[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
"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