Alistair was about to turn around and head back to his car, deciding that perhaps a quiet evening at the beach house meditating was a better use of his time, when his phone vibrated in his pocket.He pulled it out. The caller ID read: Adam Smith.Alistair answered.Before he could speak, Adam’s voice came through, thick with uncharacteristic anxiety. "Master Reid! I’ve been watching the entrance from the surveillance suite for the last ten minutes. Everyone else I invited has already arrived... but I haven't seen you. Please tell me you haven't changed your mind. This entire event was curated with the hope of having you here. Perhaps there's a problem with getting here? Just let me know and I'll immediately send my men to pick you up.”Alistair glanced at the guard, who was now raising his hand to shove him. "I'm actually at the entrance right now, Adam. But it seems I don't meet the 'visual requirements' for your establishment. Your security guards are currently debating whether to b

Alistair didn't move.He didn't even shift his gaze from the chandelier he was examining."The sidewalk was a bit chilly. I preferred the air conditioning.""You think this is a joke?" Dustin’s voice rose an octave, drawing even more eyes. "This is a private, high-society event! You don't have an invite, you don't have the money to buy a ticket, and you certainly don't belong among people like us. You must have snuck in through an open door or bribed a janitor."The commotion acted like a magnet.Tristan Cole and Sara Connor, who had been admiring a display of luxury watches nearby, stopped in their tracks."Is that... Alistair?" Sara whispered, her eyes widening in a mix of horror and confusion. "How is he inside? We saw him stuck outside with the guards."Tristan’s face contorted into a mask of pure, malicious glee. "He actually snuck in! The idiot actually did it! Sara, look at him—he’s finally gone and committed a crime just to keep up appearances."Tristan didn't waste a second.

Adam Smith was no ordinary man.He was a man that very few in the city could stand on the same level with.Yet, this same man that was worth hundreds of billions, was now standing before a man that they felt wore the cheapest suit at the event. Just what sort of madness was this?Some pinched themselves wondering if they were asleep, same with Sara and Tristan. Even Dustin couldn't help but be in total confusion. Why was Adam Smith bowing to Alistair and even referring to him as master?“Mister Smith, are you sure you aren't wrong?” Dustin couldn't help but breathe out. “This man, this Alistair Reid is not worthy of your respect! He is a nuisance and should be immediately kicked out before he does something bad.”Adam's knuckles turned white as he formed fists.“Master Reid, please, excuse me.” Adam remarked. Alistair didn't say anything, his attention drawn elsewhere.Adam should know him as Grandmaster Zen, so when did he learn of his true name, Alistair Reid?It would seem the

Sara froze, unable to believe that Alistair had just denied knowing her. Once upon a time, he would have been happy to introduce her the few times they stepped out together. Now, he didn't even act like they were acquaintances. “Alistair, I'm still your wife.” Sara blurted out only for Alistair to reply.“No, you aren't. You haven't been for the longest time. The sooner you get that, the better.” Sara was rendered speechless and so could only watch as Alistair left with Adam Smith.Just what was going on?Was she dreaming?It would be a while before she would regain herself.Meanwhile, Dustin and Tristan were kicked out of the mall like criminals, after which the doors were shut on them, making it clear that they shouldn't return.“I don't understand. Why would Adam Smith take that good-for-nothing’s side? What is the meaning of this?” Tristan couldn't understand it at all.He'd thought he'd finally found a chance to humiliate Alistair and teach him a lesson, but it ended up being

Cold sweat broke out across Adam's brow, and he instinctively bowed his head. "Of course, Master Reid. My loyalty is absolute. The Smith family is at your disposal."“That's fine. Now, tell me, where are we headed?” Alistair asked.“Actually, the party below is merely a formality. The real party is happening on the top floor. There, those I actually consider friends, acquaintances, and confidants are gathered. I thought it would be okay if I introduced them to you.” Adam said with a beaming smile.It was almost like how one would act when they were about to reveal to their friends that they were close with a known high-ranking celebrity.To think someone like Adam would behave in such a manner. It truly went to show just how he saw Alistair. Alistair took no offense and replied. “Alright then, but I would prefer a simple introduction.”“Of course. I can tell that you are a man who prefers silence. I wouldn't want to do something you wouldn't enjoy.” Adam quickly said. Satisfied, th