2025-08-16 21:24:50
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CHAPTER 36 PART 2
Twenty minutes later, I stood before the gates of an enormous mansion that looked more like a palace than a private residence. The Sterling estate sprawled across what had to be hundreds of acres, with manicured gardens and fountains that spoke of unlimited wealth and power.As I approached the main entrance, a burly security guard stepped out of his booth, blocking my path."Hold it right there, kid," the guard said dismissively. "This is private property. You can't just walk up here like you own the place.""I'm here to see my grandfather," I replied calmly.The guard let out a harsh laugh. "Your grandfather? Listen, boy, this is the Sterling family estate. The richest, most powerful family in the country lives here.""I know exactly who lives here," I said patiently."Sure you do," the guard mocked. "And I suppose you're claiming to be some long-lost Sterling heir?""Actually, yes."The guard's laughter became even more insulting. "Look at yourself, kid. You're dressed like you sho
CHAPTER 36 PART 1
MICHAEL'S POVDerek's face was a mask of rage and humiliation as he stared at the Mayor, his bloodied nose still dripping onto his expensive shirt. "I will never beg this worthless piece of trash for anything!""Your choice," Mayor Rodriguez replied coldly, pulling out his phone. "But your father might feel differently about your decision.""What are you doing?" Derek asked nervously."Calling Marcus Manning to inform him of the consequences of his son's actions," the Mayor said, already dialing.Derek's confidence began to waver. "Wait, you don't need to involve my father in this—""Hello, Marcus?" the Mayor spoke into his phone, putting it on speaker so Derek could hear. "This is Mayor Rodriguez. I'm calling about your son Derek.""Mayor Rodriguez!" Marcus Manning's voice came through clearly, filled with respect and concern. "Is everything alright?""I'm afraid Derek has assaulted one of my personal guests outside my charity event," the Mayor explained. "This kind of behavior is co
CHAPTER 35 PART 2
Before I could respond, Derek Manning appeared from behind a pillar near the hotel entrance, his face twisted with rage and humiliation."YOU!" he screamed, pointing an accusing finger at me. "You planned all of this to embarrass me in front of everyone!""Derek, calm down," Sarah said, stepping between us. "The evening is over. Just go home.""Go home?" Derek laughed bitterly. "After being publicly humiliated by this worthless fraud?"Without warning, Derek's fist connected with my jaw in a vicious punch that sent me staggering backward."Derek, stop!" Sarah screamed."You must have blackmailed the Mayor somehow!" Derek shouted, advancing for another attack. "There's no way someone like you could legitimately earn this kind of recognition!"He swung again, this time catching me in the ribs.The pain flared through my body, but what bothered me more was seeing Sarah's frightened face."You're nothing but a con artist!" Derek continued his assault. "A pathetic loser who somehow manipul
CHAPTER 35 PART 1
MICHAEL'S POVDamian stepped back to the microphone, holding an elegant golden trophy that gleamed under the banquet hall's crystal chandeliers. The entire room fell into expectant silence as he prepared to announce the winner of the evening's most prestigious award."After careful deliberation by our panel of judges," Damian announced, his voice echoing throughout the hall, "this year's Golden Enterprise Award for the family that has contributed most significantly to our city's business world goes to..."He paused dramatically, building the suspense as hundreds of the city's elite leaned forward in anticipation."The Fletcher family!"The silence that followed was deafening. Every person in the room turned to stare at our table in complete shock, their expressions ranging from bewilderment to outright disbelief.Sarah's mouth fell open so wide I thought her jaw might have become dislocated. "Did... did he just say our name?"Elena was blinking rapidly, as if trying to wake up from wh
Chapter 34
MICHAEL'S POVAfter confirming with Victoria that she would pick me up later, I ended the call and returned to the head table where the Fletcher family was settling into their VIP seats. The ambiance was electric with anticipation as the city's most elite families gathered for what was clearly the evening's main event.A distinguished man in an elegant tuxedo stepped onto the stage, commanding immediate attention from the hundreds of guests. The conversations died down as he approached the microphone with the confidence of someone accustomed to addressing powerful audiences."Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," the man began, his voice carrying clearly throughout the ornate banquet hall. "My name is Damian Rodriguez, and I have the honor of serving as tonight's master of ceremonies."He paused as polite applause rippled through the audience."I've been entrusted with the responsibility of combining the various votes from our panel of judges and revealing the recipient of this year's
Chapter 33
MICHAEL'S POVMayor Rodriguez gestured grandly toward the most prestigious table in the entire banquet hall, positioned at the very front with the best view of the stage and decorated with elaborate floral arrangements that probably cost more than most people's monthly salary."Mr. Thompson, please," the Mayor said with obvious reverence, "I would be deeply honored if you and your distinguished family would dine with me at the head table.""Thank you, Mayor Rodriguez," I replied calmly, as if being treated like royalty by city officials was a perfectly normal occurrence for me.Derek, still reeling from the Mayor's dramatic intervention, tried to follow us toward the VIP section. "Mayor Rodriguez, I'm Derek Manning. My family—""Stop right there," the Mayor said firmly, holding up his hand. "You are not on my guest list, Mr. Manning."Derek's face flushed with embarrassment. "But surely there's been some mistake. The Manning family has always been—""The invitation was specifically fo
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