Chapter 14
In the elite circles where Xavier and his peers hold court, each member boasts a fortune that eclipses billions. They command respect and world wealth with ease, yet they grapple with a challenge that no amount of money can solve: raising children.
Nova had always hoped for a cheerful son who could brighten up any place with his grin, but she ended up with Alaric, who was always as glum as a rainy day and hardly ever smiled. She sometimes had nightmares where he became a criminal and got locked up.
She’d initially thought that more friends might brighten his outlook. So, Alaric started socializing, amassing a crowd of followers. Yet, his mood remained as somber as a moonless night.
Nova couldn’t help but shed a tear at the thought
Ted, a man of few words, saw his wife’s tears and made a swift decision. “Let’s give it a shot,” he declared, resolute.
Alaric interjected, his voice laced with frustration. “Did anyone think to ask me?”
Ted seemed not to hear, already dialing the production team’s number. “Just a moment, I’m looking up their contact info,” he muttered, his fingers tapping on his phone screen.
Nova, leaning on his arm, nodded in agreement.
Alaric sighed, his voice firm. “Mom, Dad, I won’t participate.
Ted, not even turning around, replied, “Got the number“.
Nova’s face lit up. That’s wonderful!”
Alaric could only shake his head in disbelief.
The show’s director, Danny, answered an unknown call with a simple, “Hello, who is this?”
“Ted Kendrick, came the reply
Ted didn’t mention which company he was from or what brought him to Danny. There was a moment of confusion as Danny searched his memory for the name.
And then, with a jolt of recognition, Danny placed it Ted Kendrick–the international mall magnate, spot on the wealth list. No introductions were necessary: Ted’s reputation preceded him.
“Mr. Kendrick?” Danny stammered, surprised to hear from Ted himself.
billionaire who’d earned his
“Yes. I’ve seen your show. It’s quite good, Ted said, getting straight to the point. “I’m sending my son over. What do you think?”
Danny’s face paled. Do you know that the Sanchezs‘ son is also on this show?” he asked cautiously, leaving unsaid the fact that Xavier just insulted Alaric,
“I know,” Ted replied, undeterred. “That’s why I’m considering sending my son to your show.”
“But your son and the Sanchers‘ son don’t get along…” Danny’s voice trailed off as he imagined the chaos that could ensue
It’s precisely because they don’t get along that he should go.” Ted insisted. “Boys need competition to sharpen their character.”
For a moment, Danny was at a loss for words. After a brief silence, he responded, “But according to the show’s rules, only one guest is permitted to take part in the exchange
Ted’s voice was calm “How much investment would it take to change the rules? Would 10 million be enough? If not, 15 million? 20
Hanny inhaled deeply. His show was hanging by a thread, it was only Rachel’s interest that had helped him secure the current funding. He hadn’t anticipated “Ted’s readiness to invest so freely.
However, Danny stood his ground. I apologize, Mr. Kendrick, but it’s not feasibile. The formur of the show restricts us to having just one
1007 AU
Chapter 14
Taty Ted said, ending the call abruptly.
Danny lamented the potential loss of a significant backer, but the thought of avoiding a clash with Xavier brought him some comfort.
Alaric had listened to the entire conversation and felt a relief that the show’s rules were a barrier. He intended to recognize their commitment to the rules with commendation at the appropriate time. Satisfied with his plan, he went upstairs to rest.
Nova sighed to her husband. “It’s such a shame. This could have been a wonderful chance.”
Back in Lexerity, the rain came down again. Xavier, holding a tattered umbrella, walked Yasmine to school. “We should get a new umbrella. This one’s a piece of junk. Can’t keep the rain off both our ears at once,” he grumbled, water dripping through the holes.
Yasmine nodded. “We could sell mishrooms to make some money. Let’s head into town. They have everything there, like new umbrellas.
For the first time, Yasmine showed the eagerness of a child, her eyes wide with wonder. Tve never been to town before.”
Xavier ruffled her hair, a rare smile on his face. “I’ll take you there! I was a promise that warmed Yasmine’s heart.
Yasmine’s tug on Xavier’s sleeve caught his attention. He looked down at her, his brow furrowed with curiosity. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
She pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket, its color faded from many washes but still clean. Gently, she wiped his cars dry.
Xavier grinned and ruled her hair once more. “If you’ve never been to town, how did you sell the mushrooms you picked?
“Donald buys them from me,” Yasmine said, pride in her voice. “He takes them to the town to sell.
“And for a basket like the one you picked last time, how much do you get?” Xavier asked
“Three dollars,” she replied.
i
“Three dollars!!” Xavier’s voice rose in disbelief, echoing the shock in the viewers‘ comments.
[What? A whole basket for three dollars? The cheapest wild mushrooms I’ve bought at the market start at 40 dollars a pound!]
This is some co
is some cold–hearted business.]
[This is seriously taking advantage of a kid. Can’t stand to watch. Folks in Lexcrity are so heartless.]
Yasmine has fans now? Defending her by bashing her fellows there? ‘Three dollars isn’t bad. The buyer has to make a profit somehow. They’re not running a charity, you know.]
The viewers were engaged in fervent discussions.
Xavier was angry, disturbed by the heartlessness he found among the locals, and he found the place’s hopes of becoming a popular Tourist spot quite laughable.
“Hold up, Mr. Sanchez, don’t move forward just yet, a crew member’s voice called out, breaking the tension.
The viewers finally shifted focus. (What’s going on?]
“There’s been a landslide up ahead,” the crew member warned, his voice heavy with concern.
Xavier squinted into the distance, the road stretching out before him, now blocked by a dark mass. He hadn’t noticed the road, too engrossed in his conversation with Yasmine.
“Thats alright. No school for you today. Let’s head back and rest,” Xavier said, already planning to help her with mushroom picking
Yasmine nodded, disappointment clear on her face as she turned back through the mud. But she hadn’t taken more than a few steps when the crew member’s face drained of color, and he shouted, “Damn itt Mr. Sanchez, run! There’s a landslide happening
Everything unfolded in a blur. The cantly scent in the air grew overpowering, followed by a deafening “boom”
Xavier dropped his umbrella, pulled Yasmine close to his chest, and sprinted.
10:07 AM
Chipler li
The mountain, with its soil, debris, and vegetation, all slid down together. The camera jolted, and the production team fled in a panic, not even sparing a glance at Xavier’s situation.
Xavier held his breath and ran for what felt like miles. Finally, the “boom” ceased, and the sliding mass of the mountain came to rest on the road.
The production team, still reeling from the shock, quickly urged. “Go, go back!
Xavier exhaled slowly, looked down, and realized Yasmine was being carried upside down. “Crap,” he muttered, quickly righting her. You okay?”
Tears filled Yasmine’s eyes and spilled over.
Xavier couldn’t bear to see her like this. He was about to comfort her when she wailed. “You’re bleeding…”
Confused, Xavier set Yasmine on the ground and looked down.
His pant leg was torn, and blood had soaked a large area of the fabric. The dark color of his pants had made it hard to notice at first. Xavier’s breath hitched as a sharp, piercing pain radiated through his leg.
The production team, hearing the commotion, looked over and panicked. “Quick! Get the car! We need to get to the hospital!” They knew the Sanchez family wouldn’t take this lightly,
The live broadcast mishap made headlines once again. Not only did Johnny and Rachel catch wind of it, but Ted did too.
In the midst of his busy schedule, Ted made a call to Danny. “There’s an open spot now, isn’t there?”
Danny was surprised by the call. Amidst all the chaos, Ted was still eyeing that vacant position, which made Danny see just how much of
rival Ted was to the Sanchez family. For a second, Danny even thought Ted might have been behind the landslide, targeting the Sanchez heir.
AD
