“What is he saying?” the gang leader asked the person beside him.
“He said that he alone is more than all of us here,” the person answered.
The leader burst out laughing and pointed a finger at Ace. “You should be in the circus for your funny behavior. How can you say that one of you is more than the thirteen of us here?” The leader snarled in disgust.
Ace ignored the remark and looked at his watch. He needed to be at the event before Andrea's speech.
“Hurry up with whatever you're planning. I'm running behind schedule,” Ace said coolly.
The gang leader’s anger flared. He had taken time to come out here, and this guy was acting like it was nothing.
“Who do you think you are? Get him, boys!” he ordered, and they rushed at Ace with their knives and weapons, ready to cut him down.
Andrea, who was sitting in the car, couldn’t clearly see what was happening behind the tinted glass, but she saw them rush at Ace.
Suddenly, her car door was yanked open, and someone forcefully dragged her out.
She was prepared, though. She cocked her gun and shot the assailant in the foot, earning a pained howl.
Ace noticed her movement and couldn’t help but compliment her. “Good job, Princess. Do the same for the others, will you? I don't want to get my suit stained,” he said while fighting off most of the men.
He dodged a blow aimed at his head and twisted the attacker’s arm, causing a loud crack. Someone started crying.
Andrea held her own against two men, kicking and delivering punches in just the right places, which Ace was quick to notice. “Don't call me Princess!” she shot back as she fired another round at someone's arm.
“Okay, Princess,” Ace replied, having taken down all the men around him. He turned his attention to the leader.
Just as he was about to move, he heard a loud gunshot, and the leader fell, clutching his foot.
“You’re welcome,” Andrea said as she walked over to him.
Ace nodded, realizing that despite her makeup and expensive look, she was still able to fight effectively even with the heavy dress.
“Let’s go,” Ace demanded.
In ten minutes, they arrived at the event.
Ace stepped out of the car and helped Andrea out.
Upon seeing Andrea, the media went wild.
“Is that the famous beauty? Oh my, she’s even more beautiful up close!” someone shouted.
“If I had her beauty, I’d build a palace with the money from all the men who’d be around me,” another person swooned.
Ace held Andrea’s hand, leading her forward.
“Does she already have a man?” someone abruptly asked, causing the media to take more shots of the supposed couple.
“Where the hell have you been?” a loud voice rang out, shocking everyone in the vicinity.
It was a fine young man with blonde hair.
Ace squinted his eyes in annoyance.
“You said you'd be here earlier, but we waited an extra twenty minutes. What did you do to the princess? You took advantage of her, right? Because she was unable to defend herself?” the young blonde pointed a finger at Ace, angry that Ace had dismissed him earlier and jealous that Ace had spent time alone with the princess.
Hearing the juicy gossip, the media went wild again.
“What are you saying?” Andrea stepped forward, clearly annoyed.
“You don’t need to say anything, ma'am. I’m sure he forced you not to reveal the truth. He must have stained your honor, right? I’ll help you put him in jail and…” Just before the man could finish his statement, a loud slap echoed through the crowd, causing everyone to gasp.
“How dare you speak to me like that?” Andrea was furious as she slapped the young blonde.
“But he…” The blonde gripped his cheek in surprise and tried to speak.
“You should keep quiet and know when to speak,” Ace advised him, and the blonde fumed silently.
Andrea gave him a sharp look and walked away while Ace went to the car's trunk and opened it.
Someone screamed, and the media rushed over with their cameras while Ace ignored the commotion.
“Take this man to the police and have him questioned about who sent him. Do whatever it takes to get the answers,” Ace ordered his team, who saluted him immediately.
Ace then turned to the young blonde, still on the ground with a small smile on his face.
“And you’re fired for trying to harass the Princess,” Ace declared, leaving the blonde in shock.
“We should go in,” Ace suggested to Andrea with a nod.
“Okay then,” Andrea replied and stepped into the large hall, which was adorned with gold and diamond-studded pillars.
‘Grandpa must have spent a fortune on this for me,’ Andrea smiled to herself as she walked into the hall.
A few cameramen were present inside, and they didn’t miss the opportunity to take her picture.
“They’re all waiting for you,” Ace whispered as he approached her.
Andrea nodded and moved gracefully to the center of the hall, amidst the cheers of the people present.
Ace, as her hired guard, stood beside her.
“She looks so pretty,” someone muttered.
“I love her dress,” another commented.
It was time for the guests to mingle, make acquaintances, or simply enjoy the party.
Andrea was busy talking to Ace when someone approached.
“Good day, my lady. My name is Richard Conner, and with me is my lady, Lisa Montreal,” Richard introduced himself with a smile.
He wanted to get on Andrea's good side, and nothing would stop him.
He hadn’t noticed Ace, who had walked away to get some punch.
“Ah yes, the Conner family. I'm happy that you honored my invitation,” Andrea politely said, even though she couldn’t remember sending them an invitation.
“My pleasure. I'd like to discuss some things with you if you please. The Conner family would like to collaborate with you and…” Before Richard could finish his statement, he was interrupted.
“It’s time, Andrea,” Ace whispered in her ear as he returned.
“Ace?” Lisa quickly recognized him despite his new and improved look.
Ace didn’t respond, but Andrea spoke.
“You know these people?” Andrea asked with an amused look.
“I did. They don’t matter,” Ace replied brutally, and Lisa felt a dull ache in her chest.
Anger surged in Richard when he heard Ace’s words. “You’re the one who doesn’t matter! You’re so wretched, and I wonder where you got those clothes. You probably stole them, right? You can’t even kneel down when serving a woman as beautiful as Andrea. You’re worthless!” Richard spat out in disgust.
Andrea was confused. She didn’t know much about Ace, but she was surprised to see someone speak so harshly about him.
“I thought you didn’t know them,” Andrea asked again.
Ace sighed. “The girl was my ex. She left me for that man because I was poor,” he replied.
The pain in Lisa’s chest intensified when she heard him refer to her as ‘the girl.’
To everyone’s shock, Andrea burst out laughing.
***
Even the media was drawn to the sweet sound of Andrea’s laughter.“Ace? Poor? You must be mistaken. You’ve lost a good man,” Andrea said to Lisa, recalling the scene of Ace saving her during the ambush.“I don't care. He never gave me anything, and he has nothing. I don't want someone who is nothing,” Lisa’s ego took a hit from Andrea's comment, and she retaliated.“Ace? He's a million times better than your current man,” Andrea replied with a smirk.Andrea knew that Ace would disappear after completing his job, but her curiosity got the better of her; she didn't want him to leave just yet.“How do you know that?” Lisa asked, glancing at Ace and then back at Andrea. “Have you two been seeing each other?” Lisa questioned.This time, Ace stepped forward.“Not everyone would stoop as low as you have, and furthermore, what I do with my life is no longer your concern,” Ace retorted sharply.“How dare you speak to her like that?” Richard rushed forward, ready to punch Ace, but Andrea's voic
"Sir, please forgive me, just one..." Julius desperately knelt on the ground, his trembling hands clutching at Ace's pants. His face was full of remorse, cold sweat running down his forehead. His voice was choked, as if he had only one last glimmer of hope left in his despair.Ace bent down, his icy gaze locking onto Julius without a hint of expression. “Forgive you? Do you think you deserve to say that? Do you remember how I begged you during the scholarship decision?”Julius trembled, desperately searching for something in Ace's eyes, but found nothing. His hands slowly slipped away, his head bowed in defeat. “I… I was wrong… but please…”“Shut up.” Ace cut him off, his voice like cold steel. “You had your chance, and you betrayed my trust. Don't think I will be merciful this time.” He turned his back and walked away, leaving Julius collapsed on the ground.Julius had nothing left to say, kneeling there quietly in shame and regret, watching as Ace left him behind. In the distance, Q
Ace rushed into the thick smoke, the heat from the blazing fire scorching his skin. The explosion moments ago didn't just shake the entire building, but also sent electrical sparks shooting through the dark hallway, making everything unstable.All around were the creaking sounds, like signs of an imminent collapse. Everything was terrifying!In an instant, Ace glanced back and saw Luther had safely led Quinn away. But that didn't stop him from charging towards the burning room. "Julius, where are you?"His voice choked, as if swallowed by the crumbling space, echoing without any reply.Ace's steps didn't slow down. He knew that if he didn't move fast, Julius would be burned alive in the very prison his own mistakes had created. Ace's heart pounded loudly in his chest, time felt like it was shattering.But deep inside, Lisa's voice echoed like a silent plea. "My father .. please, save my father."The smoke thickened, obscuring his vision, but Ace was used to this feeling. His eyes lock
“How dare you…” Richard roared, but as soon as he realized it was Andrea, he immediately swallowed his words, reverting to a respectful attitude. “Miss!”“Get out of here! And remember, Richard, keep your bitch under control. Don’t make me angry!”Andrea spoke with a veiled threat, but everyone understood its meaning. No matter how angry Lisa was, she had no choice but to swallow her pride and walk away. Compared to Andrea, she was nothing.“Andrea…” Before Ace could finish his sentence, she had already pulled him into a tight embrace. He could hear soft sniffles by his ear. Was she… crying?“Wait, what’s going on?” He still didn’t understand what was happening.A moment later, Andrea regained her composure and let go of Ace. She spoke clearly, “I found out about the recent attack. Thankfully, my grandfather is safe.”“That’s it? Well, that’s good. I thought it was something more serious…”She was slightly taken aback by his indifferent attitude. Does he not care?“My grandfather told
Ace stepped closer to Oliver, his eyes fixed on the older man, unblinking. The entire room was thick with tension as everyone’s gaze followed the two of them.“How do we know you’re the real Ace?” Oliver’s sneer curled his lips, his sharp eyes gleaming with suspicion. His tone was laced with the intention to apply pressure. “A man who vanished for years suddenly reappears… It’s more than a little suspicious.”Ace remained unfazed, staring straight into Oliver’s eyes. “You doubt me? After all these years, you still don’t believe that I’m the only one capable of running My Lady?”Oliver scoffed, stepping closer to Ace, their distance shrinking by the second. “Anyone can fake the identity of a dead man. We need more than fairy tales to rely on.”“A dead man?” Ace chuckled coldly, his voice echoing ominously through the room. “Is that what you think? Let me remind you, Oliver, that it was my signature on the contract that saved you from bankruptcy. Is there anyone here who dares to deny t
Ace stepped into the grand lobby of the My Lady hotel, the luxurious atmosphere surrounding him in stark contrast to the simple life he had lived for many years. He had grown accustomed to staying in the shadows, living a humble existence, far removed from the wealth and power of this world. But now, returning to My Lady, Ace knew he had to confront both his past and present.As he exited the elevator and walked toward the entrance, Ace quickly noticed the stares from people around him. A group gathered near the reception desk, chatting animatedly, but they all went silent the moment they spotted him.A voice suddenly called out from behind, pulling Ace back from his thoughts.“Hey, isn’t that Ace? The broke kid from school?”Ace turned around, locking eyes with a familiar face—though not someone he had ever been particularly close to. It was Jack, someone who had attended the same school as Ace, but they had never really been friends. Standing beside Jack was a group of his friends,
Ace stood beside his car, his gaze fixed solemnly on the road ahead. Night had settled over the city, and the glow from the My Lady Hotel cast a faint light on his face, accentuating his already steely expression. Just as he reached for the car door, a voice broke through the silence.“Ace! Wait!”Lisa’s voice was desperate as she hurried up behind him, her breaths coming in short, rapid bursts. Ace turned slowly, his cold eyes meeting hers without a trace of warmth. “What else is there to say, Lisa?” His tone was icy, his demeanor guarded.She hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer, her face softened with regret. “I… I know I was wrong, Ace. Please, just… forgive me.” Her voice trembled, her eyes glossy with unshed tears as she looked up at him pleadingly.Ace didn’t flinch. His gaze remained steady, and yet, deep within, an old wound seemed to stir, recalling the bitterness of her betrayal. “Forgive you?” he scoffed, a slight sneer forming at the corner of his mouth. “Do you re
Ace moved through the hospital’s quiet hallways until he reached the door of Mr. Quinn’s room. Inside, the ambient hum of medical machinery filled the air, an almost rhythmic accompaniment to the steady rise and fall of the elder's chest as he rested. Ace’s expression softened slightly as he entered, but his posture remained guarded.“Mr. Quinn,” Ace greeted in a low, respectful tone. The man on the bed stirred, turning to look at him, his eyes warming with recognition and a hint of relief.“Ace…” Mr. Quinn murmured, his voice rasping with the effort to speak. “I didn’t think... you’d come.”“I came to ensure everything is under control,” Ace replied, his voice measured and calm, masking the underlying worry that only he could detect. The world saw Quinn as a powerful, almost untouchable figure, but to Ace, he was a leader worthy of respect—a figure who had shaped and guided the world around him.As they exchanged a few more words, the door opened, and Andrea walked in, her face light