"I'll find Chris a job tomorrow, Mom," Ava said with calm assurance, her tone both firm and respectful. She understood the weight of her mother's requests, especially now that her father had flown to Dubai for a string of business deals.
Without another word, Karen exited the room, leaving Ava and Chris standing there in silence.
As her mother's footsteps faded, Ava spun toward Chris. "You better get yourself ready," she said quickly. "I'll do everything I can to land you a good position at Asstas."
Chris nodded eagerly. "Of course, Ava. I'll wake up early, follow instructions—whatever it takes."
"Save the speech for tomorrow. Goodnight," she cut in, turning and walking away, leaving a smile blooming on Chris's face.
But the moment Ava disappeared from sight, that smile vanished just as fast. The memory of Zack's cruel treatment earlier at Falcon Eatery came rushing back.
His fists clenched on instinct, veins pulsing with restrained anger.
"I'll keep living like a lowly adopted son," he muttered under his breath. "Even though I'm the Dragon Lord. Let them keep underestimating me. I'm the silent serpent... ready to strike."
His jaw tightened as he added, "I'll reclaim every single company stolen from me. I'll make them regret ever crossing me."
With that, he stormed off to his room. Before sleep claimed him, he completed the sacred dragon ritual.
---
By dawn, Chris was already awake, determined to keep his promise to Ava. After dressing swiftly, he left for Asstas Group—about an hour away from the villa.
Upon arriving at the company's premises, Chris noticed an elderly man, around 75, clutching his chest in agony. Despite the growing crowd, no one moved to help.
Without hesitation, Chris dropped his file and sprinted toward him.
"Sir, are you alright?" he asked, gripping the man who looked pale and dazed. As their eyes met, a strange shimmer of blue flashed in the old man's gaze.
Chronic Heart Cancer… 52 seconds remaining, Chris's brain computed instinctively. Time was slipping away as the man lost consciousness.
Thirty seconds left.
The old man's grip tightened on Chris's shirt. "Help me… I feel like I'm dying," he whispered desperately.
Chris didn't waste a second more. He crossed his fingers, pressed them to the man's chest, and whispered a chant from the Seven Chronicles of the Dragon Group Medicinal Procedure.
A luminous dragon's head appeared over the man's heart. Within seconds, his color returned, and his breath steadied.
"What did you just do to my grandfather?" a sharp voice called out from behind.
Chris turned to see a beautiful young woman glaring at him.
Without answering, he turned to leave, but she grabbed his wrist and yanked him back.
"You're not going anywhere until you tell me what you did. Who are you?" she snapped, her tone laced with urgency and disbelief.
"You don't have to worry, Rihanna," the elderly man said, now fully conscious. "I feel better… completely whole. The pain is gone. Thanks to this young man."
He reached out to thank Chris—but he was already gone, rushing to avoid being late for the interview.
---
Just as Chris approached the entrance of the recruitment hall, raised voices reached his ears.
"You said he was fit for the job—so where is he? Why is he not here?" a man barked.
"Please, sir. Just give him a few more minutes," Ava pleaded, keeping her voice composed.
Right on cue, Chris walked in. "I'm here. No need to worry."
Ava exhaled in relief.
"We do need to worry, Mr. Loner," the recruiter, Gavin Wall, said sharply. "Time is precious, or have you never heard that before? You think you're the only qualified person out there?"
"With all due respect, sir," Chris began calmly, stepping forward, "I'm not late."
Gavin sneered. "Not late? We've been waiting thirty minutes!"
"You've been waiting, yes—but don't label me late. Check your precious time. It's 8:05 a.m. The interview starts at 8:20. So, tell me… am I late?" Chris replied coolly, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
Gavin's face flushed with anger, but before he could retaliate, Chris pulled a stool beside him and sat down.
"Let's begin the interview. There are others waiting—let's not waste their time," Chris added, silencing Gavin.
The tension crackled in the air, but Gavin's assistant recruiter gave him a subtle nod, urging him to proceed.
Gavin gritted his teeth and picked up Chris's file.
"You're an ex-convict?" he said with a smug grin.
Chris lifted his eyes, expression darkening.
"Struck a nerve, did I?" Gavin taunted. "Someone like you, corrupt and tainted—how could you possibly be fit for this company?"
"Mr. Gavin," Ava cut in, "he may have a past, but he's hardworking and honest. Just give him a chance—"
"No chance," Gavin snapped. "He was arrested for theft. We can't have a thief in our company!"
Turning to Chris, he added smugly, "I'm sorry, but you've failed the interview. Please leave."
Chris stood up slowly, his gaze intense. "You rejected me because I'm an ex-convict?" he asked. "Did you even see my experience? I worked for the Dragon Group. I'm qualified for any role here."
"I don't care if you worked for the heavens," Gavin scoffed. "You're a criminal. That's all that matters."
Chris's fists clenched. "Call me that again, and I won't let it slide."
"Oh? What if I do? Ex-convict!"
SMACK!
Chris slapped Gavin hard across the face, then grabbed his collar. "I don't tolerate disrespect."
"You hit me? Just wait until I fire Ava for this!" Gavin yelled.
Ava rushed over. "Please, let him go, Chris. You're only making things worse."
"I'll make sure you lose your job, Ava. Consider it punishment for bringing him here!" Gavin snarled.
Ava fell to her knees, pleading with Chris. He let go of Gavin and helped her up gently.
"Spare my job, please," she whispered to Gavin.
"I will—on one condition," he said, eyes glinting. "Spend the night with me. I want to see how sweet you really are."
Before the words had fully left his mouth, Chris struck him again.
And again.
"You dare to demand her body? You're disgusting!" Chris roared.
"You'll regret this," Gavin hissed. "I'm calling my boss. You'll both regret this!"
He dialed quickly, summoning the CEO.
Ava looked at Chris, trying to calm him. "Maybe you should apologize…"
"I'm not apologizing to trash," Chris said coldly.
Moments later, the door flew open.
The CEO stormed in, clearly furious. "Who's causing a scene in my company?!"
Gavin rushed forward, pointing at Chris. "That's him! He assaulted me!"
The CEO's gaze locked on Chris—and he froze.
It was the same man Chris had saved just hours ago.