As he walked back through the entrance, the attendant greeted him with a slight bow. “Hello, boss,” he said, his tone deferential.
Noah gave him a firm nod. “Make sure my mother never finds out I’m the owner,” he instructed, his voice low. “But I want her to be treated with the utmost respect. She’s worked hard to get here, and no one has the right to diminish that.”
The attendant’s eyes gleamed with understanding, and he nodded. “Understood, sir. And if anyone so much as whispers about her connection to you, I’ll make sure you hear about it immediately. With proof, if needed.”
Noah’s gaze sharpened, pleased by the man’s enthusiasm. “Good,” he said, slipping a hundred-dollar bill into the attendant’s hand. “Consider this a retainer for your hard work.”
The man’s smile widened as he pocketed the tip. “Thank you, boss. I’ll be your eyes and ears in this place, rest assured.”
“Well done,” Noah replied, giving him a nod. He turned on his heel and headed towards the kitchen, where George was overseeing preparations for the evening shift.
George spotted him and offered a welcoming grin. “Back so soon? Did you forget something?”
“Not exactly, Uncle,” Noah replied, his expression unreadable. “I need you to announce a new rule. From now on, discussing my mother’s employment here or my role as the owner is strictly forbidden. Anyone who dares to bring it up, even in private, will face immediate repercussions. I want every member of the staff to know this by the end of the day.”
George’s face grew serious, nodding in agreement. “I’ll handle it, Noah. I’ll call a staff meeting right away, and everyone will know that talking about this is off-limits. You have my word.”
Noah’s lips twitched into a small, approving smile. “Thank you, Uncle. This is important to me. I need her to succeed on her own merits here.”
George clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll protect her reputation, Noah. No one will even think about stepping out of line.”
“Good,” Noah said, straightening his collar as he stepped back. “I trust you, Uncle.”
With that, he left the restaurant and made his way to the parking lot.
Among the sea of vehicles, two cars gleamed under the roof lighting: his black Lamborghini and the silver Lykan HyperSport.
Noah slid into the driver’s seat of his Lykan HyperSport, feeling the power of the engine rumble beneath him. He eased out of the parking lot and, before hitting the main road, tapped his phone’s screen, dialling Lily.
Lily picked up, her voice clear and bright. “Hey, Noah! You on your way?”
“Yeah, I should be there in about an hour,” he replied. “Just wanted to let you know I’m on my way.”
Lily replied. “Perfect! See you soon.”
Noah smirked to himself as he glanced at the GPS. Something peculiar caught his eye. Her address was nearly identical to another one he’d visited recently.
“They’re neighbours?” he thought, eyebrows raised. He barely stopped himself from laughing aloud.
“So Lily and Amelia live right next to each other… this could be interesting.”
He could feel ideas sparking in his mind, one after another, plans and contingencies blooming into life with every mile he covered.
He was only interrupted by a sneering voice from the car next to him as he zoomed down the highway.
A Fiat Multipla lumbered along in the slow lane, the driver’s face scrunched with envy as he caught sight of Noah’s car.
“Bet he thinks he’s all that with that thing,” the man muttered to himself, eyes narrowing. His greasy hair clung to his forehead, and a constellation of acne dotted his face.
“He’s probably got some gorgeous blonde in the passenger seat, too. Figures. I swear, some people don’t deserve what they got.”
He spat out the window as if the action itself would insult Noah, who was already too far down the highway to notice.
“Probably some spoiled brat. Daddy’s money just burning a hole in his pocket.” The man leaned back, muttering under his breath as he took a grudging bite of a gas station sandwich.
“It’s the rich ones who drive like they own the whole road. Real people gotta suffer for it.” He sighed, envious and resentful as he pushed his car along.
Noah, oblivious to the man’s contempt, wove skillfully between cars, feeling the thrill of speed as he approached the luxurious villa complexes .
As he pulled up, he was met by the familiar sight of towering gates and high walls. The guard at the checkpoint stepped forward, his gaze lingering on the Lykan with open admiration.
“Good afternoon, sir,” the guard said politely, his demeanour respectful. “I’ll need to check the visitor list before letting you in. Could I have your name, please?”
“Noah Thompson,” he replied, voice calm, resting one hand on the wheel as he waited. He watched the guard, who appeared focused yet a little taken aback. Noah could almost read his thoughts—this wasn’t a car you saw every day.
The guard quickly checked his tablet, scrolling through the names. Within a moment, he nodded, his expression brightening as he looked back up. “Apologies for the wait, Mr. Thompson. You’re indeed on the list. You’re free to enter.”
“Thank you,” Noah said with a nod, driving forward as the gates swung open. He caught a glimpse of the guard’s continued look of awe in his rearview mirror.
As he entered the road leading deeper into the villa complex, he muttered, ” It’s quite convenient; she lives right next to Amelia. This can turn out to be more interesting than I thought.”
Noah slowed his Lykan HyperSport as he approached Villa No. 10, catching sight of Adam sitting outside on the veranda, his attention absorbed by a chessboard.
Opposite him sat an older man, who, despite his stoic focus, looked visibly worn. The man’s face was drawn and pale, with deep lines etched across his forehead, as if he were carrying a burden far beyond his years.
Noah’s mind immediately catalogued the symptoms, flickering through possibilities in silence.
“He might have…” Noah thought as he rolled down the windows.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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