60 Darius paused, considering his response carefully. While he felt a surge of emotions—anger, shame, and a hint of smugness—he knew that maintaining composure was key. With a calm breath, he decided on a dignified approach, realizing that restrained eloquence often held more power than heated argument. "Your skepticism is understandable, miss," he began smoothly, his voice unwavering. "But before jumping to conclusions, perhaps we could engage in a rational discussion rather than resorting to unfounded accusations." Her confident demeanor wavered slightly at his composed tone, emboldening him to continue. "The saleswoman was merely fulfilling her duty by providing information. And as for the matter of payment, I assure you, I am more than capable of settling the bill whenever necessary." Whispers rippled through the crowd as she glanced around, her arrogance beginning to falter. "Can he really pay two million dollar?" "I don't know, two million sounds like a stretch..." "Yeah,
61 She recalled how calmly and politely Darius had responded, even in the face of her baseless accusations. A twinge of guilt pierced her heart. "If only I had shown him kindness instead of contempt. Perhaps then..." Her gaze drifted to Darius as he signed the last paperwork. Despite his simple attire earlier, she could not deny that he possessed a quiet dignity and poise unlike any other. And now, with his true status revealed, a new light shone upon his countenance - one of regal bearing and noble charm. "He is certainly no commoner in looks or status," she admitted ruefully. A flush rose in her cheeks as another thought came unbidden. "If only I had been courteous...maybe he would have considered me as a match." But it was too late for regrets. Darius had finished the transaction, taking back the Obsidian card back to the saleswoman with a serene smile. As he turned to leave, she steeled her nerves and hurried behind him. "Sir, please wait!" she called, reaching out a hand th
62 Inside, Darius seethed with anger and humiliation. But he knew any show of emotion would only empower these petty fools further. With immense effort, he schooled his features into polite disinterest. "Think what you like, I've no need to prove myself to the likes of you," Darius retorted, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. He made to walk on, but Laurent, the salesman, blocked his path with a smug grin on his face. "Aww, don't be like that!" Laurent exclaimed, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "We were just having a bit of fun with the homeless urchin," he added, provoking jeering laughs from his audience. Darius clenched his jaw, feeling the weight of Laurent's mockery like a physical blow. "Your words say more about you than they do about me," he replied coolly, struggling to maintain his composure. Laurent leaned in, his smirk widening. "Bet they threw you out on your scrawny rear the second they saw your dirty mitts on the merchandise!" he taunted, his
63Shaking off the feeling, Laurent turned back to his colleagues with a cocky grin. "What a fool, thinking he's better than us! I gave him a piece of my mind." Laughter and backslaps followed, but they rang hollow even to Laurent's ears. Meanwhile, Darius settled into the plush leather seats of hi
64Nathan Lucre was pacing back and forth in his lavish office, his steps echoing in the opulent room. "How dare that bastard marry Leslie," he growled to himself, his voice laced with venom. "She's my property, not his."It had been weeks and he hadn't heard from Leslie which made him furious. Wit
65Leslie held her breath as she awaited Darius's reply, her heart in her throat. There was a long pause before he spoke, his voice hesitant."Leslie, of course you can stay with me," he said gently. "But I...I don't think my place is suitable. Let me see what I can arrange, okay?"Leslie's shoulder
66The next day, in Sanchez's company office, Darius sat across from Sanchez, their discussion taking place in the elegant surroundings of the spacious office. Sanchez, leaned forward, his eyes bright with anticipation."Listen, young Master," Sanchez began, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "There'
67Darius sighed inwardly. It seemed they wouldn't back down so easily. As much as he disliked the idea, confrontation would only make matters worse. He raised his hands slightly to show he meant no harm, then slowly opened the car door and stepped out."See, was that so hard?" said the first man wi