Three years in exile: The God of War returns

Chapter 9 - Who Are You?

Max felt like he had been slapped in the face. He was furious. If Cindy weren't somewhat attractive and capable of luring young masters into buying units, he would have been fired long ago.

This villa was the most expensive in the city. The commission alone was enough for the entire branch. There would be travel perks, bonuses, and public recognition. If Cindy hadn't offended this guest, that commission might have been his.

"Yes, yes. I’ll have Ella take care of it immediately."

"What are you standing there for? Finish the paperwork."

Despite his reluctance, he had to cater to the guest’s wishes. No one had ever bought a high-end villa with a single lump-sum payment like Duncan. Max didn't know Duncan’s identity, but someone who could spend that much without blinking was far from ordinary.

"Please, come inside. While we wait for the paperwork, we will send some gifts as an apology for the incident."

Duncan walked in calmly with Kate. Ella followed, leaving Cindy on the cold floor. She clutched her swollen cheek, her eyes filled with disbelief and rage.

"Manager Max, how... how can they..."

Max glared at her with no pity.

"Why wouldn't they? What does a bird-brain, as you know? Do you expect rich people to walk around with a sign saying 'I have money'?"

He looked at her swollen face and continued without an ounce of sympathy.

"Don't just look at the surface. How many units did those young masters of yours actually buy? Was it cash or installments? This man paid for everything at once. Furniture, five years of fees, all in one go. Did your customers do that?"

Cindy was stunned, her posture collapsing as regret washed over her.

"Regretful? The commission from that villa could have been ours. Bonuses, promotions, trips... all gone because of a useless thing like you. Get out of here before you offend the guest further. Don't let me see this happen again, or... You know the consequences."

Max’s heart ached thinking about the lost promotion and bonus. But he wanted to stay in the guest’s good graces. Anyone who bought that villa would likely buy more property later. He hurried to the waiting room to ensure they were well-treated.

"Who should the title be under?"

Ella asked cautiously. Usually, men wanted joint titles or just their own. It was a necessary question.

"My wife, Kate."

The answer was immediate.

Kate looked at Duncan in shock. She had processed so much today, and now she was the owner of a massive asset. Even if they had nothing else, selling the villa would be enough to live on for a lifetime.

"This... aren't you afraid..."

"You are my wife. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Everything I have, I give to you."

Duncan took her hand affectionately. Seeing her so overwhelmed made his heart ache. If he revealed his true identity as the legendary God of War now, she might feel inadequate. He decided to slowly build her up until she felt worthy to stand by his side.

Duncan was determined. Max and Ella moved quickly. Duncan wanted to move in immediately, so everything had to be expedited.

When they were alone, Kate looked at him, hesitant to ask.

"How... do you have so much money? Where have you been these past few years?"

"I traveled. I made some connections. I happened to save a close associate of the General, so I was given some favors."

"The General? The God of War? Are you joking?"

Kate stared at him, unbelieving.

"It’s true."

"Duncan, you’re still a joker after all these years. Who is the General? Who are his associates? How could you save them?"

Duncan felt helpless.

"They were lost while I was on the road. I happened to help them with a meal."

"Just a meal for all this?"

"Yes. He is the General. A little help is repaid tenfold or a hundredfold. Everyone knows that."

It sounded plausible enough, so Kate dropped the subject for now. But then her expression turned to disappointment.

"I thought you would have built your own legacy after all these years. I didn't expect you to still be living off the kindness of others."

Duncan didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"But I’m back, aren't I? This connection will at least keep us from starving."

He tried to be lighthearted to ease her tension.

"Oh, also, the General gave me two privileges. One is a business to run in Neon City. The other is a favor to be called upon when needed."

"Really?"

Kate’s eyes brightened.

"But it’s been years since I did business. I think it’s better if you manage it."