This time, Mr. Walter who was curious about Eric's background, inquired, "Eric, what do you do for a living?"Eric, cautious and mindful of potential judgment, replied with a hint of reluctance, "Well, Mr. Walter, I'm still struggling to make ends meet.""Struggling? You saved my life, Eric. There's more to your story, isn't there?" Perceptive, the old man raised an eyebrow.Eric hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Yes, Mr. Walter. I do some odd jobs, trying to find my way. But I'm determined to build something stable."Mr. Walter, appreciating Eric's honesty, nodded thoughtfully. "Hard work and determination are admirable qualities, but it’s not enough to take care of my granddaughter and secure our position in the business world."“Grandpa, no. Eric and I love ourselves,” Emily cling onto Eric, “I can’t trade our love for anything. I cannot marry Mason!”“You will listen to your grandfather!” An angry Mr. Smith yelled at his daughter.Unfazed, Eric, still standing his ground, sai
The following day, Eric rode another scooter to Harmony Innovations. He halted abruptly upon spotting Mason Hargraves parking and stepping out of his car in the garage. Eric attempted to avoid him, but Mason noticed and called out to him, closing the distance with a determined stride."What brings you here, Eric? Managed to replace your trashy scooter from last night?" Mason sneered, his tone filled with disdain.Eric, keeping his composure, replied, "Just focusing on what matters, Mason. Excuse me.""You think you can just ignore me? We have unfinished business,” A president Mason blocked Eric’s path."Just visiting a friend, Mason. Excuse me," Eric calmly replied and tried to step aside.But Mason still blocked his path for the second time and with a taunting voice, he began, "Visiting a friend? Probably looking for a job. Good luck, though. No one would hire you, not even as a janitor or the trash disposal guy."As Mason continued his insults, his phone rang, instantly diverting hi
Harmony Innovations surprised everyone by choosing Enermig. Curious and worried, Mason Hargraves went to check it out. When he arrived, he was shocked to see a long line of people, including his own employees, waiting for job interviews at Enermig.Mason's face reddened with frustration and anger as he thundered. "What in the world is happening here?" he demanded, piercing the air with the intensity of his confusion.His eyes narrowed, scanning the line of people, and he pointed accusingly, shouting, "You! And you! Explain yourselves, now!" The urgency in his voice rang through the unexpected gathering."Mr. Hargraves, we heard about job opportunities at Enermig. It seemed like a great opportunity, and, well, we just followed the lead," Amidst the tension, a nervous employee stammered. Mason's jaw clenched, and he bellowed, "Enermig? Why on earth would you abandon ship for a place I've never even heard of?" Little did he know, Eric had strategically planned all of this. Hidden in
Eric made a big entrance at the auction event that night, wearing a fancy suit that caught everyone's attention. His arrival was even more noticeable because of his amazing Bentley, a super expensive car.When he got out of the car, wearing a tall hat and dark sunglasses, Eric looked mysterious. People around, curious about him, started talking and guessing who this mysterious rich guy might be.Someone whispered, "Who is that? What an entrance!"Another person asked, "Do you know anything about him?"Someone else guessed, "He must be really important. Look at that car!"Even though people whispered and talked about him, Eric stayed mysterious, enjoying the mystery and guesses about who he really was.At the entrance, a well-dressed person took invitation cards and showed guests where to go inside, helping them find their seats.The person said, "Good evening. May I see your invitation?"As Eric presented his invitation, he was ushered towards the front rows, prompting astonished reac
Calvin Johansson who was utterly pissed off, stood in front of Eric with an air of arrogance."Who the heck are you, and what's your game here?" He demanded"Why do you care, Calvin?" Eric, who was maintaining his calm demeanor, responded with a sly smirk.Growing increasingly agitated, Calvin took matters into his own hands, literally. He grabbed Eric by the collars, demanding an explanation."What the heck have you done? I paid $40 million for an item worth $15 million. Are you out of your mind?" He yelled.Despite being lifted off the ground, Eric chuckled, finding amusement in the situation."You're quite the show-off, Calvin. But I suggest you take your hands off me while I'm still in a good mood." Eric warned, although he had amusement dancing in his eyes.Calvin's chuckle was mixed with his growing anger. And then he gave Eric a sudden punch that sent Eric reeling back into his seat. The room gasped in collective shock as Maria Bolton hurried to the scene with her bodyguards,
Eric got into his car, ready to leave, but a strange feeling made him stay. He felt unsure, like he couldn't go, even though everyone else had left.Watching from his car, Eric saw Calvin's defeated men stumbling out of the hall, their groans loud in the night. Eric remained seated, driven by a desire to witness the unmistakable look of failure on Calvin's face.Suddenly, Eric's attention shifted as he noticed two cars waiting. As Calvin came out, something happened. People from the cars started shooting, making everyone scramble for safety. Calvin ended up alone in the chaos.In a quick realization, Eric understood that these hitmen were targeting Calvin. Without hesitation, he sprang from his car, pushing Calvin to the ground just moments before the bullets could find their mark.Calvin who was bewildered and startled, looked up at Eric."Stay down!" Eric urged urgently.The hail of bullets intensified, prompting both of them to seek refuge behind a nearby pillar. Eric's mind ra
Enermig, the newly emerged company, quickly gained attention in the business world after teaming up with Harmony Innovations. This collaboration stirred discussions throughout the town, making Enermig a center of interest. The person behind it all, known as Mysterious Mr. Radcliffe added to the intrigue by keeping his face hidden, even during prominent events like Maria Bolton's auction.The business world was buzzing with curiosity regarding Mr. Radcliffe's identity, and the intrigue surrounding Enermig only heightened the fascination. Discussions about the company's success, innovative strategies, and strategic collaborations circulated not only in boardrooms but also in coffee shops across town.Enermig became the hot topic, embodying both mystery and accomplishment. This left people eager to unravel the secrets behind its rise and the powerful person guiding its path.After watching the news, Mr. Hargraves slammed his glass of coffee on the floor, creating a mess."What is this
Mason chuckled mockingly upon seeing Eric, his tone dripping with sarcasm."Well, well, well, look who we have here," Mason remarked, a condescending smirk playing on his lips.He took his hands off Emily, seemingly nonchalant, but the glint in his eyes hinted at a simmering tension. Nonchalantly, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, a gesture laden with possessiveness.Eric entered the office with deliberate calmness, his piercing gaze fixed on Mason."Keep your distance, Mason. Emily is with me," he declared, his voice carrying a subtle warning.Mason found amusement in Eric's stern warning and decided to challenge him, his confidence unfazed."Oh, is that so? Let's see what you've got," Mason retorted, a mocking grin playing on his face.Meanwhile, Emily, who was uncomfortable in Mason's oppressive presence, found solace when Eric showed up. She rushed behind him, seeking refuge, using him as a shield against the unsettling energy radiating from Mason."Eric, I was so unc
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
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
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
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. "
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
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
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.
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.
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