Chapter 13

Joshua Maynard describing him would be a waste of megabits on a drive, some say he is the person with many faces, others say a low,born with luck, born a genius, thieving slim, horde, glaten etc. so many words yet he is someone who was born in to this world without any of the privileges of the modern society, yet he climbed he stole, cheated, outsmarted and also but not limited to murdered his opponents to become one of the 5 top mob families of the country. The Regal tower is one of many high end buildings owned by joshua mostly frequented by the capital rich and affluent citizens, for which it has opened up so many new connections for him.

"Erick are you sure we should be in here this place is expensive you know, I mean.."

"Gracey look I brought you guys out tonight so we could celebrate, me with my achievements in my business classes, my cousin here is 2nd highest cadet in her class, you with a successful performance in the show today. If only my brother could only understand the meaning of girls night…"

"Shut it. My girlfriend she is first not your friend. By the way I got gifts for you guys, but first to my heart…"

"Uuuuuu lover boy at it again."

"Not in the mood sister. Open it G."

"It's a bracelet, looks gold and Kladium as well. This is expensive you shouldn't have…."

"Look, once you put it on its press the middle button parts of it will morph in to a dagger, right button I've put in micro chip of Arnold industries it will send an emergency alert to the authorities, panic button, left button is a taser it won't shock you but any thing coming in contact with it."

"It's already tested in various ways and places. As long as a wireless charger is within 4 meters it'll charge on its own." Said Erick with some pride in his voice it took him 6 months skipped his birthday and asked help from his boss to make it work.

"As for you guys I didn't have time to make you guys something similar, to my sister the last time mom said she would get you what?" Asked Erick knowingly smiling.

"No you didn't."

"Yes I did."

"Twist the pen to the right."

"You've put in a curved piece, perfectly balanced with a filling chamber. It's beautiful."

"My only cousin who took the initiative to get to know me dispite everything and some things for your hair. It's dragonit stone polished won't be detected by anyone except grandma and the old guy. With the element of surprise you can take anyone."

"Thanks Erick it's beautiful." Said Kassandra.

As the party continued they started to gain attention from their surroundings especially from Joshua Maynard and his companions.

"Exquisite craftsmanship, you don't really see anything like this anymore."said joshua to his friend while admiring and approaching the table.

"May I see it if it's not too much trouble young ladies? These seems to be a handcrafted pieces. Where might have you gotten them if I may ask?" Said joshua fascinated by the work of arts.

"It's not for sale sir." Replied Erick with a flat tone of voice and a glare that would have killed him instantly.

Joshua Maynard wasn't the type to be easily intimidated, especially not by a young man who was clearly trying to make a point. He smiled, a thin, almost serpentine expression that didn't quite reach his eyes, and let out a low chuckle.

"I'm not looking to buy, young man," Joshua said, his voice smooth and practiced, as if he were defusing tension with every word.

"I simply appreciate fine craftsmanship when I see it. There's a certain elegance in objects that are made with care, don't you agree?"

Erick didn't soften his glare, his protective instincts kicking in as he subtly shifted his posture, placing himself more squarely between Maynard and the girls. Gracey and Kassandra exchanged glances, clearly aware that trouble was starting to brew.

Maynard's eyes flicked over the girls, noting their apprehension. "Forgive me if I've caused any discomfort. I merely wished to offer a compliment," he added, backing off slightly in demeanor, though his interest was clearly piqued.

Erick, sensing the moment to disengage, forced a polite smile. "Thank you, sir. We're just here to enjoy the evening."

Maynard nodded, his gaze lingering on the bracelet Gracey was wearing and the pen Kassandra held. "Indeed. Enjoy your evening, all of you. And do keep in mind, if you ever decide to sell similar products, there are many who would pay handsomely for such work of art."

With that, Joshua Maynard turned away, rejoining his group of affluent companions. Erick's eyes followed him until he was out of earshot, his mind racing. There was something unsettling about the man's interest, something beyond just an appreciation for art.

Gracey leaned in closer, her voice a whisper. "Who was that guy? He gave me the creeps."

"He looks like someone who has never been told no, I think he'll try something. Call them to escort you guys." Told Erick his sister hoping that at least armed guards would deter the man.

After see the girls off with the guards he started heading to the shop to continue his work, yet he can't help but notice few vehicles and men following him as he couldn't spot them coming.

"Sir they managed to track the boy from the group, he headed to the maiden shop,it's an inherited shop through out the years, but the girls are a different story sir."said the secretary with apprehension in her voice,"everyone is dead they didn't even make it out of the parking, single shot to the temple for all of them."

"Don't worry they were the hired help." Replied joshua with amusement, not just anyone can gun down his men and live to tell the tale.Joshua's mind raced, wondering if there are hidden dangers he didn't see from the kids. His empire was built on cunning, power, and fear, but this challenge intrigued him. He thrived on games of strategy and deception.

"Marcus," Joshua called, leaning back in his luxurious leather chair, "get me a complete background check on the boy. I want every lead explored of this maiden shop, every connection. He should have been honoured that I even liked those trinkets."

"Understood, sir," Marcus replied, his expression steely. "We'll leave no stone unturned."

As Erick and klara started their morning routine at opening the shop and having their breakfast at the front desk, the door bell chimes delicately. As both of them were surprised to see a customer in their shop this early, a woman leading 10 bodyguards entered the store and started to assess the shop for treats.

Joshua stepped inside, flanked by two of his men. Dressed in a tailored suit that screamed wealth and power, Joshua surveyed the workshop with a critical eye, taking in the half-finished projects and the organized chaos of the space. After taking inventory of the workshop he gazed at the two craftsmen," Are you the owner of this…" said joshua before being cut off by Erick,"How may we be of service today sir?".

After observing the strange tension between her student and this extremely wealthy man," is he your father Erick?" Asked Klara in confusion. With an utter disgust in both of their faces they replied no in an instance.

"How may I help you sir?. Take a look at the shop any and all works in the display cases are for sale. Price is non negotiable." Said Erick hoping to minimize the interaction.

Klara can't help but be a little intrigued," As my apprentice said take a look at the shop, with the exception of the unfinished products. Price non negotiable."

Joshua smiled, that same thin, serpentine smile that had unnerved him before. "The pieces you've crafted—they're more than just beautiful objects. They're tools, weapons even, disguised as art. That sort of ingenuity is rare, and it's exactly the kind of thing I like to invest in."

"Sorry but my answer didn't change. Those pieces you saw are special order,one time. You know I've looked you up at Tricus and you are suspected to have ties with criminal activity in the country.

"Even knowing that you still refuse my helping hand, you are an orphan from what I've been told, yet you work hard to in order to get noticed, the enemies you've made at school….hhhmmm, you need a backer, a family to protect you from the evil of the world."

"And in return I slave away for you."

"Work for me you'll get compensated 10,000 a day, house or an apartment plus your very own workshop fully paid off in your name, impress me with more and get elevated to a higher rank in my little organization and lastly you can walk away after few years of work."

"With a hole in my front lobe?"

Klara, sensing the increasing tension and Erick preparing seemless bracelet weapon,she stepped forward fearing the worst. "Mr. Maynard, while we appreciate your interest, Erick and I have some work to finish sir. He takes pride in his independence. Surely you can understand that."

Jashua's eyes gazed at Erick with hopeful disappointment, after taking a few deep breaths he put two business cards on the counter and on his way out he turned," Don't squander that beautiful brain of yours, came and find me when you are ready."

The tension in the room hung thickly in the air, the echoes of Joshua Maynard's words lingering long after he had left the shop. Erick stood by the counter, staring at the business card as if it were a viper coiled and ready to strike. Klara, meanwhile, eyed her apprentice with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"You're playing with fire, Erick," she finally said, her voice a soft murmur. "That man doesn't take no for an answer lightly."

Erick exhaled, his jaw tight. "I know. he may have some knowledge I need that I can't get from the school."