Zale strolled back into the mansion, a subtle smile playing on his lips. The unexpected turn of events had granted him another player in the intricate dance of alliances. Loyalty, or at least a semblance of it, seemed within reach.Entering the grand foyer, he noted the absence of Ace and Leia. "Leo must have taken them to their rooms," Zale mused as he ascended the staircase, curiosity piqued.The first-floor hallway greeted him with a few scurrying servants. Zale halted one, his eyes focused. "Have you seen Leo and the others I arrived with?"The servant, visibly intimidated, stammered, "Uh … they're on the second floor, sir. I can take you there."Zale nodded, and the servant led the way. As they entered the second-floor hallway, Leo emerged from one of the doors.Dismissing the servant, Zale approached Leo. "Have you shown them to their rooms?"Leo nodded, "Yes, I just showed the young Miss to her room. May I take you to your room now, sir?"Zale declined, shaking his head. "Let's
Far away from the Oracle estate, in a mansion that stood in the very heart of the underworld, protected by one of the strongest thugs the underworld had to offer, a middle-aged man stood in front of the window of his room, seemingly looking outside and enjoying the view of the twilight. Albeit, that wasn't entirely the case.The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the ornate furniture.The walls, adorned with dark mahogany panels, held an array of antique weapons – a silent testament to the power that resonated within these walls. A rich, burgundy carpet stretched across the floor, muffling footsteps and absorbing the weight of whispered conversations that had echoed in the dimly lit room. The air, tinged with the scent of aged leather and cigar smoke, held the secrets of countless clandestine dealings.The man, although middle-aged, appeared to be in his late forties. His curly brown hair, now streaked with strands of silver, framed
"Zale, is that really you?" Maya stammered, a mixture of surprise and recognition coloring her words.Remaining composed, Zale acknowledged the revelation with a calm demeanor. "Indeed, Maya, it's me. I wasn't aware you were the potential business partner my associates mentioned. I serve as the CEO of Adair business, and it's a formal introduction." He emphasized the last word significantly.Maya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Adair business? You're involved in underworld dealings?"Zale nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes, Maya. The business Ace was referring to – it's mine. I happen to be Oracle's grandson."Although Zale wished to keep his identity secret, especially from the people in the underworld, he found it difficult to deceive Maya.Moreover, attempting to lie to her after she had witnessed him there would be futile. He realized that any attempt to deny his identity as the Adair business CEO would only sow seeds of doubt in their friendship.Maya's shock turned into a mixture of
Author's Note: To get the chapter prior to this one, delete the book and add it back to your library. You will be able to access it by then.********The sleek black Lamborghini glided through the city streets, its engine purring with power. Zale, positioned at the back, exuded an air of authority, the silence around him carrying a weight of contemplation. Ace, ever vigilant, occupied the passenger seat, while Leia sat next to Zale, her curiosity growing with each passing moment.As they sped through the night, Leia, unable to contain her eagerness, addressed Zale respectfully. "Sir, spill it. How did the meeting go?"Ace shot her a warning glance, but Zale, sensing the need to share, spoke up. "It went... complicated. Maya and I have actually met before."Leia's eyes widened with intrigue. "Met before? What do you mean, sir?"Zale sighed, recounting the events of the meeting. "Maya is the same girl I rescued from thugs a while ago. She recognized me, and things got more intricate fr
As Maya traversed the city streets on her way home that night, the revelations from her meeting with Zale echoed in her thoughts. The sleek black Lamborghini, the air of authority that surrounded Zale, and the unexpected disclosure of his involvement in the underworld business lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over her perception of him."Zale, involved in the underworld? Grandson of a veteran gun dealer?" she muttered to herself in disbelief.The gravity of this revelation caught her off guard, adding a layer of complexity to the emotions swirling within her. The very idea of an alliance with someone from a family that had long been rivals with hers created a tumultuous mix of feelings within Maya.Her heart, influenced by Zale's charisma and their shared history, inclined towards agreement. Yet, her rational mind warned against it, reminding her of the historical enmity between their families.As Maya reached her home, the familiar facade couldn't shield her from the internal
The aftermath of the swift and unexpected battle left the passersby in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. Ace and Leia, still recovering from the spectacle, exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the sheer power Zale had displayed.Leia's gaze lingered on Zale, a mixture of astonishment and realization in her eyes. It was a look that conveyed not only surprise but a newfound understanding of Zale's capabilities. Though she had been aware of his strength, witnessing it firsthand was a revelation."He's on a whole different level," Leia murmured, unable to contain her amazement. The bystanders who witnessed the spectacle continued to murmur among themselves, the scene etched into their memories."He is really strong. Does he come here often? I haven't seen him before," remarked one curious onlooker, eyes still fixed on the entrance where Zale and his companion were standing."I doubt he comes here often because I haven't seen him before either," replied another, sh
Luca, still shaken but driven by the desperate need to protect his daughter, lowered his head in a bow as he knelt before Zale. The weight of his responsibilities pressed upon him, evident in the lines etched on his forehead."Please don't harm my daughter; I will do anything you want," Luca pleaded, his voice laced with a mix of fear and determination, head bowed in submission.Zale, reveling in his apparent victory, chuckled with a hint of satisfaction. "I never said I would harm your daughter. Please stand. I don't want people to think I'm intimidating you."Luca, his mind clouded with worry for his child, rose to his feet obediently. The eyes that once held authority now mirrored vulnerability."I don't care about any mockery you throw my way. My daughter is everything to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. I will do anything you want, but just don't harm her," Luca confessed, the sincerity in his words cutting through the tension in the room.Zale, unmoved by Luca'
As Zale, Ace, and Leia left Luca's bar, the atmosphere around them was charged with the aftermath of their encounter. The gatekeepers, now conscious but still bearing the marks of their defeat, instinctively stepped aside as Zale approached.The three of them reached the vehicle and took their seats.Leia couldn't contain her admiration for Zale's prowess. "You're amazing, sir. I watched how you handled everything. You're really amazing."Ace, equally impressed, chimed in, "You did great. You are better than I imagined."Zale, modest in the face of their praise, responded, "It's no big deal. Luca is a total pushover, so convincing him wasn't that hard."Leia, undeterred, insisted, "Regardless, you're still amazing." With that, she started the truck's engine, and they sped off into the street.As they navigated the streets, Zale wasted no time getting down to business. "Who's our new target?"Ace, showing confidence, chuckled. "Take a break, sir. I'll handle this one."Zale, surprised
As Zale and Ace ventured beyond the gate, the air hung heavy with tension. They arrived in front of the mansion, which was guarded by three security guards.The guards were slightly taken aback when they saw Zale and Ace.Their comrades at the gate hadn't informed them of the arrival of any guest, so they were confused.They didn't have the slightest idea of the fight that had taken place outside; they were completely oblivious.The guard, who appeared to the leader, stepped forward and asked, “Who might you be, sirs?” His voice was polite and respectful.He thought that if his companion had allowed Zale and Ace entry, it meant they were esteemed guests of honor.Ace glanced at Zale and upon seeing the hidden smirk on his face, he understood what was going to happen.“We are honorable guests of your boss. Should you really be standing here asking questions or just step out of the way?” Zale asked, his voice stern.The guard shivered slightly when he felt Zale's gaze on him. “I…I’m so
The guard's eyes widened in shock, his expression transforming into a lethal glare directed at Zale."Who the hell are you, you bastard?" Despite his astonishment, fury seethed in his voice.Zale chuckled softly before responding, "I'm just someone who wishes to see your boss. We can avoid all of this if you tell your colleagues to let me in."The guard's eyes ignited with rage as he retorted, "Bullshit! If you don't want to leave peacefully, I will make you leave myself."The tension escalated, drawing the attention of the other guards who became alert to the hostility emanating from Zale.They stood ready, poised to open fire at a moment's notice if the need arose.Ace moved in closer to Zale and whispered in his ear, "I don't know what you're trying to do, but these guys are well-armed. I trust your decisions, but I must admit we are clearly at a disadvantage here. The shadow guards are nearby. I can send them a message, and they will take out these guys."Zale nodded, seemingly in
In the aftermath of the charged meeting, Zale and Ace headed outside the building, toward the mansion.Zale's mind swirled with a mixture of determination and uncertainty, while Ace, ever stoic, maintained a vigilant presence.As they arrived in front of the mansion, Zale’s phone vibrated in his pocket. It was his grandfather."Zale," Oracle's voice resonated. For the first time in a long time, he called Zale by his name. "I've been monitoring the meeting. Bane's words have validity. Are you certain about this path you're taking?"Zale, undeterred, responded, "I've made my choice, Grandpa. This is a battle I must face, not just for myself, but for those who've suffered unjustly."The last part was talking about Oracle. The old man had gone through a series of emotional breakdowns after his son and his daughter-in-law died. It was one hell of a torture at that time.Oracle let out a sigh, a blend of regret and understanding in his simulated eyes. "I cannot dissuade you, but remember th
The following day, Zale gathered his closest allies in a private meeting. The meeting took place in one of the buildings in Oracle's estate.The atmosphere was charged with tension as he addressed them, laying out the challenges they faced and the imminent battle against Asper.A middle-aged man interjected, "I don't harbor personal grudges against Asper, but I'm willing to assist you."Another guest joined the conversation, expressing disdain, "That kid is a rude brat. I recall the first day he invited me to his place. He subjected me to the worst humiliation of my life. I can never forget that day. Count me in; I'm ready to join and bring him down.”"While I don't hold a personal grudge against Asper, many of his allies are my enemies. Participating in this battle, I aim to indirectly confront my enemies.” Gradually, each person in the room consented to join the battle.Zale sat at the table's forefront, wearing a smile.Once he explained the purpose of the gathering, he observed as
About an hour or so later, Zale arrived at Oracle's estate.Zale went straight to his room the second he entered the mansion.He freshened up and changed his clothes. When he was done, he headed downstairs and had his breakfast.“Where were you last night, sir?” Leia inquired as they strolled out of the dining room.As usual, they were the only ones in the dining hall. Ace was said to have gone out of the mansion early in the morning.Zale chuckled mischievously. “Why, you miss me?”“Cough!” Leia feigned a cough and changed the subject.“Anyway, how did last night go?” She asked, curious.“If you're talking about your performance, I must admit; you did….” Zale began, but Leia cut in."Not that, sir. Ace has already filled me in on that a million times," Leia interjected with a pout. "You know what I'm referring to.”Zale paused as if thinking about it. “Are you by any chance asking about what happened between me and my girlfriend?” His smile had taken a mischievous glint.Leia let out
Zale headed straight back to Oracle’s estate. He needed to have a serious conversation with Ace.He couldn't wait any longer. Asper had begun his move and he wouldn't just sit back and watch.“Now I have stopped to think about it, what later happened to Adams? I didn't see him again last night. I guess the security threw him out. After all, he had attacked me,” Zale muttered, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.‘Does this mean others now know about me?’ Zale mused excitedly.It was pretty easy to guess; Adams wouldn't keep what he saw last night to himself.Zale made it pretty clear last night that he was the one behind all of Jenkins's misfortune, so Adams would most certainly not keep quiet about it.“I’m glad things turned out this way. Although I doubt Adams' words would be enough to convince them.” Zale seemed pleased by the fact that he stumbled upon Adams last night.He didn't plan to suddenly show up claiming to be the new chairman of Adair Group. To him, that wouldn't be
The atmosphere in the room shifted, with Oracle grappling with the unexpected revelation. Zale, still chuckling, tried to ease the tension."Well, Grandpa, surprise! We kept it low-key for a while," Zale said, grinning. He wanted to gauge his grandfather’s reaction.Oracle sighed, shaking his head. "You always find a way to keep me on my toes. I hope you're serious about this, Zale."Zale's smile softened. "I am, Grandpa. Maya means a lot to me."Oracle studied Zale for a moment, then nodded. "As long as you're sincere and treat her well, that's what matters."Zale was a little taken aback when he heard that. He was confused, more like shocked.He had expected the old man to be greatly against the relationship but that didn't seem to be the case.“Seriously?” Zale couldn't help it. “Are you really not against our relationship?” He didn't expect such an outcome.“I mean, why?” Oracle pretended not to know anything.Zale gave the old man a dry look. “You're very bad at acting. You shoul
Before long, Zale was ready to leave. He intended to head directly to his family mansion to visit his grandfather.“I will get going now, darling. Take care. I will call you later in the day.” Zale gently planted a kiss on Maya's forehead before he departed.Maya arranged a car to drive him there, therefore as soon as he arrived outside, he entered the car and left the mansion.Maya’s head guard, despite having the urge to wave at Zale while he was departing, had decided against it.What if all of this was a ploy to make him let his guard down? He couldn't help but think.“I have to be completely sure he isn't going to harm my young Miss. Only after then will I be at ease around him,” the head guard muttered to himself.The journey was long and full of silence. Adams was occupied with his thoughts, and thankfully, the driver wasn't interested in striking up a conversation with him either, so none bothered to say a word to each other.“I don't think I will be able to enter the Adair ma
The room fell into a stunned silence upon hearing Elsher's speculation about Zale's possible connection to Adair Group. The family members exchanged bewildered glances, grappling with the implications of this unexpected twist. Azazel, breaking the silence, furrowed his brows and questioned, "Adair Group? What does that have to do with our troubles?"Elsher, maintaining her composure, explained, "Adair Group has substantial influence and connections. If Zale is indeed associated with them, it explains how he gained the resources and power to orchestrate our downfall.”"I discovered that Ace is aligned with the Adair family when I was researching the mysterious chairman of the Adair Group. Consider this – why would Zale have any association with someone like Ace if they weren't collaborating? It raises questions, especially regarding our acceptance of a contract from Adair Group. After mysteriously losing the contract funds, they still extended a substantial loan to us. Have you ever w