[Oops, it seems like someone wants to sabotage the presentation with the Mayor.]'Ha! Sneaky. What time?'[In an hour.]'Crap! I'll take a quick shower then.'I left my office and quickly got ready. I didn't take long to arrive at the Mayor's office.'Where to?'[Second floor, turn right.]Two of Bash's henchmen intercepted me as I was about to take the stairs. I purposely dropped a bag filled with money, scattering it on the floor. I pretended to be overwhelmed, tidying up the scattered money, and Bash's men were confused, unsure whether to help. While this chaos diverted their attention, I slipped upstairs.*Dash*I opened the door just as one of Bash's managers was giving a presentation. Bash frowned in surprise as he saw me strolling in, cursing his inept employees for failing to prevent me from attending this meeting."I apologise, Sir. I was slightly delayed due to some schedule sabotage. It seems someone's afraid their proposal won't stand a chance against mine," I quipped."If
I gazed at Liliana's lifeless body before she was placed into a plastic bag. I tend to see her condition with my own eyes. Our encounter was so brief, yet it left a lasting impression."I misjudged you. I thought you'd give up, but you fought till the end. I'll ensure they take good care of your mother at the hospital. Rest peacefully in your eternal sleep, old friend," I bid farewell in my heart.Lyan had been taken to the police station, while Bash, as he was proven to be absent from the scene when the incident occurred and had ceased managing the Heavenly Club, escaped charges.The police commissioner shook my hand and said, "Thank you, Mr. Anderson. You've been a tremendous help these past few days, and the new equipment grant for our laboratory is much appreciated.""My pleasure, Commissioner. I'm glad to assist, and hopefully, with improved work, the service to the community will also be enhanced.""Of course. About the documents you provided me, we're working on it, but please
"Did it work?" Anne asked as I entered the house."Of course," I answered with a proud smile."Thank God! Besides Tom, Lyan has now also faced the consequences of his actions. Then Bash and Margaret.""And all the important henchmen involved in their wickedness.""That too."'And Lyra,' I thought, adding silently."I'll inform Pops," Anne excused herself to go to her grandfather's room, but I held her back. Anne was even more surprised when I rested my head on her shoulder."Just a moment," I softly requested, and Anne stroked my hair gently."Oops, sorry, um, it seems I forgot something," Dr. Bertha muttered when she found Anne and me in this awkward position."Pfft. Hahaha," both of us burst into laughter because it was amusing to see Dr. Bertha embarrassed, even though we didn't think we were engaging in intimate physical contact.After our laughter subsided, I glanced at my watch, which showed 10:00 PM."Want to go again?" Anne asked with a curious expression."Yes, it's Helen's d
"Tonight, there's a fundraising invitation at Dustown Hospital, right?" Anne asked as she entered the pantry, just waking up and yawning, "Ugh, my head hurts so much.""I've made some coffee for you," I pointed to a cup of black coffee on the pantry table."O Heaven! What did I do to deserve you?" Anne praised, sipping her coffee wide-eyed, "This is the best coffee I've ever had! It's even better than the one I usually buy from that mermaid-themed logo café!"I smiled at her compliment. "Well, you don't have many choices in prison, so all you can do is get through the days by learning a lot. Just kidding, I got the recipe from Hammam.""No wonder! You should share it with me so I can recreate the taste of this coffee.""If you like it, I'll make it for you," I offered."Again, what did I do to deserve you?" Anne stared at me with her wide, honey-coloured eyes as if she couldn't believe what I was saying.'Just by looked by you like this is enough,' I thought.[Pfft…] mocked the system
"W-What?! B-But, Margareth said... Oh, Mr. Anderson! There must have been a mistake!" Mr David chased after Anne and me as we re-entered our limousine. He tapped on the car window, and I lowered it."Mr Anderson, please accept my apologies for being so foolish to swallow unverified information. Would you kindly reconsider our invitation?" Mr. David begged shamelessly."After humiliating us like you did earlier? Mm... How is it, wife? Does this hospital deserve a second chance, or would it be better to give this money to the hospital in the next town? I've heard their robotic program for post-trauma physiotherapy is quite convincing.""I forgot to greet you, Miss Zane! Oh, I mean Mrs Anderson. My mouth tends to slip when I'm nervous. We also have some innovations that might interest you. Please come and see. I will personally be your exclusive guide," the hospital director prattled as he tried to charm Anne.Sitting comfortably and pouring herself a glass of champagne, Anne pondered, w
"Margareth Merrick Snatched Away from The Dustown Hospital Fundraising Gala Dinner. She lost to a new young entrepreneur named Rupert Anderson. Who is this new man with a fantastic donation of $7 billion?"Dr. Bertha read the headlines from several bold-print newspapers as we gathered for breakfast in the dining room. Anne and I smiled broadly, seeing the happiness on Dr. Bertha's and Mr. Rocky's faces."It's like killing two birds with one stone, Danzel! You embarrassed her and gained popularity in Dustown! Phew! Your name is skyrocketing fast," Dr. Bertha commented with joy."This is for all of you. Let's toast!" I raised my coffee cup, followed by the others. This morning had a cheerful atmosphere, and even the sky seemed bright.[Invitation to a dinner at the Mayor's residence.][Invitation to a luncheon from the Director of the Regional Bank.][Invitation for a prime-time interview with the Dustown TV station.][Invitation to the grand opening of a restaurant owned by Mr. Hondo.]
"Come on, I'm all set," Anne cheerfully greeted me, knocking on my bedroom door."Alright, just a moment."I stepped out of my room and found her dressed casually, wearing a white knee-length spaghetti strap dress with floral accents and sneakers on her feet instead of stilettos. Her thick, wavy hair hung loosely around her shoulders. I glanced at the shoes she was wearing."Why? It's more comfortable for long walks. I don't want to be immobilised while shopping in high heels," she explained. We walked side by side towards the garage."I didn't say anything..." Although, if I wanted to comment, it would be praised. Her outfit reminded me of a dandelion."You don't have to say anything to express your opinion, you know? I can tell by the way you look at me!" Anne teased as we approached the car door."It means you can’t judge someone's gaze.""Well, then you're praising my appearance, right? Oddly... I'm not disappointed." I stopped and faced her as she was about to open the car door.
"Reminds me of someone," I muttered."Is that someone, Bash?""That's right... even though I don't have what he has.""Sometimes, people who have it all often feel like they never have enough..." Anne commented, her gaze distant.For some reason, her words felt like a jab at me, but I chose not to turn this day sour again."Have you done enough shopping? Where do you want to go next? I'll accompany you.""Mm, that's enough. We should head back."I nodded and asked the store attendant to take our purchases to the car; then, we returned to the mansion.Anne sat in the backseat again, quieter than usual. Given what I did to her earlier, I understood. Silently, I cursed my foolishness for not thinking things through.On the bridge over the flowing Thanes River, a car suddenly sped past from the left side, catching me by surprise. The car aligned itself with mine. By the time I saw the driver, it was already too late.*PHEW*The sound of metal piercing the car's body, bypassing and hitting