4. They're Coming Back

"Mr. John has been found guilty of the premeditated murder committed against you, Mr. Leo."

Leo looked at Bram who handed him his tablet to tell him a news article. In the car heading to the Araizona Group Company's corporate building, Leo read one of the news articles.

"The narcotics business at the AHA Club was also exposed. So he owns the biggest club in London?" Leo asked.

Bram nodded his head. "That's right, Mr. Leo. After the investigation of yesterday's case, the prosecution found several acts of lawlessness committed by Mr. John."

For a split second Leo read the rest of the news caption on the article. After that, he closed the tablet while letting out a long sigh.

"I already guessed that someone like him must have various illegal businesses behind. I just don't know how to uncover them," Leo said.

Bram glanced at Leo through the small rearview mirror above his head.

"I'm still someone who doesn't have any power. I even borrowed money until I was almost killed by him," Leo said continuing his words.

"Mr. Leo, I'm sorry for what you've been through. You've fought hard for your life," Bram replied.

"No problem, Bram. I'm already relieved that Mr. John got what he deserved," Leo said with a warm smile. 

All this time Leo had been holding back while facing Mr. John. Moreover, Leo was also in the middle of Lily's family who urged him to comply with all their wishes. So Leo was forced to go back into debt to Mr. John even though he had already paid off his other debts.

Mr. John's treatment of people who owe him is also like trash. Leo often saw how Mr. John tortured poor people in his personal 'cage'.

Remembering it all, Leo immediately shuddered in horror while shaking his head. Leo didn't want to dwell too much on his bad memories.

"Mr. Leo, we've arrived at the Araizona Group Company building," Bram said, snapping Leo out of his reverie.

Leo looked away, he was stunned to see how magnificent the Araizona Group Company building was from a close distance. Leo knew this company was the biggest. But he had never seen it up close.

"There are already staff waiting in the lobby, Mr. Leo," Bram informed him.

Leo slowly got out of the car after refusing Bram's help. That made Bram step quickly over to Leo for security.

Leo and Bram walked hand in hand to the lobby door of Araizona Group Company. Leo breathed in the fresh air of the luxurious building he hadn't stepped into in years.

Leo saw several staff standing on either side, giving way, bowing in respect.

"Greetings, Mr. Leo!" They exclaimed firmly in Leo's honor.

Where he stood, Leo was dumbfounded. He froze and stared at the staff who seemed reluctant to him.

Leo just give a little smile. 

"Thank you for your welcome," Leo replied warmly. "Well, you shouldn't have to do this."

One of the people among the staff approached Leo. The man who had a name tag that read 'Director of Araizona Group Company' gave a smile of formality.

"I didn't expect to meet the heir of Araizona Group Company. I'm Mr. Pedro, Director of Araizona Group. I'm very happy to welcome you."

Leo arched a warm smile in reply to Mr. Pedro's words.

"Thank you, Mr. Pedro," Leo said.

Before Leo could say anything else, Bram suddenly approached him. Bram whispered something very serious to Leo.

"Mr. Leo, someone is waiting to see you in the VIP room."

Leo's eyebrows furrowed at Bram's words. Leo briefly looked at Bram as if asking who was coming, then Bram replied by shaking his head.

"That person asked not to mention his name in front of you," Bram explained.  

"Should I come there now?" asked Leo.

"They seem urgent to talk to you."

Leo finally looked at Mr. Pedro and the staff.

"I really appreciate your hospitality. Sorry, I have to meet someone who wants to talk to me now. It's an urgent situation," Leo excused himself.

It wasn't long before Leo stepped out again with Bram. Followed by two bodyguards who led them to the VIP room.

"Why won't they tell us who they are, Bram?" Leo asked.

"I don't understand, Mr. Leo. Maybe it was to get you to meet him, but he should have made an appointment first."

"Either he's so desperate, or he's someone from the conglomerate that the rules don't apply to him," replied a guessing Leo.

The elevator opened. They rushed to the VIP room.

Leo was already wondering who the guest was who came and wanted to talk to him. When the VIP room door opened, his whole body froze after seeing who had come.

The elevator opened. They rushed to the VIP room.

Leo was already wondering who the guest was and wanted to talk to him. When the VIP room door opened, his whole body froze after seeing who had come.

"Leo, gosh. I'm so happy to see you again."

Leo furrowed his brow in confusion and disbelief. He repeatedly tried blinking his eyes to confirm his own vision.

"Wait. Mr. Walter? Why are you here?"

In front of Leo was Mr. Walter with Lily. His former father-in-law and his ex-wife.

"I saw you at the Holland Family mansion at the event last night. I... didn't expect you to really be the heir to the Araizona Group Company," Mr. Walter said.

Leo watched Mr. Walter with a surprised look on his face. Instantly his memory revolved around the moment when Mr. Walter and Lily disparaged him. They had dumped him just like that.

"What brings you here, Mr. Walter?" asked Leo, sharply but calmly.

Mr. Walter walked up to Leo. For the first time, Mr. Walter's gaze seemed so warm to Leo. He even smiled.

A smile that made Leo wonder. Why had Mr. Walter's attitude changed so drastically towards him?

"I didn't expect you, my former son-in-law, to be the heir to a big company. I... I knew you actually had a talent for success," Mr. Walter said.

Leo grinned at Mr. Walter after those words were said.

"You used to say I was lousy, poor, and useless because I never succeeded," Leo retorted, deliberately sarcastic.

Mr. Walter immediately looked somewhat stunned. It was like he was remembering a past incident. But soon his face returned to normal.

"Ah, I was just motivating you, Leo. You know, a person will be more excited when they're motivated by something," Mr. Walter replied with a chuckle.

"Tell me to the point, Mr. Walter. What do you want?" asked Leo.

Mr. Walter briefly faded his smile into an awkward expression. He realized Leo was not at all persuaded by his sweet words.

"I'm interested in offering you a business partnership, Leo. We have a close relationship as son-in-law and father-in-law."

"Yes, but that's in the past, Mr. Walter," Leo said. "You said yourself that you don't want to deal with me anymore. Aren't I useless?"

"Oh, come on, Leo. Let's forget what happened in the past," Lily said, walking slowly towards Leo.  

Leo turned his gaze to Lily. "For someone who betrayed you, it must be easy to forget everything you did."

Mr. Walter immediately moved closer to Leo. "Leo, we can have a good talk. You know, I have a very amazing business innovation. If you will cooperate and invest in my company... I'm sure we can make great profits."

Leo curved a lopsided smile. "Ah, you really want to make a profit?"

Mr. Walter immediately nodded his head with an enthusiastic smile.

"That's right. You must really want success, right?" asked Mr. Walter.

"Leo, you've always tried to make me proud. This is a great opportunity for you." Lily said, giving her opinion.

No, it isn't. This was not what Leo wanted.

"All right. I will consider," Leo replied.

Lily and Mr. Walter looked at each other with very hopeful looks on their faces.

"I have a meeting now," Leo said with a meaningful smile.

Without waiting for Lily and Mr. Walter's response, Leo turned around and walked with Bram. In the middle of their steps, Leo gave an order in a whisper to Bram.

"Bram, find out which company is the business rival of Mr. Walter's company. I will cooperate with them."