"Oh, good morning Danzel," greeted Anne gracefully from the dining room, her presence resembling a swaying dandelion blown by the summer breeze, a vision I promptly brushed away. I had intentionally entered the dining room earlier than the other occupants of the house, hoping to avoid small talk."Morning," I replied curtly, and without meeting her eyes, I walked straight to the stove, boiled the kettle, then went to the cupboard and grabbed two slices of bread, spread peanut butter on them, and ate in silence. From the corner of my eye, I could see Anne stealing glances from the end of the table, and I tried my best to ignore her, the sparkle of the diamond ring on her ring finger seemingly mocking my presence. I couldn't linger too long near her.The loud whistle of the kettle jolted me from my prolonged stare at the ring on her finger. I stood up and brewed a coffee, intending to drink it in my room until it was time to leave. But Anne's greeting halt my steps."Is it just my imagi
"I won't let this humiliation just slide! If this scandal goes public, you'll pay for it, Tom!" Mrs. Selma accused, her anger palpable."Sigh... Always like this. If you had just stayed quietly in your mansion from the beginning, I wouldn't have had to embarrass you like this. But no, you had to be swayed by the words of that brat over there. After he successfully put you in this humiliate situation, did you just sit there? I bet he secretly enjoying the show, silently laughing at your expense. You've truly ebeen duped," Tom redirected the situation towards me.Now, all eyes were on me, and those friendly faces had turned into menacing glares. In the world of business, allies could quickly become adversaries."Actually, the way you trapped them, even involving your own son, it's clear your business dealings will always be tainted and underhanded," I retorted.The four board members nodded in agreement."I suppose you've never run a business, Mr. Rupert. Do you think there's a policy t
At 7 in the evening, I stepped out of the room, dressed in a tuxedo, freshly shaved, and impeccably groomed. "Wow, you look absolutely stunning, Mrs. Anderson," I complimented Anne, who also had just emerged from her room.She looked captivating, with a maroon velvet blouse that hugged her figure tightly down to her knees, featuring an open shoulder cut, and her hair elegantly swept up, revealing her graceful neck and tempting allure."Thank you, Mr. Anderson. I must ensure that the women out there lose their confidence to snatch my husband away. By the way, you look amazing too, Mr. Anderson.""Thank you. I bet it's because this husband of yours is a very lucky man.""He did... He did," Anne teased me with a mischievous wink.For a moment, I hesitated between proceeding with our evening plans or pulling her back into the room. It wasn't the women she needed to worry about but the lecherous gazes of men who would stare as if they wanted to undress her, and I didn't want that."Danzel?
"Wow! It's a success!" Anne patted my shoulder gently. Our dinner ended on a riverside bench, illuminated by streetlights. Every passing gaze wondered at the sight of two elegantly dressed individuals enjoying Chinese takeout with chopsticks in an unusual place. It was an oddly picturesque scene, but Anne and I relished it."Yeah, thanks to you. Though it's a shame that beautiful dress and make up went to waste.""This is better. I can't remember the last time I sat here so relaxed. I recall our family used to picnic by this river every time we celebrated something. Mom would always prepare a feast, but what I remember most is my favorite milk pudding, placed in small cups with frosting. I would always grab Pops' portion, and he never minded. Since their death, I've never dared to come here alone.""I'm so sorry for your loss, Anne. Do you prefer if we move?""No! Like I said earlier, I'm happy to be back because of you. I'm not alone. At least there's someone to restrain me if I lose
"Well, you both already know each other? I'm impressed. My instincts and Pam were right about you two, Mr. Anderson. You're not just ordinary people," Mr. Yolke praised, chuckling and causing his plump belly to jiggle."Oh, you don't know, Yolke? News about a young man who suddenly showed up at my company and boldly declared himself as my competitor? Didn't I just finish telling you about it? Your irritated reaction when I recounted it was truly convincing," Margareth retorted sharply.Mr. and Mrs. Yolke exchanged puzzled looks. "What do you mean, Margareth? Are you saying that the young man in your story earlier is Mr. Anderson here?! Oh, I'm stupidly slow in catching up with the situation!" Mr. Yolke exclaimed, taken aback but covering it up with a nervous laugh."Come on, Margareth, you've made our host uncomfortable; it's quite unethical," I said with a straight face as I walked toward the dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat casually across from them. Anne followed suit, smi
"You!" Tom's anger flared but was held in by Margareth, she put her hand onto Tom's lap."Good evening, everyone. Goodbye," I said, still with a wide grin.Mrs. Yolke followed us to the front, her discomfort and unease palpable."I apologize, Mrs. Anderson. I still hope our relationship remains untarnished due to our insensitivity tonight. I had imagined introducing you to my golf club friends. But for the sake of all of us, it seems I should wait until things calm down, right?" Mrs. Yolke coaxed while tightly gripping Anne's hand."Of course, Mrs. Yolke. I'm not a vengeful person if I know that someone didn't mean harm," Anne replied diplomatically. She didn't show weakness in her position, nor did she want her interlocutor to feel low."You're very kind. Thank you for coming tonight. Goodbye, and I hope you have a safe journey.""Thank you, Mrs. Yolke. Goodnight.""Goodnight."***Once inside the car, Anne patted me and interrogated, "What was that all about?""Which part? There wer
"Where are we? I don't see a kebab stall anywhere, and you've led me to this disheveled back alley. I'm starving, Dan," Anne whined as I parked my car in the dimly lit, deserted alley and opened the door for her, playing the role of a gentleman."Just come along; I have a surprise for you," I teased with a wide grin."A surprise? Well, lucky me for playing the role of Mrs. Anderson. No, wait a second, I think I know this area. This is the row of buildings behind Esta Piazza, and if I'm not mistaken, that back door belongs to La Tavola Reale?" Anne said as she began to piece it together.I smiled at her deduction, "Bingo.""Wait, is this allowed? Are we trespassing? Their security is really tight! I don't want to embarrass myself, Danzel, and end up in jail," Anne fretted as I held her hand, leading her toward the door she had mentioned."Don't worry, Anne, I know the chef and owner of this restaurant.""Really? You're lying; they're notoriously mysterious.""Well, I helped them naviga
"Wow, that was an amazing speech," Anne praised, applauding and making me smile broadly. "I'm curious about your story, which led you to become such good friends with them.""It's a bit long. I'll tell you sometime.""I'll be looking forward to it."I drove her home, dropping her off in the lobby. Anne opened the door and got out."Aren't you coming down?" Anne asked from the window as she saw me still behind the wheel. I shook my head. "Where are you going?""I still have some business. Go inside and get some rest. Sweet dreams.""Okay, take care."After making sure Anne had gone inside and closed the door, I continued my journey back to the city center. I was looking for some nighttime entertainment. I tossed my tie and jacket onto the passenger seat and rolled up my shirt sleeves. The loud rock music from the car's radio served as the soundtrack for my journey back to the city center.Heavenly Club, a banner displayed prominently in front with a large red neon box. The place was bu
"Nobody move unless you want this bullet to pierce through this old man's skull!" Gatsby ordered, aiming the barrel of his pistol at the president's temple. The head of state instructed his men to comply with Gatsby's command."The four of you, follow me," Gatsby pointed at me, Elliot, Helen, and Kellan.Gatsby entered the City Hall and proceeded upstairs to Elliot's office, dragging the defenseless president along. Elliot grinned with satisfaction at the chaos caused by Gatsby. He knew he had been branded as a terrorist, especially since the one he was holding hostage was the president.He wouldn't live long after this, but he didn't want to fall alone. There had to be someone dragged along with him, someone responsible for his downfall, something he had fought for for years.That someone was Rupert, aka Danzel, and Helen Harrington, the siblings.Upon arriving at Elliot's room, Gatsby forced the president to sit in Elliot's desk chair, while Elliot gestured for me, Helen, and Kellan
Elliot never received any news about Alex's attack on Dustown Prison, nor did he want to inquire. His attention was occupied by the preparations for the President's visit, just a day away.As long as he didn't receive any notice from his aides regarding Dustown Prison, he would assume everything was fine. If there were even a hint of news about Dustown Prison, he'd be sure to know. But since Alex's request back then, there hadn't been any further requests. The atmosphere was completely calm without any issues. Elliot figured Alex might have backed off from attacking Dustown Prison knowing he was preoccupied with many matters."Kellan, have you found out who that mysterious donor is?" Elliot asked his secretary, having replaced his previous one because Sonia didn't approve.Kellan, his current secretary, shook his head. "No, Sir. He's truly mysterious. What should we do? He specifically requested to sit next to you. Should we still accommodate that request? Especially now that there's
Elliot's eyes widened as he discovered Rupert's hiding place. He chuckled dismissively, 'No wonder the police never found him all this time,' he thought. Then he recalled Erwin's presence, the young man who remained closed off and impenetrable to him. The only employee under his command whom he couldn't control. Yet, due to his good performance, he couldn't just dismiss him. 'Besides, he's not in a critical sector,' he reasoned, choosing to overlook Erwin, but his judgment back then was wrong. Unbeknownst to him, Erwin had been forging alliances there, a fact that escaped his notice. *** "[Elliot has discovered your connection with Erwin; he and Alex plan to attack Dustown Prison tonight,]" reported the system. "Anne is still in critical condition. Do something to prevent them from coming here tonight," I pleaded with the system. The doctors finished observing Anne, and she was moved to a treatment room, almost her entire body wrapped in bandages. The doctor also mentioned the res
Erwin drove us straight to Dustown Prison. Anne was still unconscious, and I supported her head in the back seat. Her condition was truly alarming, I couldn't bear to hold her body, afraid she'd feel more pain. Erwin called Ralph and ordered him to prepare competent doctors at the prison. Every second felt like a crossroads for me, constantly monitoring Anne's chest to ensure she was still breathing. I held my breath with every long inhale she took, trying to manage her pain. "Hurry, Er!" I urged Erwin. "Quiet! Don't command me!" Erwin snapped. I knew he was trying to navigate through the traffic in the Dustown city center; for this one, the system couldn't help because the streets were crowded with people, not because of traffic. Erwin repeatedly honked his horn to clear the pedestrians from the road. Several times, he had to brake suddenly as they crossed unexpectedly, truly testing his patience. After being stuck in the traffic jam for a long 30 minutes, our car finally gained s
About fifty people gathered in front of Jackie's Bar, arriving individually with their preferred modes of transportation from various corners of the city—some on motorcycles, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, cars, or by foot.There was no communication among them; they simply glanced at each other to determine if they shared the same purpose, exchanging a code by raising their left palm upwards, a symbol representing their Dandelion Organization, signifying a dandelion stem always seeking the sun.Without the need for lengthy discussions, they collectively entered Jackie's bar. Two formidable guards who had stood at the front door couldn't stop them and were pushed inside.A ceasefire ensued inside between the Dandelion Operation faction and Jackie's henchmen. Witnessing the chaos, Jackie stealthily retreated through the back door, leaving it all to his men. He valued his life too much.He cursed under his breath before calling someone, "You convinced me that he works alone! You said
Hearing the information from the system, I immediately headed to Jackie's place. Night was falling, the streets were getting crowded, and the city was brightened by decorative lights along the roads. Visitors from out of town, eager to witness the carnival in Dustown, flooded the pubs, hotels, and eateries.The city seemed to come alive again with stalls and food trucks lining the streets, creating long queues. It overwhelmed me to drive quickly through the chaos. While people were enjoying themselves, I was lost in thoughts about Anne's fate.*Honk* *Honk*My horn sounded at the drivers who parked recklessly along the street. I was truly impatient, especially with the drunken revelers who were barely conscious as night approached.I almost collided with a group of teenagers crossing the road without looking. I honked loudly, causing them to bang and hit the hood of my car. But I had no time to deal with them.Luckily, after passing the town square, the crowd lessened. I accelerated,
"I paced back and forth in Erwin's office, anxious as I hadn't received any recent updates about Anne. Not from Erwin's informants, nor from the system or Helen. I disliked this feeling, my intuition restless, sensing that Anne wasn't okay.Erwin, engrossed in his book, glanced at me from the corner of his eye, growing irritated as I disrupted his concentration."Tsk! Take one more step, and I'll kick you out," Erwin declared, unable to contain his frustration. His book remained untouched, the pages unturned due to my actions."Do you really have no information?" I asked again, wearing a pleading expression as I approached him."No, if I had any, you'd be the first to know. Now, get out of my space, or I'll have to force you out," Erwin commanded firmly. He was actually waiting for information that hadn't arrived yet. However, he masked it by focusing on more productive matters, unlike me.Right after that, Ralph arrived, carrying a vial bottle filled with thick white liquid. He was s
Alex was furious, howling like a possessed person, ordering his men to search once again, this time more meticulously. Meanwhile, he returned to the room to interrogate Camilla.The woman was far too relaxed about Anne's disappearance, even seeming pleased. Camilla must know something! That's what Alex thought. This time, he was determined to interrogate Camilla until she spoke. He wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she didn't talk."You!" Alex barked, striding quickly across the room toward the startled Camilla, who was taken aback by Alex's sudden rage. She dropped the magazine she was reading and stood up. Alex approached her and immediately grabbed Camilla by the throat, her eyes bulging from the intense pressure on her neck."Tell me where Anne is! I'm not joking around. Your death is in my hands right now," threatened Alex, his eyes bloodshot, his hand muscles bulging as he tightened his grip around Camilla's throat.Camilla knew her chance to play around had ended. She also figur
“You’re delusional. I don't want anything,” answered Camilla, her lips curved into a sweet smile for Anne. Of course, Anne didn't immediately believe her, convincing herself to remain cautious around Camilla.Throughout her life, Camilla had always treated her badly, harboring negative thoughts about her. Initially, Anne had always wanted to understand the reasons behind Camilla's behavior, until she realized it was futile—Camilla's judgment of her was already formed, no matter how hard she tried to show kindness. Camilla remained steadfast and eventually deemed Anne as a mere attention-seeker.Since then, Anne realized she didn't need to waste energy on people who hated her because they would continue to do so. She had to focus on those who loved her, not many in number but sufficient for her.Thinking about it made her heart ache once again; now those people were gone, Pops and Dr. Bertha, whom she considered as her own father figures. Meha, who had been like the elder sister she ne