C6 - Meeting with power

Second Year since our lottery windfall, globe-trotting had become our norm. We took several annual trips, indulging in new cultures, cuisines, and experiences.

That winter, Vienna beckoned.

It was there that I first met Cain Lee—the prodigious young hacker whose skills would later prove invaluable. Not long after, Michael Éclair entered the picture, an unexpected force looming over my world.

At the time, I was scouring the web, piecing together insights on etiquette and fashion, attempting to refine myself into someone capable of commanding a room.

Then, a call came through.

I expected Cain.

nstead, a distinguished older man—perhaps in his sixties—appeared on my screen. His white hair was neatly combed, his fine lines speaking of age but doing nothing to diminish his imposing presence.

Michael Éclair.

"Come to my Beijing office."

His voice carried the kind of calm that brooked no argument. Commanding. Certain. Final.

"Expect an email with your ticket, accommodation details, and instructions."

And just like that, the call ended.

No explanation. No room for negotiation. Just a summons.

I sat there, absorbing the weight of what had just transpired.

How…?

Why?

Minutes later, Cain appeared, his usual playfulness replaced by visible distress. He bowed deeply, his apologies coming fast and fervent.

"I—I didn't have a choice! He found out through my father! I swear, I tried—"

I let him ramble, my silence pressing him to spill the full truth.

Turns out, Michael Éclair had coerced and blackmailed him into revealing my identity. Thankfully, the knowledge remained contained—limited to Cain, his father, and Michael himself.

Still…

I inhaled slowly, containing the simmer of irritation beneath a measured expression.

"…Free service for three years."

Though my voice was even, the muted hiss of displeasure wasn't lost on him.

Cain visibly flinched, nodding so fast it was a wonder his head didn't snap off.

"A-Anything you want!" He practically squeaked before abruptly disconnecting, undoubtedly afraid I'd push for more.

Smart boy.

Stepping out of my room, I sought my parents.

Predictably, my mother was puzzled—she rarely ventured into the realm of business like my father and I. My father, however, remained tranquil. Beneath his measured demeanor, I could sense concern… and, oddly enough, a trace of pride.

"Let me come with you," my mother interjected before I could even ask. "What if something happens? Or worse, you get kidnapped?"

Her concern was valid—but there was an unmistakable glint of excitement in her eyes.

She wanted to come.

"Fine," my father sighed, rubbing his temple. "Just call every hour. Keep your GPS on."

"Медовый (Honey)," my mother objected, casting him a sharp look.

My father, unfazed, met her gaze with quiet certainty. "Sooner or later, he must spread his wings."

Her lips parted slightly, then closed. She understood.

She didn't like it, but she understood.

Turning to my father, I offered him a nod of respect before stepping forward to embrace my mother, a silent reassurance.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll call. And I promise to bring back plenty of gifts."

A faint smile touched her lips, warm yet tinged with reluctance.

A silent acknowledgment.

Meeting Michael Éclair in person was… nerve-wracking.

Imagine walking into a job interview with the CEO, skipping past managers and executives entirely.

It was that.

Seated across from me was a man whose presence could bend the will of an entire room—the head of the Éclair Family, the driving force behind Éclair Investments and Real Estate. A name whispered in both reverence and fear across the world.

His gaze was sharp, his demeanor unreadable as he observed me in unsettling silence.

Then, he spoke.

"Your investments in recent years have been… remarkable." His voice was measured, but his eyes told a different story.

Scrutinizing. Analyzing. Dissecting.

"It's hard to fathom that you're just… so young."

I held his gaze, my heartbeat steady despite the weight of his presence.

'Can't say I blame him.'

After all, even I knew—I wasn't an ordinary young investor.

And Michael Éclair had taken notice.