NATE POV
"...Are you interested?" The man said.
I pressed my lips as I looked at him in a suspicious manner. He looked elegant with his all slick black hair and tang black suit. He exuded an aura of confidence and charisma. Yet, his eyes was cold almost soul less. He looked mysterious but also dangerous.
He curved his lips as he could sense the doubt in my expression.
"I understand trust is earned not giving so let me first introduce myself. I'm Howard Smith, I represent my employer who will like to remain anonymous for now but he has reviewed your case carefully. He believes you were wrongfully accused and wants to help you seek vengeance on the people who framed you."
I gazed at him deeply to see if I could read his expression, but he remained indifferent and cryptic. I let out a sigh of relief as I finally found someone who also believed me. However, I had to be sure I was not walking into a trap.
"How can I believe you?" I asked in a serious tone. His face remained unfazed as he brought a yellow envelope.
"I have the information you seek that nobody wants to tell you." Howard handed me the enveloped that contain pictures. I adjusted my hand that were tightly handcuffed to open and retrieve them.
The pictures were gloomy but I recognized the lady in the photographs. My eyes widened in shock as I saw her face. Even with the injuries, I could tell she had the resemblance of Maria. I froze and dropped the pictures on the table in front of me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I glanced at Howard.
There was also the picture of Elisa and Victor intimate encounters.
"Are this pictures real." I asked in a hoarse voice.
"My deepest condolences, I'm sorry you have to find out this way but my employer wants you to be able to trust him completely." Howard slowly picked up the photos and put them back respectfully inside the envelope.
I clenched my hands so tightly that my nails deeps down into my hands drawing out blood. I had a cold glint in my eyes as I gazed Howard.
"What is the name of your boss and what does he want from me?" I replied in a sad tone. Howard's demeanor softened as he drew his chair close to mine.
"For now, my employee will like to known as Mr. X. In due time all other info will be shared with you appropriately" He said with a sympathetic look on his face.
I decided not to push the matter further and focus on how to get justice for Maria.
" Alright, I'm interested. What is the next plan?" I asked like a student listening to their teacher.
Howard cleared his throat and whispered to me.
"Since your time spent in prison is almost completed, you will use this opportunity to get stronger and study your enemies and their weaknesses. On the day of your release, I will come to pick you and take you to your new house." His facial expression was friendly yet formal at the same time.
I nodded as approval and cupped his hands. He left and I returned back to my cell. I used my time in prison to learn various forms of martial arts, exercise to build muscles and physical strength. This steps transformed me into a ruthless killing machine which scared away other inmates, they even named me 'Prison King.'
***
On the day of my release, I stepped out of the prison to see a customized black limousine with Howard at the back seat waiting outside.
"Welcome back Master Nathaniel." He had a broad smile on his face. I nodded and got into the limousine. He opened the door and we zoomed off to an unknown address..
We arrived at a fabulous mansion that was situated along the porshe areas of the city. It had the architectural structure of an old castle, yet it had a sculpture of a male lion at the entrance giving it a royal outlook. On the stairs where two parallel lines of domestic staffs and security. I gasped in awe at the serenity and elegance of the compound. There was also a fountain lake with two swarms interlocking their long necks together.
As I was escorted into the mansion, Howard introduced me to all the domestic staffs and their duties. They all respectfully bowed as I walked through. A wave of anxiety washed over me as I wasn't accustomed to this much hospitality. I was always known as the wretched son-in-law who lower than thrash.
I slightly nodded to the staffs including the butler as I entered the main house. The internal decor was also grandiose filled with expensive artworks placed all over the house.
My eyes flickered with joy to see so much fancy adornments.
"Master Nathaniel, this is your new house." My eyes widened with shock as I never expected one person to own all these luxury. I snapped back quickly and glanced at Howard.
"Thank You Howard for the tour. However, I will need you to continue managing the estate just a bit longer, I have some things to sort out before I can finally move-in.
Howard forced a smile on his face as he gazed at me. " It's my honor to serve you Master, both the staffs and the house will always be yours."
That brought peace in my chest, as soon as he finished taking around for a tour of the house. I spoke to him gently.
"Howard, I need you to take me to a specific location." He slightly nodded in respect as we stepped outside the house. I suggested we go with a less conspicious car.
We arrived at the destination with a sedan car. I took a deep breath as I inhaled the familiar air of the neighbourhood where I grew up. There were so little renovation but most of the buildings remained intact.
I signaled Howard to go before drawing unwanted attention to himself. Moments later, he handed me a platinum card that had a unique symbol on it.
"My employee instructed I give you this card just to sort yourself out for now. It only has 2 trillion dollars. This should settle you in quickly. Please let me know if its not enough-"
I gasped in shocked. He said it like it was just a meager two hundred thousand. I could only imagine his bosses' net worth. I mumbled to myself. I collected the card and nodded in gratitude.
"Also, my number is at the back of the card if you need anything else. Goodbye Master Nathaniel." Howard politely greeted and handed me a flip phone. After we exchanged our greetings, he drove off.
I walked to the doorsteps of Maria's house, before I was stopped abruptly.
"Aren't you the useless son of Maria Cross? I can't let you in till her debt is paid!" The landlord yelled. He was a stout man with contorted face and had bald spots. My eyes darkened as I remember this man who disturbed my mother constantly over unpaid rent.
A wave of anger washed over me as I had cold glint in my eyes.
"How much did she owe you?" I snapped. He was taken aback, but he regained his composure quickly. "I heard you went to prison, how do you intend to pay when you're broke." He replied in a sarcastic tone.
"Do you want your money or not?" I said to him sharply. He had a doubtful look on his face as he glanced at me.
" Three thousand dollars." I subconsciously scuffed which infuriated him. He misread my reaction to fear. Three thousand dollars. That's all this fuss is about. I mumbled quietly to myself.
"How much is the entire house?" I said glancing at me. He was taken aback by my boldness, but he snapped back quickly.
"Hey..don't try to act tough. I know you're penniless." He replied in a condensing tone. My eyes darkened which shuddered him. He regained his composure and stuttered.
"Four…hundred thousand." He said hesitantly. I grinned while glancing at him.
"Deal."