Rise From Prison: Taking Over the Business Empire

Chapter 7: How Could It Be You?

"Yes, Master!"

Their voices rang in unison.

For some time, they had been hiding within the depths of Silverhaven City. Half an hour ago, they had received orders from Caroline Hill to await their master's arrival at Villa One.

Anthony nodded in satisfaction. "From now on, you will live here in Crystal Haven. I enjoy having company—I don't care for solitude."

"As you wish, Master!"

The five warriors responded in chorus.

Then, Anthony continued, "One of you should stay behind while the other four go out and get some food. Tonight, once Caroline gets off work, let's have a proper celebration."

"Understood!"

They responded with robotic precision, answering only as prompted.

Anthony chuckled. "No need to be so stiff—I’m easygoing. There’s no need for formalities."

Hearing this, Theseus immediately spoke up, "See? I told you our master would be a good man. Let’s not be so uptight! Our only duty is to serve him well and follow him to the very end!"

Heracles' expression darkened slightly. "Theseus, watch your words. A master is a master—we must always maintain the proper hierarchy."

Anthony sighed with a wry smile. "Enough. Theseus is right. When you’re with me, there’s no need for such rigidity. As long as you follow my lead, we are brothers!"

He clapped his hands together. "Now, hurry up and get things ready! I just got out of prison—you wouldn’t leave me without a proper homecoming, would you?"

At those words, Achilles suddenly spoke up. "Master, we are truly delighted at your release. Tonight, we will ensure you have the best company. Would you like me to arrange for some women to accompany you?"

"Pfft!"

Anthony nearly choked on his tea, spraying it out in surprise.

He coughed, quickly waving his hands. "No, no, that won’t be necessary!"

Without further protest, Heracles, Achilles, Perseus, and Odysseus were promptly sent out on their errand, leaving only Theseus behind. Compared to the others, Theseus had a more honest and steady demeanor, making Anthony feel more at ease with him nearby.

---

Meanwhile, Joanna Kennedy had just returned to Crystal Haven.

The estate was vast, with towering walls separating each villa, ensuring utmost privacy.

Soon, Joanna Kennedy arrived at the peak of Crystal Haven, where Villa One stood.

The mansion was unparalleled in both grandeur and scale, a masterpiece of luxury. She had heard whispers that this villa had been built for the estate's owner but had remained unoccupied—until today.

To her surprise, a sleek black Hummer was parked just outside the entrance. Even more curious, the front doors were slightly ajar.

Intrigued, Joanna Kennedy hesitated only for a moment before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

The moment she crossed the threshold, Theseus, inside the villa, immediately sensed her presence.

"Stay calm," Anthony murmured.

He, too, had already detected someone approaching.

Theseus obediently sat back down.

Anthony rose and strode toward the entrance, with Theseus following closely behind.

At the villa’s doorstep, Joanna Kennedy’s breath quickened.

Rumors whispered that a powerful figure resided here. Could it be the chairman of Horizon Group?

It wouldn’t have surprised her. After all, only someone of that stature could have developed a high-end estate like Crystal Haven.

She lifted her hand, about to press the doorbell—

But before she could, the heavy front doors slowly swung open.

Standing before her was Anthony.

Her eyes widened in shock. "Anthony… What are you doing here?"

Anthony arched a brow at the sight of her but maintained his usual easy smile. "Well, well… what a coincidence, Miss Kennedy. We meet again."

"No, seriously—what are you doing here?"

Joanna Kennedy was utterly dumbfounded.

This was Villa One of Crystal Haven! A property worth no less than $500 million!

How could a man who had just been released from prison possibly be standing here?

Then, a thought struck her—Anthony had mentioned earlier that he was looking for work.

So that was it!

Anthony chuckled. "If I told you I lived here, you wouldn’t believe me, would you? So… let's just say I work here."

Of course.

Joanna Kennedy’s lips curled into a cold smirk. "Obviously. There’s no way you could afford to live here. This villa alone is worth at least $500 million. Do you even have $1 million to your name? But I must admit… you sure know how to find a job."

Anthony’s smile didn’t waver. "Half a billion dollars… quite a sum. But tell me, what makes you so sure I couldn’t afford it? Because I’m Anthony? Because I’ve been in prison? Because I was once the Mitchell family’s worthless son-in-law?"

"Exactly." Joanna Kennedy’s tone was icy as she stared him down.

At that moment, her gaze shifted past Anthony to Theseus.

Ignoring Anthony entirely, her expression softened into one of delight.

With a courteous smile, she asked, "Excuse me, are you the owner of Villa One? Is your last name Jones?"

Theseus glanced at Anthony, unsure how to respond. Since Anthony remained silent, he replied on his own, "Miss, asking for someone's surname the moment you meet them… isn’t that a bit impolite?"

Joanna Kennedy quickly adjusted her demeanor, offering a demure smile. "Oh! My apologies. I am Joanna Kennedy, the eldest daughter of the Kennedy family. I also live in Crystal Haven—we’re neighbors."

"Miss Kennedy, pleasure to meet you. Is there something I can help you with?" Theseus asked.

Joanna Kennedy's smile brightened. "You must be the chairman of Horizon Group, correct? You’re incredibly handsome and so young! Actually, I’m here on behalf of a dear friend. She hopes to collaborate with Horizon Group…"

Theseus blinked in surprise.

Business negotiations? That was far beyond his expertise.

He hesitated, falling into an awkward silence.

Before he could respond, Anthony smirked. "What’s wrong? The Mitchell family isn’t confident in their capabilities? They don’t have the strength to compete fairly, so they resort to pleading?"

"Shut up!" Joanna Kennedy snapped, glaring at him. "No one asked for your opinion!"

Anthony shrugged, unconcerned. "Alright, alright. I’ll leave you to it."

With that, he turned and strolled back into the villa.

Theseus, however, now fully grasping Anthony’s unspoken message, turned to Joanna Kennedy and said, "Miss Kennedy, I suggest you return. Only through fair competition can we ensure we choose the most worthy partner."