2023-10-22 16:53:46On that day, Vere found a glimmer of hope through Crystal. "Mr. Vere, do you know that the police are looking for you everywhere, and there are reports about you all over the news?" Crystal asked. "It would be better if you turned yourself in, and I could personally take you to the precinct," she urged.
Vere hesitated momentarily before responding, "I'm asking for your understanding, Crystal. Please don't reveal my whereabouts to the police for now. Let me first make things right, gather evidence regarding my wife's death, and handle the issues with the company."
Crystal, concerned and willing to listen, replied, "I understand that you're not a bad person, and perhaps it was just a coincidence that you were at the wrong place at the wrong time. I'll help you until you sort things out."
As Vere embarked on his quest to clear his name and find the truth behind his wife's death, he and Crystal formed an unlikely alliance, determined to uncover the secrets that had brought them together on that fateful day.
While driving Crystal glanced at Vere as he was sitting in the backseat in deep thought, she agreed, saying, "Alright, but you must take care." I cannot take you into my home for now, but I know a place where you can hide. As my parents are refugees, I have been there as well. It's called Safe Ground. That's the most I can do for now.”
Crystal cautioned Vere as she added, “Please avoid getting involved in any more trouble that could worsen your situation.”
Vere reassured her, "Yes, I promise."
That time Crystal drove straight to what appeared to be a squatter area. As they arrived, they were greeted by a man named Ronnie, who appeared to be Crystal's friend.
"Crystal, you seem to have brought a guest," Ronnie said with a smirk, peering into the car where Vere was seated. "It's a long story, Ronnie," Crystal replied. "You know you've always been my go-to person since way back then."
After their brief exchange, Crystal approached Vere in the car. "Vere, you can get out now. Ronnie will take care of you, and if you need anything, just give me a call. Ronnie has a mobile phone. Here's my number," she said, handing Vere a calling card as she embarked on her car and left.
At that moment, Vere began to feel a glimmer of hope that his plans might finally come to fruition. "Come on, let's get you settled, and welcome to Safe Ground. It seems like you've come a long way," Ronnie said with a smile on his face as they strolled down the narrow alley. As they walked, Ronnie introduced himself: "I'm Ronnie. What's your name?" Vere replied, "I'm Vere."
This is Veres' new journey into the unknown that had just begun, as he is a refuge in this unfamiliar place and Ronnie is his newfound ally.
The next morning in the Safe Ground with Ronnie, Ronnie roused Vere from his slumber with a hearty breakfast. As they shared a meal, Vere opened up about his plans, with the foremost goal being to track down James. Vere fixed his gaze on Ronnie and began, "Ronnie, my first priority is to locate James. He holds the key to vindicating me and shedding light on the truth behind my wife's death. I can't do this alone; I need your help in finding him."
Ronnie nodded, displaying his readiness to support Vere. "I'm on board, Vere. I'll give my all to help you find James. But we have to tread cautiously. I'm sure the police are still on the lookout for you, so for the time being, it's best for you to lay low here. Let me take the lead on this, as I'm certain they have their eyes on those close to you and your mansion."
Vere appreciated Ronnie's steadfast commitment and nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right. We can't afford any slip-ups. Let's commence our quest by discreetly gathering information and utilizing any resources at our disposal. If we stumble upon any leads concerning James, we'll pursue them cautiously."
Over the ensuing days, Vere and Ronnie became a team, delving into their investigation to uncover James' whereabouts. Ronnie frequented the spots James was known to visit, conversed with individuals who might have crossed paths with him, and took care to remain inconspicuous to evade the watchful gaze of law enforcement.
One day Ronnie went home on his mission to find James and it was successful.
"Vere, I have some good news for you regarding James, your personal assistant," Ronnie began, watching Vere's face light up with hope. "Guess what? I've talked to people who know James, and it turns out that he's made a full recovery from his injuries from his accident."
Vere's eyes widened in surprise and joy. "Oh, really, Ronnie?" he asked, his voice laced with relief and happiness. Ronnie nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, it's true. However, there's a catch: I couldn't get close to him because he was under constant watch. He's working at the company you owned before, which Mr. and Mrs. Fuentez owns it now."
Vere's elation quickly turned to disappointment, and a deep sigh escaped his lips. This development added another layer of complexity to his already challenging mission.
As he contemplated his next move, Vere couldn't help but wonder how he would manage to approach James, as he seemed to be under tight surveillance. For Vere, it was another obstacle in his path to uncovering the truth and clearing his name.
On that crucial day, Vere had a heartfelt conversation with Ronnie, expressing his determination to get closer to James. Ronnie understood Vere's desperation for justice, and after their discussion, he reluctantly agreed to accompany Vere in this risky venture. The following morning, Vere and Ronnie woke up early, fully prepared for the day that had been meticulously planned. Ronnie turned to Vere, seeking one last confirmation: "Are you sure about this, Vere? So are you ready for what you are about to do out there?" With a resolute expression, Vere replied, "Yes, I am. I can't sit idly doing nothing for my name and my company."
After a quick breakfast, they set off, venturing into the unknown. Vere's heart raced as he stepped outside his hiding place, seeing the city he had longed to return to. The streets were familiar, yet now they felt foreign. As they walked, Vere couldn't help but notice the police presence at various corners, so as part of the plan, they split.
Vere attempted to blend in, he joined a group of pedestrians. However, he soon sensed that someone was tailing him. His heart quickened as he discreetly glanced around, confirming his suspicions, but kept moving forward."
His mission had just taken a perilous turn, as he faced the possibility of discovery by the very authorities who were searching for him. With his determination driving him forward, he continued his journey through the bustling city, constantly aware of the watchful eyes that trailed behind.
Moments later, Vere's journey led him to the building that he owns, the company that he had gambled away in exchange for his freedom from the clutches of Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes.
As he stood on the street corner, gazing up at the towering structure, suddenly a tumultuous mix of emotions overwhelmed him, a blend of tears and anger swelled in his heart. While he was lost in his thoughts and memories. But suddenly Vere was surprised when a police officer approached him.
"Hey, Mr.," the officer called out, getting Vere's attention.
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The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 35
At that moment, Vere felt nervous as the police officer approached him. But he knew he had to remain calm rather than arouse suspicion. "Here's some water," the officer said as he handed Vere a bottle of water. "So, how long have you been homeless?" he inquired. "Oh well, I've been homeless for three years now," Vere replied. "Gotcha, Mr.," the officer said. "Anyway, this place is not safe for you. There will be danger around here, so don't stay too close to this area because anytime there might be shooting." "Okay, Mr. Police Officer, thanks for the water. Gotta go now," Vere said, nodding his appreciation, and he started to walk away. However, he was suddenly halted in his tracks as the officer called out to him again, "Hey, wait." Vere turned back to the officer, his heart racing. "Maybe you could do us a favor, and you'll be rewarded if you do," the officer said, taking out his cellphone and showing Vere a picture of him while he explained that the guy in the picture had escap
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 36
Vere found himself battered and bruised on the unforgiving streets, but he was now on the path to healing. He had sought refuge in a safe hideout alongside Crystal and Ronnie. Crystal wasted no time in admonishing him, her concern evident in her voice. "Vere, I told you not to venture out.Because this place isn't safe for you, especially since you're a new face here.And nothing around here is familiar to you yet. You're just a visitor, so please, from now on, do as I say. I warned you," Crystal began, her eyes locked on Vere. Vere met Crystal's stern gaze and nodded in agreement. "Okay, but I went out there with a purpose to find you and Ronnie," he explained. "We appreciate that," Ronnie chimed in, "but this place is like a living nightmare, especially during the night. All the bad elements come out, and if you venture out, you'll be in trouble. Worse yet, if you take the wrong turn, you might get caught by the police." Vere's face bore the visible signs of his recent ordeal, and
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 37
It's been two weeks, Since Vere got into a tragic accident and Vere is still in the hospital, fighting for his life. The wealthy woman who owned the car that collided with Vere made the decision to take him to another country, just as the doctors had advised. They believed it would be better for Vere to receive treatment in a different country because of the advanced facilities. The wealthy woman was undeterred by the potential expenses because it was her car that had collided with Vere. Her primary concern was to save Vere's life.The woman didn't waste any time. She immediately flew to Los Angeles to have Vere treated there. Her sense of urgency was driven by her determination to ensure Vere's well-being.Upon realizing the critical importance of every moment, the woman wasted no time and swiftly boarded a flight to Los Angeles. Her determination to ensure Vere's recovery was unwavering and her resolve led her to choose Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, as the
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 38
It had been eight months since Vere underwent facial surgery, and he was finally amazed and flattered when he saw his new face. At that time, he was in the hospital with Olivia. Olivia counted to three and handed a mirror to Vere. "Oh, wow. Really, I can't believe this," Vere exclaimed when he saw his reflection in the mirror. "Is this really me?" he asked Olivia. "Yeah, it's you, Mr. Wayne, the new you," Olivia replied with a smile. She was delighted to see his reaction. Vere's heart was filled with a mix of sadness and joy. As he laughed, tears welled up in his eyes. He had thought there was no hope left and that his luck had run out. Little did he know that the unfortunate accident and the person he had bumped into would bring him into a new, better life and a completely transformed personality. However, despite his newfound appearance, Vere couldn't help but think about the events that had led him to this point. And now, with his new look, he had a new hope that anyone would hav
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 39
Vere and Olivia left the mansion early the following day and temporarily left Grandale to travel to Zermatt. Olivia observed Vere appeared to be contemplating something as they were in the air."You appear unhappy to be going to Zermatt, Mr. Wayne," Olivia inquired.Vere said, "I'm actually happy, but.""Then what? Is the accident involved?" Olivia inquired.Vere responded, "No, actually there's another memory that it's hard to forget.""Oh, please don't be upset; please move on, Mr. Wayne," Olivia added."Indeed," he said, "I've moved on."With a smile on her lips, Olivia continued, "Really, you have to... Mr. Wayne, remember you are in a new you, so please let's start all over again."Okay, okay, don't get worried, and I am completely new now," Vere said.After nine hours of flying, the plane eventually arrived at Zermatt airport. After disembarking the plane, they took a car ride and headed to Olivia's mansion. As they arrived at the location, Vere was shocked when they got there be
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 40
Vere succeeded in his proposal to James, and Olivia was very proud of his achievement. Vere continued to serve as Olivia's personal assistant, and one day, Olivia approached him to discuss starting a venture in another country. She entrusted Vere with the task of acquiring ownership in various business companies so that he could establish his own company."Mr. Wayne, because you've been so successful with our previous proposals, I want you to start investing in other companies with what you have," Olivia said, "I want you to have your own ownership, and it's all yours. "Olivia, you've already been so generous to me," Vere replied humbly. "Don't you think you've given me enough?""No, Mr. Wayne, that's not enough," Olivia asserted. "I want you to accept this offer. I don't want to be refused."Vere accepted Olivia's offer but expressed the need to focus on observing James. He asked for some time to concentrate on his business dealings with James and explore any potential opportunities
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 41
The following evening, Vere made his way to a charming restaurant where he and James had arranged to meet for dinner. As the clock struck seven, they both arrived simultaneously and with synchronicity, they exchanged warm greetings. "Good evening, Mr. James," Vere said with a welcoming smile, even as James reciprocated in kind, "and welcome." "Good evening to you too, Mr. Wayne," James responded gratefully. "Thank you for extending this invitation. It's my pleasure to join you for this dinner."With pleasantries exchanged, they were ushered to their reserved table by the restaurant's attentive staff. The evening promised a delightful culinary adventure and an even more captivating conversation.Before delving into other topics, Vere decided to strike up a conversation with James. "You know, Mr. James, this used to be my favorite restaurant. The food here has always been incredibly delicious, and the ambiance is simply perfect," Vere remarked with a nostalgic smile."Oh, as you're ta
The Unknown Billionaire Chapter 42
"Okay, Mr. James, I am very happy about this news. I really appreciate your trust in me," Vere said. "Tomorrow, I will schedule a meeting with Mr. Fuentez and Mrs. Fuentez," James told Vere."Okay, Mr. James. I can't wait for that," Vere replied."Alright, Mr. Wayne. I will call you back later to finalize the schedule. Thanks," Vere said and hung up his mobile phone.Olivia smiled at him. "Mmmm, I can sense good news; am I right?" Olivia asked."Yeah, you're right, Olivia. Soon I can have what's mine," Vere unintentionally let slip.Olivia's eyes widened in anticipation as she realized the significance of Vere's words. It was clear that something exciting was on the horizon for him.Vere remained careful and composed to avoid arousing Olivia's suspicion. After they finished reviewing the files of Olivia's business ventures, Vere excused himself, telling Olivia that he needed to rest in his room. Once in his room, Vere let out his pent-up anger over recent events. In a fit of rage, he
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Chapter 62
After several hours of flying, Vere woke to the soft, professional voice of a flight attendant announcing their arrival at the California airport. He opened the window shade and gazed at the bright Californian sky, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. “Finally,” he whispered to himself, “I’m here, Olivia.” A small smile crossed his lips, knowing that soon he would see her again. He could already imagine her surprise and the happiness his presence would bring. With renewed determination, he gathered his belongings and disembarked the plane, his heart racing with anticipation.Outside the terminal, Vere hailed an Uber and instructed the driver to take him to Olivia’s address. The drive took around thirty minutes, but to Vere, it felt like an eternity. To distract himself, he pulled his phone from his pocket and noticed several missed calls from an unknown number. He frowned. “Who could this be?” he wondered aloud. But he quickly dismissed the thought. “The only call I care about is
Chapter 61
Yesterday was a momentous day for Vere as he finally achieved his lifelong dream of reclaiming his company. After years of struggle, betrayal, and relentless effort, Fuentes Company was finally his once again. However, as he sat on the couch in his luxurious mansion, instead of feeling overwhelming joy, his mind was burdened with concern. His heart was heavy, and his thoughts were consumed by Olivia’s condition.Grabbing his mobile phone, he dialed Olivia’s number once more. Since yesterday, he had been desperately trying to reach her, eager to share the news about the successful acquisition of his beloved company. But each time, he was met with the same voicemail message: “I'm unavailable.” The robotic tone of her voice message only deepened his anxiety. He had called her multiple times the previous night, hoping she would pick up, but to no avail.Although he had accomplished one of the greatest victories of his life, a shadow of sadness loomed over him. He knew that Olivia had been
Chapter 60
The day after tomorrow marked the moment Vere had been waiting for the day he would finally meet with James to discuss the arrangements for buying the company. It was a day that held significant weight in Vere's life, a culmination of preparation, planning, and persistence. That morning, Vere and Ronnie woke up unusually early, eager to go over a few details before the meeting. The two greeted each other as they found themselves awake at the same time."Are you ready and excited?" Ronnie asked, breaking the morning silence."Yes, Ronnie," Vere replied with a confident smile. "Finally, this is the plan I’ve been waiting to execute my entire life. It means a lot to me.""I know, Mr. Wayne," Ronnie said, sharing in the excitement. "I’m thrilled as well. Today is going to be a great day because I know you’ll finally reclaim what’s rightfully yours. James and his bosses won’t own the company anymore."Ronnie paused for a moment before continuing. "By the way, Mr. Wayne, James messaged me l
Chapter 59
Meanwhile, in the midst of their conversation, Vere was about to reveal his true identity and answer Ronnie's question when suddenly, his phone rang. Their discussion came to an abrupt halt as Vere glanced at the screen and answered the call."Excuse me, Ronnie, I have to take this. It's Olivia calling," Vere said, stepping away towards the pool."Hello, Olivia.""Hey Wayne, how's everything?" Olivia's voice came through, sounding slightly strained."All is good here. As I told you before, Ronnie is someone we can trust," Vere replied, his eyes scanning the pool's still waters. "We were just discussing our plans for the upcoming meeting with Mr. James.""Oh, okay. I'm happy to hear that," Olivia said. "If you need anything, just give me a call, okay?"As the conversation continued, Vere noticed something unusual in Olivia's tone. She sounded weak, distant. Concerned, he asked, "Olivia, are you okay?"There was a brief silence before Olivia sighed and replied, "Actually... not really.
Chapter 58
The following morning, Vere woke up with a start. His mind was already racing, preparing for the monumental day ahead. He dressed quickly and made his way downstairs. As he entered the dining area, he saw Ronnie sitting at the table, sipping his coffee in quiet contemplation."Hey, morning," Ronnie greeted, a casual smile on his face."Coffee?" he offered with a gesture to the steaming cup in front of him."Yes, sure, thanks," Vere replied, a slight smile curving his lips. He walked over, took a seat, and reached for the cup. The warmth of the coffee did little to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in his head.The silence between them was comfortable at first, but it didn’t take long before they both began discussing the meeting that awaited them the following day."Are you excited?" Ronnie asked, looking up from his cup, a slight gleam of curiosity in his eyes."Yes, I am," Vere replied, his gaze steady. "This is the biggest moment of my life. I've been waiting for this for years."
Chapter 57
Two weeks later, Vere had just returned from his trip to Italy, he was back home. Ronnie, ever the loyal assistant, was waiting for him at the airport to give him a warm welcome. As soon as Vere stepped off the plane, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and happiness. He muttered to himself, “Finally, I’m back, and I’m so happy to be home.”He glanced around and spotted Ronnie, who waved energetically at him. It was clear from the expression on Ronnie’s face that he was just as happy to see Vere again.“Hey, welcome back, Mr. Wayne! Glad to see you again,” Ronnie greeted him enthusiastically as he approached.Vere smiled, feeling the familiar comfort of his right-hand man’s presence. “Thank you, Ronnie. How was your vacation, Mr. Wayne? I’m sure you enjoyed the time off. You deserved it,” Ronnie added, his tone sincere.Vere chuckled softly. “Yes, you’re right. It was great to take a break from everything, but I’m happy to be back.”The two of them made their way to the car, a
Chapter 56
Vere and Ronnie were cruising down the road, heading to a restaurant to unwind after a busy week. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the city streets. But suddenly, without warning, Vere jerked the steering wheel and pulled the car over to the side. He let out a long, weary sigh, his face clouded with thoughts that seemed too heavy to carry alone. Ronnie, who had been quietly gazing out the window, was taken aback by the sudden stop. He turned to look at his friend sitting in the driver's seat, concern etched across his face."Mr. Wayne, are you okay?" Ronnie asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.Vere didn't respond immediately. He stared straight ahead, his hands still gripping the steering wheel tightly. After a long pause, he sighed again, this time deeper, more resigned."I'm confused," Vere muttered, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "I don't know where to start."Ronnie furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled. "Ha? What do you mean?" he asked, tryin
Chapter 55
But before Vere took any steps outside, he abruptly halted. Hastily, he ascended to the mansion's second floor, entering his room to retrieve the gun. Swiftly returning to the screen where they observed the parked car near the mansion, Vere continued monitoring the situation."Mr. Wayne, hold off on using the gun, especially if you're not sure who these people near the mansion are," Ronnie advised, his tone conveying concern.Vere glanced at Ronnie, acknowledging his words. "Yes, Ronnie. Thank you. I'm just really cautious in these situations, given past experiences," Vere explained, his eyes reflecting a sense of vigilance.Ronnie, understanding Vere's heightened state, nodded in agreement. He empathized with Vere's wariness, comprehending why he was on high alert.As they continued observing the screen, Vere kept a watchful eye on the parked vehicle, his instincts on edge. The uncertainty and the possibility of a threat lingered in the air, intensifying Vere's vigilance and wariness
Chapter 54
On that night, Vere drifted off while waiting for Olivia's text. The next morning, he was roused from slumber by the persistent ringing of his cell phone. Rubbing the drowsiness from his eyes, he answered with a hint of grogginess."Hey, Olivia, I was worried about you!" Vere started, concern evident in his voice."I'm sorry, Mr. Wayne, oh, hahaha, Wayne, I mean," Olivia replied, her voice tinged with inebriation."Are you... drunk?" Vere inquired, noting the telltale signs in her speech."Yeah, friends invited me to a birthday party," Olivia explained.Without skipping a beat, Vere dove into the purpose of his call: "I need you to know about Mr. Smith. He's going to sell his company.""Seriously?" Olivia's tone shifted to seriousness."Yes, and that's why I've been trying to reach you," Vere continued. "I've decided to buy his company.""This is the happiest news I've heard from you!" Olivia exclaimed, her enthusiasm apparent. "So, okay, what are you waiting for? Grab it!"Vere felt
