Rita wasn't discharged that day. The hospital couldn't stop talking about Nicklaus. Chris and Nicklaus drove back to the villa in the Lincoln limousine when suddenly, Nicklaus remembered that today was Derek's birthday—his only friend from college."Damn, I almost forgot I have somewhere important to be.""Where is that?" Chris asked."A friend of mine is having a birthday party," Nicklaus informed him, causing Chris to nod."Young Master, could I get your phone number so I can call you if needed?" Chris asked, but Nicklaus had to share disappointing news."I don't have a phone," he informed him. Chris was stunned but immediately composed his expression."Actually, the iPhone company created a new model, and since our conglomerate bought a significant share with them, they gifted us some of their latest products," Chris informed him, causing Nicklaus to nod.The iPhone company was just one of many companies that Chris had bought shares in over the years using the conglomerate's name.

Nicklaus opened his mouth to speak but instantly paused, thinking that this might bring shame to his family name. Mentioning his father's name over such a trivial matter seemed beneath his dignity."You don't deserve to know," Nicklaus said, causing the police officer to growl in anger before clenching his fist and throwing a punch at Nicklaus's face."You don't know what's good for you," the police officer barked.Nicklaus bit the corner of his lip and chuckled dryly before lifting his head to look at the officer. "I'll remember this assault and make sure you regret it."His words infuriated the officer even more, and he grabbed Nicklaus's collar and said angrily, "You have the nerve to speak disrespectfully? Don't worry, I'll break your spirit in this room and teach you how to beg for mercy."He punched Nicklaus's face again, so hard that Nicklaus could taste blood in his mouth."Look at you! Your body's so weak. What kind of petty thief are you?" The officer said, pushing Nicklaus

"Nicklaus, I'm sure you'll do an excellent job running this conglomerate. We're all here to support and guide you whenever you need to make decisions," a man in a brown suit said."Yes, you're welcome. As my colleague said, we'll guide you, and we trust you'll take this conglomerate to even greater heights," another man added, causing Nicklaus to nod."Son, welcome," the man sitting beside Chris said, causing Nicklaus to smile warmly."Thank you, everyone at this table, for welcoming me. I trust that each of you is highly experienced, and with your help and support, we'll expand our reach across the continent in the coming years," Nicklaus said, and everyone nodded in agreement."Well said!" the old man declared, clearing his throat. Everyone fell silent and turned their attention to him."Thank you all once again for attending this meeting on short notice," Chris said, dismissing the board members. The men stood, bowing slightly to him and Nicklaus in respect before exiting the confe

"He's clean—there's no phone with him," the man who searched Nicklaus reported, causing Nicklaus to let out a long sigh he didn't know he was holding."Okay, now get him into the car."Nicklaus was dragged into another vehicle. Two men sat beside him, each with a gun visible in their pockets. The driver kept glancing at him through the rearview mirror."Cover his face," the driver instructed. Nicklaus swallowed hard as they placed a black hood over his head."Now close your eyes," one of them ordered.Soon, they arrived at their destination. The overwhelming silence was deafening."Where is this?" Nicklaus finally asked, raising his eyebrows.They tried pulling Nicklaus from the car, but he resisted. He sat still and asked again, "Where is this place?"Inside, he was terrified, but physically he maintained composure, not wanting to reveal his emotions."Will you shut up and comply, or will we be forced to drag you?" one of the men said, causing Nicklaus to narrow his eyes."Where am I

Slowly, Nicklaus opened his eyes to see that he was in a cleaner room, much better than the one he'd been in minutes ago."You're awake?" The voice reached his ears, causing him to swallow hard before asking, "Where... where am I?"His body ached all over, but he tried to remain calm."We changed locations, dear. They found us, which should have been impossible," Richard said, causing Nicklaus to realize it might have been the message he'd sent to Chris.Now he had no idea where he was. "Who are you?" Nicklaus asked."You've seen me before, right? I know you have! But I want you to do something for me, okay?" Richard said, causing Nicklaus to raise his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"Nicklaus tried struggling to get to his feet but couldn't, causing him to furrow his brow."It's no use trying to stand up. I realized the ropes were causing bruises on your hands, so I decided to use the modern method," Richard explained."And what method is that?" Nicklaus asked. He wondered what they had