Two

The sudden news stirred up a commotion, the silent population couldn’t control themselves after listening to what Michael has said.

"Someone has requested for Vince?!"

"Impossible!"

"Why would anyone want him?"

"Everyone knows he is disobedient and... Moreover, he's dead determined to escape if he gets a chance."

Vincent Jimenez has been a part of paradise since he was 8 years old. He has always been difficult to control, in king's words. Due to his reckless behaviour, the king kept him hidden. The more he tried to discipline him the more outraged he became. Though the question aroused multiple times in the heads of ‘slaves’, why did the king never let him go? Why keep him if he is such trouble? It was never answered because no one ever dared to raise a question. But people gossip, it’s second to human nature to talk. Some say he has been keeping Vince because he did not want to taint the reputation of PARADISE; some say it might be because they both are blood-related while others say that the king is sadistic and is only keeping Vince for his entertainment.

“What did you just say?” A startled Vincent asked as he tried to sit up. A thousand thoughts crossed his mind, was there someone who wanted him? How’s that even possible? Was this some new tactic of the King to get rid of him? And a few more which were more than his brain could process at the time “Repeat, you ass-head!” He gathered all his strength to stand, grabbing the hand of the chair with his chained hands while he spat those words at Michael.

“Not going to happen, not under my control. Burn this contract, pretend this never happened. Tell Mr. Schultz there is no one like that in our facility” A cold expression masked King’s face.

“But- “

“I’m afraid it’s too late.” Michael was interrupted by this new entity that has just entered the hall. The aura around him was different. He was dressed in a suit, an absolute delight to the eyes, a black silk shirt under a black coat which had patterns of dying rose on it, a necktie which looked like it was custom made decorated with black pearls and red gemstones while 3 gold chains and small symbol hung from it, matching it with black pants. He wore a mask that covered his entire face but was not big enough to cover his uppermost porcelain while skin and his sharp jawline. His raven black hair slicked back; few strands sat perfectly on his ears.

“Who are you? How dare you enter without my permission?!” King glared at his guards, “Throw him out this instant!”, the guards stood at their place like they did not hear a single word.

The masked man began to walk towards Vincent ignoring Michael and King, he murmured something which unfortunately no one was able to catch. Seeing his guards standing like a statue while an unknown man walked inside his territory made King lose his patience. He strolled after the masked man trying to grab him by his shoulder and throw him aside, at least that’s what he thought. To his surprise before he could even lay a finger on that man he was surrounded by men, his men.

“Has your brain shrunk to the size of your balls?!” King fulminated.

“We are sorry, but we cannot allow you to do anything you may regret later.” Said one of the guards who surrounded him. The masked man stopped in his tracks and turned around. Although his face was covered his eyes were not, he gave King a teasing gaze.

“Have you lost your mind? What sort of behaviour is this?” Michael pulled the guard by his collar, “He’s the provider of your income and you dare disobey h- “

“We are extremely sorry but our hands are tied.” Spoke the guard “That man belongs to the Schultz Industries. He’s the current- “, another guard nudged him which did not go unnoticed “-we have verified his identity and we are told not to disclose any information.” Michael opened his mouth to say something but on listening to what the uniformed man was saying he decided otherwise.

Whatever King’s men told everyone was not even close to quenching the rising thirst of curiosity in people’s minds. King was sceptical about everything that has been going on. He backed off and the guards followed his action.

“Michael, tell that man and that guard to come to my office,” King commanded to which Michael only bowed in response. He asked the guard to talk to the masked man and lure him to the office. The man agreed rather easily. All three of them entered the giant room. It was nothing like a typical office room one would expect, given the architecture of the massive organization the office room was no exception. The dark maroon carpet which covered the entire floor complemented the golden intricacies carved on the lilac walls onto which many photo frames were tucked. From the ceiling hung a grand chandelier which looked like a snowflake; unique and beautiful. In the innermost centre was an oddly shaped desk which was neat & clean and there, behind the desk sat King, stirring his cup of tea.

“Michael you can leave. I want to talk with these two in private,” Michael left silently at his words.

King looked at the two men standing in front of him, analysing them from head to toe, “I have a few questions, I’d like you to answer them-”,

“I don’t have that much time to waste on your stupid questions,” The masked man spoke arrogantly.

“Watch your mouth! Do you know who you are talking-”

“Do you know who you are talking to?” The masked man questioned the King, his voice deep and steady. This was maybe the first time someone has acted this way to the King. The masked man’s outrageous behaviour made his blood boil. The man walked towards the King and continued as he put his right foot on the desk and leaned forward, “I am the current COO of the Schultz Industries,”