Jack had changed in ways she hadn't anticipated. He was no longer the boy she knew in Racoon Village—the boy she had left behind for prestige. That boy had grown into a man of mystery and strength, someone she hardly recognized, but someone she couldn't help but admire.
If only… she thought, beggars would ride! Feeling the sting of her choices. She glanced at Fabian, who was fuming beside her, knowing she was bound to him by fear and regret. How could she have decided to be with Fabian over Jack, Lucy couldn't understand her choice.
As they drove into the night, each lost in their own turmoil, Jack's distant figure remained in their minds, a reminder of a future they could no longer touch.
The ride home was torturous for Jack. He sat in silence, his mind caught in a whirl of painful memories. All he could think about was that day when Lucy had shattered his heart—her birthday, when she had publicly chosen to be with Fabian and left him behind. They'd mocked him, called him names, and Lucy, the one person he thought he could trust, had stood by, silently watching it all. That day, Jack had felt something inside him close off, an emptiness that no one but Grandma Grace had ever been able to fill.
Victoria, sitting beside him, cast worried glances his way. She could see the weight Jack carried, and her heart ached for him. This world he'd left behind, the painful past he'd tried so hard to escape, had come back to haunt him. Worse, both Lucy and Fabian were her friends. She couldn't ignore the turmoil Jack felt; the collision of her past with his present felt like a betrayal. Will I have to choose between them and Jack? she wondered as the car slipped into the quiet of the night, taking them back home.
When they finally arrived, the house was quiet. Richard and Grandma Grace had already gone to bed after enjoying the special meal Jack had ordered for them from the Grand Hotel. The scent of the evening lingered in the air, a reminder of the celebration that now seemed worlds away.
"Good night, Victoria," Jack murmured, offering her a small, weary smile as he headed to his room, aching for solitude.
"Good night, Jack," Victoria replied softly, watching him disappear down the hall, her heart heavy with concern.
In his room, Jack locked the door behind him and went straight to the shower, letting the warm water wash away the tension of the night. As he emerged, he noticed the small, ornate agarwood box Selena had given him resting on his bedside table. Curiosity stirred within him as he took it in his hands, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship. Slowly, he opened the box, and a soft, calming aroma filled the air, bringing an unexpected sense of peace.
Inside lay a delicate diamond key, attached to a note in handwriting eerily similar to the one from his late mother. His heart beat faster as he read:
"No. 4 Boulevard Way by 7:00 a.m. Come alone. I have something for you. Happy Birthday."
As soon as he finished reading, the note seemed to fade, disintegrating into the air until it was gone. Jack was stunned. Somehow, he knew this was connected to Selena—and perhaps to his mother's past. He decided to follow the instructions, texting Grandma Grace to let her know he'd be out early.
The next morning, Jack arrived at Boulevard Way at 6:45 a.m. to find Selena already waiting, her face unreadable yet composed. She handed him a helmet, nodding toward her Harley Davidson.
"Get on," she said simply. He obliged, mounting the bike, and soon they were speeding out of the city, winding through forested hills along a deserted path that seemed to lead nowhere. Eventually, they stopped near a narrow, hidden trail leading through the trees.
"This way," Selena said, taking the lead as they continued on foot. Jack followed, noting the eerie silence; the path was deserted, with not a soul in sight. He grew wary, but something told him to trust her. After nearly thirty minutes, they reached a small, concealed entrance in the hillside. It was secured by a high-tech fingerprint scanner, which Selena activated with a quick press of her thumb.
The door slid open, revealing an extraordinary sight. Hidden behind the dense trees and hills was a small, elegant palace overlooking a serene private beach. Jack could only stare, speechless at the sight.
"Your Majesty," Selena said softly, bowing as she gestured for him to enter. Jack took a deep breath, stepping inside.
The interior was grand yet understated. While the outside was palatial, the inside held a surprising array of safes, storage units, and vaults—an entire archive of valuables hidden away from the world.
Selena hurried to bring Jack a chair, setting it down with reverence before kneeling before him, her head bowed.
"Your Majesty, King Jack Mason," she said, her voice filled with respect.
"Stand up," Jack said, a mix of confusion and intrigue in his eyes as he watched her. He lowered himself onto the chair, and as he did, his arm brushed the armrest. Instantly, a hidden glass door on the far side of the room became visible, a slight click signaling its activation.
Selena's face broke into a small smile. "I knew it. Only your DNA could activate that door, Your Majesty. You may now enter."
Jack stood, stepping toward the door, where a small panel appeared. He placed his hand on the fingerprint scanner, which was immediately followed by a retinal scan. With a click, the door unlocked, and Selena gestured to a nearly invisible keyhole.
"The small diamond key, Your Majesty," she said, her tone calm. Jack retrieved the key from his pocket, inserting it into the lock. The door slid open silently.
"After you, Your Majesty," Selena said, gesturing for him to enter. Jack stepped forward, his mind racing with questions, yet something held him back from asking them. He felt that, somehow, the answers would come soon enough.
Inside the chamber, rows of vaults and storage boxes lined the walls, each one radiating an aura of power and secrecy. Selena followed behind, her voice soft as she explained.
"Everything you see here can only be opened by you, Your Majesty. Each vault, each box, is activated solely by your touch. This is your inheritance, the assets of your late mother, Rita Mason. Estates, companies, hotels, manufacturing industries, diamond and gold mines, oil rigs, banks, lands, hospitals—everything she left for you."
Jack stared, overwhelmed. "All… of this? My mother left all this?"
Selena nodded, her face solemn. "Yes, Your Majesty."
She paused, taking a step back and bowing her head slightly before introducing herself fully. "My true name is Daisy Lane. I was raised, trained, and dedicated to protecting you and the Mason line from the age of two. My duty was to protect both you and the heiress. But before my service could begin, the heiress disappeared, and for eighteen years, I waited for this day."
Jack processed her words, understanding the gravity of her role. "So… Selena is an alias?"
She nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"What exactly are your duties?" he asked, his tone measured. "I have more questions, but let's start with that."
Daisy—Selena—met his gaze, her eyes unwavering. "My duty is to protect you with my life, Your Majesty. On the dark web, I am known as 'Red Rose.' I ensure that the rose is the last thing my enemies see." She took a step back, her voice filled with conviction. "I will serve and protect you, and anyone who threatens you will meet their end. My loyalty belongs to you and to you alone."
Without hesitation, she reached up and peeled away what seemed to be a second skin—a mask she had worn over her face. As it came off, she revealed her true features, striking in their beauty and precision. Her eyes, sharp and focused, held a lethal promise, a devotion that was both beautiful and dangerous.
Jack stared, barely able to reconcile the Red Rose he'd heard about—the most feared assassin on the dark web—with the young woman standing before him. In his work as a hacker, he had seen mentions of her legend countless times. Her shadow was rumored to be a warning from death itself, her services sought by the most powerful and dangerous figures across the globe.
Now, she stood before him, her life dedicated to his protection. He felt a chill at the realization, a sense of both awe and dread. Was this a blessing… or a curse?
"Red Rose," he murmured, still trying to process the revelation. "I'd heard stories, but I never imagined…"
Daisy—Red Rose—lowered her gaze, a faint smile on her lips. "I am yours to command, Your Majesty. My life is bound to your protection."
Jack's mind swirled with questions, but one rose above the rest. "Daisy… Why me? Why were you chosen to protect me?"
She looked at him, her gaze filled with a fierce, unshakable loyalty. "Because, Your Majesty, you are the true heir. I was destined to be your protector before I even knew my own name. My entire existence has been devoted to one purpose: to ensure you live, rule, and fulfill the legacy left by your family."
Jack took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his lineage settle heavily on his shoulders. He was no longer the boy from Racoon Village, struggling to find his place. He was Jack Mason, the true heir, and his journey had only just begun.
As Jack stood in awe of the vaults filled with treasures and secrets, Daisy watched him quietly, her expression steady and respectful. Jack took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything his mother had left behind.
"So… this is everything," Jack murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "All of this… and I had no idea."
Daisy nodded, her voice soft yet firm. "Your mother, Rita Mason, dedicated her life to preserving these assets, ensuring they'd remain untouched until you were ready to take up your rightful place. She feared that revealing them too soon would place you in grave danger."
Jack ran a hand over one of the vaults, his fingers tracing the cold, metallic surface. "But why now?" he asked, looking back at Daisy. "Why reveal this to me now?"
Daisy took a step forward, her gaze serious. "Because, Your Majesty, your presence here—activating the inheritance card—signifies your acceptance of your legacy. You have shown strength, resilience, and the qualities of a leader. It's time for you to learn who you truly are and to carry on your mother's legacy."
Jack swallowed, feeling a strange mix of honor and trepidation. "And you?" he asked, looking at her. "How long have you… been waiting for this?"
Daisy's expression softened. "Since I was two years old, I was trained to protect the Mason heiress—your mother—and, one day, you. My purpose was to guard her life and legacy, a duty I vowed to uphold with my own life. But when the heiress vanished… I was left waiting, prepared to serve the next in line—you."
Jack nodded, a sense of gratitude settling over him. He had so many questions swirling in his mind, but one seemed to press forward.
"So, you're saying my mother—the heiress—vanished," Jack said slowly, trying to piece together the mystery. "Why? What really happened to her?"
Daisy's face grew somber, and she lowered her gaze. "After your mother's passing, Your Majesty, rumors spread. Some said she was taken, others whispered that she chose to disappear for your safety. Her absence left a void within the Mason family, but her legacy remained intact, preserved until the day you could return to claim it."
Jack's heart clenched, the pain of loss suddenly more vivid than ever. Somewhere out there, his mother's past lingered in mystery, secrets buried deep within this hidden vault. But now, as he looked at the vast inheritance surrounding him, he understood that this was both a gift and a burden. His mother's legacy brought with it power—and peril.
Daisy seemed to sense his thoughts. "You are not alone in this, Your Majesty. My loyalty belongs solely to you, and I will protect you with my life."
Jack looked at her, feeling the weight of her words. She was not just his protector; she was someone whose entire existence had been devoted to his safety, his success. It was a role he wasn't sure he could ever repay.
"Thank you, Daisy," he said sincerely, his voice filled with gratitude. "I… I don't even know where to begin."
Daisy offered a reassuring smile. "The journey begins one step at a time, Your Majesty. But there is one more thing I must show you."
She led him deeper into the chamber, past rows of vaults and secured safes, to a small, ornate box with the initials "R.M." engraved in delicate gold letters.
"This," Daisy explained, "was your mother's personal keepsake. It contains letters, memories, and perhaps even answers to questions you didn't know you had."
Jack reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he opened the box. Inside, he found a delicate locket, an old journal, another dark red credit card, and a single letter addressed to him. He took a deep breath, unfolding the letter carefully.
My dearest Jack,
If you're reading this, then you've found your way here, as I always knew you would. This legacy is yours by birthright, but it is also a responsibility. Remember, power alone does not make one a king—it is the strength of your heart, the wisdom of your choices, and the kindness you show others that truly defines you.
As you walk this path, know that you are never alone. You have allies in unexpected places, and those who will protect you at any cost. Trust yourself, Jack, and know that I am with you always.
With all my love,
Mother
Jack's vision blurred as he read the letter, his mother's words resonating deeply within him. He folded the letter and held it close to his heart, feeling an intense wave of both sadness and strength.
This? he pointed to the dark red credit card in the box
That is the card with the highest amount of money. She had never touched that card, she only made her deposit in there. She started it when she was fifteen years old
'' Fifteen? So how much do I have in here?
Daisy shook her head, I cannot tell unless you check but I hear only you can access it with your fingerprint. Watching him quietly, Jack took a special money balance reader on the table beside the box, inserted the card, and placed his index finger on the machine, soon the numbers started displaying, the zeros were none stop and he couldn't keep count
''Your Majesty it has exceeded trillions, we have 57 zeros... You have entered Octodecillion
What is that? I have never heard of that before Daisy, all in cash? Jack could not believe what he had just seen
'' Now, you have Your Majesty, all is in cash not assets
'' How rich was my mother and the Hidden Mason family?
Daisy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Your mother's legacy lives within you, Jack. And so does her strength. This is only hers, it has nothing to do with the Mason family. Your mum may be richer, we are yet to know."
He nodded, looking back at the vaults and treasures around him, understanding now that they were more than just wealth—they were his mother's love, her life's work, her dreams for him. He placed the card back safely in the box.
"Let's go," he said finally, his voice steady.
Daisy bowed her head. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
As they made their way back to the entrance, Jack's heart felt lighter. The weight of his legacy still rested on his shoulders, but now he felt ready to carry it. He knew who he was, and he knew he wouldn't be walking this path alone.
After his exhilarating ride on Selena's Harley Davidson, Jack felt the thrill of power biking rush through his veins. The speed, the control, and the raw freedom of the ride had hooked him instantly. Now, he wanted his own bike, but not just any bike—he wanted the world's most expensive, the ultimate symbol of speed and power.
"Selena," Jack said, a gleam in his eye, "take me to the dealership. I want a bike like yours… only the best."
Selena raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused by his newfound enthusiasm. "I figured you'd be bitten by the bug," she said with a smirk. "Well then, I know exactly where to take you."
The dealership they arrived at was called Zenith Motorcycles, an exclusive showroom renowned for its luxury power bikes, including one model that had Jack particularly intrigued: the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter, the most expensive power bike in the world. Sleek, futuristic, and fiercely designed, the Fighter stood at the far end of the showroom, exuding a silent power that called to him.
Jack's eyes lit up as he took in the bike's beauty, every curve and angle crafted with precision. He walked toward it, and a young sales associate intercepted him, her polite smile not quite reaching her eyes as she glanced over his simple attire. The anger in her eyes toward him seemed like a decade-long grudge. She was tired of young people coming into the shop to view things and not buy them. She was tired of not getting commissions while she desperately needed money.
"Good afternoon," she greeted, a slight edge in her tone. "Can I help you with something? We have a few more affordable models if you're interested."
Jack barely glanced at her as his gaze remained fixed on the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Fighter. "Actually, I'm interested in that bike right there," he said, pointing.
The sales associate hesitated, an incredulous smile creeping onto her face. "Oh, the Neiman Marcus Fighter? Well… it's our most exclusive model." She cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. "It's priced at eleven million dollars, as it's one of only a few ever made. This model is favored by… well, some of the wealthiest clients globally, looking at you, you can't afford it, don't waste my time."
Selena raised an eyebrow, exchanging an amused glance with Jack as she saw the sales associate trying to mask her skepticism and sarcasm but Selena was already upset.
Jack tilted his head, undeterred. "Interesting," he said, nodding. "Eleven million, you said? Sounds about right. I'd like to take a closer look."
The sales girl's polite smile faltered, and she exchanged a quick, amused glance with her coworker at the counter, who stifled a chuckle. She turned back to Jack, giving him a pointed look. "Sir, I'm afraid this isn't a model you just… test out.
Do you think anyone can just walk in here and decide to test our power bikes, who do you think you are? Giving glance another total overall look of scorn, she sighed, shaking her head. Do you have a non-refundable deposit of a hundred thousand dollars? We require that amount before scheduling a test ride. It's a policy for… serious buyers only so you can go the same way you came."
Jack, holding back a grin, glanced at Selena. She gave him a slight nod, encouraging him.
"Is this how you speak to your clients here? how do you know a serious buyer when you see one? The sales associate immediately snapped with red eyes glaring at Jack. '' From years of experience when I see one, I know. Or are you now here to teach me my Job, In detecting buyers and non-buyers? no longer interested in buying a bike? I know your type. Always the first to walk in with boldness and end up with shame.
'' Is that so? Jack was now tired of talking. All he wanted was just to get a power bike and leave, why was the sales associate hell-bent on making life miserable for him? With your years of experience tell me, am I a serious buyer," Jack asked, Shaking her head without waiting '' You are not worthy of my assertion, stop wasting my time and leave here right now before I call security to drag you out.
Turning around she called out to the two security guards standing by the door'' You two idiots you don't know why you are being paid? standing there doing nothing as a wretched man walks in here pretending to be rich and pricing out the most expensive power bikes?
''