Keisha stood at the ice cream shop counter, scanning the colorful array of flavors. “What do you want, kiddos?” she asked, crouching down to meet their eager faces.
“I want chocolate!” the little boy exclaimed, bouncing on his toes. His sister nodded enthusiastically, “And sprinkles!”Keisha chuckled, glancing at Zen, who was leaning against the counter, arms crossed and watching them with a soft smile. “Two chocolate cones with sprinkles coming right up,” she said, turning back to the clerk.As they waited, Zen approached the kids. “So, what’s your favorite thing about ice cream?” he asked, kneeling down to their level.“It makes me happy!” the boy said, his face lighting up. “And it’s cold, like winter!”“I love winter!” Zen replied, enjoying the innocence of their conversation. “What about you?” he asked the girl.“I like sharing it with my brother,” she said, glancing at her sibling with a fond smile.Zen felt a warmZen leaned back in the leather seat of the limo, eyes scanning the streets outside as they drove. The silence between him and Keisha was comfortable, but Zen’s thoughts were focused on the Rossi situation. Without looking away from the window, he broke the silence.“Keisha, why is Malia’s mother running Rossi Constructions? Isn’t Malia supposed to be handling this?”Keisha, sitting next to him, didn’t miss a beat as she responded, her voice steady. “Malia runs two separate companies. Her real estate company secures the deals and handles the finances, while Rossi Constructions is responsible for carrying out the projects. It’s a way to keep everything in-house and maintain control over both the funding and execution.”Zen nodded slowly, processing the information. “So, the money never leaves their circle.”“Exactly,” Keisha replied, her tone slightly amused. “They’ve created a neat little system where the real estate company assigns funds to Rossi Constructions, and both companies are
Zen closed the office door behind him, the quiet hum of the city outside barely breaking the silence of the room. His office, cold and impersonal, hadn’t seen much of him lately. Zen rarely spent time here. Everything important happened outside these four walls.Just as he began to sit, there was a soft knock.“Come in.”Anna stepped inside with a tray in her hands, balancing two cups of coffee. She had an unusual air of calm around her, always steady. Her figure was small in comparison to the tall doorway, but her presence wasn’t.“I didn’t expect to see you today,” Zen said with a smirk. “You’re a character I only see once in a while.”Anna smiled warmly as she set the tray on his desk. “It’s my pleasure, sir. I try to stay out of the way unless needed.”He picked up one of the cups, savoring the warmth in his hand. “Still, you manage to show up when it matters.”Anna glanced at him, a twinkle of admiration in her eyes. “I’ve learned from the best.”Zen raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
The next day Mrs. Evelyn marched right up to the receptionist, her face hard, her lips pressed into a thin line. Without wasting a second, she said, "I need to speak with the heads of Mega Enterprises. Immediately."The receptionist, a young woman with glasses that kept slipping down her nose, blinked up at her. "Do you have an appointment, ma'am?" she asked, her fingers hesitating over the keyboard."I didn’t come here to discuss appointments. I came to discuss why Mega is demanding fifty percent from a loan that isn’t even due!" Mrs. Evelyn’s voice rose, causing a few heads to turn in their direction.The receptionist cleared her throat, trying to maintain her composure. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but without an appointment, I can't—"Malia stepped forward, her voice quieter but equally firm. "Look, we don’t want to cause a scene. We just need answers. Who's in charge? The CEO? Let us talk to her."The receptionist, flustered, typed something quickly into her computer. "The CEO, Ms. Willow,
Keisha’s lips curved into a tight smile, her patience visibly running thin. "I have nothing else to say to either of you," she said firmly. She folded her arms, her gaze hardening as she added, "You can either leave now, or I’ll have security escort you out. Your choice."Mrs. Evelyn’s eyes flashed with anger, her fists clenched at her sides. Malia placed a hand on her mother’s arm, trying to hold her back from another outburst. It was clear that neither of them wanted to cause more of a scene. Malia's face was flushed, her expression one of frustration and exhaustion. She glanced around, feeling the eyes of the staff and other visitors in the building, watching the commotion unfold. She swallowed hard, knowing it was time to retreat.Without another word, Mrs. Evelyn turned sharply on her heels, pulling her daughter along with her. They strode towards the entrancea. As the automatic doors slid open for them to exit, Keisha watched with a cold, silent satisfaction. Just as the door wa
Zen’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel as he drove, the low hum of the engine the only sound in the car. His eyes were focused on the road, but his mind wandered back to the little boy and girl he had met before. There was something about their situation that had gnawed at him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He tightened his grip on the wheel as he neared their neighborhood, determined to see what was happening.As he approached the street where their small, rundown house stood, Zen slowed the car. His gaze locked onto a bull dozer, its engine rumbling as workers prepared it to tear the house down. A chill ran through him. This was worse than he expected. He pulled over quickly, parking the car at the curb. The scene before him was chaotic, with the rumble of the machinery drowning out the sound of the kids’ voices.He stepped out of the car, his boots crunching on the gravel, and made his way toward the house. The kids were standing
Zen glanced at his watch, noting it was exactly 2 PM. He turned to the children, their faces etched with uncertainty. “Listen, I know your uncle and aunt aren’t coming back. I’ve seen enough to know they’ve abandoned you, but I won’t abandon you.” The little boy’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What do you mean? They said they would come back!”Zen shook his head, kneeling to meet their gaze. “They might have said that, but it’s just a lie to keep you calm. Sometimes adults make choices that aren’t right, and we have to be brave enough to face the truth.”Suddenly, a car pulled up behind him, cutting through the moment. The engine’s low growl faded, and a familiar face emerged. It was Keisha. The workers who were getting ready to demolish the house stopped what they were doing, turning their attention to her.Zen stood up, keeping his eyes on the workers as they moved uneasily. “I’ll have to tell you to leave now with your machinery,” he said firmly, pointing toward the bulldozer. One
The cab bounced along the uneven streets, jostling the occupants in the back seat. The children’s uncle and aunt laughed heartily, their voices loud and carefree.“Can you believe those kids? Always a pain in the ass!” the uncle chuckled, leaning back comfortably against the seat. “I’m just glad we finally got rid of them. Moving to another city? Perfect. No one will find us.”The aunt grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Right? We can finally live our lives without those two getting in the way. No more babysitting nightmares!”As they spoke, the uncle glanced out the window, his smile fading slightly. “Hey, we’ve passed the corner before, haven’t we? Why does it feel like we’re just going in circles?”He turned to the driver, frowning. “Hey! This isn’t the way to the bus stop, is it?”The driver, a middle-aged man with a thick accent, looked back at him in the rearview mirror. “No, no, it’s not. Just taking a shortcut.”“A shortcut? This doesn’t look like a shortcut!” The uncl
As they strolled down, Zen and Rosalia moved in easy rhythm, lingering a little with each step.“Thanks for tonight,” Rosalia said softly, looking over at him. “I didn’t expect to feel this comfortable… it’s been a while since I’ve had that.”Zen met her eyes, a gentle smirk on his lips. “I get it. It’s rare to find someone you can just talk to… without worrying about what you’re saying.”She nodded, glancing down. “Sometimes it feels like people only listen so they can say their part, you know? Like they’re just waiting for their turn to talk.”“I can’t really say, I haven’t been around people for that long,” Zen said, nodding. “But you—when you’re around someone who actually listens, it’s different. And I mean, Rosalia… you’ve got a lot worth saying.”She laughed a little, looking back up at him. “Maybe… maybe I just got used to keeping things in. Sometimes it’s easier not to say too much.”“Until tonight?” Zen asked, smiling as he caught her eye.“Until tonight,” she echoed, her vo
The room hung in stunned silence, the air thick with disbelief. Yaya remained on his knees, his voice breaking as he groveled toward Zen. His head bowed so low it seemed he might sink into the marble floor. “Please, I’ll do anything!” Yaya’s words poured out like a flood, his hands trembling as they gripped the floor beneath him. “Just—just call them back. Restore my distribution channels. I can fix this! I’ll pay whatever you want!” Jun stared at his father, horror and confusion warring on his face. His voice came out sharp, cutting through the murmurs beginning to rise around the room. “Dad! What are you doing?” Jun took a step closer, grabbing Yaya by the arm. “Get up! Why are you kneeling to him?” Yaya barely turned, his eyes wild with desperation. “Let go of me, Jun! You don’t understand what’s happening here!” “I don’t understand?” Jun’s voice cracked as his confusion turned to anger. “You’re humiliating yourself! Him? He’s nothing! A useless son—” *SMACK!* Yaya’s ha
Zen's gaze remained steady as the man took another step closer, the condescension dripping from his tone. “Hey! Look!” Someone echoed. “That’s Mr. Yaya. Jun’s father. What’s he doing here?” Another voice echoed. “Do you even understand the weight of the people in this room, Tom?” Yaya’s voice was loud enough to draw more eyes to their corner. “Men who have built empires, shaped industries, and created legacies. And then there’s you—scraping by, pretending to fit into a world you clearly don’t belong to.” Rosalia, her frustration evident, stepped forward again. “Mr. Yaya, this is getting out of hand. You have no right—” “Stay out of it, Mrs. Rosalia,” Yaya snapped, his eyes narrowing. “You don’t understand the stakes here. This is about respect, and this boy has none.” Jun smirked as he pushed his uncle’s hands off himself, crossing his arms as he looked Zen up and down. “He doesn’t just lack respect, Father—he lacks everything. Power, influence, wealth. What does he have? A
Zen turned slowly, his eyes locking onto the man who had called out. His tone was sharp and mocking, cutting through the air like a whip. The man was tall, his stance brimming with arrogance as he squared his shoulders and stepped forward. Rosalia’s smile faltered, and she instinctively stood from her chair. “Jun, what are you doing?” Jun ignored her, his eyes focused entirely on Zen. “I’m asking what right he has to be sitting here with you.” Zen’s expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of annoyance in his gaze. He stayed calm, leaning slightly on the back of the chair he’d just pulled out for Rosalia. “And who are you to decide that?” Jun scoffed, his lips twisting into a bitter smile. “Who am I? That’s rich coming from someone like you. Do you even know where you are? Do you have any idea the kind of people in this room?” “I’m well aware,” Zen said evenly, his voice low but commanding. “Now, why don’t you explain why this concerns you?” Jun’s hand clenched i
Zen turned slightly, scanning the crowd. His eyes landed on Rosalia, who stood a few feet away, her soft smile aimed directly at him. She looked stunning, her emerald-green gown flowing gracefully as she approached him. "Tom," she said, her voice warm and teasing, "I thought I’d never get through that sea of people to find you." “Rosalia,” he said, his lips curving into a faint smile. “You look like you’re enjoying yourself.” She gave a small laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You could say that, though I don’t think ‘enjoying’ is the right word. Awkwardly surviving? Maybe.” Zen arched a brow, the corners of his mouth twitching with amusement. “Awkward, huh? What’s awkward about mingling with a bunch of over-dressed people waiting to make power plays?” Rosalia rolled her eyes, stepping closer. “You’re forgetting the forced smiles, empty compliments, and the undercurrent of judgment in every conversation. It’s exhausting.” Zen chuckled softly, tilting his head
On the day of the gala, the Albrecht Estate was alive with energy. Cars lined up in a procession at the gates, with chauffeurs stepping out to open doors for the city’s elite. Inside the sprawling ballroom, the hum of conversation was only interrupted by the occasional clink of glasses or bursts of laughter. Waiters moved swiftly through the crowd, trays balanced, while the soft melody of a live quartet filled the air.Zen’s car pulled into the driveway, sleek and understated compared to the flashy limousines that preceded it. As he stepped out, two young attendants rushed forward. “Mr. Diel,” one said, bowing slightly. “Welcome to the gala. Let us guide you inside.” Zen adjusted his cuffs and gave a curt nod. “Lead the way.” The attendants escorted him through the grand entrance, where the doors opened to reveal the glittering scene inside. The air smelled faintly of expensive perfume and polished wood, every detail carefully curated to impress. Zen’s gaze scanned the room
Zen’s eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the soft morning light spilling through the window. He turned his head and spotted Keisha, sitting across the room with her arms folded, watching him with a casual smile. Her presence caught him off guard.“Morning, sleepyhead,” she said with a smirk.Zen blinked, then let out a sigh, rolling onto his back. “I overslept,” he muttered, a bit annoyed with himself. “Not like me at all.”Keisha raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Even the mighty Zen has his off days, it seems.”Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, then looked at her with suspicion. “How did you get in here? I lock my doors every night.”She held up a shiny key, dangling it between her fingers with a playful grin. “Spare key. Thought you’d remember I keep one.”Zen sighed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Of course you do.” He ran a hand through his hair, then fixed her with a curious stare. “Since you’re here, Keisha… explain your schedule to me.”Keisha blinked, clearly t
The night was cool and crisp as Zen stepped onto the deck of his yacht, taking in the gentle sway of the water beneath him. The lights from the city reflected off the waves, casting shimmering patterns on the boat. Just ahead, leaning against the railing with a glass in hand, Sinclair turned, a grin spreading across his face as he spotted Zen approaching. “Thought you’d never make it,” Sinclair teased, raising his glass in greeting. Zen smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t want to keep you waiting too long.” He looked around, taking in the luxurious setup. “But tell me, when are you finally going to get your own yacht, Sinclair? This ‘borrowing’ act is getting old.” Sinclair laughed, an easy, carefree sound. “Who says I don’t have my own?” he replied, eyes twinkling with mischief. “In fact, I have more yachts than a three-year-old can count. I just happen to like *this* one the best.” Zen raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “So, you’re telling
Zen’s gaze locked onto Silas, his expression calm but his eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity. “So, this is how you like to handle things? Thought you’d finally stand up to someone, Silas?”Silas sneered, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. “You think you’re something cause you managed to pull a fast on me with pure luck—”Zen’s smirk widened. “I think we both know luck had nothing to do with it.” He took a step closer, hands relaxed at his sides, his presence radiating an authority that made everyone in the room hold their breath.“Stay back,” Silas snapped, his voice wavering as he tried to maintain his composure.Zen chuckled softly. “Oh, now you’re worried?”Silas glared, but his posture had shifted, more defensive than before. He glanced around, seeking support, but the others kept their eyes on the floor, unwilling to meet Zen’s gaze.“I don’t have time to play with you, Silas,” Zen murmured, his tone almost bored. “But maybe a quick reminder wouldn’t hurt.”He mov
“Tom!” Nia called out, drawing his attention, her voice sounding urgent. She didn’t even glance at Rosalia, who was standing beside him, her eyes fixed solely on Zen.Zen looked up, surprised to see her approaching. “Nia?” he asked, standing as she reached their table. “What happened?”Nia huffed, folding her arms across her chest as she tilted her head, clearly savoring the moment to vent. “You won’t believe what just happened,” she began, her tone laced with annoyance as she jerked her thumb back toward a waiter who was lingering nervously by the kitchen entrance, clearly aware he was in trouble. “That waiter back there? He decided to make a judgment call on my financial status. Apparently, my card didn’t go through, and he assumed I couldn’t pay.” She paused, letting out a short, sarcastic laugh. “He even suggested I… ‘pay’ another way. Like I’d be desperate enough to trade favors for dinner.”Zen’s face shifted from mild surprise to something much darker, his jaw tightening as he