The Castaway Billionaire

Chapter 3

The prison meeting room became the witness to Niko Nicholas's unexpected release and his encounter with a tall, dark-skinned man who introduced himself as Daniel. Daniel, now observing Niko behind his dark sunglasses, spoke, "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Daniel, your new assistant. I've been given orders to secure your release before the scheduled time. Your name has also been cleared of this case. So, there's nothing to worry about."

Niko scrutinized Daniel with narrowed eyes. Who was he? Out of the blue, he had managed to free Niko from a sentence that should have lasted for several more years. It was highly suspicious.

"Assistant? I'm sorry, but I don't know you. On what basis do you suddenly claim to be my assistant and release me from these charges? Do you know what actually happened out there?" Niko couldn't contain his curiosity. He needed to know the truth. This might be another trap being set to destroy him.

"I've already told you; I did it on orders. For a clearer picture, you can come with me," Daniel replied straightforwardly.

Judging by appearances, the man couldn't be much older, perhaps around the same age as Niko. However, Niko didn't want to rush into following someone he clearly didn't know. He had learned to be cautious, especially after Alexa's betrayal. If someone he knew could betray him, what about a stranger like Daniel? No one could predict what was going on in his mind.

"Someone who gave me orders can guarantee your safety once you're out of here. You don't need to worry because I assure you this isn't a trap or anything that could harm you."

Niko had many more questions, but a guard had already instructed them to leave, emphasizing that Niko should never return to this place.

Niko could only nod stiffly and comply, following the guard and Daniel to leave the detention area. After more than a year, Niko could finally breathe the air of freedom once again. The surroundings hadn't changed much from what he last remembered. It might be different if Niko had been released after his actual sentence was completed.

Niko's mouth fell open when he saw the vehicle Daniel had brought. A shiny luxury car that, at first glance, clearly had a price tag far beyond three digits.

"Who exactly sent you?" Niko stood by the door, hesitating to get in, even though the door was wide open, courtesy of the driver.

"Shortly, you'll find out. Let's go in," Daniel gestured, leading the way as he slid into the right seat. His eyebrows raised when Niko hesitated, looking uncertainly at the car's interior.

"What are you waiting for?" Daniel asked again.

Niko took a deep breath and cautiously stepped into the car. He fervently prayed that this four-wheeled vehicle wouldn't lead to another disaster.

Throughout the journey, Niko remained apprehensive, his fingers tightly twisted on his lap. He was consumed by thoughts about whether his decision was right or wrong. However, he had no idea what to do next. The restaurant where he used to work might not take him back, and he didn't have a penny to his name.

"Relax. No need to be so tense."

Daniel's words made Niko glance up. He thought the man beside him had no intention of explaining anything.

"I could explain everything to you, but there's someone more deserving of that. You can meet them after this," Daniel added.

Niko nodded again. For now, he resigned himself to being taken wherever. His mind was too exhausted to think.

Niko's confusion multiplied when the car he was in stopped in front of a mansion. It wasn't just luxurious; it was located in the elite area of the provincial capital. Niko was certain he had never crossed paths with the owner of this mansion. In fact, he had no idea who the owner was.

"Whose house is this?" Niko asked with a furrowed brow. Could it be the house of some wealthy woman who kept young men as companions? Was he about to become a victim?

Before Niko's thoughts could wander further, the driver opened the door and motioned for him to get out. Daniel had already exited the car, while Niko was still gaping at the grand house next to him.

"Come on. Mr. Arshad is waiting."

Niko quickly checked his appearance in the side mirror as he stepped out of the car. Whoever owned this house was definitely not an ordinary person.

"Niko? You've grown so much, dear." A middle-aged man who had been standing at the door all this time welcomed Niko and embraced him with great emotion. Meanwhile, Niko just stood there, not knowing how to react.

Without saying much, the man immediately invited Niko inside. His hand rested on Niko's shoulder, patting it with a sense of pride.

As they entered the living room, Niko found several people waiting. There was an elderly man and two younger women. Not a single one of them was familiar to Niko; their faces were completely unknown, and they all regarded him with various expressions.

Only one man, with white hair, looked at Niko warmly, even with joy. His reaction wasn't much different from Arshad's.

"Since everyone is gathered here, I'll make an announcement."

Arshad gestured for Niko to sit on the plush sofa. He remained standing, scanning the other family members in the room.

Arshad cleared his throat and a faint smile appeared on his lips, adorned with wrinkles.

"This man who just arrived... my child. He is Niko, who disappeared twenty-eight years ago."

Niko was startled by the statement. A child?

"Wait, what do you mean?" Niko finally mustered the courage to interrupt. He was genuinely baffled by the man's words.

"You're my child. My biological child," Arshad stated firmly, patting Niko's shoulder. His eyes seemed teary as he said it.

"I had no idea if my father was still alive. If you really are my father, why are you just coming now?" Niko asked incredulously. Everything was too shocking and confusing.

"I'm sorry, but it took time to find you. When we finally learned of your whereabouts, you were in captivity. We had to ensure your innocence and work to get you released. I apologize for the delay. One thing is certain, you are truly my flesh and blood."

Niko no longer needed words or actions to express his happiness. After all these years, he had just discovered that he wasn't alone in the world. There was still a family waiting for him to come home and reunite.