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2024-10-29 19:42:56The drive was about two hours away from New York.
Ryan didn’t take his eyes away from the road ahead. How could he? Not to jinx it, but he just didn’t want to end up dead crashing against a trailer truck. Like a certain someone he knew.
But, to drive all the way to Lancaster for his hated father’s funeral, who would have thought?
Violet did, obviously.
If not for her, Ryan would never head there in the first place. No. He wouldn’t even humour the idea.
Alas, she knew when something was wrong, could smell it even when he didn’t say anything about the call.
“What is it?” Violet asked with furrowed brows, looking strangely at him as she picked on the simple breakfast he made. The coffee was especially good. He got the beans fresh from a farmer in Brazil.
He shrugged, “Nothing.”
A pink streak crossed her face. Perhaps she thought he was awake, to begin with. Perhaps, she knew ab
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The Revenger's System 96. Welcome Back, My Long-Lost Dead Brother
As much as Howard was a billionaire, he was the type to have everything in his own home. Including his own funeral.The atmosphere was high-strung with tensions. One which should not exist in an event like this. However, when Edric was the one who headed the whole event, it was to be expected.People in their black suits and black dresses, holding a glass of something to relax for a while. Carnations around the corridor, on each corner of the rooms, with one grand coffin made from the best wood material, polished to a shine, and half-opened to the guest.It was propped up in front of the room. Taller than any of them from being placed on a high platform. Even dead, Howard refused to be lower than anyone.Ryan turned his eyes away from the coffin that seemed to call his name.Many people looked at him and Violet when they stepped feet inside the house, and even more so when he stopped on his track, rerouting away from his father’s coffin.
The Revenger's System 97. Have A Nice Journey to Hell
Ryan gripped his wife’s hand as he looked around the room.Aside from the carnation flowers and mourning people in black attires, the room itself was kind of ordinary. At least, for people who was born with silver spoon in their mouth. But, for him … it was just his old childhood house.The same wall his father pushed him against, so that he could easily ram his fist against Ryan’s tiny stomach. The same dining table where his father held him, so that he could lash the belt on his unguarded back. The same ceiling he saw, when his father kicked him again and again.Nothing changed.Except that his father was dead, waiting patiently in his coffin to be buried later today.From the corner of his eye, he saw someone from his past.The woman looked younger than his father. Probably in her late forty or early fifty. Wearing a black dress like any other. The only thing differentiating her from the guest was that she already had a
The Revenger's System 98. Strike One
Chaplin.Rhea watched his movie show once while helping at her uncle's run-down bar. The little television perched on the corner of the room became her sole focus that night. A black and white movie, without any sound, uttered. 'Hilarious,' she thought for the first time. She tumbled down the floor, hitting the table with her palm she should have cleaned, and accidentally spilled the half-empty glass of faded blue liquid. Her stomach hurt, laughing too hard, and she wheezed her breath. She never thought that there was something else that could beat Chaplin's funny show. But then again, she had yet to watch a show called Mr Bean. Her high school classmate back then often talked about it. They said Mr Bean was way funnier than Chaplin. Well, Rhea would only validate their claim after she watched it with her own eyes. So, before that happened, she would stand by her opinion that Chaplin's show was the most hilarious one throughout the entire history of mankind. Now,
The Revenger's System 99. Another Host's Whereabouts
Peeep![Congratulations!]TEETS’s notification chimed in the form of a mechanical voice, and a transparent dark panel floated before him. Its golden lines and white letters informed him of his recent progress.[Objective 4 achieved.][However, as TEETS is unable to give Mission and Ability regarding this Objective due to close proximity against another Host, TEETS will offer to level up three Active Abilities or one Passive Ability of Host’s choosing.]Ryan was surprised by it.Not for the special treat, per se, but for the fact that TEETS still counted this as him achieving his objective. He wasn’t the one who killed his father, but somehow TEETS trusted that. Or it could be because of what he did at the end of his eulogy. Perhaps that might be counted as killing his father’s reputation.Nonetheless, he was glad by this turn of events.Ryan couldn’t help the smile, and so he asked TEETS to show hi
The Revenger's System 100. Return Home Now
Ryan and Violet's new home was located near Orchard Beach, no more than an hour's drive from the Crowne residence.They had a second-story patio overlooking the beach, letting the sea wind caress their face whenever they stood by it. They could garden in there, too, as Ryan specifically wanted the house for it.Violet didn't care, as long as it was far from the traffic and she had a beautiful view every time she opened the window. Especially this morning, right after she woke up from sleep."Beautiful, isn't it?" Ryan said as he brought plates to the dining table. "I wonder why you don't move out of your family's house.""Clearly, that's because I don't want to live alone with you," Violet said, rolling her eyes at his smile. "Scum.""Ouch." Ryan glanced at her the second time, noticing her messy hair and sleepy look. "Didn't sleep well?""Thanks to your creepy family, no.""Well, they tend to make me have nightmares, too. Even after
The Revenger's System 101. Enter Jared Again
"Mr. Wilder, can you comment on your inheritance to overtake Ashford Group?"Then, someone else shouted, "Are you surprised that the shareholders are behind your nomination to take over the company?"Ryan faltered a step, sparking a shutter of flashes as he gripped Violet's shoulder more tightly at what he just heard. "What?"Arms clutching recorders immediately shot towards his mouth. With a vacant look in his eyes at the barrage of cameras inching ever closer, he glanced around as if someone would explain the meaning of this nonsense about him taking over the company.The more he remained silent, the more the reporters pressed the same questions over and over again like a broken record. Was he going to take over the Ashford Group?How did he feel about his father's death?Was he ever close to his father?"No comment," Ryan grudgingly spoke.And there he was, thinking that all of these clamoring reporters were here for Violet'
The Revenger's System 102. Fifth Objective
[What is your fifth objective?] 'Why, to expose my mother-in-law's infidelity, of course.' The transparent dark panel floated in front of him, showing his submitted objective. [New objectives have been submitted.] [Objective Five: Expose Marissa Crowne's infidelity.] He couldn't wait to do that. But all things take time, including this. He had to plan it beautifully so that he could make an explosion. But, for now, he had to take other matters first, like– "Oh, and what's this news I heard about?" Jared said to Ryan, looking him up and down in a condescending manner. "I heard that you are the long-lost son of Howard Ashford, who was presumed dead ten years ago. Is that true?" Ryan looked his brother-in-law in the eye. "What if it is?" "Nothing, really." Jared walked away with Violet in his hand, "Even if you return to your old family, I doubt it will be any different. Besides, for a family with unlimited source of money and influence, it's just strange, how you remain under the
The Revenger's System 103. Unnoticed
That noon, Ryan spent his time sleeping.As opposed to what he said earlier, sleep quickly claimed him when he entered his old bedroom. A small place he called home for the last two years and a half since he was brought here by Violet’s late grandfather.No one bothered him there.Cinos had come earlier and begged him to drive the Spider again. Ryan let that boy run around with that expensive fast car, let the reporters chase Cinos for once, thinking it was him. Then, Bill came around and said he’d prepare some meal later, but he wasn’t that hungry.Liz didn’t say hi, but she peeked at him from Bill’s shoulder and nodded once. Remembering their first meeting, Ryan would call it progress.After that, he was left alone with his thoughts, and then he fell asleep. It was a good nap, he must say. After his hated father’s funeral and the final goodbye he delivered, his energy was spent. He had slept well the night befo
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156. Signing His Death Sentence
Ryan struggled to stay awake as he stared blankly at one of the bare white walls around him.The hum of the bright fluorescent lights above him flickered occasionally, breaking him in and out of his trance. There were no windows except for the small one at the door, which barely showed into the hallway.He had long lost count of the hours he had been held inside this room since he arrived. He felt tired and broken in more ways than one, but he was managing, and that is all he could do right now.He just needed to hold out a little longer.Just a little longer.Shifting his gaze at the paper before him, it did not take long to realize that no one here was ever on his side to begin with. Telling the truth did not matter. Everyone believed he was a murderer. He was guilty the moment he was arrested, and they made that very clear after trying to repeatedly beat him into signing the confession, making sure to avoid his face. Anything that his prison uniform did cover, they beat until they
- The Revenger's System
155. Turning Table is Not that Simple
The interrogation room was well air-conditioned, it was supposed to be cold. Yet, Ryan couldn’t feel anything but stifling heat from deep within his chest. He felt rage, more than fear or puzzlement at this point.There was only one person who could and would frame him, but getting everyone to believe was hard. Almost impossible, even.Leaning back in his chair, Detective Pierce continued, "Let me tell you the short version of what I think happened. You murdered Jorge and left Edric for dead. You left straight from the party to the airport, trying to flee the scene of the crime.""That's ridiculous.""Why else would you leave Seattle in such a hurry? Were you planning to leave the country next?"Glaring, Ryan griped out a resounding, "No, I simply went home. If I wanted to run, I'd go anywhere but there, wouldn't you think?""It's not far-fetched for you to gather your things and prepare to disappear for good. You wanted revenge for your father's death and you wanted to take down the
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154. Murder Interrogation
Still in shock, Ryan asked the police officer who told him to step forward. "Can I make a phone call?""You're not allowed.""What about an attorney?""The police will contact one on your behalf once you've been transferred.""Transferred?"The officer sighed, pushing him to move forward after a moment. "To Seattle's police jurisdiction. Now stop talking and walk."Following the orders to move, Ryan was taken to a small check-in station where an officer forcefully dipped each of his fingers in black ink, printing each digit on a white paper document.Once they were finished, he was escorted into another area, which was equipped with a digital camera and a large backdrop against the wall that was marked with varying heights. He inwardly sighed as he was given a small blackboard with his name to hold up.An officer instructed him to stand up straight and look towards the camera. He flinched as the flash sounded and wa
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153. Arrested in Cuffs
Opening the door, Ryan was alarmed at finding a couple of police officers standing on the other side. Glancing at the police car in the driveway, his face drained at wondering what the hell was going on."Are you Ryan Wilder?" one of the officers asked."…Yes."One of the men immediately took his hand and placed a handcuff around his wrist, pulling his other arm behind his back before adding another cuff.Another officer said, "Ryan Wilder, you are hereby under arrest on suspicion of murder."His mouth fell open in complete disbelief. "What?""You have the right to remain silent," the officer continued. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?"His knees felt weak. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. If this really was a dream after
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152. Running Away Together
Everything was a blur as Ryan rushed down the hall and burst through the door where they had last left Violet and Edric.What he had found on the other side was his worst nightmare realized.Kneeling down as he pulled Violet limply into his arms, he shakily touched the side of her draining face and gently shook her, finding no response. Choking out her name through cracked whispers over and over, he couldn't stop the sudden tears blurring his vision.Never in his life had Ryan ever felt so hurt and broken as he did now."G-God, no…" he whimpered. "Violet, please… please wake up."Every silent second that passed felt like eternity as his chest began to heave with broken sobs. His throat burned and his eyes clenched in anguish.Weakly picking himself up to see her face, he brushed back her bangs and froze when her blue eyes slowly fluttered open. Everything around him grew still like he was viewing a dream
- The Revenger's System
151. Fight Against Luck
Violet was ready to fight him. She had trained in several martial arts and mastered them for self-defense against harmful men like him. Rendering Edric useless was an easy task. She had almost done that months ago, when he was still playing with his old dog. Come to think of it, where was that old dog of his again? Violet’s blue eyes were focused as she shifted into a defensive stance, her lithe frame ready for action. On the other hand, Edric appeared remarkably nonchalant, sitting at a table with a book and a wide grin on his face as if he knew something Violet didn’t. The first move came from the infamous actress. Her movements were swift and precise, as she had aimed a roundhouse kick at Edric’s head. The red dress with high open slit at her tight created a beautiful motion picture, if one were to enjoy it. Sadly, the circumstance was not fit for such approval. However, just as Violet’s foot was about to connect with Edric’s head, a stack of books toppled over, and he stumble
- The Revenger's System
150. The Outbreak
"Pick it up," Edric haughtily repeated. Violet couldn't believe what she had done - even if he did deserve it. Her reputation was already in the mud lately, so it wasn’t her concern. She just didn’t believe that she punched Edric because of Ryan, the fucking scum. To hell with people still watching her nude scenes. She had made that choice in her younger days, so she didn’t want to regret it right now. However, to insult and humiliate Ryan for having such wife, crossed her line. Oh, how her world had turned upside down because of him. Not responding fast enough for his liking, as she stood frozen in place, he roughly grabbed her arm and nearly pushed her towards the floor before Ryan had cut in between them. "Don't you ever touch her again," Ryan furiously spat. "You'll fucking regret it." Before Edric could retort, the Head Butler of the Ashford family, Jorge, wedged between them, gently pushing them back by the shou
- The Revenger's System
149. To the Fundraiser
Right after breakfast, Thomas knocked on the penthouse door and asked if they were ready. Once they were, they left with Thomas, who had been waiting in the living room. He had been instructed to chauffeur them around Seattle today to find appropriate attire for the company's black tie fundraiser tonight.Although they were being forced to attend, Ryan surprised himself by enjoying their time together shopping for the event. Maybe it was because he got to see Violet try on dresses, or maybe it was just nice to do something normal. Before they return to the penthouse, Violet wants him to buy her a car. She would never ask him for such a thing, because even with all the wealth he had acquired, Violet could afford a car herself. Besides, she was too proud to ask for one. So, when she did ask him, Ryan easily agreed, and they bought one. Too bad, Violet didn’t let him see what the car she bought either, saying it was a surprise for him. Once they returned back to his penthouse after t
- The Revenger's System
148. His First Kiss
Street lamps flickered on one by one as Thomas drove him about an hour south from the Ashford Gorup's building headquarters to the city's international airport.As the car rolled to a stop, Thomas turned back from the driver's seat and said, "I'll go wait for Ms. Crowne and escort her here, Mr. Wilder."Already unbuckling his seat belt, Ryan lifted a hand up for him to remain in place. Opening the door, he said, "Not necessary. Just stay here and wait for us.""But-"Slamming the door shut, he reached into the inside of his suit jacket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. He felt like an idiot wearing them, but they had helped with shielding his eyes from any sudden camera flashes. He doubted it would somehow cover his identity, but it served as a kind of protection from meeting someone's eyes directly.Familiar with where to go, Ryan placed his hands in his pockets and walked towards the terminal she would be arriving from.Once he heard Vi
