"What do you want?" Miss Poison asked sharply, her voice slicing through the air like a whip as Ava froze mid-step.
"I hope you understand the meaning of trespassing," she added, stepping closer with narrowed eyes. "We gave you a task, and now you want to meet the boss?"
Ava quickly shook her head. "No, ma'am. I—I thought I saw my friend Chris. The boss just... he looked so much like him," she stammered.
Miss Poison didn't reply. She turned on her heel and strode toward the car, heels clicking with authority. Ava bowed politely as she passed, grinning in disbelief. A $3 billion deal signed with Dragon Group—this would surely skyrocket her position in Asstas Group. Her heart raced with excitement.
Yet a sliver of worry crept in.
"He looks so much like Chris," she thought, brows furrowing. "But Chris is still in jail... or did someone bail him out?"
Shaking her head, she murmured, "Either way, I'm telling the Prestons. They'll be thrilled we landed the contract."
While Ava basked in her success, elsewhere, Chris leaned back, mind restless. Five years, he mused. How have they managed without me? He turned to Miss Poison.
"Get me everything on Ava and her family," he commanded. "I've got plans."
Without hesitation, Miss Poison activated the telecom. In seconds, data flooded the screen.
"After your conviction five years ago, Ava graduated and joined Asstas Group. She's been climbing the ladder since. Today, she was promoted to Manager, thanks to the Dragon Group contract," she recited.
Chris's eyes narrowed.
"Also," she continued, "her mother turns 40 today. There's a massive party planned for tonight."
"Where?" Chris cut in.
"Reddit Villa," she replied. "Mrs. Nile has invited several influential figures—both local and international. Oh, and Ava has a suitor her mother is eager to marry her off to."
Miss Poison paused, glancing at him. "Forgive me, my Lord… would you like to attend the celebration?"
Chris smirked, his gaze distant. "I'd love nothing more than to get close to Ava again. I need to... make amends for everything. And besides," his tone darkened, "I'd like to meet this supposed suitor."
---
Night fell fast. Reddit Villa shimmered with golden lights. Karen Nile, elegant and extravagant, had spared no expense for her 40th birthday. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
Birthday songs echoed. Her husband, Josh, gifted her a radiant necklace. Ava leaned in and kissed her mom's cheek. "Happy birthday, Mom."
Karen took the mic with a grin, pausing just long enough to stir curiosity.
"Turning 40," she began, "I believe it's time I became a grandmother. Or better yet—grandmothers," she teased.
Ava cringed, knowing exactly where this was heading.
"I didn't have to search far," Karen continued. "God provided me the perfect son-in-law!"
She lifted her hand theatrically. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome on stage, my handsome son-in-law, Mr—"
"Mr. Chris Loner!"
A sharp voice rang out, slicing through the crowd's anticipation. Heads turned. Gasps followed.
Chris stood at the banquet's entrance, wearing simple clothes—almost rugged. But his presence? Undeniably powerful.
"Chris?" Ava gasped. A smile bloomed on her face, emotions swelling—it had been five long years.
Karen's joy vanished. Her expression darkened as Chris walked forward.
She stepped back when he approached, dodging his respectful gesture to touch her feet. "How dare you barge in here uninvited? And who gave you the right to call yourself my son-in-law?" she hissed.
Chris raised both palms. "I was only joking, Aunt. No offense intended."
Before he could say more, another voice echoed.
"And who gave you the right to joke about my title?" A tall, tattooed man stepped into view—Benjamin Burton.
Chris froze.
Benjamin. The same man who visited him in jail… only to have him beaten afterward.
Benjamin smirked. "An ex-con like you as the Niles' son-in-law? Don't be ridiculous."
Chris's jaw tightened. "You can insult me, Benjamin. But don't call me an ex-con again."
Benjamin chuckled, eyes gleaming with malice. "Or what? You'll fight me for Ava's hand? I'm richer than you in every way. You're just a psycho!"
Chris clenched his fists, knuckles whitening.
Karen intervened, gently guiding Benjamin to the stage. "Ignore him, Mr. Burton. Forgive Chris's stupidity."
Benjamin scoffed. "I came bearing gifts, but how can I present them with this trash around?"
Karen arched a brow. "What do you want me to do?"
"Throw him out," Benjamin said coldly.
At once, guards surrounded Chris.
But he simply closed his eyes… and rolled his fingers.
Chairs rattled and flew toward the guards, knocking them to their knees.
Gasps echoed across the hall.
Chris calmly turned to Benjamin. "Why not present your gifts to Aunt Karen first? Then I'll leave."
Benjamin sneered but snapped his fingers. Three women entered, each holding a golden tray draped in royal cloth.
He unveiled the first. "An ancient Chinese statue—over 200 years old. Worth $300 million."
The second. "A luxury box—ten diamond necklaces, five glass pendants, a golden wristwatch. Valued at $500.7 million."
The third. "The key to United Villa, Sera's third most expensive residence. Worth $1.5 billion."
Applause erupted. Karen's mouth fell open in awe.
Before she could react, Benjamin faced Chris smugly. "Now. What did you bring?"
Chris grinned. "You sure you want to see?"
He strode over to the trays.
And began smashing everything.
The crowd screamed in shock as he tore the necklaces, crushed the watch, and shattered the statue. Finally, he snapped the key in two.
"How dare you!" Benjamin roared.
Chris straightened and looked him dead in the eye. "What do you mean? Do you need someone to spell it out for you? Everything here is fake. Combined, they're barely worth $10 million. That villa? It's not the third—it's ranked 30th in Sera."
He tossed the broken key at Benjamin's feet. "Want to deny it? I've got evidence. But the real question is—do you know what's real anymore?"
Benjamin stood frozen, humiliated, as silence blanketed the room.