Chapter 0276
A week after Lucius returned to London, he had already organized his affairs. He requested a leave of absence from university and ensured his businesses could be managed remotely. With everything in order, he prepared to return to Valeria. The idea of Bartz being at the company made him restless; he couldn’t sit back and do nothing.
“Father, you’d better not cause problems. It’s time to take what belongs to me and my siblings. You’ll swallow your words!” Lucius muttered under his breath.
Grabbing his suitcase, he left for the airport. Just a week ago, his plan was to return to Valentia solely for his beloved sister. Now, he felt compelled to go back to protect his siblings from whatever chaos might unfold with Bartz’s presence.
Lucius had met Marcus Bartz in New York a year ago. The memory of what he saw–and what Marcus did–made it clear that this was not a man to cross. Lucius thought his father, Maximus, was a fool. What possible reason could he have for letting someone like Bartz waltz into the company as if it were nothing?
[New York, One year earlier]
“Lucius Palmer, you made me lose hundreds of millions with your little stunt! You’re just a kid, and you’re already sticking your nose into adult games,” a deep, commanding voice boomed.
Lucius hung upside down, his body battered and covered in blood. He was exhausted, slipping in and out of consciousness, only to be jolted awake by freezing water poured over him.
He’d always heard stories of his uncle Peter’s brilliance as a stockbroker. It wasn’t hard to break into the industry if you had enough money to buy your first shares. Inspired by his uncle, Lucius started studying the market, and within a year, he’d built a decent portfolio. When he heard about a broker’s gathering in New York, he knew he had to attend. That’s where he first encountered the imposing figure of Marcus Bartz. Dressed entirely in black, Marcus was immediately recognizable, and the brokers whispered about him–he was looking for someone to handle some of his stocks.
Nineteen–year–old Lucius was tempted by the staggering amounts of money Marcus offered. Determined to make an impression, he secured a meeting, presented his knowledge, and was given a chance to prove himself. But the rules were crystal clear: Bartz never lost money, and if he did, his subordinates paid the price. The greater the loss, the harsher the consequences. It sounded absurd, but the potential earnings were equally absurd.
Bartz’s calm and approachable demeanor was just a facade. He was a sharp and calculating man who could read people with unnerving precision. His business revolved around minerals and oil, and though many vied for a chance to work for him, few stuck around long enough to build trust.
Lucius showcased his self–taught skills, catching Bartz’s attention. For a few days, Mafcus tasked him with acquiring stocks in specific industries. Lucius didn’t understand why, but it was crucial to outmaneuver a rival broker causing trouble. He poured everything into the task, successfully buying a significant portion of the targeted shares. But in a masterful move, his opponent blindsided him with a strategy Lucius hadn’t anticipated, resulting in a massive loss of hundreds of millions.
Bartz had watched the whole ordeal unfold but offered no warning or advice. This was a test, and Lucius had failed. A chill ran down his spine as he felt Bartz’s heavy hand on his shoulder.
“Well done, Lucius, but it’s not enough, You’re just a boy with no real experience. You’ve only been lucky so far. Now, you owe me 700 million dollars. How do you plan to pay it back?”
Lucius turned to face him, his voice trembling with nerves. He couldn’t form a coherent response.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0276
“I’ll hel
you,” Bartz said with a calm but menacing tone. “You’re here because you idolize your uncle. I knew Peter well–we were good friends. Because of him, I’ll help you. But before I do, you’ll help me with a job.” Bartz patted Lucius’s shoulder, his piercing gaze unrelenting
Lucius didn’t know why, but this man terrified him.
“What do you need? How can I help you?” the young man simmered.
‘s the spirit!” Bartz said, his tone suddetily shifting te something almost fatherly. “You’re not afraid. You remind me of your uncle.”
As they left the room, two of Bartz’s bodyguards approached Lucius and covered his head with a bag. Before he could react, a sharp blow rendered him unconscious.
Bartz had known exactly who Lucius was from the moment he saw him. Despite his apparent confidence, Lucius was young and inexperienced–unable to recognize the dangers surrounding him. He had registered for the gathering under a false name, and while his appearance suggested someone older, Bartz saw right through the act. He wasn’t sure if Maximus knew what his son was getting involved in, but today, Lucius would prove useful for a specific task.
