Zale swiftly concluded the dinner and returned to his room. Moments after reclining on his bed for some rest, a soft knock echoed on his door."Enter," he replied from his bed, already aware of the visitor.Ace turned the doorknob, allowing the door to swing open with a soft creak, and gracefully entered the room. Choosing the seat closest to Zale's bed, he settled into it.A pause lingered briefly, interrupted only by the subtle sounds of the room. Breaking the silence, Ace leaned forward, curiosity evident in his expression, and inquired, "What did he want?"Zale, in a manner that seemed almost nonchalant, responded without opening his eyes, "Nothing much. He just came to inform me about Loki's new partnership with Asper." Ace, upon hearing the revelation, displayed a subtle hint of surprise, yet tactfully refrained from vocalizing his reaction. With a slight furrow in his brow, Ace pressed further, "Is that all? It seems rather trivial for someone of his stature to abandon the sa
After the call ended, Zale headed downstairs. He didn't have any plans today, he was just going to stay home until evening.While he was on his way to the dining room, he stumbled upon the servants that used to be a spy of Williams.The servant lowered his head in a bow and greeted respectfully, "Good morning, sir."Zale responded with a nod. "Anyway, how is your family? Hope they are enjoying the new place they moved into?""You're very kind, sir. You rescued my family and also provided them with new shelter and steady security as you promised. They loved their new home, sir, all thanks to you," the servant responded, bowing his head once again to show his appreciation."I always keep my word. Continue to work hard and you will get more. Now if you'd allow me, I'd be on my way," Zale told the young man before he continued on his way.The young man bowed and continued on his way in the opposite direction.In the dining room, only Leia was present. Ace was nowhere to be seen.Zale took
Cassidy and Elsher's moment was interrupted when a furious roar echoed through the mansion. Startled, they exchanged worried glances before hastily rushing downstairs.As they descended, the source of the commotion became evident. Azazel Jenkins, towering and enraged, stood in the foyer like a tempest about to strike."Where the hell is that bastard?! Where the hell is Adams?! I will kill that bastard if I get my hands on him!" Azazel bellowed, his voice reverberating through the grand halls.Cassidy and Elsher reached the bottom of the staircase, their faces reflecting shock and concern. "Honey, calm down! What happened?" Cassidy implored, trying to diffuse the explosive atmosphere.Azazel shot a furious look at them. "Calm down? How can I calm down when everything is falling apart? Adams is responsible for this mess. Where the fuck is he!" He roared.Cassidy, terrified by the roar, pointed upstairs, her voice tense. "He left, Azazel. Adams packed his bags and walked out without a wo
After several hours, Ace eventually came back to the mansion, carrying high-end attire and shoes intended for the upcoming ball. "This is pleasant; it strikes a balance between being elegant and not overly extravagant. I must confess, your taste in clothing is commendable, unlike mine," Zale conceded after trying out the outfits Ace had provided for him.Ace responded with a subtle smile, choosing to remain silent.Curiosity piqued, Zale couldn't help but inquire, "And what about Leia's dress? Is she joining us for the ball?"Casually, Ace replied, "I'm not sure, but I did pick out clothes for her as well. The decision rests with you on whether you want her to attend or not."Pausing to consider the situation, Zale thought for a moment before saying, "After the recent incident, she might appreciate a bit of enjoyment. I suppose I should permit her to come."With a nod, Ace affirmed, "Okay, I'll deliver the clothes to Leia. Are the clothes sufficient for you, or is there anything else
As the evening swiftly descended, Zale and his companion embarked on a journey toward Skylight City, specifically the illustrious Ball Avenue.Zale donned a sleek black suit, its simplicity concealing its expensive allure. The fabric embraced his well-toned physique, seamlessly blending with his every movement.Ace, on the other hand, wore a modest blue suit adorned with bold red stripes around the neck, exuding a subtle charm.Leia, radiating an unmatched elegance, surpassed them in her attire. The garments, thoughtfully selected by Ace, clung to her flawlessly. She adorned an opulent red gown that cascaded around her thighs, revealing a glimpse of her immaculate legs.Her makeup, though light, was a masterpiece, courtesy of the skilled hands of a makeup artist brought in by Ace. In the grand scheme of it all, Leia embodied the epitome of a model, possessing a physique and visage that left no room for doubt."Leia," Zale exclaimed with a playful grin, "you look absolutely stunning
….A couple of hours earlier….After completing his bath and preparing to attire himself for the Ball, Zale's phone abruptly began to ring. At first, he disregarded the call and proceeded with his dressing routine, but the persistent calls continued relentlessly. Faced with the increasing annoyance, he had no option but to answer the call.A hint of surprise etched across his face when he checked the caller's ID."Why on earth is she calling me at this hour? It's after working hours, isn't it?" Zale grumbled to himself, slightly irritated.Despite his annoyance, Zale chose to answer the call, thinking, "I hope whatever she's calling for is important."With a swipe to the right, the call connected."Why are you contacting me by this time, Carolyn?" Zale cut to the chase without wasting time. He spared no time for pleasantries."I apologize for intruding, sir. The matter is rather pressing, prompting my call," Carolyn sincerely offered her apology."Go on, I'm listening," Zale urged, hi
Ace recognized the young man among the VIP guests; he was none other than Asper. Having done several investigations on the young man, a glance was enough to recognize him.Zale, who hadn't seen Apser's face before, was still obnoxious. Albeit, he had the feeling that the young man wasn't an ordinary individual."He is here," Ace said out of the blue, turning to Zale's direction."I know. Senator Nicholas is a popular figure; I recognize his face," Zale remarked without looking at Ace, assuming that the latter was referring to the senator.But Ace shook his head and said, "Yes, the senator is here, but he is not the one I'm talking about. Asper is here."It was at this point Zale looked at Ace. "Asper? Is he here?"Ace nodded. "The young man among the VIP guests; that's Asper." He disclosed.Zale shifted his gaze to the supposedly young man after he heard that.For some reason, he wasn't the least bit surprised. The second his eyes met the young man, he could already tell the young ma
The atmosphere in the ballroom heightened with tension as Zale processed Maya extending her hand to Asper, leaving him seething with rage. The music seemed to fade into the background as the unfolding drama took center stage.Ace, noticing Zale's reaction, couldn't resist a sly remark. "Looks like Maya has her own plans for the evening."Zale shot Ace a sharp look before muttering through gritted teeth, "This isn't part of the plan; stop talking rubbish. Maya is not supposed to be involved.”Leia, observing the scene, leaned in to Ace and whispered, "Trouble in paradise, huh?"Ace simply nodded, acknowledging the brewing conflict.Meanwhile, Maya and Asper gracefully joined the dance floor, capturing the attention of onlookers. The chemistry between them was undeniable, leaving Zale to grapple with a mix of jealousy and anger.Leia, ever observant, remarked, "Seems like Maya has a talent for stirring up trouble."Ace, maintaining his calm demeanor, replied, "Or perhaps she was force
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