Chapter Three

"However," he continued, "You have two options. On one hand, you can give up Carla and take my name. Become the heir to my multi-billion-dollar empire. On the other hand, if you choose to marry Carla, you will have to forfeit my inheritance to you."

Mrs. Smith, her voice firm, interjected, "Mr. Armstrong, your choices for Armand are unfair. He should be able to marry whomever he pleases without sacrificing his future."

Mr. Smith joined in, "We believe this decision is based on wealth, as if you're looking down on us. Love should matter more than money."

Mr. Armstrong, unfazed, retorted, "Your daughter is not good enough for this empire and Armand. You're also right, your family is beneath me." The room tensed as he continued, turning to Armand, "Son, the choice is yours. Sign these documents and become heir to my empire."

"Armand, you'll choose me, right?" Carla pleaded.

Armand looked at her, without a second thought, he made his way to Mr. Armstrong. With a nod, he picked up the pen and signed the document which confirmed his role as CEO.

A proud smile crept across Mr. Armstrong's face. "Good choice, son," he declared,

The date was 30/03/2023 and Armand Grey no longer existed, Armand Armstrong, CEO of the Armstrong empire and wealthiest man in the city had taken his place.

Carla, putting on a convincing show of devastation, walked up to Armand, her eyes brimming with tears. "Armand, how could you do this?" she choked out, her voice trembling. "I thought we had something real. I never imagined you'd choose being the heir over our love."

Armand silently watched her, as she poured out her heartbreak, his expression remained stoic.

Frustrated at his silence, Carla demanded, "Aren't you going to say anything? Talk to me!"

Armand, breaking his silence, suddenly asked, "Carla, why do you love me?"

Carla was taken aback by the unexpected question. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Armand explained, "You're crying because you're heartbroken that I chose being the heir over you. I just want to know why you love me so much."

Carla hesitated, unable to provide a clear answer. "You don't know why you love me?" Armand questioned. Caught off guard, Carla quickly stammered, "No, no, I know. It's just... Well, you paint for my family, and you love me. So, I love you too."

Armand shook his head. It dawned on him, once again, that returning to Earth to bring down the Smith family was the right decision he made.

"You and your family should leave." Armand said.

Surprised, Carla replied "What?"

"You don't have to be afraid Carla, you and your family will definitely still see me, for now, the door is that way," Armand said pointing to the door, "You guys should use it."

A look of shock washed over Carla and her parents' faces. They couldn't quite place their finger on it, but they sensed something had changed about Armand.

As they reluctantly left, Armand muttered to himself, “Be scared, you have no idea what's coming for you."

Suddenly, he felt a sensation on his left wrist. Instinctively, he looked down, only to find "30/03/2024" etched on his skin in what seemed like a transparent tattoo.

Armand knew exactly what that date signified. Honestly, Armand was a little curious as to why the Armstrong family wanted him specifically to be their heir, but he decided not to dwell too much on it, being wealthy was going to help him in his mission.

A firm hand landed on his shoulder, startling him. He quickly dropped his hand, concealing the tattoo.

Mr. Armstrong, standing behind him, inquired, "What're you looking at?"

Armand glanced back at his wrist, but the transparent tattoo had vanished. "Nothing, just lost in thought," he replied.

Mr. Armstrong, a smile of satisfaction on his face, said to Armand, "I'm thrilled with your choice. I believe the empire is in good hands."

Mrs. Armstrong joined them, her expression mirroring her husband's contentment. In her hands, she held three sleek ATM cards.

She handed the three cards to Armand, then placed a fourth one in his palm. "What's this?" Armand asked.

"This is your complimentary card as the CEO of the Armstrong empire." She answered.

Pointing to the cards, his father explained, "Each of these cards holds over 100 billion dollars."

Armand was shocked as he processed the immense wealth at his fingertips. "Thank you," he said, genuinely grateful.

"Armand, a car and driver are waiting for you outside," Mr. Armstrong announced. "Head over to the Armstrong headquarters and go straight to the CEO's office. There are books there that will guide you on your role. Jot down any questions you have. I'll be at the headquarters shortly to introduce you to everyone."

Armand thanked Mr. Armstrong again and made his way outside. Once outside, he was greeted by the sight of a gleaming Range Rover, waiting for him.

"Master Armstrong," a man greeted respectfully.

Armand, savoring the title, asked, "And who might you be?"

"I'm Jerry, your new driver," came the reply. A smug expression played on Armand's face, enjoying the recognition that came with his new status.

Making his way to the Range Rover, Jerry opened the door for Armand before getting in, "Take me to the Armstrong headquarters," Armand instructed as he settled into the plush car.

Jerry hesitated, "Can I speak freely, sir?" He asked.

Armand replied, "Sure, go ahead."

"Mr. Armstrong mentioned you have taken over from him as the CEO, and I think it would be good to make a solid impression on your first day," Jerry explained.

Armand, intrigued, asked, "Oh? What do you have in mind?"

Jerry suggested, "How about we go to a boutique? Get you some clothes befitting someone in your position."

Armand grinned, "Great idea, Jerry. Take me to the most expensive boutique you know." With a nod, Jerry took charge of the wheel and steered the Range Rover into the road.

The car glided to a stop in front of one of the most expensive boutiques, and Jerry asked, "Should I come with you, sir?"

Armand shook his head, "No, I'll be fine. I'll stay in the car." Armand stepped out and approached the boutique entrance.

However, his confident stride came to a halt when the condescending gaze of the security guard met him.

The guard, looking him up and down, asked, "Where do you think you're going?"

Armand, unfazed, replied, "Just like everyone else, I'm going shopping."

The guard chuckled dismissively, "This place isn't for everyone. Move along."

Armand insisted, "I can pay for what I want."

Sarcastically, the guard retorted, "I'm sure you can."

Armand was about to respond when a woman stepped out of the boutique. She turned to the security guard and casually asked, "Is there a problem here?"

The guard, with a hint of accusation, said, "This guy is trying to shoplift."

Armand rolled his eyes and interjected, "Seriously? I just want to shop like everyone else."

The guard, unmoved, declared, "This place isn't for people like him."

Armand, a tad irritated, retorted, "I can afford it, you know."

The lady scolded the security guard, telling him to be ashamed for looking down on someone. She then turned to Armand, "Go inside. Don't let him ruin your day."

Grateful, Armand thanked the lady and proceeded into the boutique.

He collected any item which caught his eye and did not even bother about checking the price tag and even changed into an expensive Armani suit, when he was done, he approached the counter to make payment.

The total amount for the clothes he selected was $50,000. Without hesitation, Armand pulled out one of his ATM cards and made payment.

As he approached the door of the boutique, he was approached by the same lady who had spoken on his behalf earlier.

“I'm really sorry about what happened.” She said.

“It's fine.” Armand responded.

“The thing is Michael had once allowed someone dressed similarly to you inside this boutique without questioning, and that person had stolen accessories. He has been paying for that mistake ever since, struggling to provide for his family.” The lady explained.

“That explains his attitude,” Armand said, “Thank you for telling me.”

Armand then strolled up to the security guard, calling him by his name, "Hey, Michael."

Michael, taken aback, asked, "How do you know my name?"

Armand, with a casual wave, said, "Doesn't matter." He handed Michael $10,000 and said, "Take care of your family and sort out your debts, alright?"

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Michael fell to his knees, "Thank you very much sir."

Armand simply smiled and, at that moment, Jerry pulled up in front of the boutique.

Armand got into the car and, with a satisfied grin, asked Jerry, "How do I look?"

Jerry replied, "Much better, Sir." Together, they drove towards the Armstrong headquarters.

Jerry smoothly pulled up to the imposing Armstrong headquarters, and Armand stepped out of the car.