RETURN OF DON' CARA FROM USELESS TO GREATNESS

Chapter 10

Joshua slides it into the leather seat of the vehicle. His hands trailed around the steering wheel before igniting the engine. He adjusted the rearview to see the men eyeing him, and with a smirk, he stepped on the accelerator. The loud reeve, from exhaust roared, disappearing into the cold night.

The gang leader, who could not believe the outcome, plainly glanced at the path Joshua had taken.

A few minutes later, Joshua drove into the heart of the city, bustling with mundane activities. He passed an array of modern skyscrapers and old buildings that hold stories of the city’s history.

He slowed down as he arrived at a mall nested among other establishments. Its storefronts showcased an array of men’s clothes that caught his eye. The display featured everything from suits to elegant tuxedos, each piece meticulously crafted and adorned with price tags that hinted at their luxurious nature.

With a brief sigh, he exited the vehicle and made his way into the mall. When Joshua arrived at the entrance, the salesgirl, who seemed to be placing the closed sign, raised her gaze to him.

“I'm sorry, sir, but we are closed,” she announced, casting him a professional, apologetic look. She was about to walk away when Joshua decided to stop her.

“I'm not here to shop, Miss,” he said, scanning the interior of the building through the transparent glass. Inside, the building was illuminated by chandeliers scattered throughout the space, creating a soft glow around the series of clothing.

“How can I help you then?” the girl asked, and Joshua lowered his gaze to her.

“I’m here to see Mr. Sottee,” he replied.

The salesgirl glanced around the store before returning her attention to Joshua. “I’m sorry, sir, but Mr. Sottee is a busy person. However, I can relay your message to him,” she added with a warm smile.

Joshua glanced at his watch, and he was about to respond when a voice interrupted.

“Lily, what is happening? Is there a problem?” The man inquired, his voice tinged with concern as he stepped forward. Both Joshua and the salesgirl turned their eyes toward him.

“I’m sorry, Uncle,” Lily replied. “But this man here wanted to see you.” She gestured toward Joshua.

The man’s gaze shifted to Joshua, and a brief gasp escaped his parted lips as recognition washed over him. He blinked rapidly as if trying to check if his vision was playing tricks on him.

After a moment of disbelief, he stepped closer. “Y… Young master, is that you?” He stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

His leg rooted to the ground for a few seconds before moving forward.

A small smile crept onto Joshua's lips as he extended his hand for a shake. Just as he was about to make contact, Mr. Sottee swiftly sidestepped him and wrapped him in an unexpected embrace.

"I can't believe my eyes! It’s truly you!” Mr. Sottee exclaimed, with excitement and disbelief.

Joshua could feel the genuine joy radiating from Mr. Sottee's. He remembered that the last he saw him was after his marriage.

The salesgirl who was watching the scene wore a confused expression as she constantly switched her gaze between the figures.

“It's been a long time, my friend,” Joshua replied, and Mr.Sottee pulled away to examine his body. The worry in his eyes deepened when he spotted the few bruises on Joshua, and his face etched into a frown.

“What happened to you, young master?” He asked.

Joshua's eyes dropped on the aftermath of his encounter with the thugs before shrugging his shoulders.

He smiled. “I handle it already; you don't worry,” he replied. Mr.Sottee, understanding his response, nodded his head.

The salesgirl, unable to hold her curiosity, cleared her throat to capture their attention. “Excuse me, Uncle, but how do you know this man?” she asked.

Mr. Sottee, who had forgotten his niece was standing behind him, turned around to face her. A smile crept across his face as he gestured toward the stranger beside him. “This is young Master Joshua. I work for him,” he replied. The pride in his introduction was evident.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise. “Y…you mean he is the owner of not only the Supreme Mall but also the business you have been managing?” She added, and he nodded his head. The girl slowly redirects her gaze to Joshua. “I'm so sorry, sir!” She bowed her head, not knowing if she had offended him by delaying him earlier.

Joshua cast a small smile in her direction. “It's alright, Lily, no need to apologize,” Joshua replied, then turned to Mr.Sottee.

“Right this way, young master,” he said, as the man in his early fifties led the way.

Inside the mall, the breathtaking view of the exotic space swept through Mason's vision. Mr.Sottee, leading the way, directed him into the exclusive office. The walls were adorned with artwork, and plush furniture was arranged in decorations.

Mr. Sottee glanced at the young man he had trained since the age of ten. It was a responsibility he had taken on from his late master, Joshua's adoptive father. A surge of emotions overwhelmed him, and tears filled his eyes as he reflected on how far Joshua had come in life.

Even as a child, Joshua exhibited a strong ambition for power and influence, a quality that set him apart from his peers at a young age. Through hard work, he achieved remarkable success. His only remaining dream was to have a family of his own, and Mr. Sottee was happy to fully support that decision.

However, he was wary of the sudden appearance of Elizabeth in Joshua's life, sensing that there might be a hidden agenda. Joshua had always listened to Mr. Sottee’s advice, and he had concealed his true identity due to threats against his family. To prevent public suspicion, he had decided to take only 5% of his wealth under his own name before marrying into the Marshall family. The remaining 95% was left on a name, 'Don Cara.'

After Joshua finished narrating the story of the marshal's deceit, Mr. Sottee faced Hardeen with a mix of rage and sadness, realizing that his suspicion had been correct. Anger coursed through his veins as he dropped his gaze to the floor, the weight of his emotions washing over him like a heavy burden.

“I'm sorry, Master,” he said, his voice laced with pain.

When Joshua saw his expression, a small chuckle escaped his lips. “Why are you sorry? I was the one who decided to marry at the age of nineteen.”

Lily, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation, was stunned to learn that Joshua had married at such a young age. Since his marriage had only lasted a year and a few months, she realized that Joshua was likely in his early twenties.

“I'm sorry for not doing my job properly,” Mr. Sottee said. When Joshua cast him a confused gaze, Mr. Sottee sighed and continued, “I didn’t protect you from that bloodsucking family,” he explained.