remember, I told you I have my ways, I know a few people here" he said, trying to sound nonchalant."You did say that, but I know there's more to it. So please, tell me" Adeline insisted, sensing that Evan was hiding something.She noticed how much he had changed, not just in his appearance, but in personality. He had become bolder and more confident, traits the old Evan didn't really have. There had to be something he was keeping from her.Even the way the head waiter of the restaurant welcomed him into the platinum room so respectfully gave her a signal.Evan sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Fine... I'll tell you. But you have to promise not to tell anyone else"Adeline's curiosity was piqued. "I promise. Now spill it"Evan glanced around the room again, ensuring no one was listening. "I... I have a connection. Someone who owes me
"I'm sorry, but I have to ask you all to leave" the waiter said calmly, gesturing toward the exit.Freda, Mr. Robert, and her family were stunned, and the patrons' eyes widened in shock."What?!" Freda exclaimed, raising her eyebrows in confusion."I don't understand! What do you mean?!" Mrs. Brenda chimed in, her expression filled with panic.They all looked to Mr. Robert, hoping he could stand up for them in that moment."And why are you asking us to leave?" Mr. Robert demanded, as Freda quickly linked her arm with his.The head waiter remained calm as he answered, "I'm afraid it's a security protocol. We've had some concerns about the room's capacity, and we need to rebalance the guest list"Mr. Robert's eyes narrowed. "Security protocol? At 8 PM on a Tuesday? I don't think so. What's really going on here?""Exactly, what's really going on?!" Mrs. Brenda's panic turned to annoyance. Seeing Mr. Robert speak up, gave her a confidence boost."This is ridiculous! We're not going anywhe
"Go on. Say it, tell your new sugar daddy who he is" Evan taunted."He's… irrelevant," Freda blurted out, not wanting to reveal who Justin was to Mr. Robert. "And as for you, you have the nerve to talk, huh?!""It seems to me you've forgotten how miserable you are. I don't know how a pauper like you even managed to get a reservation here. You can't even afford the lowest menu!" she added in disdain, diverting the attention back to Evan."Exactly! I'm so glad my daughter no longer has anything to do with your horrible self" Mrs. Brenda chimed in, her face contorted with scorn."You know what, Mother? I'm sure Adeline was the one who got their reservation here. And I'm sure she'll be the one paying for his meal" Freda mocked.Lincoln instantly laughed out loud. "You're right, Freda. We all know Evan can't even afford a bottle of water. I don't know why Adeline's wasting her time here with him"Hearing all this, a patron whispered, "Wow! He must really have no shame, coming here with a g
The evening of the dinner Evan had invited Adeline to had arrived, and the sun was beginning to setEvan got ready, wearing a navy blue dress shirt and pants that looked simple yet appropriate for the occasion.Mr. Johnson had offered to arrange a ride to take Evan to the restaurant, but he declined, preferring to take a cab instead.When he arrived there, he got out of the cab, paid the driver, and waited for Adeline. Shortly after, she also arrived in a cab, and Evan greeted her with a warm smile."You look stunning, Adeline! I'm so glad you could make it"Adeline blushed and chuckled, "Thank you. You look really good as well""But I have to say, I'm intrigued by this dinner invitation. How did you manage to get a reservation here? I've heard Chez La Vie is nearly impossible to get into" she added in curiosity.Evan, not wanting to reveal too much, smiled. "Well, let's just say I have my connections. I know a few people at the restaurant"Adeline raised an eyebrow, still a bit skept
Evan decided it was the right time to reveal the truth about his new identity and fortune to Mrs. Evelyn, sharing everything with her.He chose not to inform Mr. Johnson about the new text message, preferring to keep it to himself for the time being.To ensure Mrs. Evelyn's safety, Evan arranged for her to move to one of his family's private houses outside Metropolis Central.…Four Weeks Later."I can't believe this. Our company's earnings are drastically declining" Lady Eva Reynolds lamented as she arrived at their villa with her eldest son, Kenneth Reynolds, Franklin's father. They had just returned from their company meeting."The worst part is that some of our investors are demanding we achieve a 40% revenue growth compared to last month's figures, or they'll withdraw their investments. How on earth do they expect us to achieve that?" Mr. Kenneth Reynolds voiced out in frustration."I'm not even sure we can achieve a 10% revenue increase with the way things are right now" he add
"So, you were part of this?!" Evan seethed, looking at the guy standing beside the middle-aged man who had spoken earlier.Evan also saw Mrs. Evelyn tied up in the corner, and she screamed, "Evan, my dear, you need to leave while you still can!" "Oh, shut up, woman!" the middle-aged man snapped, his face irritated.Those words provoked Evan deeply, but he forced himself to maintain his composure. He had never tolerated anyone speaking to his matron in that manner."Who are you? And what do you want?" Evan demanded, unfamiliar with the man before him. However, he immediately recognized the guy standing by his side. It was Justin Smith, Freda's boyfriend."I am Christopher Smith, your worst nightmare" the man declared, puffing out his chest with arrogance. "My nephew here told me about the little stunt you pulled at the Reynolds's gala"Evan's eyes flicked to Justin, who looked away in fear, his face pale. "I have no idea what you're talking about" Evan replied in pretense."Don't you