Chapter Two:
A car drove past with blinding speed, catching Dominic’s attention. He stood up to watch where it was headed. A protest was ongoing.
The car drove stopped besides the open place where the protesters were.
“Pay your workers, Allen Group! Pay your workers!” the protesters raised placards. It was a peaceful protest, no one attacked any one.
Until, the driver of the car stepped out and there was a cold air in the environment. It was a master Allen, leader of the Allen group.
The protesters didn’t speak under his intense glare.
“Arrest them! Beat them up!” master Allen commanded and the officers dived at the protesters and began attacking them.
Dominic hid behind a bill board watching this. The situation turned to a fight and more policemen were called.
Dominic left the scene before it escalated. “The Allen group keep on making enemies for themselves.” He mumbled under his breath.
He had to do what he can to rise back to the top. It was unfair. He couldn’t keep living like this.
Thankfully, he secured a job at a local diner under the name Sylvain Savage, a nickname from his old friends.
Since he awoke, his body hadn’t recovered from malnourishment and muscle atrophy. His once vibrant blue eyes were a shade of blue.
His long hair had been cut to a punk and lost it’s bounciness. His muscular stature had become a bony structure with flesh at some parts.
From a vibrant young man to a disheveled lean poor nothing. How’d it get to this?
He only handled part of the company so why did the company fall with him? Why did his family get disoriented after his coma?
Why did his in-laws do that to him? He needed answers and fast. Perhaps he’d need to see Brielle, maybe she wouldn’t have given up on him and he’d get to see his boys.
“Mr. Sylvain! Could you please help me here?” a coworker called out to him from the kitchen.
“I am coming, Mary.” He responded and ran into the kitchen. He’d remain low-key till he’d find trusted alliances.
He had exhausted all his money on finding Lucas and his new family. If he had his cousin, then he’d be encouraged to take on many steps.
He needed to find their old butler too, surely not all of the Thales group wealth was gone. And his mother’s inheritance he was entitled too?
His mother came from the legendary Duncan family. He had no wealth from there? Surely they’d be something to hold unto.
Returning home from the diner by evening, Dominic noticed cars speeding past him.
They were black and looked like convoys, only they weren’t following any car. They seemed to be searching for something, someone.
“Can I have bread, please?” Dominic said to the baker, pointing at the bread he intended to buy.
He turned to the cars perambulating then leaned towards the baker, “Did something happen?”
The baker looked up at the cars and shrugged. “It happened again. The Allen twins. Stubborn boys. They must have ran away again.”
Dominic raised a brow. Allen twins? Did Brielle’s elder brother finally get married and have children? A lot had really happened.
He turned again to the cars and saw tiredness on the faces of the drivers. They weren’t making much effort to find the children.
“Last time, they were nearly kidnapped by a man claiming to be their father who claimed to be their father.” The baker continued.
A smirk came to Dominic’s lips. Brielle’s brother might not be the actual father to the kids then or why else will someone try to claim then.
He faced the baker, took his bread and dropped a dollar note. “Well, they won’t be lost for good.”
Rich children could be really stubborn, he’d know. He wished to find a way to contact Brielle but those drivers looked uncooperative.
Deep down, he didn’t want to face his wife or his in-laws in his current state of owning nothing.
Alley dogs barked angrily at him as he walked down to an incomplete building he called home.
“Hey there!” a hoarse voice called him out. He fastened his steps, knowing who it was but the person’s steps quickened, as well.
A kick went to his back, making him fall face down. He swiftly placed his newly purchased bread under him and coiled himself.
“Oh, that’s how you want to play, right?” the man grinned before kicking him repeatedly.
Dominic pressed his lips together, enduring all the treatment if it meant to have something to eat for dinner and breakfast.
“Nothings like you shouldn’t have been born!” the man barked while hitting him. Dominic smiled painfully in his heart.
When he was born, there had been a feast and many wished they were him, a small helpless baby born to a billionaire family, Thales, and son of Lady Diana of the legendary Duncan family.
There was no ‘nothing’ attached to his person, the only ‘nothing’ was, ‘he lacked nothing’.
The man soon tired out and left him alone. Dominic stayed there sprawled on the ground, having no strength to move.
If he stayed long enough, he could sleep past dinner and just have the bread for breakfast and lunch tomorrow. Or the alley dogs would have it.
His eyes closed, tired of seeing the miserable world. When they opened again, he saw the miserable walls of the incomplete apartment.
He summoned the strength to sit up from the soft bed he laid on, he had to buy a soft bed or else he wouldn’t sleep.
“How did I get back home?” he walked around the house. “There’s no way that bully would have brought me home out of pity.”
A box of pizza, laying on his table, caught his attention. He hurried towards it and tore it open. It was filled.
Surely, a good Samaritan had brought him home and left him something to survive starvation.
Finally feeling hope in his situation, Dominic decided to meet with Brielle with or without a wonderful status.
She married him because she loved him, that’s what she said at the hospital. If she was truthful, then she’d accept him and help him get the Thales group up and striving.
Chapter Three: By the next day, Dominic hastily prepared to move out. It was the day – the day he’d meet up with his lovely wife and kids.No matter what his family had become, he was still her husband and father of her kids. He wore the shirt and shorts he owned, the exact ones he wore during the accident four years back, the most expensive clothes he currently owned. As he left the building, he sighted the door mat, a small ragged cloth, washed and kept to dry on a wall. Was it also done by the good Samaritan? A smile came to Dominic’s lips and he marched to the Allen’s company. “I’d recover all. Brielle, for what you’ve been through, I’d get back enough money to wipe your tears.” Passing a glass door of a shop, he stopped to look at himself. Would she recognize him? His voice now sounded scrawny like twelve year old’s. Shouldn’t she have known he was discharged? Why didn’t she come to pick him up? Questions and doubts were filling his head and he left the glass door and hurr
Chapter Four – Determined. Seeing his wife he loved so much, shoot him daggers at him was enough to break Dominic’s heart. And his sons were hiding from him? Why exactly were all these happening? “I said, I’m Dominic Thales and I recovered from the coma. Can you stop acting this way in front of our sons?” his voice wasn’t very audible. “Did I hear you say ‘our sons’? You're retarded, young filth!” Lady Allen rose from the car. “How dare you address my grandchildren as yours…” “Rebecca! Just shut up! I’d engage you when I’m done with Brielle!” Dominic scolded her immediately, using her first name. Brielle was stunned and looked from her mother to the man. Did they know each other?Security ran towaeds Dominic held unto him before he could resist.“Brielle, it’s me. It’s really me!” but he slapped across the face by a security man. “Even if you’re her husband, you don’t have a place here. But you’re obviously not! Don’t you protesters tire of pranks!” Lady Allen yelled. Pranks?
Chapter Five – Clash of Caliber.Brielle barged into her office, seething and cursing after just lashing out at her employees. Her twin sons followed behind her. Lucian had a disgusted face looking at his brother, Dorian picking his nose. Brielle shook her head, slumping into her chair.“Dorian, you’re being an animal.” Lucian said. “Just like mommy was yelling at people.”His mother shut her eyes. The child spoke a lot like someone she disliked. Master Thales, his grandfather and the man who raised Dominic. Brielle’s mind went to the prank that happened. That man seemed to know her mother and acted out the prank like he was indeed Dominic. She reached for her phone immediately. “Could Dominic really be awake?” she whispered to herself while calling the hospital. “The doctor clearly said he may never awake for the next ten to twenty years but, what if…” the line went through. “Hello, Doctor Phil?” “It’s Matt, my love. How'd I help you, milady?” Brielle internally cringed. The
Chapter Six – United Two months passed since Dominic had been hosted in Selene’s apartment. His mental health had regained stability. His physical body was nurturing but his emotional wellbeing had been shambling upon shambling. New discoveries about what the Allen family had achieved while he was in coma dug holed in his head. “They now have three branches abroad?” The Allen’s group could barely be known in their home country if not for him, then how did they attain some popularity? Well, it wasn’t surprising. Some slander had been placed on the Thales family. Slander used by the Allen’s family to chase clout. An accusation that Master Thales, Dominic’s grandfather, had killed his daughter and son to have the company to himself. Also, his grandson, Dominic was kept in a vegetative state because of him. It made sense why Master Thales ran away and why the company fell because of disappointed and gullible supporters.Also, before that, Allen’s group made Brielle withdraw a huge
Chapter Seven – Embarrassed Rekindling old friendships, fine. But rekindling old business connections, no. Dominic kept on swiping left to all the business owners his grandfather had worked with. Many of them had jumped on the Thales slander and fueled it, many also worked with the Allen’s company while knowing they betrayed him. “No second chance for scums.” That’d be his new motto. He sat back and glanced at his watch. It was almost 3pm. He’d have to pick up Suzy and Lucas at school. Selene was busy handling his company’s cases so the least he could do was pick Suzy up too. Dominic gulped down fruit juice on his desk and then left the table. “I should pick them up now.” Walking through the hall, he remembered when the place bustled with workers and machineries. The machineries remained but none to manage them. They were like vegetables, as he had been months ago. “Don’t worry, you'd run soon.” The car he rode to Suzy and Lucas’ school was one of Jamie’s he bought from him,
Chapter Eight – KidnappedThe environment was pitch black and low police sirens could be heard. Dominic slowly moved his head but a sharp ache made him put it down. Where was he taken to? He remembered the accident and then being taken out from the car.The men in black suits left Lucas in the car and it worried him because he didn’t know what injury Lucas had sustained. Light pierced into his eyes, interrupting his thoughts. “Oh, you’re awake now?” a familiar voice said, followed by a snicker. Dominic tried to work his brain to identify the voice. He couldn’t see the person’s face clearly. “I almost had PTSD when I heard you awoke. You are supposed to be dead, how did you live?” the man sighed. He was supposed to be dead? It made Dominic wonder if the accident that happened was more fatal than he thought. “Where’s Lucas? If you want just me, then leave him alone.” “He’s still a Thales, you know. But yes, I’m not interested in killing him. Don’t worry.” The man replied. Kill
Chapter Nine – At the ward. Again? “What do you mean?” Damien wasn’t stunned Allen family wanted him dead, he’d be hurt to know but at the point, he had given up. But what did ‘again’ mean? “Your accident four years ago. Didn’t you realize they were involved with it? My father precisely. My sister knew nothing.” Bethel explained. Dominic’s heart pounded heavily in his chest. Four years ago, he almost died but luckily or unluckily fell into coma. Sir Allen did that? “Of course, you don’t need to know the reason why…” “I can guess.” Damien interrupted, darkness filling his eyes. “He only wanted Brielle to marry me for my wealth. It planned a long time ago.” Bethel watched him intently as his voice lowered, he looked away. “It’s an inner strife by my father and your grandfather decades back.” Dominic’s head rose. “A decade long strife?” Why'd he never heard of it? Did his grandfather know the Allen family before he married Brielle? “Yet, that’s what led to the unnecessary
Chapter Ten – I’d pay “To give an advice or two.” Sir Allen replied with a calm demeanor, still sporting his fake smile. Advice? Dominic stared, hopelessly, at the man. He wanted to smash his head to a wall but that’d cause a messy scene. But he didn’t want to care. The man caused his life to be such a mess yet he came with an advice? Why were the Allen’s so fearless in taking him on. He knew Sir Allen was only there to threaten but after coming from his son’s place, Dominic was fed up with any Allen telling him what to do. “Get out while I’m still sane! I’d likely not repeat myself again.” He showed him the man the door. Sir Allen shook his head. “This will help you, you know. After four years and returning to the business world, you’d need some…” The man’s neck was dragged and his smile fell. His face was closer to Dominic’s. “Allen, you took my wife from me and then my sons, unless when I want to finish you, I don’t want you showing up in front of me!” Sir Allen
Chapter Ninety – The Old Man Effects of being in a coma for long still plagued him, not even in a medical way or physical but mentally. This news should be the greatest in his life but it got delivered to him, laced with mockery. “Huh? What do you mean when will we get the verdict?” Selene had scowled at him. “Didn’t you throw a party for the case? Or you did so without knowing what was said?” Dominic had rubbed his neck, wondering what could have been said. “There was a break… right?” “Ah, you’re hopeless.” Selene massaged her temples. “The verdict came the same day. Mr. Allen sentenced to thirty-seven years imprisonment. Mrs. Jones— Hey!” Dominic rushed out from her office to go read it himself. How did he not know that the information he’d been waiting for all year came out a day back? He opened his laptop and read trending headlines. Indeed! The verdict came yesterday and it’s the best thing. Mr. Allen had almost forty years imprisonment, he’d definitely be dead bef
Chapter Eighty-Nine – Celebration It felt like a huge burden had been lifted off his shoulders yesterday, coupled with the good news that the Trial was successful. The burden of the bratty lady who he finally realized was named Kate. She had attacked him in her usual way and Neon confronted her. Sweat beads filled her forehead and words couldn’t leave her mouth. She stammered out a sorry but got ignored. It had been a priceless moment for Dominic. Neon could break up with her from there, after all, his interest were on Selene, not her copycat. The case in court hadn’t been over yet. All that’s left was the court’s sentence over Mr. Allen and Mrs. Jones. Allen Company had been completely given to Brielle to save it. Dominic hadn’t heard from her since she ran out after her argument with Pamela’s argument, but it didn’t bother him. What they shared those few months before his accident faded the moment they began doubting each other. And he wanted focus on his company a
Chapter Eighty-Eight – Joke “I didn’t think you knew Selene.” Neon started after Dorian began to feel sleepy again. “When I saw you two that time I just assumed it was for some reason.” Dominic ignored him, looking at the expenses. “She’s actually your employee. That means she wouldn’t take any other jobs during that time. Her pay may be sort of fair.” Neon added. “Huh?” Dominic raised a brow. “You are only supporting this because you like her, right?” Neon’s cheeks reddened. “What do you… yes?” “Like how long did she…” Dominic paused. Selene had been working for him for almost a year. Did she really take no other job apart from his own? He realized that they had been no cases trending that involved Case Closed for a year now. She totally focused on this one. The comments had cheered her comeback. Truly, for a year, she devoted it to his case. He looked at the expenses. They weren’t preposterous anymore. She was a big shot lawyer who stuck with him for a year. “
Chapter Eighty-Seven – Crazy! What did Neon want with him? Dominic kept his eyes on him. Neon still had a plastered smile on his face. Seeing he was bent on being a guest, Dominic sighed and gestured for him to seat down. His plans to continue reading comments were over. Dominic sat down too, placing Dorian on his laps. “You wanted to see me? I hope nothing happened in the family.” Not that he’d care but he just wanted to ask. Neon exhaled. “We are family members, you know?” Dominic nodded. Dorian turned to him questioningly. “He’s really my uncle? Another one?” Did Neon introduce himself as his uncle? The father nodded. “Yes, another one. Be happy that you have tons.” Dorian smiled widely. “I’m happy.” Neon smiled. “I didn’t think you’d have kids.” Why did he sound so familiar? Dominic hummed. “Yeah, I do, after all, kids are a blessing.” He went straight to the point. “You came here because…?” “Right.” Neon took a picture out of his pocket. Was it Selene? Domi
Chapter Eighty-Six – ApologiesThe trial was in few days time. Selene became really hot stuff. Dominic sipped on the orange juice Dorian had given him. The comments were entertaining now. Mr. Allen had much more enemies than he knew. Many of them were in the comments engaging in comment sections battles with Mr. Allen deranged fans. Even Brielle’s fan boys were in the comments, only defending Mr. Allen because he hurt their ‘rival’ Young Master Dominic Thales. Dominic also noticed his fan girls replying Brielle’s fan boys. He smirked. The comment section was a really interesting place to be. It had lots of laughs too. There was a knock on his door and Dominic closed the laptop. He had little to do that day, he could even spend it entertaining himself with the comments. Someone entered his office and Dominic’s expression changed. “Norman?!” What was a brat like him doing at his office? The office door widened and Lucian walked in. “Daddy, he said he wanted to speak with yo
Chapter Eighty-Five – Pre-trialAll Selene’s charges were accepted by the court. The trends shot up when it was released that it was Case Closed that would be handling the case. It was also revealed that Case Closed’s father was killed by Mr. Allen though the reason wasn’t released. It really reduced Mr. Allen’s supporters because unlike the Thales Empire, Case Closed was like a national treasure. The fact made Dominic anxious again because after all was done, he’d have to pay Selene and her price could send him back to bankruptcy. Still, getting justice for his dead relatives would be worth anything. Today was the day of pre-trial. Dominic realized that was something else that made him anxious. Mrs. Jones had been arrested and kept in custody, she returned back to the country and got caught at the airport. A really good lawyer would represent Mr. Allen, he probably would suppress evidence and dismiss some charges. He would be going for a lighter sentence too. Dominic ru
Chapter Eighty-Four – Argue The day of charging came. Dominic was thoroughly grateful for the people in his life. Immediately the charges became live, Silas took it live, literally. It had been trending for the past two hours. The secret of Thales Empire’s fall. Dominic wasn’t really fond of that tag because to him, the empire hadn’t fallen but it could have. The young master had gotten numerous submissions of fan mails, especially those entitled fans who were asking him to give the full summary of what happened. Dominic was glad they bothered to know.Selene made the charges sound really heinous. Tadashi was charged with kidnap, manslaughter and torture of Lucas’ father and Mrs. Thales. The man would never get a light sentence especially as he was in a foreign country. Death was a probability for him. Mrs. Jones was charged with conspiracy, murder and attempted murder, law breaking, evading police, amongst other possible charges. Selene just kept them coming. Mr. Allen
Chapter Eighty-Three – No proofDominic smirked. He had also forgotten that she could be crazy too. Her methods would put her in trouble if the doctor’s assistant filed a case against her. Matt cried again as another pen was stabbed into his leg, he felt a thin line of blood stream down his legs. “Start talking.” Brielle ordered. She had to get useful information for Dominic today and now or she wouldn’t be able to face him when she would leave here. Matt cried bitterly. Why was a woman who liked treating him like an animal! All because of that wretched young master. He didn’t want to give up. “Milady, I love you!” A scowl came on Brielle’s face. What, in all the things she had said, translated to him giving her a love confession? Wasn’t he listening to her? She pulled out the first pen she stabbed in and Matt wailed again. She looked him dead in the eyes. “That’s my response, scum! You should learn to know your place!” Matt’s eyes brimmed with tears. It was no use. Then
Chapter Eighty-Two – Crazy LadyCould this be it what started their attack in the first place? Could it be his Grandfather rejected the Society? Dominic couldn’t be so sure. It was only an example by Lucas anyway. Yet, this gave him lots of insights to what could be going on within the Society. He rubbed Lucas head and took out a hundred dollar bill. “This really helped so I’d pay for your services, Teacher Lucas.” His nephew’s eyes widened on seeing the bill, but he comported himself and replied. “Thank you and I hope you learnt a thing or two from my short lecture.” Dominic laughed as he returned to his study room. He should visit his hospital and make enquires. The more of these Society members he finds, the better evidence. Leaving the study later, he found no one in the living room. He looked at the wall. Brielle had drafted a timetable for the kids. By the side there was a calendar for those who followed the timetable exactly and the prizes involved. Dominic slightly