Francis felt a surge of excitement when he spotted Richard walking into The Ranch, the bustling student bar. His voice grew louder, convinced he now had the upper hand, though Jack and Victoria showed no signs of backing down.
"Richard, over here! These two idiots are giving me trouble. Break his legs!" He pointed at Jack. "And as for this ugly girl, she can warm my bed first, and then you can have her when I'm done." Victoria spat at Francis. Seeing things escalate, Rueben and Sam stepped aside, leaving Jack and Victoria to stand their ground. Victoria spat at Francis again, and he rushed forward, trying to hit her. Jack blocked him and pushed him back a second time.
"All you can do is hide behind a woman!" Francis sneered, unable to get to Victoria. He shouted at Richard, "What's taking so long? Deal with him! Stop wasting time on this fraud who's out here using my last name!" Richard suddenly froze, noticing Victoria, his sister, being shielded by a young man who looked vaguely familiar. This wasn't the time to puzzle over it; all he cared about now was how his sister had gotten mixed up with the ruthless Francis Mason from the Mason Family's external branch.
Richard looked at Victoria and called her name. "Vic, what are you doing here? I've been waiting at the airport for hours! How come you're with Francis?" Though clearly upset, he tried to control his anger. Victoria then realized that the bodyguard Francis had summoned was her older brother, Richard. Jack and Victoria both turned to see Richard coming in, surrounded by eight bodyguards in black suits.
Richard was known across the country as a feared bodyguard, only working for the highest bidders. And right now, the Mason Family was at the top. He'd been hired by the external Mason family's mother to watch over her son since Francis had become a public menace.
"Brother Richard!" Victoria cried, surprised. She'd waited at the airport for her brother, who never showed up as planned. After an hour, she tried calling, but his phone was off. So, she left and went to school, where she'd run into Jack. Now her brother was the "backup" Francis had bragged about.
"You know this girl?" Francis barked loudly, pointing at Victoria and cutting into the conversation. "Your mother is a bitch!" Victoria yelled back. "This is my baby sister," Richard replied coldly, his expression unreadable as he looked at Francis. "Your baby what? This girl's your sister? Are you joking, or do you not want me to have her warm my bed?"
A sharp slap echoed through the room, silencing everyone as they thought Victoria had slapped him. But it was Francis whose face now throbbed red and swollen. "You dare hit me again!" he shouted, only to realize he was slapped by one of Richard's bodyguards, just as one of the bodyguards stepped up and kicked Francis hard in the stomach, sending him sprawling across tables and chairs. Some students scattered, narrowly avoiding Francis's hefty body. "Damn fatso," the bodyguard muttered as he marched toward Francis. "I've been wanting to do that for a while."
Francis is known to be notorious amongst Richard's bodyguards and most times Francis ordered them around like slaves. This is an opportunity to teach him a little lesson and beat him up
"Stop, don't come any closer! I won't touch the girl, but kill that boy for me—he's a fraud!" Francis shouted, ignoring the pain ''You are still choosing who we should hurt, the bodyguard asked as he kicked him hard again. Richard watched him silently. "How do you know him?" Victoria asked, turning to Richard. "I should ask you the same," Richard replied, frowning. "First day here, and you're already involved with a thug like Francis? Are you kidding me?" "I never planned to meet him," Victoria replied. "I just saw Mason, my ex-classmate from Racoon, and came over to say hi. Then this chubby 'Fatso' started ranting that Mason had no right to the name, calling him a fraud. I tried defending him, but then Francis lost it, calling in backup to 'silence us.' So, tell me, are you his bodyguard?"
Not anymore he said. Richard turned and studied Jack, who was calmly watching the whole scene as though he were just passing by. Jack's calmness unsettled Richard, who had seen more than his share of powerful and dangerous people. But something about Jack felt different—intense yet mature beyond his years. "You say your friend's from Racoon Village, and his name is Mason. Is that his first or last name?" Richard asked, facing Victoria. "It's his last name—Jack Mason," Victoria replied. Richard's brow furrowed. "Only people from the Mason Family use that name. How did he get it?"
"You can ask him—he's standing right here," Victoria said, gesturing to Jack. "What's so special about the name Mason? Are you doubting him, too? Do people just steal names at birth?"
Ignoring Victoria's remarks, Richard shifted his gaze toward the bodyguard, silently signaling for him to stop the beating. Francis managed to get up and stumbled over to Richard, his face swelling and his spirit broken. He dropped to his knees in front of Victoria, bowing his head. "Please forgive me," he pleaded, tears streaming down his face. "It won't happen again."
"It's Mason you should apologize to," Victoria said, stepping back to stand beside Jack. At that, Francis, who had been holding in his anger, finally exploded. Standing tall, he said, "It's Jack, not Mason!" Francis, looking as furious as he was humiliated, pointed at Jack. "Can you just stop stealing the Mason name? If you're caught, you'll be—"
"I'll be what?" Jack snapped, giving Francis a disdainful look. Just then, Francis's phone rang. From his tense expression, it was clear someone important was calling.
The room went silent as Francis held his phone up to his ear. "Hello, Mum," he whimpered, his voice shaky. "Mum, I was beaten by someone pretending to be one of us."
On the other end, his mother's voice sounded sharp and incredulous. "What? Did you just say someone's impersonating us?"
"Yes, Mum," Francis stammered, "but Richard's here and he's dealing with it."
"Put Richard on the phone!" she snapped. Francis walked over to Richard, trying to hand him the phone, but Richard shook his head and pressed the speaker button instead.
"Mrs. Mason," Richard said calmly. The woman on the other end was as loud as her son, demanding, "Why haven't you broken that impostor's legs and arms yet? Drag him here so I can see him! How dare that trash touch my son?" Her voice was seething with anger. "Bring him here; I want that idiot buried alive for daring to impersonate the Mason family."
"Ma'am," Richard interjected firmly, his tone icy, "my contract as Francis's bodyguard ends now."
"You dare, Richard?" she yelled, her tone boiling over with outrage. "You would quit on my golden boy at a time like this? You think you can challenge the Masons? We made you, and we can destroy you just as easily! I'm calling my husband now and sending other bodyguards!" But before she could finish, Richard ended the call abruptly. On her side, Mrs. Mason continued her furious rant, unaware that Richard had already hung up.
Francis, frozen with shock after the exchange, felt fear rise in him. Richard was widely feared, and Francis knew that other bodyguards had refused to protect him because of his notorious behavior. But he didn't care, as he was used to getting his way—thanks to being the only male Mason, even if he was from an external branch of the family. His mother had always reminded him that the true heiress of the Mason empire went missing years ago, and her only sister was unmarried with no children. That left him as the likely heir, which made him feel invincible.
"Brother Richard, please, I'm sorry," Francis stammered. "All I wanted was for you to handle this impostor, I—"
"Enough!" Richard's cold tone silenced him. "Send the address to your mother now."
Francis, panicked, quickly sent the address. Richard turned to Victoria, giving Jack a quick glance. "You and Jack, stand behind me." Victoria immediately pulled Jack to her side, moving behind Richard while the bodyguards formed a protective circle around them.
Richard began counting slowly. "8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Go!"
With a loud crash, the door was kicked open, splintering as a towering figure marched in. Bossy, Mrs. Mason's lead bodyguard, cleared a path as she strode in, her six other guards following close behind. Bossy, standing at 6'3" with thick muscles and dressed in all black, was known for his intimidating entrance. Mrs. Mason walked briskly toward Francis, immediately turning him around to check for injuries.
When she was satisfied he was unharmed, she faced Richard. "Where's the impostor, Richard? Hand him over now."
Richard remained silent, his cold gaze fixed on her. "Are you deaf?" she demanded. "Hand over the impersonator!" Her voice rose higher with each word, her face flushed with fury.
"Ma'am," Richard said icily, "I don't work for you anymore." He signaled to a bodyguard, who quickly instructed the bartender to quietly evacuate the remaining students through the back door.
Francis pointed at Jack. "Mum, he's the one—over there with Victoria, Richard's baby sister."
"If you have any courage, step out," she challenged. Jack stood beside Victoria, meeting Mrs. Mason's angry glare head-on. But when she looked at him again, her face paled, and she stumbled back, needing her guards' support. She stared at Jack, seeing a striking resemblance to the missing Mason heiress, Rita, in his face.
"Madam, are you okay?" Bossy asked as he steadied her.
Clara nodded, though her gaze remained fixed on Jack. She couldn't shake the shock of seeing someone who looked exactly like Rita Mason—a young man who could very well be her son. But Clara knew Rita was dead and long gone. She died with her unborn child. So who is this person standing before her and protected by Richard?
Richard noticed her reaction and sensed something was wrong but stood firm. "Madam Clara, I'm taking my sister and her friend. My contract ends now, and I'm leaving."
"You think you can walk out?" Clara sneered. "I decide who stays and who goes. You may have a reputation, Richard, but so do I. I will get that young man to explain why he's using our name."
Francis spoke up. "Tell him, Mum. I hear he's been using the name Mason since birth''. Francis fueled the issue more because he wanted to have Jack beaten and embarrassed.
Mrs. Mason glanced back at Jack, troubled. If he was indeed connected to Rita, he could pose a threat to Francis's future claim to the Mason fortune. Is he her son? He has a striking resemblance to her
"Jack," she said, her tone laced with suspicion. "You've been an impostor from birth. We need to uncover the truth about your background."
"Are you worthy to know it?" Richard interrupted, his voice low but challenging. "Do you think you own the world?"
"Yes, I am," she retorted, undeterred. "He should be grateful I even want to know about his background. The Mason family is small; we know everyone connected to it. The family tree is there at the ancestral hall for all to see, if his name isn't then you know what that means."
"Who cares, Madam Clara?" Richard shot back, his voice hard. "Do you think everyone with the Mason name owes you an explanation? You're a Mason by marriage, not by birth. And your son is right beside you, is he missing or do you need him to be? he sneered as he spoke What gives you the right to hunt down another Mason?"
Clara's eyes burned with rage. "How dare you threaten my son?" Richard retorted, staring at Francis coldly who quickly snuck up behind his Mum, Francis if a strand of hair is missing from Jack, I know where to search for it
The bodyguards tensed, but Richard looked at them, almost pitying their loyalty. Richard, pointing at Jack, continued,'' If any of you make a move on him, I will make a move on every member of your families, including you, Clara.'' You seem interested in Jack's story, Clara," Richard said calmly, "so now I am too.''
Clara seemed stunned. Richard's support could influence even the Hidden Family itself. He was too powerful
"We punish all impersonators with death or worse," she spat. And if he's found to be a Mason—" Richard asked. She faltered, suddenly unsure.
"Then?" Richard pressed, his cold stare unwavering.
She stammered. "Then…maybe we can…find a way."
Richard's eyes narrowed. "We? When did you become head of the Mason Family? Remember your place, Clara." I know more than you think.
As they exited the bar, Richard walked out in calm, measured steps, his entire team of bodyguards surrounding him. Victoria and Jack walked in the center of the formation, shielded from all sides.
"You dare walk out like this? I can place a bounty on that young man!" Clara shouted, her voice sharp, hoping to stop him and force him to hand Jack over.
"You can try," Richard responded, not breaking his stride.
"I'll remember this, Richard! You'll pay for today with everything you have!" Clara kept yelling, her words echoing as Richard left without acknowledging her threats. Instead, he calmly took out his phone and messaged Clara's husband: "I'm done. Paid my dues. I am free now."
He then passed the phone to Grant, his second-in-command. Meanwhile, Sam and Rueben, waiting anxiously outside, saw the broken door fly open and hurried over in alarm.
"Jack!" Rueben called out, but Jack subtly gestured to him and mouthed, "I'll call you soon."
Richard planned to take Jack to a safe place, so Jack went along, feeling protected. They got into Richard's car with Victoria beside him, while four more sleek cars followed as part of the convoy.
Once they were on the road, Richard glanced over at Jack. "Where do you stay—at a hostel or off-campus? It'll be easier for me to keep an eye on you if I know."
"I'm staying at the hostel," Jack replied. "In the same room as Francis."
Richard almost slammed on the brakes. "What?" he exclaimed, taken aback by Jack's response. He muttered, "Interesting. Looks like we have plenty to discuss." He pressed on the gas, heading swiftly toward an unknown location with Jack and Victoria securely in his care.
After a short drive, they arrived at an unfamiliar place—a five-story apartment building. It was simple yet stylish, the kind of building that held an understated elegance. The exterior was sleek and modern, with clean lines, large tinted windows, and neutral tones giving it an expensive feel without unnecessary decorations. The entrance was marked by a broad, polished staircase, and subtle, ambient lighting hinted at a refined interior beyond.
As they stepped inside the building, a wave of elegance and sophistication welcomed them. The first floor was an impressive reception area, designed to awe without overstating its luxury. Marble floors, polished to a mirror shine, stretched beneath a grand chandelier that cast a warm, golden glow across the room. The chandelier itself was crafted from hand-blown glass, each piece reflecting tiny rainbows across the walls. A concierge desk made of dark walnut with brass accents stood to the side, staffed by a sharply dressed attendant. Plush seating areas featuring Italian leather sofas and velvet armchairs in deep, rich tones lined the walls. Art pieces—abstract paintings in gilded frames and sculptures—were strategically placed, adding an intellectual charm to the space.
Moving up to the second floor, they found a private lounge and meeting space for residents. Here, the décor was modern with a touch of timeless luxury. Smooth, cream-colored walls offset dark wood accents, while custom cabinetry and built-in bookshelves lined with rare books created a refined ambiance. A bar with high-end spirits gleamed under soft lighting, with deep, burgundy stools adding a pop of color. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, and soundproof glass ensured privacy. Plush, low-slung sofas and contemporary art gave the room a calm exclusivity.
The third floor held an indoor garden and relaxation space, designed to provide a green sanctuary away from the bustling city outside. The floor was covered with natural stone and textured wood, while planters with tall, exotic plants. Comfortable lounge chairs and hammocks were positioned around small, gurgling fountains that added a gentle, calming sound. Glass walls separated this space from an exclusive fitness center, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training areas. A curved, soft-lit ceiling evoked an outdoor feel, adding to the serene atmosphere.
On the fourth floor was a resident dining area and a private restaurant. The ambiance here was elegant and serene, with polished floors and designer lighting that cast a warm glow over every table. Round tables draped in fine linen and set with crystal stemware and fine china awaited, while comfortable, high-backed chairs invited relaxation. An open kitchen along one wall allowed guests to watch professional chefs, preparing meals using seasonal, high-quality ingredients. A sommelier's area held an extensive wine collection, displayed behind glass walls.
Finally, the fifth floor was the palace of luxury: the private penthouse suites. Each suite was meticulously designed, with marble floors, high ceilings, and custom crown molding. The walls were painted in soft, neutral shades, with gold trim to accentuate the subtle luxury. Massive, soundproofed windows showcased breathtaking city views. Each suite had its private elevator entrance, guaranteeing absolute privacy. The living areas featured rich, plush furniture in muted colors, a cozy fireplace with a marble mantle, and original artwork. Each bedroom boasted king-size beds with Egyptian cotton linens, while walk-in closets had custom lighting and built-in shelving. Each suite's bathroom was a spa-like retreat, featuring deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, heated floors, and double vanities crafted from imported Italian marble.
Jack had his mouth wide open so that an egg could fit in. Jack had never entered such a luxurious building before. Richard saw the shock in him.