Zale's heart raced as he steered his car into the driveway of his villa. Time was slipping through his fingers like sand in an hourglass, each grain a reminder of his dwindling chances to make it to Emma's dinner party on time. The engine's growl faded into silence as he switched off the ignition. He glanced at the clock on the dashboard—there were only about 15 minutes left before the clock struck 8:00 p.m.His villa's gate swung closed automatically with a soft thud, sealing him within its confines. The urgency pounded in his chest like a relentless drumbeat. Every second that ticked by was a step closer to disappointing Emma, the thought of which he couldn't bear.Dashing through the front door, Zale practically flew down the hallway, his footsteps echoing his haste. He barely registered the familiar surroundings as his mind was consumed by a singular mission: transform from the remnants of a hospital visit into a respectable guest.In a whirlwind of motion, he reached his bathr
After the initial exchange of pleasantries, Emma guided Zale to a round table where most of her friends were seated. She introduced him with a warm smile, "Hey, guys, this is Zale, my friend, and he will be joining us for the party."Emma's friends exchanged quick glances as if trying to confirm what they had just heard, as it was entirely out of character for Emma to introduce someone new into her tightly-knit social circle.Throughout the years, Emma had kept her personal life separate from her social circle. She was known for her dedication to work and the fact that she hardly ventured beyond her college friends. Bringing a new person, especially a male friend, to a gathering was entirely out of character.Emma was known to have a workaholic lifestyle. She doesn't have a friend besides his college friends. She only knows her business and nothing else matters to her.Lisa, Emma's closest friend, managed to hide her surprise behind a friendly smile. Even though Emma had mentioned Zale
The atmosphere in the room crackled with tension as James's unexpected announcement reverberated through the air, leaving everyone marveled and agog."This is incredible," Lisa whispered to Emma, her voice tinged with both awe and surprise. The sheer amount of the contribution had surpassed all expectations, setting the tone for what was to come.The magnitude of James's five-thousand-dollar pledge hung heavy in the air, a silent challenge to others to match or surpass it. The implications were clear — this wasn't going to be an ordinary show of support, but rather an unspoken competition."Let's do this, then," Emma muttered, glancing at Lisa. They shared their account details, and within moments, the money was visible in their respective accounts.A rush of greed surged through Lisa as she saw the credit notification appear on her bank app. Her thoughts raced with the possibilities this money could bring, igniting an ambitious spark within her.Meanwhile, Emma's emotions were a mix
Andrew was taken aback by Zale's response. He studied Zale's composed expression, unable to decipher the true motives behind his words.'This guy is seriously weird. What's with the 'right moment' nonsense?' Andrew's irritation mounted. 'Well, he can't possibly outdo my contribution, so what's the point of worrying?'Zale's demeanor puzzled him, and his frustration grew as he watched the mysterious man."Are you sure you want to do this, Zale?" Emma's voice was laced with concern and care as she asked that question.Zale smiled briefly. "I don't have any problems doing it, Emma. Rest assured, I'm doing this because I want to do this."As Zale's exchange with Emma ended, Andrew's irritation amped up. He couldn't ignore the genuine concern in Emma's voice for Zale, and it only stoked his jealousy further.Zale's calm smile in response to Emma's question triggered a surge of anger within him. 'Why does Emma care so much about him?'Emma's doubts and protective instincts fueled his resent
Zale drove directly to his villa after leaving Emma's house."It's already late, about 11 pm. Going home is the only option," he thought as he drove through the dark streets."I can't believe I have a healing ability now," Zale muttered as his thoughts were engulfed by what happened at the hospital. Every time he thought about the fact that he now had a healing ability, it brought him great joy, especially when he could use it to save those around him."But the really exciting thing is that I'll get to learn everything my grandfather kept from me," he thought, looking forward to his grandfather's upcoming discharge in two days."Why do I have the feeling that this secret might be something unpleasant? I hope my hunch is wrong," Zale pondered aloud, a mixture of concern and apprehension evident in his voice.The events of the day had left him mentally drained, prompting him to yearn for a good rest at his villa."I need to get home faster," he decided, opting for an alley instead of the
The young lady's heart raced as she stood there, still trembling from the ordeal she had just witnessed. Despite being rescued from her abuser, the trauma of watching someone's life end so abruptly had left a deep imprint on her psyche. This was the first time she was witnessing a murder, even worse, a gruesome one.Her fear was evident, her mind racing with thoughts of what might happen next. What if Zale, the man who had intervened so dramatically, turned his wrath toward her?Zale, acutely aware of the fear emanating from the young woman, took a step closer, his expression softening as he sought to reassure her. He could see the turmoil in her eyes, the doubt and unease that clouded her thoughts. The gravity of the situation wasn't lost on him – he had just taken a life to save hers."Listen," He began, his voice gentle yet resolute. "I understand your fear. But I want you to know that I'm not here to hurt you. I couldn't have come to your rescue only to put you in danger mysel
Zale was taken aback when he heard this. His mouth remained wide open, but no words came out. He had trouble comprehending what he had just heard. He already suspected that Maya came from a powerful family, but an influence strong enough to suddenly stop his moving car in the middle of the road without them even noticing was something he hadn't imagined. "Just how powerful is her family?" He couldn't help but ponder.Maya didn't wait for a response from Zale; she buckled her seatbelt and exited the car.Six burly young men, armed to the teeth, got out of the black Audi and rushed to her upon spotting her come out of the vehicle."Are you all right, miss?" Asked one of them, whose name was Matthew, in a concerned voice. Maya took a deep breath and replied, "I'm fine. Why did it take you guys so long to find me? Whenever I snuck out before, you found me quickly. But tonight, when I was almost raped, you were nowhere to be found."Matthew's eyes widened in shock upon hearing Maya's rev
The next morning dawned with a sense of trepidation for Ethan as he prepared for the difficult task ahead. With each step he took through the narrow, busy streets of the city, his heart grew heavy at the daunting decision he had to make. He flagged down a cab, its faded yellow paint barely concealing the vehicle's years of wear and tear, and climbed into the frayed seat. He instructed the driver to drive off. He pulled out his phone and carefully dialed a number he had obtained through secret back-channel connections.The seconds ticked away as the call connected, and when it did, a voice on the other end greeted him with a coldness that sent shivers coursing down his spine."Talk," the voice intoned, devoid of any warmth or emotion, making it clear that it didn't want its time to be wasted.Ethan swallowed hard, his throat dry, and his palms clammy with nervousness. He hesitated momentarily, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him. This was uncharted territory fo
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