From Rags to God of War

Perfect

Another call came in. On the other end, a deep, authoritative voice spoke. "General. This is James Reed."

Hearing the greeting, Martin, who stood nearby, tensed instantly. James, the highly powerful Chairman of the Organization, was calling the General directly.

"Yes, Chairman," Nicholas replied.

"I hear you're back in the thick of things, General," James said, his voice cheerful yet respectful. "Three years ago, you helped me by eradicating eighty thousand enemy troops who sought to destroy my organization. A debt I'll never forget. To celebrate your return and thank you in person, I'd like to invite you to a special lunch today."

Nicholas closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a breath. He knew today would be busy, but an invitation from Chairman James of the Organization was something that couldn't be refused. Especially since he directly mentioned his enormous service three years ago, a highly confidential and impactful service.

"Of course, Chairman," Nicholas said. "I'll be there."

After the brief conversation, Nicholas ended the call.

"Martin," Nicholas ordered, his voice direct. "Chairman James invited me to lunch. I have to go."

Martin nodded, understanding the significance of the invitation. Chairman James was a highly respected and influential figure in this country, arguably the top decision-maker in various aspects, and deeply indebted to Nicholas. This was no ordinary invitation.

"Going to meet the Chairman of the Organization?" Martin asked softly, just to confirm.

Nicholas nodded. "That's right. Now, listen carefully. While I'm gone, make sure all of Isabella's needs are met. Whatever she wants for her wedding, you fulfill it. Venue, catering, decor, gowns, everything. Make sure she doesn't have a single complaint."

Martin mentally noted all the orders. "Understood, General."

"And one more thing, the most important," Nicholas added, lowering his voice. He looked at Martin with a sharp gaze. "My true identity must not be revealed. No matter what."

Martin nodded, understanding. He knew very well how secret Nicholas's identity was as the Five-Star General, the "God of War" acknowledged by many influential parties, even at the level of an Organization Chairman like James. However, Martin asked, "Why must your identity remain a secret?"

"She's too good," Nicholas murmured, more to himself. "Good people are usually taken advantage of. I don't want my identity to be exposed because it would put her in great danger. I don't want people trying to approach her, trying to use her, just because they know who I truly am, until the time is right."

Martin nodded again. Besides, there were still enemies, political rivals, and dangers lurking if his identity were to be revealed.

"I understand, General," Martin said, his voice firm. "Your identity will remain a secret. I will take care of Miss Weber and all the preparations."

Nicholas nodded, satisfied. He wasted no more time. He turned and strode towards the waiting black car.

...

As Isabella descended the stairs and walked through the living room, a voice startled her. Elsa and Richard emerged from the dining room, seemingly having just finished breakfast.

"Well, well, well, Miss Isabella," Elsa said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She smirked derisively. "All dressed up bright and early. Where are you off to? Going to apply for a cleaning job now that that bum Nicholas isn't marrying you?"

Isabella just gave them a flat look. "I have business."

"Business?" Richard chimed in, his eyes darting a sneering glance at Isabella's still elegant, yet simple, appearance. "Business with that bum Nicholas? Did he tell you to go find the Rare Jade in a toy store?" He chuckled.

Elsa added, "I heard you were bragging last night that he could arrange a lavish wedding in a single day. Honestly, Isabella. You're so quick to believe a man's boasts! Are you still out of your mind?"

"I told you, I have business," Isabella repeated, not wanting to argue. She just wanted to get to the location and see for herself what Nicholas meant.

Elsa suddenly changed her expression. Her smile vanished, replaced by a cunning sneer. "Business? Or are you going to see that luxurious venue Nicholas talked about? The most extravagant party, he said? It's probably just an empty storefront by the side of the road, or a building about to collapse, right?"

Richard Green moved closer, blocking Isabella's path. "That's right, Elsa. She must want to see proof. If she doesn't see it, she won't believe it. Poor your sister, Elsa. Full of delusions."

Isabella winced. Anger began to build within her, but she tried to suppress it. Nicholas had already given her strength and taught her not to get easily carried away by emotions.

"Yes, I am going somewhere," Isabella said, her voice calm. "I'm going to see the venue Nicholas promised."

Elsa and Richard exchanged glances. Elsa's eyes gleamed with intrigue. A plan formed in her mind. If they came along, they could witness Nicholas and Isabella being humiliated. They could record it, spread it, and put Isabella in the lowest position she'd ever been.

"Oh really? The event location? How interesting!" Elsa exclaimed, intentionally overemphasizing her last words. "Richard, did you hear that? An event location! A lavish party! I have to see it! You have to see it too, Richard!"

Richard nodded in agreement. "Of course. I want to see the most extravagant party arranged by Nicholas."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Isabella said, trying to decline. She didn't need an audience, especially one that would laugh.

Elsa took a step forward, staring intently at Isabella. Her eyes narrowed. "Why? Are you afraid your secret will be exposed? Afraid that the place is just a muddy field? Don't worry, Isabella. We'll go with you, to make sure you're not too embarrassed alone."

Richard smirked. "We should support her, Elsa. Siblings should support each other, right?"

Isabella looked at their mocking faces. She sighed. "Fine. You can come along."

They finally headed towards the Sky Grand Ballroom.

After confirming her arrival, the receptionist escorted her to meet Martin Luther.

"Royal Ballroom? What building is this?" Richard whispered to Elsa.

"How should I know?!" Elsa hissed, her eyes sweeping the lobby. Her expression of disgust slowly gave way to hidden admiration.

The receptionist led them down a corridor adorned with expensive paintings and antique statues, towards a set of luxuriously carved double doors. When the doors opened, Isabella, Elsa, and Richard were stunned.

A magnificent ballroom stretched out before their eyes. High ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers, a grand stage elegantly decorated, round tables draped in white silk tablecloths.

In the middle of the ballroom, two men in neat suits stood waiting. One was Martin, Nicholas's assistant. The other was Albert.

They made brief introductions. Then, Martin turned to Isabella. "Mr. Krause has chosen this venue for your event. He asked me to ensure all details meet your wishes. This venue is ready whenever you are."

"Ready whenever we are?" Elsa finally found her voice, though it was still a bit hoarse. She stepped forward, her gaze filled with disbelief. "You mean all this was prepared overnight? Don't be ridiculous! Even the simplest event takes weeks, if not months, to prepare!"

Mr. Albert smiled faintly. "I assure you, Miss, it's no joke. The Sky Grand Ballroom, with all its facilities and our best team, has been reserved by Mr. Nicholas Krause and is ready to host your wedding event as per your request, Miss Isabella. Any time."

Elsa let out a hollow laugh. "Impossible! There has to be a trick! Maybe it's just rented by the hour? Or they'll only start preparing once a deposit is made?" She tried to find loopholes, her eyes darting around, observing every detail. "Where's the catering? Where are the gowns? Where's the guest list?"

Martin just smiled calmly. "Catering has been arranged with the finest menu selections, Miss. Wedding gowns from several renowned designers, custom-fitted for Miss Isabella, are also prepared for you to choose from later. As for the guest list, that, of course, is a matter for you, Miss Isabella, and Mr. Nicholas."

"But who are you to Nicholas?!" Elsa yelled, not giving up. "Why are you helping him?"

"My relationship with Mr. Krause is strictly professional," Martin explained.

Isabella sighed, then turned to Elsa. "That's enough, Elsa. You've seen it for yourself. He's capable. He's proven it."

Richard still seemed confused. He tried to reach for his phone, probably wanting to look up the Sky Grand Ballroom or Nicholas Krause. But his mind was still too muddled.

Isabella looked at Elsa and Richard, a faint smile on her lips. Their shocked expressions were the best gift. But Elsa still wasn't giving up.

"Who's paying for all this?" Elsa asked, her voice trying to sound casual. "Don't tell me Mr. Martin himself is footing the bill. That bum Nicholas has nothing, after all!"

Martin sighed, his expression remaining calm. "All payment transactions are handled through Mr. Krause, Miss. I am merely his assistant."

Elsa let out a hollow laugh, her laughter echoing in the magnificent ballroom. "Oh, Mr. Krause? Which Krause? The Nicholas who was begging in front of our house last night? The Nicholas dressed in ragged clothes like a pauper?" She glanced at Isabella, her sneer widening. "He probably begged this Mr. Martin, pleaded for help. You know, right? A man with no self-respect would do anything to impress a woman!"

Richard Green joined in the laughter, their voices echoing in the room. "My god, Isabella! I can't believe you'd pick up trash like that! Now he's even indebted to someone just to throw a party! How embarrassing!"

Isabella's face felt hot. A flush of shame began to spread through her, mixed with anger. Elsa's and Richard's words, even though she knew they were just trying to bring her down, still stung. They knew nothing about Nicholas, and yet they casually insulted the man who had saved her.

Martin, who had been showing god-like patience, now began to lose his composure. His eyes sharpened. Nicholas had ordered him to fulfill all of Isabella's wishes and to protect his identity. But insulting his boss like this in front of others was a different matter entirely.

"Sir, Miss," Martin said, his voice now cold. "I'd ask you to stop talking. You don't know what you're talking about."

Elsa laughed even louder. "Oh, now the assistant is defending his beggar boss? I get it, Martin. That bum Nicholas must have promised you the leftovers of the Weber family's fortune if he managed to marry Isabella, right? That's why you're willing to help him!"

"Besides," Richard added, "how could an assistant have that kind of money to pay for such a luxurious party? It's probably all on credit, right? Isabella will be forced to pay it all after they get married!"

Isabella clenched her fists. "That's enough! You've gone too far!"

Martin looked at Richard with a sharp, unforgiving gaze.

"If you don't stop your ridiculous taunts right now," Martin said, his voice barely a whisper but full of menace, "I won't hesitate to slap you both."

Richard Green, always feeling like a tough guy with strong connections, chuckled. "Slap? You? A low-level assistant like you dares to slap a Richard Green? Who do you think you are, huh? How dare you threaten me?!" Richard poked Martin's chest with his index finger. "I dare you! Try to slap me if you're brave enough!"

Martin didn't answer. He just let out a long sigh, as if dealing with an idiot who couldn't be reasoned with. His hand moved like lightning.

SLAP!