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2024-10-29 19:42:56A stunning, olive-skinned petite woman with a pixie cut, wearing an elegant skimpy gold dress stormed into Mr. Snow's office. Her stiletto heels clicked professionally on the marble floor, as she held her shoulders high like she owned the world. Right behind her were two of her assistants and six burly bodyguards, clad in all black.
"Oh, you're here at last," the young woman barely acknowledged Eric or threw him a glance as she stopped in front of Mr. Snow's desk."Has he signed the divorce papers?" After directing this to the divorce attorney, the woman flicked her fingers as the boss, to make her employees maintain at least five feet distance from her.And as the bodyguards obeyed, they brushed past Eric who was unusually silent as he observed the whole scene unfolding in front of him."Not yet, Ms Claudia. I was just trying to persuade him before you arrived," Mr. Snow rose to his feet as he answered."Why are you stressing this, Eric?" The woman turned to him with her chin jutting out defiantly. Her eyes clouded in desperation."So it's true?" The sting of betrayal was sharp on Eric but he was able to convey it all with a neutral expression. He would not make himself a loser anymore."How do you feel when you see my movies with top actors? It hits hard that I am out of your league, right?" Claudia popped this incredulous question.And Eric snorted."Is this why you want a divorce?" He folded his arms across his chest as he neared her side."Yes. I don't want anyone hanging on me like a leech. Men around your age are making millions of dollars every day, and what did you choose to do? Sit back and wallow in poverty." His wife ended this, making sure her words sounded harsh and hurtful."Is this how you see me?" Eric raised a brow.And Claudia blinked for some seconds, with a tingling of regret flashing through her eyes."I apologize if I went overboard, I just want you to accept the divorce so I can live my life how I see fit." She revealed at last."Money and fame is all that matters to you?" Eric cast her a disappointed look. He could barely believe that the woman in front of him was the one whom he married three years ago."As a matter of fact, yes," Claudia replied quickly. She seemed to be a bit more confident than before."After all my years of suffering?" Eric asked quietly. He wanted this to be a dream but it was already as good as real."I never asked you to make sacrifices for me, Eric. You were a saint all along," Claudia blurted."Do you remember that night of the accident? You wept like an animal going through the fate of death." Eric pointed out.But his wife seemed to be prepared for this comeback."Don't even go there, Eric, and it's not like anyone will believe you. You already took the blame and served eight years in jail." She reminded him."Yeah, right. No one would believe the pauper husband over his celebrity wife," A bitter scoff rolled from Eric's chest."Now you're using reverse psychology on me." Claudia frowned at him, wondering why he wasn’t showing signs of pains as she predicted."I overheard some rumors about you mingling with the widowed mayor. He books fancy hotels for you two and you squander millions of dollars everyday. That's why you barely show your face in a month." Eric continued.And there was a short pause, as Claudia contemplated whether to answer him or not. Even Mr. Snow and her bodyguards were waiting for her reply to this accusation."Yes," she agreed eventually, with the aim of giving Eric a double blow.And this was the last straw.Eric took some seconds to calculate his thoughts. He refrained from clenching his jaw so Claudia wouldn’t think less of him than she already did. Although, it hurt a great deal."You want this divorce?" Eric asked for the last time, his eyes devoid of any emotion.And Claudia was skeptical about answering for a split second. However, she had thought about the divorce months before that day.Slowly, she gave him a curt nod."Fine," Eric clenched his jaw, his expression steadfast and unwavering.At this, Claudia's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets because she wasn't expecting him to comply so easily. She at least expected him to get down on his knees and grovel at her feet, but the man in front of her seemed as frigid as an iceberg. Like a complete stranger.
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The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 03: Disappointment
"Is that all you have to say?" Claudia's voice was shaky, betraying the stiffness of her body.A quick snort from Eric made his upper body tremble. He pursed his lips as he looked at the woman in front of him. Of course, he had loved her throughout the years, that was the solid reason why he kept making the sacrifices for her. But now, he was starting to see her in a different light.Distasteful, greedy and self-centered."Answer me," Claudia pressed on."I don't know what it is that you want from me," Eric voiced out. The look on his face gave out that he felt sorry for her.Still hanging around frustration, Claudia rummaged through her handbag and slipped out a cheque."Here's $5,000,000, take it and start life afresh," she held it out.Eric accepted the cheque, only to tear it into pieces."What are you doing?" To say Claudia was stunned was an understatement. Everyone else in the office wore the same expression as her."My marriage with you wasn't based on money, it was wrong of m
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 04: Not A Loser
Eric strode outside the elevator and clenched his jaw. He never expected a divorce today. Claudia had been away for two weeks and he was fine with it because he couldn't get in the way of her career. Too bad things had ended between them. He did his best to provide for her needs, yet she was unsatisfied because she felt it was too little. Right from the very beginning, Claudia had the eyes for flashy things and a luxury lifestyle.Several paps were outside waiting when Eric stepped right out of the elevator. And upon thinking they were waiting for Claudia because she was the celebrity, he raised his head high and strode past them. They didn't know him after all. He thought to himself.Only to be surrounded by all of them like a hive of bees."Mr. Michaelson, your ex-wife just posted this update on her social media handle," someone pushed his phone in Eric's face, and Eric's eyes widened in horror.It was a picture of him in the attorney's office, along with Claudia and her bodyguar
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 05: The Ring
"You dare hit me?" Mr. Skillsgard had utter disbelief spreading across his face upon realizing blood was oozing from his mouth.He couldn't believe someone as pathetic as Eric could do that.And Eric didn't even respond, the look on his face showed that he would do it again if the man attempted to hit him for the second time.He was already too upset over what was happening, so keeping his temper in check was out of the picture now."How dare you do this?" Claudia yelled so hard at Eric as she took quick steps until she was standing in front of him."So I should have let him hit me instead?" Eric stared at her in utter disappointment. It was one thing to divorce him and another to pick sides with her boyfriend when obviously she knew who was at fault."Of course yes, he holds more power than you and you cannot even measure up to one of his bodyguards or even his dog," Claudia glared at him icily.Hearing this, Eric was taken aback. He hadn't expected her to be so partial and defensive
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 06: Beaten By Thugs
06: Beaten By Thugs"Are you trying to pull pranks on me?" The bartender raised the corner of his lips scornfully."No, I'm serious about what I saw. There's a ring under that table," Eric was flabbergasted and it made his mouth part in astonishment for a split second.He was stupefied because he didn't want to think it was just him who saw the ring and no one else did."Another drunk. Get the fuck out." The annoyed bartender warned him."Just come out and take a closer look.." Eric barely finished with this persuasion, when someone's large fist connected to his face and sent him to the floor immediately.Pain shot through his nose and spread to the rest of his face, as stars danced around his head for a couple of seconds. Because he didn't see that coming, and it was completely earth-shattering."Piece of shit, you're becoming a nuisance," someone thundered like an enraged giant.Eric saw the semi-giant standing right in front of him with a sneer on his face."What the fuck?" Eric as
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 07: The Ring’s Healing Power (I)
Eric woke up with an audible gasp and saw himself at the hospital. And the nurse who was about to attend to him flinched in fear."How did I get here?" Eric questioned, grappling with his ward."Someone brought you down here because you were in a critical condition, but she's gone." The nurse explained."What?" Eric's confusion deepened."You need to calm down, sir, as you aren't in the position to move," the nurse advised but Eric dismissed her please, sitting up with no hint of pain."But I don't feel any pain at all," Eric exclaimed, astonished.The nurse's eyes rose in their sockets upon seeing this. She was silenced by shocked because when the man was brought in last night, he was covered in bruises. Astonished, the nurse hastily left the room to summon the doctor, muttering, "Unbelievable," under her breath.Meanwhile, Eric's mind raced with memories of the previous night's thugs' attack. His phone chimed, diverting his attention to a notification: $5,000,000 disbursed ten tim
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 08: The Ring’s Healing Power (II)
“Are you kidding me?” The Doctor stared at Eric like he had gone insane. How was it possible that a man in rags stormed into the room and told them he could save the dying old man.“Out, now!” The male nurse pointed at the door behind Eric.But Eric’s feet were unmoving, he knew he could step out of the room at that moment because the security were still on the look for him.“Please save my grandfather if you can!” The young girl’s tearful plea echoed in his ears, urging him to stay and confront the inexplicable situation unfolding in the hospital room."I can save him," Eric declared again with newfound determination, though uncertainty lingered in his eyes. The doctors exchanged skeptical glances, still baffled by his sudden appearance and his unwillingness to see himself out.The elderly man on the bed lay motionless, a breathing tube connected to his frail form. The medical team, despite their efforts, seemed unable to revive him. The room hung heavy with the weight of uncertainty
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 09: More Money
09: More MoneyAs her words sank in, Eric realized that she was the one who had assisted him to the hospital. The fragments of memories from the chaotic night aligned in his mind.Right at that moment, the old man’s daughter, Mia, ran out to call Eric that her grandfather wanted to have a word with him. When she saw the woman with Eric, she rushed to hug her.“Grandpa is now okay,” the little girl told her sister, Emily.And Eric was taken aback.“He’s okay!?” Emily blinked.“Yes, this man over here saved him when the doctors could not," Mia exclaimed, excitement in her voice."You're the man's granddaughter, right? The one I helped a few minutes ago," Eric connected the dots.Her shock deepened. "Yes, that's my grandfather. How... how did you save him? What happened?"Eric hesitated, glancing at the ring in his hand, the source of the inexplicable events. "It's... complicated. But your grandfather is doing better now."The woman, torn between gratitude and confusion, stared at Eric.
The Mysterious Midnight Magnate 10: The Black Card
10: The Black CardEric nervously approached the bank counter, his worn-out clothes drawing disapproving glances from the well-dressed bankers.“I’m here to see the bank manager,” Eric made this known to them.“Look at this guy! What does he think he's doing here?” A female banker snarled at Eric.“Probably lost his way to a thrift store. Can't believe he's even asking for the manager,” Another, a male banker stared at Eric in absolute disbelief.Just let me see him, it’s very important,” Eric pressed on, ignoring their insults.Bank security whispered urgently into their radios, causing a ripple of curiosity among the other customers.“We've got a situation here. A guy wants to see the manager. Looks like he can't even afford to be in the bank,” this was from a security guard who alerted his colleague.“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't important,” Eric explained calmly, trying to keep his cool.Despite the growing tension, Eric stood firm, determined to address his concerns.“Sir, we
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- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
173: Purpose Fulfilled
Eight months later…Eric’s phone was ringing and he was in the middle of an important meeting, discussing a new business venture with key stakeholders. His phone's vibration on the polished oak table drew everyone's attention. Glancing at the screen, he saw the hospital's number and felt his heart leap into his throat."Excuse me, I have to take this," Eric said, his voice tight with barely contained excitement. He hurried out of the conference room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway."Mr. Radcliffe, your wife is in labor. You need to come to the hospital immediately," the nurse's voice was calm but insistent.Eric didn't need to be told twice. He dashed to his car, barely registering the concerned looks from his colleagues as he sped out of the parking lot. His mind raced faster than the car, thoughts of Emily and their unborn child filling his every moment. The city blurred past him as he moved through the morning traffic, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.Arriving
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
172: It's All Over
Eric and Mason fought fiercely on the ground, their bodies a blur of desperate, primal motion. Each punch and shove reverberated through the room, their grunts and growls of exertion echoing off the walls. Mason was furious, fueled by a dark, vengeful rage, but Eric's was driven by something far more powerful: the need to protect Emily.As they struggled, Claudia stood nearby, her gun trained on Emily. Emily’s wide, terrified eyes darted between the two men fighting and the woman holding the gun. Every muscle in her body was taut with fear.“You think you can just take my life and ruin everything, Eric?” Mason spat, shoving Eric hard enough to knock him back a few feet. Eric stumbled but quickly regained his footing, charging back at Mason with renewed fury.“Let her go, Mason!” Eric shouted, his voice hoarse. He managed to land a solid punch on Mason’s jaw, causing him to stagger.Claudia’s hands trembled slightly as she kept her gun pointed at Emily. “Eric, just stop! This doesn’t
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
171: Facing The Enemy
Eric gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white, as he followed Mason's cryptic directions through the darkening landscape. The sun had already set, and shadows loomed large on the sides of the road. His phone, on speaker, rested in the holder on the dashboard, Mason's sinister voice crackling through the static."Turn left at the next junction," Mason instructed. "Drive another mile, then take the dirt road on your right."Eric glanced in his rearview mirror. The police, in unmarked cars, maintained a safe distance, careful not to alert anyone to their presence. They were his silent backup, his safety net.As nightfall blanketed the surroundings, Eric's anxiety grew. He navigated the twists and turns, the dirt road growing rougher as he approached the abandoned house. His headlights cast eerie shadows on the dilapidated structure ahead.Eric parked the car and stepped out, his phone still pressed to his ear. Mason's voice guided him, directing him toward the entrance."Walk strai
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
170: The Phone Call
Eric sat in the police station, his mind a whirlwind of fear and frustration. Detectives and officers buzzed around him, discussing strategies and leads, but all Eric could think about was Emily. The clock was ticking, and each passing second felt like a century.Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket, jolting him from his thoughts. The number on the screen was unknown. With a sinking feeling, he stepped outside the station to take the call, seeking a moment of privacy amidst the chaos."Hello?" Eric answered, his voice tense."Eric Radcliffe," a cold, mocking voice replied. "Or should I say, Mr. Radcliffe? It's been a while."Eric's grip tightened on the phone. "Mason," he spat. "What the hell do you want?"Mason's sinister laugh echoed through the line. "Straight to the point, as always. I have Emily. And if you ever want to see her and your precious baby alive again, you'll do exactly as I say."Eric's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of rage and terror coursing through him. "
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
169: Hurting Emily
Mason Hargraves navigated the winding, overgrown path leading to the abandoned house, his footsteps crunching on the gravel. He pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside, greeted by the musty smell of decay. Claudia was waiting for him in the living room, her arms crossed and a satisfied smirk playing on her lips."Mason," she greeted, her voice dripping with malice. "Everything's going according to plan.""Good," Mason replied, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Let's get this over with."Claudia led him to the basement door, her heels clicking on the wooden floor. She unlocked it and motioned for Mason to follow her down the narrow, dark stairs. At the bottom, a single flickering bulb cast eerie shadows on the concrete walls. Emily was huddled in a corner, her wrists bound, her face streaked with tears.Mason approached her slowly, his eyes narrowing as he took in her disheveled appearance. "Emily," he said softly, almost tenderly, though his words were laced with venom. "I never
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
168: Fear
Eric stood in his spacious office, the sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows showing a warm glow over the room. He was meticulously arranging documents for an upcoming meeting with his staff and overseas collaborators. The stakes were high, and the presentation needed to be flawless. Yet, despite the impending meeting, a soft smile played on Eric's lips as he thought about Emily, his fiancée.Slipping his phone from his pocket, he decided to call her. He wanted to hear her voice, a sweet reassurance amidst the chaos of his day. He dialed her number and waited, the smile still lingering.The phone rang, but there was no answer. He frowned slightly, dialing again. Still nothing. A hint of worry started to creep in. Emily usually answered his calls, especially since she knew how busy his schedule could get. Just then, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was one of the bodyguards assigned to Emily."Mr. Radcliffe," the guard's voice was tense. "We have a situ
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
167: Lured And Kidnapped
Emily sat in her room, staring at her phone in disbelief. She had just received a call from a friendly, excited voice claiming that she had won a lottery she didn't even remember entering. The caller had given her detailed instructions on where to go to claim her prize, and despite her initial skepticism, the excitement of the potential win clouded her judgment."Is this for real?" she murmured to herself, glancing around her room as if seeking confirmation from the empty walls. She replayed the conversation in her mind."Congratulations, Ms. Walters! You've won our grand prize lottery!" the voice had chirped. "All you need to do is come to 23 Maple Street to collect your winnings."Emily had hesitated. "I don't remember entering any lottery."The voice laughed lightly. "It's a special promotion, ma'am. Sometimes people get entered automatically through their regular purchases. We're so excited for you!""But... I didn't get any notification before this," Emily had said, still unsure.
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
166: The Proposal
Eric had planned every detail meticulously. He had arranged for a beautiful rooftop garden to be decorated with fairy lights, delicate flowers, and an elegant dining setup. The location was stunning, with a panoramic view of the city skyline. It was the perfect place for a surprise, and Eric wanted everything to be flawless."Emily," Eric said with a casual smile, "I've heard about this new diner in town. How about we check it out tonight?"Emily, always up for trying new things, agreed enthusiastically. "Sure, that sounds fun. I could use a night out."Eric drove them to the rooftop location, keeping his nerves in check as they pulled up to the beautifully lit entrance. As they stepped out of the car, the ambiance was magical. The twinkling lights and the soft music playing in the background created a romantic atmosphere."This place is beautiful, Eric," Emily remarked, looking around in awe. "I didn't know about this spot."Eric just smiled, taking her hand and leading her inside.
- The Mysterious Midnight Magnate
165: Mason's Anger
Mason Hargraves sat hunched over a workbench in the basement of an old, decrepit warehouse. The space was filled with the acrid smell of oil and dust, the faint sound of dripping water echoing in the background. A single, flickering light bulb hung overhead, casting eerie shadows across the concrete floor. The table before him was cluttered with an assortment of weapons and tools, each one meticulously arranged and gleaming under the sparse light.Mason picked up a long, serrated combat knife, his fingers running along the blade's edge with a chilling sense of purpose. His eyes, cold and calculating, reflected the light as he stared at the weapon. "Eric Radcliffe," he muttered under his breath, a twisted smile forming on his lips. "You think you’re untouchable, don’t you? Surviving death, coming back as if nothing happened. But tonight, your luck runs out."He placed the knife back on the table and reached for a handgun, checking the chamber with methodical precision. "Claudia, poor
