Chapter 5. Luxury House

"You can admire me later. For now, let's focus on our mission. Can you do it?" Ace asked, releasing Casey's hand from his chin.

Casey then stood up and walked back and forth in front of Ace. Ace knew Casey was thinking right now. Of course, he was prepared to wait until this petite woman stopped and spoke. "But to do what you ask, we need a room and also experts. Are you up to it?" Casey asked hesitantly.

As expected by Ace, Casey would definitely take up this challenge from him. "Of course. Pick any place and I'll provide the funding. And to make it clear that I have money, I want you to fix yourself from top to bottom. Being beautiful is the first order you must obey!" commanded Ace with a serious attitude. It's no wonder because he's like that on campus too.

A notification appeared on Casey's phone.

[Brooklyn Central Bank] The account balance with account number XXX46 is USD 1,000,000.00

"Really? You mean it?" Casey asked incredulously at what she was seeing now. Her balance swelled, and it was all because of Ace—her research partner who suddenly became rich.

"Of course. I want you to look worthy as my representative. Until they can no longer refuse your offer. Can you do it?" Ace looked serious with his intent, making Casey's face tense.

"I think I can."

After confidently answering Ace's question, Casey looked gloomy again. She knew Ace's emotional character, and she just didn't want to be caught by the police after this due to the genius man's impulsive actions. This made Casey feel that she had to ask Ace for more details.

"Um...Ace, I want to ask where did you get all this money from, actually? Don't answer now because right now, I just want you to reconsider. Don't be impulsive, that's all I'm asking. You know our research is not strong enough for mass production, right?" said Casey while adjusting her glasses back into place.

This was the Casey he knew, detail-oriented. "I know. That's why I need you to plan the business model because you understand it better," Ace answered casually. "It's time for you to take responsibility since you once won the business class!" he teased again.

Casey didn't answer that question full of mockery and instead stared sharply at Ace while crossing her arms over her chest. "What's your goal, Ace?" she asked.

"My mother and revenge."

Casey could only take a deep breath upon hearing Ace's answer. When it comes to his mother, Ace is always like this.

"I can't say right or wrong for now. But I hope you can stop and realize it someday."

"One day, I will."

***

A week later, Ace had started to feel energetic again and was looking for a house with Aileen for Ace's parents and younger siblings.

"We should probably look around Royal Palm, Sir!" Aileen said.

Ace just nodded while looking at his mother and younger sibling who were still dazed in the car they were in. Ace held his mother's wrinkled hand, who had patiently cared for him all this time, and also his younger sibling's hand, as if saying, "No need to worry anymore. Our suffering will end!"

"Sir, Ace. We have arrived," Aileen said, then opened the door and got out of Ace's black Hummer.

Ace got out, and so did his mother and younger sibling. They were looking at a house that was being offered by the property marketing team.

A residence that made Ace's mother and sister stare in amazement. It was not only beautiful but also very futuristic with all the advanced technology-based systems the house had adopted. It was in line with Ace's expertise all this time.

"Aileen, take my mother inside to see!" ordered Ace. Meanwhile, Ace just sat on a large garden stone there, listening to Casey talking on his phone. Without realizing it, someone was walking towards Ace from inside the house.

"Hahahaha...what are you doing here, beggar?"

Ace turned around and hung up his phone just to see the person mocking him.

"Oh, I know! I guess you're daydreaming of owning this house, right? I think my blow to your head that time caused a really good damage," jeered Bruce.

Ace just smiled thinly and let Bruce mock him without responding. He could have fought back or just cursed back. However, that would make him no different from Bruce, who only looked respectable from the outside but was rotten inside.

Shortly after, Megan came out of the house and walked gracefully towards Ace and Bruce.

"Darling! Do you like that house?" asked Bruce in front of Ace, trying to show affection.

"I really like it. Will you buy it for me?" asked Megan, cuddling Bruce's arm. Megan's sexy clothes only made Ace feel more disgusted, especially when he remembered how easily Megan had fooled him before.

Before Bruce could answer, Megan continued her talk. "That person earlier seems interested too. I don't want to be beaten to it," continued Megan, pointing towards Aileen's group.

"Sir...it seems the madam is suitable for your choice!" said Aileen as she approached Ace.

Ace saw his mother and sister looking at him worriedly, but he only responded with a smile and instructed them to wait in the car.

"Huh? What? That house? You want it, Ace?" asked Megan arrogantly.

"Never mind, dear. He's out of his mind. We'd better prepare to give a farewell speech. Maybe after this, he'll want a sweet welcome, won't he?" jeered Bruce again.

Aileen, who heard this, looked angry and immediately wanted to speak out, but was held back by Ace. Making Aileen could only stare at Ace with a confused look, unable to believe that Ace held back to respond to the words of the two narrow-minded people.

"I want this house, dear!" said Megan, in a coquettish manner to her boyfriend Bruce. As if deliberately showing to the whole world that she did not regret throwing Ace away and choosing Bruce. Although in terms of attitude, of course, Ace was above Bruce.

"Of course. Don't think I'm a loser like this insincere man!" said Bruce while pointing towards Ace's face. Bruce seemed to be very disturbed by Ace since he found out that his subordinates were beaten up by Ace. It even made his business stumble because he had to replace some damaged equipment and also treat his subordinates at the hospital. All of this was because of Ace.

"Hmm...Mr. Andrew. Do you have a higher offer than this?" asked Ace casually.