Carolyn complied with a simple nod of acknowledgment. She swiftly began typing Xavier Adrian's name into her desktop, initiating a comprehensive search to gather every available piece of information on the individual in question.Zale leaned back in his chair, maintaining an air of patience, as he awaited the results of Carolyn's investigation. A devilish smile played on his lips, hinting at a determination to dig deeper into Xavier Adrian.Minutes ticked by like hours in the stillness of the room, until Carolyn's voice broke the silence, her tone respectful and attentive. "He is the only son of Raynott Adrian, and he serves as the CEO of Adrian Tech Company," she reported dutifully. "Unfortunately, there are no existing business dealings or collaborations between their company and ours. Is there anything else you wish to know about him, sir?"Zale's initial delight faded as he absorbed this information. He hadn't expected Adrian's company to be among the few that had no connection
Maya stared at the head of security, a mix of incredulity and curiosity dancing in her eyes. "A delivery person with a Ferrari and a hundred-million-dollar villa? This doesn't make any sense. How did he end up in that line of work if he's so affluent?"The head of security shrugged, clearly as puzzled as Maya. "I wish I had an answer for that, Ma'am. It's a mystery to me."Maya leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with questions. "Do we have any information on his family or personal connections?"The head of security nodded. "Yes, we have some details on his family, but they seem rather ordinary. No prominent ties or affiliations that would explain his wealth or his unusual choice of occupation. His father died a long time ago and he even grew up in the countryside."Maya's intrigue deepened. "I want to meet him. But keep it discreet. I don't want anyone to know about this. I will also use that opportunity to reward him for saving me last night."The head of security nodded once m
Outside the company building, Zale smoothly guided Amelia into his sleek car, and they glided away from the bustling corporate world, setting a course for a nearby coffee shop.Amelia couldn't hide her curiosity after she settled into the plush leather seat. "What brought you there today? Do you work at the company too?"Zale, with an air of mystery, gave her a sidelong glance, his eyes dancing with intrigue. "No, I don't work there. I had a meeting with a friend who happens to be an employee." He lied.A sly smile played on Amelia's lips as she leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling. "So, fate works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? Back at the bar, I never got the chance to ask for your number, and I've been searching for you ever since."The corners of Zale's mouth curled into a knowing smile. "You were looking for me?"Amelia nodded, her expression a blend of determination and fascination. "Yes, I was. That night left me curious about the man I met – someone who seemed to understand my
Meanwhile, not far from where the scene was taking place, two individuals had alighted from their vehicle, ready to dash towards the commotion. They were Zale's shadow guards, highly trained to protect him in any situation. However, just as they were about to move, their boss, Jolene, commanded them to halt."Stop! They aren't there for trouble," Jolene issued a clear order, her voice unwavering as she held out her hand, preventing the guards from taking a step forward.One of the guards protested, his concern evident in his tone, "Are you saying we shouldn't interfere, boss? But these people are dangerous. Whatever business they have with our young master, I'm certain it's not for good."Jolene gave him a sharp, penetrating glare, a look that could freeze molten steel. "Get back inside the car now! We will only interfere if they try to harm our young master. Otherwise, I don't see any need to attack them. I don't want us to end up being on the bad side of a dangerous gang. They wil
The unexpected turn of events left Zale in a state of disbelief. He couldn't fathom why Maya would want to give him ownership of such a luxurious villa just because he saved her the previous night."You're giving me this villa?" Zale asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of astonishment and suspicion. He couldn't help but wonder what might be the true motive behind this unexpected generosity.Maya leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady as she regarded Zale. "Yes, I am," she affirmed with a calm and composed demeanor.Zale's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. He had many questions, but one stood out in his mind. "Why are you really doing this, Maya? This is too much for a reward."Maya's mysterious smile returned as she traced the rim of her wine glass with her finger. "Zale, I have no ulterior motive for doing this."Zale leaned forward, his curiosity intensifying. "And why should I believe you?""Because that's the truth," Maya responded as she filled her glass and
In the brightly lit office, the weight of the situation bore down on Adams like a heavy, invisible shroud. The missing $100 million was a mystery that refused to yield its secrets, and it gnawed at him with each passing day.His fingers tapped anxiously on the polished mahogany desk as he stared at the blank computer screen. The room, once a sanctuary of confidence and control, had become a chamber of uncertainty.The vanished money was a gaping wound in the company's financial health. Adams had navigated the turbulent waters of business for decades, but this was a tempest unlike any he'd encountered. The money hadn't just slipped away; it had evaporated, leaving behind a void of questions.Adams was a man of solutions, a problem-solver in the boardroom, but this puzzle confounded him. The experienced technologists the company had, had been defeated, forced to admit that they were grappling with a mastermind who seemed to defy the laws of digital existence.Despite the efforts of his
Despite the eventful day, Zale had been filled with anticipation, and he was grateful to finally be home. The soothing warmth of a fresh bath eased the fatigue that had settled into his bones. He lay down to rest, closing his eyes, hoping to recharge before the evening's event.Time slipped away as he drifted into a deep sleep, the comfort of his bed cocooning him. It felt like mere moments before his consciousness returned, but the room was bathed in the soft, golden hues of evening sunlight, and his phone buzzed insistently on the bedside table.Blinking away the remnants of sleep, Zale reached for his phone, noticing a series of missed calls from Amelia. His heart sank as he realized he had been asleep when she tried to contact him. He quickly called her back, the anxiety building in his chest."Hey," Amelia's voice, filled with relief, greeted him from the other end of the line. "You finally responded.""Hello, Amelia. I was sleeping the whole time, I'm sorry," Zale apologized,
Meanwhile, beyond the elegant walls of the auction venue, Jolene and her dedicated team of shadow guards operated discreetly to ensure the safety of Zale, their vigilant efforts concealed from prying eyes.With utmost caution, they had stationed themselves at a discreet distance, careful not to arouse suspicion within the venue's security. Their mission was clear: to safeguard Zale at all costs."What do you suppose is unfolding within those walls?" one of the guards whispered to his comrade, their voices barely audible.The guard whom Jolene had dispatched to reconnoiter the mansion Zale had entered had yet to report back, and a sense of restlessness began to permeate among the vigilant shadow guards."I cannot say for certain. It may be a gala of sorts, perhaps a grand celebration. However, I've observed the presence of notable figures from all corners of the country, which begs the question of what precisely warrants such an assembly," the other guard speculated.Jolene, engrossed i
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