Exiting the elevator, Alex made his way out of the store. Before leaving however, he ensured he bought standard-looking clothes to avoid verbal harassment for appearing out of place at where he was heading to. Unsurprisingly, as he brought his outfit and changed, the attendant treated him with utmost respect, and made sure to answer whatever question he threw at her. While assisting him, she would often gazed at him with expectant eyes, hoping he would honor his earlier promise to pay her annual salary. But, he chose not to—not due to forgetting, but to make her aware that her arrogance had cost her a life-changing opportunity. And when he had finally choose the outfit he wanted. He donned the button-down shirt in a muted color, tailored chinos, and Oxford shoes, he made his way out.Now desperate, the attendant attempted to ask for a picture, hoping to sell it for a few bucks. But Alex declined with a single hand gesture, took his tuxedo, and exited the store. After he was almost ou
“How did you know about that room?” she asked, but before Alex could get a word in, she continued, "Sorry, sir, but the nebula is a private suite available only for the owners. You would have to book another room.”Alex folded his arms. “Well, I am one of the owners, so I should be taking the suite,” he stated boldly, and the receptionist shot him a skeptical look. He noticed the way she eyed him, so he rolled his eyes, knowing what was probably going on in her mind right now.“If you are truly one of the owners, I would like to see identification proving that,” she voiced, and Alex let out an exasperated sigh. He was sincerely tired of having to explain himself or go to any extra mile to prove he should be in certain places. And although earlier, he had his fun and got well entertained when the people at the clothes shop knew who he was. Now, he was beyond famished and exhausted, just yearning for easy access to his suite so he could eat something and rest for the life-changing cere
As substantial bolts of electricity surged through Alex faster than he could blink, his fingers recoiled from the manager's shirt, and he collapsed to the floor. Surprisingly, the taser didn't render him unconscious as it would for most people, but the shock did make him feel as if his heart had skipped a beat, and he couldn't feel most of his muscles.Mouthing a guttural grunt and clutching his aching arm, a painful reaction to the countless injuries. His mind flooded with memories of Darren's brutal torture. He shrugged and shook his head fervently, attempting to banish the haunting thoughts. Onlookers perceived his actions as a sign of madness, unaware that he was struggling to regain his composure. After partially succeeding, he prepared to stand and seek retribution against the manager, only to discover himself constrained by the security personnel. “You're a strong one,” remarked one of the security men, visibly impressed, as they both properly restrained him with their arms. H
Sugar pressed the elevator button, and it chimed open. Stepping in with a single stride, he was closely followed by Alex, and soon the doors closed behind the duo. Inside, Sugar didn't specify the floor they would be heading to; he just stood rigid as if awaiting something. Alex, who found the situation unconventional, parted his lips to speak, but Sugar quickly silenced him with a hand gesture.Alex didn't press further and simply waited for whatever he was referring to do. In the endless seconds of silence, a sudden shrill reverberated in the elevator, startling Alex. It was followed by a robotic prompt requiring their identity. Sugar turned to him and explained the purpose of the voice and why it was specially made for a Lord. After calling his name, Sugar registered Alex's name.After completing the registration, the bald Italian explained additional practical reasons behind the creation of the special artificial intelligence in the hotel. He informed Alex that once any Lord regis
Changing the topic and wondering why they hadn't reached their destination yet—recalling they were headed for the top floor of a two-hundred-floor skyscraper—Alex inquired about what had been bothering him since he left Madam Catherine's office. What happened to her sister and why she own a Lord's badge despite not being one. But before delving straight into the most pressing question, Alex began with a less direct approach.“Did you happen to see Madam Catherine when you arrived at the shop?" Alex inquired, and Sugar promptly replied, “No,” though he cast a glance in a manner that seemed like he was foreshodowing what he was about to say next. “Does the reason behind the sewing shop's tedious hidden location have anything to do with madam Catherine death?” He tried killing two bird with one stone with his question, but on hearing his query, something dark ran through sugar's face, so dark Alex almost missed it. “Did she tell you anything?” With a low voice Sugar asked, and Alex told
Entering the private gym, Alex admired its setup: the fitness equipment strategically placed in every corner, the well-lit surroundings, and, most fascinating of all, the boxing rings situated at the center of the room. He couldn't believe that such a spacious training space would be inside the suite and wondered if there were even more startling rooms waiting to be unveiled. Sugar, who had already made himself comfortable in one of the gym's luxurious furnitures, promptly called out to Alex and he strode over where he was, folding himself into the sofa opposite from him, whilst looking around. Sugar snickered at the sight of him. “You act like you haven't seen a gym before, but looking like someone who had spend enough time in it.” Sugar began, his gaze all over Alex's build. The Lords heir cheeks flushed. “I haven't step inside one before. This is my first.” He countered his hands waggling in the air. “As for the physique, I don't know how it happened. I woke up from coma and saw
“Here,” Sugar said, pushing a glass filled for him. From Alex's expression, it was evident he cared more about getting answers than drinking. Sugar noticed that and continued, “The greater good was taking it from them, and using it to the benefit of countless. You see, the indigenous knew nothing about how to mine Labyrium, the real earth metal that made the country and the people flourish. So, because of their lack of understanding of it, they would often destroy the lands, sometimes themselves when they tried mining it."“Witnessing all of this, your family stepped up, sought out a way of properly mining the metal. After they did. They took the lands from the people with a contract that was satisfactory to both parties. Subsequently, they went into working. Most of the lands were contained by the Lords and the same people who signed the contract mined safely in it, while getting paid. Later however, upon seeing how priceless the substance eventually became to industries, the people
Alex, hesitant at first, decided to accept the bet partly because he wanted to see and study how Sugar fights. Soon, both men rose from their chairs and made their way to the boxing ring. Inside, Alex proceeded to wear boxing gear, but Sugar, smirking, told him they wouldn't be using any safety equipment. They were going to fight hand-to-hand like real men.Obviously, Alex was wary of this, as he didn't want to hurt his father's right-hand man. However, since Sugar persisted and acted like he could handle any attack, Alex agreed. He threw away the equipment he had already put on and assumed a warrior stance. The two circled each other, anticipating the first strike, while eyeing each other with predatory intent.Before the fight began, Sugar made it clear he wouldn't go easy, and Alex nodded, stating he wouldn't hold back either. Sugar beckoned him over, and with a confident smile, Alex thrust towards the aged right-hand man, hurling a punch towards a vulnerable area. His effort, howe
The man chuckled heartily, revealing broken and bloodied teeth. His sudden amusement unsettled Alex, who was mere breaths away from him. He warned him to quiet down or face more beatings, but the man refused, even going as far as mocking him while continuing to laugh at his ridicules. This struck a chord in Alex, who released a series of punches to his face, not stopping still he could barely hear the man's cackling. Finally after minutes of venting his anger at his face, and his hands mildly swollen. He grabbed the man by the shirt, and pulled him.“Not so amused anymore huh? Tell me now. When Chester tasked you with kidnapping the girl, what information did he provide?” Alex's question was met with several coughs from the man, and him stiffening his face as if contemplating whether to answer. Thinking he was truly going to speak, Alex leaned in to listen, but then the man spat on his face, smirking at Alex's gullibility. His action made Alex to slowly retract from him, and prompting
Alex closed himself off for a moment, using controlled breathing to calm himself. Reflecting on everything that had transpired, it was easy for him to feel overwhelmed and lose his composure. However, with the conscious realization that he was the leader of it all – the Lord – he knew he had to take responsibility and lead when necessary. Understanding that weakness was inconsequential, he steadied himself.Heaving a deep breathe, he motioned to one of the Knight standing guard. He closed the gap between them with few strides. Then Alex Inquired about the torture methods used on enemies. His question was actually a mind-blend, as he didn't believe they would have any. But was stunned to realize that they actually do have torture methods they used on captured enemies to spill the secrets of their employers. Who would have expended that? Definitely not him. It's almost as if whenever he pushed deeper in the rabbit hole of his family, weird things keep unveiling. He surveyed the premise
Saying he was distraught would be an understatement, as he felt a mix of bewilderment, anxiety, shock, anger, and, most of all, fear. His mind also mulled over the possibility that his sister might die on her way to the hospital, and if that happened, it would be totally his fault. Her death would hang heavily on his conscience because it was his fault that she was in this predicament. If he hadn't behaved like a child and steadfastly refused to be taken here, both of them wouldn't have come in the first place, and nobody would have been hurt.Though it does beg the question: wouldn't the assassin have just rampaged through this place if they hadn't shown up and done even more damage? Wait... how did they ever know they were heading here in the first place? Because there's no way the Del Rosarios would've sent mercenaries to eliminate them here after his reveal party if they weren't certain that they were heading straight for this house. It struck him. Somebody is selling his enemies i
Verily, It wasn't common for them to be jumped in their own territory, but now that they were, it proves that their enemies no longer are no longer patiently waiting for the right moment to destroy them. They were going all out in destroying them, and didn't even the slightest, consider what the media would say from news about the Lord's sudden assassination gets out. “Stay here.” Kate ordered and prepared to go outside. Just before she could Alex held her back. “What't going on? And why are you charging out with a gun?” he questioned, agitated. “We are getting attacked by possibly one of the Del Rosarios elite assassins. In the past, when we took down their trafficking ports. We had encountered them, and were able to overpower them. But they have never tried to attack us in our turf before.” She spluttered, and bring out a knife, handing it over to him. “This is because you've been announced as the new Lord. They are desperate, and want you dead. Make sure to protect yourself the
“I told you not to speak to the press,” Kate's voice broke through the silence that had once enveloped the vehicle.“I know,” Alex mouthed, exhausted and peeved.“I told you that they are like vultures and would prey on you with utmost resolve,” Kate added, now nagging.“I know,” Alex repeated, pressing into his chair like a child getting scolded because he actually did something wrong.“They would take the things you say, twist them, then broadcast their version to the people watching. That's what I was worried about, and that was why I told you not to give them a listening ear to,” she reprimanded.“Kate, I know,” Alex bellowed. “It was my bad, and I should have listened to you, okay? Happy?” Immediately he said that statement, she quieted down, and there was absolute quietness in the limousine again.Alexander's mind still fixated on the questions he was asked at the party and how the Sinclairs looked at him after he was humiliated. Even after everything he had done, his archenemie
Alex shook his head vehemently thinking about it. Today had really be a strange day. While he walked along side Kate. His mind was was again flooded by thought of the Del Rosarios, but this type one particular one, he had thought he would despise. It was Claire, and thinking about her, he couldn't help but feel bad for the hateful words he hurled at her face. Out of spite and rage, he had uttered profanities at her, directing some of the anger he build up for her brother and father at her. If they see each other again, he would endeavor to apologize and ask about her well-being. He noticed how the Gate treated and acted around her. It didn't seem like someone who shows much affection to his wife. Or does he hate her because she is a Del Rosario? Alex wondered but blew that idea away. He knew little, but what he was certain of is that Kate had a lot of explaining to do when they get back to the mansion.They reached the entrance, and the press were all present at the door, waiting fo
Sauntering from the Sinclair's table to where he could hear Kate's voice, Alex spotted an unexpected visitor: Richard Carlos, the man he had confronted back in Madam Catherine's boutique, walking over to the Sinclair's table. Despite what had transpired between them, the crafty rich snob still had the audacity to attend his party. It seemed their showdown must've been downplayed in his mind, possibly forgetting the punch to his stomach, and he hadn't taken the hint that he shouldn't spotted anywhere close to him. Thankfully however, Richard hadn't brought his clingy girlfriend, someone Alex was not prepared to meet again.Closing the gap, they stood shoulder to shoulder in close vicinity. Scowling at each other, both men lingered in that tense moment before, strangely, Richard greeted him in the most spiteful manner possible, then walked past him to the Sinclair's table. Alex, still wary, scoffed and made his way toward Kate, pondering how Richard got out of prison so quickly. Then i
“Where is your proof to this claim?” Lily asked, knowing he doesn't have any. “I don't have any. I mean, if I wanted one, I could easily obtain it by just simply distributing the cash to whoever could provide footage. And trust me, there are a myriad of people who would provide.” Those words seemed to do the trick, and all of them, except for Kate of course, seemed genuinely taken aback. It seemed even they had forgotten that people were present in the bar, so someone must have taken footage of the confrontation. Even Alex had forgotten, so he made a mental note to remember to get that footage.Lily smiled again, this time as a mechanism to stifle the vexation that a youngster like Alex, who just entered their world, had something over them. “Hmm, I never knew a Lord could be so devious and crafty. I guess that speech about values was all a sham.” Lily sneered. “It wasn't. And I am not being crafty. I am simply playing the card I am currently being served.” Seriously, Alex couldn't
Realizing her actions, Alex couldn't help but feel appalled. Just months ago, she cheated on him with a Del Rosario while pregnant with his child, solely for his power and influence. She also stood by, watching as the man ridiculed and killed him, only to later marry the same man. Now, because he wasn't present, she was primed to latch onto another catch—him—simply because he was an upgrade. Honestly, if he could retch, he would have. He couldn't believe he once loved such a promiscuous woman.Recalling his purpose at the table, he shifted his gaze back to Lily Sinclair. The twins whispered to each other, looking visibly enraged, and balling their fist ready for a fight. However, Alex let out a scoffed at their attempts to look intimidating. He paid them no mind and proceeded with what he aimed to accomplish. “Miss Sinclair, right? Or am I mistaken? Because you and the other lady look to be of the same age, so I can't really tell who's mother and who's daughter.” He teased, making L