UNDER HIS RULES

Hugo stared intently at his phone, completely focused on observing the movements of his opponent. Occasionally, his fingers measured the strength and capabilities of the opposing side. Sometimes, he would give instructions to his gaming partner. He sat comfortably in front of Jack’s desk, which had returned to its normal state.

“Hugo,” called Eland. “Seriously, you’ve been playing for two hours and you’re still not satisfied?”

“Shut up. Shut up, Eland. Don’t disturb my concentration,” Hugo glanced at him cynically, then refocused on his screen. “I’m in the finals, Eland. If I win, I’ll treat myself to a 37mm caliber shotgun.”

“The latest model?” Eland smirked slyly. “A 37mm caliber, huh?”

“You bastard!” Hugo slammed the table. His eyes glared at Eland with an unpleasant look. “Hold on a moment, Eland. My opponent is crazy good at this game. The latest shotgun, caliber 37. Alright, I’ll buy it. I’ll win first.”

Eland chuckled contentedly. “What do you want, Jack? If I win this game, I’m sure I can cover half the cost of Flown.”

“Boss Sam’s wealth has been estimated to increase after yesterday’s incident. Nothing was spent on renovating the headquarters and Flown, just so you know.”

Eland straightened his back. “You’re not kidding, are you?”

“Why would I joke about that?”

“Yesterday, I was asked to liquidate Quassano’s money for the Twin Dragons headquarters. It’s a gesture of gratitude from Alfred for protecting his beloved granddaughter,” added Hugo without taking his eyes off his phone screen.

Eland was astonished. “Quassano isn’t messing around.”

“That’s why you shouldn’t disturb me while I’m playing games, Eland. You’d better practice your sword skills over there!”

Eland pouted. “It’s not fun without an opponent. How about you, Hugo?”

“Shut up!” Hugo shouted once again. Since Eland and Jack knew what Hugo’s behavior was like when he was gaming, they understood. “You can ask Anne to practice. She hasn’t been busy lately.”

Eland shrugged. “Talking to you is pointless, Hugo.”

“Shotgun canceled!” Hugo stood up. “Win! Screw you all!” Hugo placed his phone somewhat roughly on the table. From the screen, it could be seen that there were many virtual fireworks indicating the owner of the phone had achieved victory. “Finally!!!”

“Insane,” scoffed Eland as he grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair. “If Boss asks, I’ll say I’m on the border.”

“Where else would you go, then? To Twin Dragons?” Jack straightened his back.

“That’s where I’m headed,” Eland replied curtly. “Don’t forget my shotgun, Hugo.”

“I’m coming too.” Hugo followed Eland’s steps, who was already at the door. A look of perplexity appeared on Eland’s face, while Jack simply shook his head at the behavior of these two companions.

“You’re such a bother!” Eland grumbled in annoyance. However, he didn’t push Hugo away but instead kept a distance to let him walk beside him. They headed to the parking area where their motorcycles were. Flown was not a major concern anymore. Sam’s subordinates were keeping a close watch while Flown was operating. Security had tightened, and not just anyone could enter.

Three weeks had passed since the quite shocking incident in the Southern Division. During this time, no one dared to disturb the Twin Dragons. Neither did they forget the series of events that were not easy to forget. Hugo and Eland were tasked with ensuring security up to the border of the Southern Division. After Jack recovered, he immediately resumed his duties, which revolved around managing Sam’s overall assets.

Although the renovation of the Twin Dragons headquarters was fully supported by Quassano, Jack’s calculations regarding Sam’s wealth were enough to cover it without assistance. Unfortunately, Alfred’s side insisted, and Sam didn’t pay much attention to the pressure he had to accept. Thus, the renovation was completed relatively quickly, with only the final touches left on the severely damaged three-story house section.

“What are you going to do at the border, Eland?” Hugo asked just before putting on his helmet.

Eland grinned. “Since the funeral for the kids, I haven’t been there, Hugo.”

“Ah, that’s right. We’ll be busy dealing with Joseph directly. That guy is such a damn pain.”

“He’s already been taken care of by the Boss.”

They finally laughed.

“Shall we go together?” Hugo raised and lowered his eyebrows deliberately.

“Why do I suddenly feel like I’m being asked out on a date by you?”

“You bastard!” Hugo forcefully punched Eland’s shoulder. “I still like women!”

“Especially me!” Eland laughed just as strongly. “Anne is for me, Hugo. Okay?”

Suddenly, the laughter subsided. Hugo’s eyes searched deeply, delving into the seriousness of Eland’s previous statement. “Are you… sure?”

Without hesitation, Eland nodded.

“If you’re sure, go ahead. I prefer calm women who enjoy cooking.”

“Damn!” Eland laughed triumphantly. “Do you think there’s another woman like Beatrice?”

“There is!” Hugo exclaimed excitedly. “Didn’t you see who sometimes accompanies Beatrice?”

“Jerk!” Eland was taken aback. “Are you… not mistaken?”

“How could I be mistaken!” Hugo put on his helmet. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Hey! Damn it! Don’t mess around with that girl, Hugo!”

“That warning applies to you too, Eland!” Hugo started his motorcycle’s engine. The sound of the exhaust was quite loud, and Hugo immediately revved the gas, leaving Eland still watching him.

“You bastard!” Eland hurriedly caught up. “Wait for me, damn it!”

***[]***

Since she entered Alfred’s mansion, Beatrice has never ceased to be amazed. Upon her arrival at the luxurious house, which she felt was twice the size of Sam’s house, her eyes were unsatisfied with the existing interior. Everything was neatly arranged and incredibly elegant. Unfortunately, some parts had to be destroyed and rearranged due to a fierce battle some time ago.

She thought the other mansion was just a temporary shelter, much smaller and simpler. She was wrong. Truly. When she first stepped out of the long sedan, which felt like a dream to be able to ride in such a car, she was greeted with an incredibly majestic view.

“Is this… a resting house?” Beatrice asked in disbelief. Her grandfather stood beside her, patting Beatrice’s shoulder, urging her to enter the two-story building that exuded beauty.

“It used to be your parents’ home, to be more precise. I made some changes to the interior because I felt it was too youthful for this old man.”

Beatrice shook her head in wonder and chose to follow her grandfather’s footsteps. In the spacious living room, all the servants gathered. They all bowed respectfully to Alfred, including Beatrice, feeling slightly awkward because she never expected something like this to happen in her life. Who is she, after all? Just a girl who was used as collateral for her cruel father’s debt. A simple life, but full of love from a noble-hearted woman whom she believed was her birth mother.

“From this moment on, my granddaughter has been found. Gather with me here. The sole successor of Quassano, Leora Eddith Seraphine Quassano. Whatever she says is an order to all of you.” Alfred spoke assertively to everyone in the living room, welcoming their presence with a bow and respect.

One by one, Alfred introduced Beatrice to the most important parts of the house. Including the fact that Beatrice would be specifically taught to accompany Alfred in continuing Quassano, Ltd. in the future. Although Beatrice had not agreed yet and was still in awe of her new life, it seemed that this was the destiny that awaited her.

“While I’m here, what should I do?” Beatrice asked, now sitting comfortably with Alfred. In front of her were delicious and tempting foods for Beatrice to try.

“Eat,” Alfred laughed. “Don’t hesitate to ask for anything in this house, Leora.”

Beatrice furrowed her brows.

“You’re the owner.”

“I still can’t digest all of this, Grandfather. Can we take it slowly?”

Alfred agreed, pouring a cup of hot chocolate for his granddaughter. “Belgian chocolate is famous for its flavor. You should try it. These snacks are made with low calories and not overly sweet. Give it a try.”

Beatrice moistened her lips and took one of the cookies with pink icing on top. One bite, and she fell in love. The desire to be able to make cookies like this arose in Beatrice’s heart. “I like it, it’s delicious,” praised Beatrice with joy. “Can I learn to make these snacks, Grandfather?”

“Am I hearing correctly, Leora?”

“Why should I be wrong?” Beatrice blinked in confusion.

“Why do you want to learn things that others can do?”

A sudden smile appeared on Beatrice’s face, a noticeable blush. Her eyes wandered far into the area filled with beautiful flowering plants. Also, lush trees that provided a cool atmosphere around the house. “Um… I’m sure Sam likes food like this. He likes my cooking, Grandfather.”

Alfred sighed in frustration. “You? Cooking for Sam? Good Lord! No, I won’t let that happen again.”

“Why not? Sam likes it. My cooking has been praised as delicious.”

“Yes, it used to be. Not anymore.”

“Grandfather!” Beatrice exclaimed with a hint of frustration. “You promised me you wouldn’t interfere in our relationship. Why should we argue over something so trivial?”

Alfred quickly rubbed his face. “Leora!” Before he finished advising his granddaughter, David arrived with files that he needed to review.

“Forgive my interruption, Sir, but this is a bit urgent,” David said before facing Alfred’s wrath.

“I haven’t finished talking to you, Leora.” Alfred warned his granddaughter before heading to his office. “You also need to consider when to start learning about the company I manage.”

Beatrice just grinned widely, letting the middle-aged man leave her alone. The two servants around her were always ready to assist her, although Beatrice thought it was unnecessary. She chose to enjoy what was in front of her while thinking, how is Sam doing today?

Her communication with the man was still intense. There wasn’t a night that Beatrice passed without having a casual conversation between them. Despite the distance, not meeting face to face, and only occasionally being satisfied with sent photos-Beatrice never expected Sam would do this for her. She felt overjoyed.

The atmosphere in this corner of the house was calming, making Beatrice feel it was only right to close her eyes for a moment.

“Huff!” She struggled in fear. Her mouth was covered, and her closed eyes were also covered by a hand she thought was big and strong.

“It’s me,” Sam whispered in her ear. “The old man is busy, right? Come with me.”

The hand that was covering Beatrice’s eyes was slowly lowered. Relief immediately enveloped Beatrice. “You scared me,” she whispered, still trying to normalize herself.

“This is Sam, Beatrice,” Sam said softly. “The guards of this house are under Alfred’s command, and some are tailing you from Twin Dragons. Valdo won’t be far from your presence. Don’t worry.”

Beatrice didn’t believe Sam’s words just now.

“Do you want to come?”

“Where?” Beatrice accepted Sam’s outstretched hand, where she immediately surveyed her surroundings. The two servants who had been near her since earlier were bowing in fear. “We have to ask Grandfather for permission to leave.”

“No need.” Sam laughed. “Not sure he’d give permission for you to go out.”

“Why is that?”

“Do you want to or not?” Sam asked, emphasizing his words.

A faint smile slowly formed on Beatrice’s face. “I do.”

“Put on this jacket.” Sam handed her a jacket identical to his. “Tell Alfred that Beatrice has been kidnapped by Sam. Bring the ransom to the headquarters,” Sam instructed the two servants who were still bowing and now nodded in fear.

The words from Sam just now made Beatrice laugh. “There’s a lot of security in this house, Abang. How do we escape?”

“Easy.” Sam made sure that nothing was lacking in Beatrice’s appearance this time, including the hoodie that covered part of Beatrice’s long hair. “Trust me, right?”

“Always.” Their hands held onto each other. Beatrice’s gaze was solely focused on Sam. If there were others lurking in the depths of Sam’s dark eyes, Beatrice didn’t care. All she cared about now was that Sam was in front of her, smiling slightly and treating her gently.

“Good.” Sam gently wiped Beatrice’s eyes that refused to look anywhere else. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Why?” Beatrice protested, her face frowning in annoyance.

Sam chose not to answer. He strolled through the garden leisurely, knowing that Beatrice was following him. Their hands still intertwined. It didn’t matter if suddenly they were noticed by Alfred’s subordinates or if they were suddenly attacked because Sam took Beatrice away. Sam could handle them all.

His only desire was to alleviate his longing for Beatrice, a longing he couldn’t drive away from his mind and heart. He just wanted to meet her and be together. Forever, if necessary. And it seemed like Sam would do anything as long as he was with Beatrice.

“Ready to embark on an adventure with me?” Sam asked as their steps halted right in front of a large motorcycle parked not far from the main gate. “Once we step out of here, I will make sure to come back occasionally. Be with me more often. Accompany me wherever I want. Are you willing?”Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.