1.14 Ringing Changes

Dorian surveyed the assembled staff before him, noting that 60 percent of them had once served the original's father. Despite this history, they had no qualms treating Micah as the master. 

Some, emboldened by the Zeno family's disdain for him, even treated the original poorly. It was time for both old and new staff to recognize who the true master was.

"I've gathered you here to share the new rules of my house," Dorian declared.

A smile played on Dorian's lips as he observed a few mocking reactions among the staff. When one security personnel chuckled dismissively, Dorian focused on him.

"We have things to do; don't call us for nonsense again," the man retorted, ready to leave.

Dorian, unfazed, positioned himself in front of the security guard, raising an eyebrow. "Were you talking to me?"

The security guard stepped forward defiantly. "I was. Unless you want me to beat you to a pulp, get out of my way. No one will care if you're hurt."

Dorian's smile widened, and he unleashed his spiritual force. Before the security guard could react, he was violently thrown against the wall. Sensing Dorian's formidable power, the rest of the staff immediately knelt with bowed heads.

With a display of dominance over the strongest security guard, Dorian made it clear that challenging him would lead to unfavorable consequences. He approached the security guard, who sat up, stunned.

Dorian asserted, "I bought this house and everything in it. Yet, you, whom I pay, dare to speak to me like that. Do you have a death wish? It seems you don't know what I'm capable of."

As Dorian unleashed the full extent of his spiritual force, the guard began to wheeze, struggling to breathe. Between gasps, he pleaded, "Please... Stop... I'm sorry."

When the overwhelming force ceased, he took a deep breath and knelt like the others. "I'm sorry, master. I won't forget my place again."

Dorian responded with a gentle smile, "That's much better. Go stand with the others."

The guard nodded, and the entire staff, now on their feet, focused their attention on Dorian. 

He addressed them, saying, "From now on, I'll be the only person you call master. If I hear any of you addressing the Zenos by anything other than their names, you'll be fired, and I'll ensure you never find work again. Regardless of what the Zenos ask you to do, come to me first. Is that clear?"

They responded in unison, "Yes, master."

Dorian directed a few men, saying, "Get boxes and meet me on the third floor." They nodded, and Dorian left.

Once he reached the third floor, he exited the elevator. Walking to the suite, he opened the door and surveyed the space with a smile.

The luxurious suite featured a spacious living room adorned with plush furnishings and soft ambient lighting. A tastefully designed hallway led to an elegantly appointed bedroom. A massive walk-in closet promised opulence in storage.

Dorian explored a state-of-the-art movie room, equipped with cutting-edge technology for an immersive cinematic experience. The bathroom exuded luxury, boasting expansive, gleaming surfaces and indulgent amenities. In this haven of comfort and style, every detail reflected a commitment to refinement and relaxation.

Upon the men's arrival, Dorian commanded, "Put everything in the walk-in closet in the boxes and place it in the smallest bedroom at the end of the hallway." The men nodded and began packing.

Dorian frowned when he noticed a big neon sign with Aries's name on it. He instructed one of the men, "Get rid of it and place it in the bedroom too."

After nodding, he approached the suite's door. Retrieving a tablet from CS, he hung it on the door. 

Placing a transparent circle on the door to ensure it remained inconspicuous, he repeated the process for every room in the house.

With his task completed, he used the tablet to lock all the unoccupied bedrooms and activated his security system. Once his men finished, he reactivated the Zenos' car.

Dorian organized the contents of his suitcase into the walk-in closet and settled on the bed, anticipating the Zenos' return. 

As they believed in his impending demise, they had rearranged and merged his room with Aries' and another vacant room to create a suite. 

Everything that belonged to the original was thrown away since his survival wasn't expected. Dorian looked forward to hearing their explanations.

Upon the Zenos' arrival home, Aries eagerly rushed inside to see his new suite. Micah and Rey, sharing smiles, followed him. Luna, curious about the remodeling, tagged along.

Aries attempted to open the door, but it resisted. Micah frowned and checked the tablet, which indicated tapping to ring. Rey questioned, "Why didn't you inform me that you installed a ringer?"

Micah replied while selecting the ring option, "Because I didn't."

Aries furrowed his brow. As the door swung open, he darted inside, his eyes wide with excitement. Quickly scanning the living room, he eagerly checked the cinema. A squeal of delight escaped him as he raced towards his bedroom, marveling at the impressive surroundings.

His excitement blinded him to Dorian, who sat on the bed, observing. Aries meticulously examined the bedroom and the expansive walk-in closet.

Observing her parents entering the bedroom, Luna commanded, "Call the team you used; I want a suite too."

Dorian's eyes flickered with amusement. Rey intervened, "Sweetie, your bedroom is perfect just as it is."

Luna's expression darkened. "Do you only care about Aries? Is that why he gets a suite and I don't?"

Micah reassured, "Of course not. I'll call so you can have a suite too."

Luna's face lit up, and she hugged her father. Micah smiled, and as Aries emerged from the walk-in closet, he embraced his parents. Expressing his gratitude, Aries said, "Thank you so much; it's amazing."

Micah and Rey were pleased to see Aries' happiness. Rey responded, "Of course, sweetie."

"Why are you thanking them?" Aries turned to find Dorian seated on the bed. Micah stepped in, stating, "I was the one in charge of the entire project."

Curious, Dorian questioned, "Did you also pay for it?"

Micah opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Of course not, he was certain Dorian wouldn't even get to see the suite.

As Dorian raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer, Micah finally spoke, "No, but we made it for you and Aries."

Aries frowned and then asked Dorian, "Do you still feel the same way you did before? Wanting to be independent and needing your own space?"

Dorian nodded after coughing. "I do."

Aries tentatively suggested, "Then maybe we should both have our own bedroom."

"I agree," Dorian concurred.

Aries smiled, "I'm glad we agree."

Dorian smiled back. He's definitely not sharing his suite with Dorian, that's for sure.