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, it was relatively new and was a gift to Jamie.
He stopped the car close to a bar and tipped the owner to let him keep it.
His face wasn’t familiar to the bartender but school teachers or parents might recognize him if he drove a flashy car to school.
He didn’t want Lucas or Suzy to be bullied at school.
A small car was at the garage when Dominic got there. He recognized it belonged to the Allen’s family.
He masked his face and continued to the school, he wore casual clothes so fit perfectly. Also, Lucas’ guardian was still Jamie for time being.
A receptionist at the school’s entrance asked his name. “Sylvain Savage.” He replied. “To pick up Suzy Jones and Lucas… Saunders.”
The receptionist smiled, and then a younger lady appeared. She looked Dominic over. “Who are you? And why are you picking up Suzy and the new boy, Lucas?”
Dominic ignored her, while making sure the receptionist spelt ‘Sylvain’ correctly.
The receptionist cleared her throat. “Sir, this is Miss Ruth, our principal.”
Dominic didn’t give a damn. “I’d wait here. You can call Selene or Lucas’ guardian if you want confirmation, miss receptionist.”
Miss Ruth looked him over, this time with a seductive hint. Dominic caught the gesture quickly and turned away.
“Is this Lucas Miss Selene’s real son? He has her surname.” Ruth initiated a small talk.
But Dominic saw it as a gossip. He didn’t know why Suzy didn’t bear Saunders but he didn’t care. Selene was her mother.
“If you want, I'd tell Miss Selene you asked then she’d answer when next you two meet.” He said.
Miss Ruth shook her head. “No, never mind.”
The bell rang and many kids ran out from a class block. They were numerous three year olds.
Dominic remembered his sons while looking at them, they were around the same age.
“Ouch! That hurts!” one of the kids yelled.
Miss Ruth ran to them and picked a child from another boy. “Lucian! Stop that!”
Dominic snapped his head at the direction and his jaw dropped. Wasn’t that his son, Lucian?
“Let me beat that… ugly… you!” he kept trying to jump on his victim who was already crying.
Miss Ruth held him tight and scolded. “Can’t you forgive Bruce? Your mom almost took you two from my school. Can you be a child for once!”
Before Dominic could react, a man dressed in black suits hijacked Lucian from Miss Ruth.
“We were sent to retrieve the boys.” The man flashed his ID card. Dorian, amongst the other children, ran to the man in suits. “Yeah!! Home!”
Lucian calmed down and he was dropped. “Dorian, let’s go home. I’d finish this later.” He stomped off, with a stoic and bitter expression.
Miss Ruth looked at him with an impossible look, she shook her head. “Maybe I should have let Brielle take her boys.”
Dominic smirked, he felt quite embarrassed with the behavior but thankfully no one knew they were his kids.
“Uncle Domi?” Lucas spoke besides Dominic.
He looked at his little cousin, startled that he sneaked on him. “You’re here?”
“I realized in the morning that your sons attend this school. Suzy told me. That was him, right? The one Suzy said had a short temper.”
Dominic stared at Lucian as he stomped off. Sadly, it would be, like his grandfather, one of his sons had a short temper and sharp tongue.
“Well, blame their genes.”
“You mean grandfather.” Lucas sighed.
Dominic smiled. “And where’s Suzy?”
“Her class left for an excursion, they’d be dropped at their respective homes later.”
He nodded, taking Lucas’ school bag in his hands and walking back to his car.
He should head back to the company before some sort of tragedy happened. Also, Silas would be in the country in few hours.
“Do you remember Silas? Do you want to meet up with him?” He asked Lucas as they got into the car.
“No, I have assignment to do.” Lucas said quickly. “Muy dificil.” he added a bit of Spanish.
Dominic rolled his eyes, disappointed. He had almost forgotten how much of an introvert his little cousin was. “Fine then, let’s roll.”
The bartender waved at him as he left and even if Dominic didn’t see why, he waved back.
They left the school’s premises. Lucas began reading so Dominic spared him from any small talk he’d like to initiate.
As they got to another street, the acceleration of the car picked up without Dominic affecting it. “What the hell.” Dominic tried marching brakes but they didn’t work. The car moved faster.
“Um… Uncle Domi?” Lucas looked scared as the car was moving past the required limit.
Dominic stomped on the brakes many times while trying to open the car door. Horror filled his eyes when he realized the door didn’t open.
It was jammed. He turned to his little cousin who seemed to understand the situation. “Will we die, Uncle…”
The car made a sharp turn and crashed on a pole, then it slowly went back and stayed at the middle of the road.
Lucas passed out immediately due to fear while Dominic breathed heavily, having his forehead bleeding from hitting the steering wheel.
“Did… did we have an accident?” he muttered.
He had so many flashbacks from his last accident that left him almost useless.
Was this another one? Though it wasn’t fatal, he still feared something worse would happening.
At that moment, many small black cars pulled up in front of him. Men dressed in black came out of them but none came to his aid.
“What the hell was happening now?” he yelled in frustration, despite pain throbbing in his head.
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 Eleven – Jean In front of a clinic, a red Lamborghini had been parked for twenty minutes before a man stepped out of the driver’s seat. The security guards that had been watching the car were stunned when an elegant looking man stepped out of the car. The man walked briskly to the other side of the passenger’s seat and opened the car door. A blonde girl jumped out of the car and ran to the entrance, she stood and gaped. “Awww! This is the clinic, isn’t it?!” The security guards gawked at her beauty with subtlety. The man sighed and walked to her, folding his arms around hers. “Mother is in, let’s go.” he pulled her along, ignoring the gawking of the security guards. As they walked into the clinic, the receptionist ran to them with smiles. “Sir Casimir, Miss Jean! Good morning. Hope you had a nice flight?” Jean grinned widely. “We sure did! There was this old lady who got mad at me for talking in the first class…” “We did. Thank you.” Casimir interrupted his lit
Chapter Twelve – Jones.“What are you doing here?” Dominic stared down at the two human forms before him. He was just about drowning himself in coffee and documentations when he heard the scream. “And why are you looking for Brielle here?” Jean made a small run towards him. “Hi, I’m Miss Jean from the Timely...” “I heard.” Dominic interrupted. “You didn’t answer me.” Jean stepped back. “Um, well…” “I’m Casimir Jones, CEO of Timely Gadgets. We came to offer condolences for the death of your grandmother.” Casimir said, coming forward. Dominic’s eyes darkened on him. Jones? The name sounded familiar, and not really in his good book. “Thank you for the thoughts.” He was sure there was no enterprise called Timely Gadgets that his grandfather collaborated with. He had recently checked the log books. “Anything else you need from me?” he asked, taking a step back to show he needed to leave. “Where’s Lucas? I haven’t seen him.” Jean said suddenly. Dominic frowned at her. What
Chapter Thirteen – Everett. Augustus Arthur. Definitely a powerful name belonging to a powerful man. Seeing the name alone made Dominic shake. “What’s the deal with him?” Dominic forced a smile to ease his discomfort. He kept scrolling but the name stayed on his mind. When done with the files of the day, he closed the building. He was heading for a meeting he looked forward to all day – meeting of the Dons. “This will be so exhilarating.” He said under his breath. “Another chance to trend!” The awoken Young Master gracing his presence at the exclusive party of young CEOs. Before his accident, he never took the meeting serious because it was just a glorified evening party yet he attended always. Showing his face at the party again will surely cause an interesting buzz, after all, he was still a young CEO just not as successful. He got in his car, drank bottle of water before starting the car. He’d be going for a two hours drive to make it, but he’d not miss it.
Chapter Fourteen – Ex-wife A tall red-haired lady, with pursed lips and curious eyes stood, hands on waist, behind him. She was a fashion model that took the world by storm four years back. It seemed she reached greater heights to be dining with young CEOs. “You aren’t a regular here. Don’t think anyone can just waltz in…” “Now, that’s just rude. You wouldn’t even ask my name since your eyes don’t seem to work.” Dominic sighed disappointedly. He had regained some of his features so was definitely easier to recognize, except she wasn’t big on the Thales family. Which would be unreal. Miss Avarez clenched her fists. “Who are you speaking to like that? Excuse me?” she called for a guard. Dominic expression became serious. Was this lady about to cause a scene? He grabbed her arm and pulled her to his face. The guard noticed the act and rushed to him. “Miss Avarez, I’m not used to not being known. It’s never been said anywhere that the Thales heir wasn’t identified.” His
Chapter Fifteen – Hiring The chill juice sliding down his throat cooled Dominic's nerves. He exhaled, dropping the glass down, then stared at Everett. “You want to help me? I’d say, I’m surprised.” “Don’t be.” Everett dropped his own glass. “I’m repaying a debt.” Dominic narrowed his eyes. That didn’t sound right. After helping him, he had no intentions of being friends again? He sighed. “Whatever. You have a clothing line?” Everett nodded, “I understand Thales empire released one before the fall. If they are good products, they can still make a debut in the market but in cheaper prices.” That piqued Dominic’s interest. He had been thinking of debuting the clothing line, since he had Suzy Jones as standby model, but he worried for it’s quality. “I bet they have great designs but the quality might be less now so take a bit from the price. You might run little loss but it’d give you first popularity.” Everett advised. Hearing Everett give good advice impressed Dominic bec
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