9 Dialing Destiny

Mason glanced at his watch, his right hand casually resting on the steering wheel as he adjusted his black face cap with his left. Through the rearview mirror, he watched Eliza engage with her fans, waving enthusiastically as she approached the car.

She opened the door, her warm smile lighting up the moment as she settled into the passenger seat. "Why did you let them take pictures of us?" Mason inquired with a hint of concern.

Eliza, nonchalant, shrugged in response. Retrieving her phone from her purse, she unlocked it and remarked, "You're scared Hailey must have seen the pic."

Mason blinked, averting his gaze. "I just broke up with her. It would look weird if she finds out I left her for you."

With a sigh, Eliza brought her phone screen into Mason's line of sight, displaying the captured moment. "I can't believe you're still scared of her. She can't do anything since you own a much bigger company than she does. Even if she wanted to do anything to you, she would surely fail." Her words carried a confident assurance, challenging any lingering fear Mason might harbor.

" Also she doesn't know it's me yet , so don't worry." She added.

Mason's smile persisted, accompanied by a nervous chuckle, as he mumbled, "Yes, you're right."

Eliza burst into laughter, her amusement contagious. "I can only imagine her reaction when she finds out we are dating... pain, despair, and envy."

Curiosity flickered in Mason's eyes as he asked, "is that the only reason why you are dating me, just to ruin your sister?"

Eliza playfully pecked his cheek, her smile turning affectionate. "I truly am in love with you. Don't you feel the same way?"

The sincerity of Eliza's question caught Mason off guard, and his expression softened. "Eliza, you mean the world to me as well."

With a loving smile, Eliza declared, "That settles it then. Let's go to my place."

Mason engaged the engine, and they set off down the road.

***

In the expansive confines of his corner office, Adrian occupied the space with an air of authority, stationed behind a sophisticated mahogany desk that gleams under the gentle embrace of ambient lighting. The room is graced with tall windows offering a breathtaking panorama of the city below, and a plush leather chair cradled him as he meticulously scrutinized a document, the subtle hum of productivity lingering in the air. The walls, adorned with tasteful artwork, and shelves meticulously organized, contribute to an aura of refined elegance.

Suddenly, a knock shatters the tranquility, and Alexander entered with a discernible frown on his face. Adrian, wearing a bright smile, placed the document aside and extended a courteous greeting, "Good morning, Mr. Zhu. Did you sleep well?"

However, Alexander remained silent, his countenance betraying an underlying tension. Adrian, sensing the disturbance, furrowed his eyebrows in feigned concern and inquired, "Is something the matter?"

With an air of frustration, Alexander finally voiced his grievance, "Yes, there's a problem. You used your powers on me and ordered me to run around the streets half-naked while slapping myself. My right cheek still hurts."

Adrian responded with a soft chuckle, unfazed, and continued perusing the documents.

Undeterred, Alexander slumped onto the plush couch nearby, voicing his dismay, "How could you do that to your one and only loyal servant?"

Adrian leaned back in his chair, a glint of nonchalance in his eyes, "You, of all people, should know I do not appreciate being addressed with that name."

"I explicitly conveyed that this has become a habitual issue!" Alexander's voice reverberated through the room, his frustration palpable.

In response, Adrian momentarily closed his eyes, calmly counting to ten before reopening them to cast a reassuring gaze upon his agitated servant. "Did you just raise your voice at me?" Adrian questioned, his tone infused with authoritative restraint.

"I didn't realize; I apologize," Alexander mumbled, visibly embarrassed, his eyes averting to the floor. Adrian sighed deeply and offered an unexpected apology, saying, "It's only natural; I apologize as well... I'm... sorry."

Alexander's head shot up, eyes widened in astonishment. "Young master actually apologized!" he exclaimed with a hint of disbelief. Adrian, however, swiftly clarified, "I didn't mean it," maintaining a firm demeanor, and Alexander, still smiling sheepishly, lowered his head.

"Did you manage to obtain what I asked for?" Adrian inquired.

Alexander straightened up, adopting a serious tone in his response, "Yes, I acquired her contact details and the date of the meeting."

Adrian nodded approvingly, "Good."

Curiosity lingering, Alexander pressed further, "But young master, what are you planning on doing?"

He stood up, placing the gathered information on Adrian's desk.

A heavy sigh escaped Adrian's lips as he revealed, "To put it simply, I am planning something big..."

Alexander tilted his head, a gesture of anticipation, awaiting Adrian to conclude his statement. Adrian, in response, arched his eyebrows, casting a questioning gaze, and queried, "Why are you still here?"

"Oh! That's all you have to say?" Alexander exclaimed with a touch of theatrical drama. An annoyed tone laced Adrian's response, "What did you expect me to say?"

Rolling his eyes, Alexander retorted, "Aren't you going to explain what you're planning that seems huge?"

Adrian, with dry humor, replied, "And why would I explain that to you?"

"You always tell me everything; why the sudden change of heart?" Alexander folded his arms defensively around his chest.

Adrian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, and conceded, "Fine, I won't hide it anymore."

"Good!" Alexander chimed cheerfully, reclaiming his seat with a playful bounce. However, a subtle transformation occurred in Adrian's eyes as they emitted a faint deep red glow. Locking gaze with Alexander, who muttered, "Oh, shit, not again," under his breath.

Adrian's sly smirk persisted as he observed Alexander straighten up, a neutral expression masking his eyes. "Now, quietly leave my office and return to yours. Do not come to my office until I explicitly tell you to," Adrian commanded with authoritative precision.

"Yes, Young Master," Alexander responded dutifully, executing a respectful bow before exiting the office, leaving Adrian to his contemplation.

In the ensuing silence, Adrian pondered, his gaze fixated on the paper before him. His fingers drummed rhythmically against the armrests, grappling with the decision of whether to dial the mysterious number or not. After a brief internal struggle, he picked up his phone, his gaze unwavering, and dialed the number, pressing the call button. A few rings echoed before a voice answered on the other end.

"Hello," Adrian spoke.