Chapter 8: Pride Bought at a High Price

Davis left without saying goodbye. Before leaving the house, he locked the door from the outside and slipped the key back through the air vent above the door.

After that, he started his car and sped off toward his new home in the elite Pesona Modern neighborhood.

On the Way

As he drove, his phone rang. Davis pressed the answer button on his steering wheel.

"Hello, Young Boss," Handoko's voice came from the other end. "I've found evidence of Julian's misconduct. I'll send the CCTV recordings to you now."

"No need," Davis replied calmly. "I leave everything to you. Report everyone involved to the police and push for the heaviest punishment."

"Understood, Young Boss," Handoko responded quickly. "Oh, by the way, will you be stopping by Sky Pavilion?"

"Probably not. Why?"

"Some board members from Sky Pavilion wanted to meet you. If you're available, I can arrange a meeting with them."

That was just Handoko's excuse to boost his reputation among the other board members. With intelligence at level five, Davis realized it in seconds but didn't mind.

"Alright, I'll come tonight. Set up the meeting," Davis said before hanging up.

At Pesona Modern Residence

Fifteen minutes later...

Beep... Beep...!!

A car horn sounded twice in front of the gate. Rahman, the house security guard, quickly ran to open it. Before he could ask, the car window rolled down, revealing the face of the house owner. Davis got out of the car after parking it in the garage.

"Are you alone, Mr. Rahman?" he asked.

"Yes, Boss!" Rahman responded respectfully.

"Have you eaten yet?"

"Not yet, Boss! Would you like me to order some food?"

"That sounds good. Order me a Padang-style chicken curry with breast meat. For the drink, iced orange juice. Order whatever you like for yourself as well." Davis pulled out his wallet and handed over 200 dollars before heading inside.

Rahman immediately opened the Abang-Jek app and placed the food order as instructed, along with his own favorite meal.

Thirty minutes later, the doorbell rang. Davis opened the door and saw Rahman carrying the ordered food.

"Let's eat at the guard post," Davis said casually.

Rahman was stunned—he never expected his young boss to eat with him at the security post.

"Is that a problem?" Davis patted Rahman's shoulder, snapping him out of his daze.

"N–No, Boss!" he quickly replied and turned toward the security post.

They ate together at the guard post, chatting and joking casually. Their relationship felt more like friendship than that of a boss and an employee, despite their 17-year age gap—Rahman was 36, while Davis was only 19.

Night – Sky Pavilion

Night fell quickly. Davis dressed neatly, got into his car, and drove toward Sky Pavilion.

Upon arrival at the parking lot, he saw rows of luxury cars lined up neatly. However, instead of parking in his reserved spot, he decided to visit Galeria Mall next door since the meeting was still two hours away.

He pulled out his phone and called Handoko.

"Do you have an order, Boss?" Handoko answered immediately.

"Who's in charge of Galeria Mall?"

"I'll send you their contact information, Boss."

Davis ended the call. Moments later, he received a notification. He opened the contact Handoko sent and called the number.

After a few rings, someone answered, "Hello..."

"Are you the one in charge of Galeria Mall?"

"Yes, Mr. Davis. What can I do for you? Please, just let me know," the person responded respectfully. Luckily, Handoko had already informed him that the owner of Sky Pavilion would be calling.

"I'm currently on the ground floor. Help me tour the mall."

"Of course, sir. Please wait, I'll be right down."

However, on the ground floor, a minor problem arose...

"Hah! A beggar dares to set foot here?" A mocking voice rang out.

Davis turned and saw Tono, a rich kid who had once broken his arm.

"So, he still remembers me, unlike the two guys I ran into this morning," Davis thought.

"Don't think I won't recognize you just because you're dressed well. Where did you steal those clothes? Hurry up and confess before I call security to beat you up!" Tono sneered.

Davis shook his head. This time, he had to take action. He wouldn't allow the past to repeat itself. "None of your business where I got them. Whether I stole or bought them, it has nothing to do with you, does it?" he replied calmly.

Tono frowned, surprised by Davis' bold response. "How dare you talk back! Don't forget—I was the one who broke your arm before. Do you want me to break the other one too?"

He scrutinized Davis, looking for signs of injury or bandages, but found none.

"This is strange… There's no way his arm and leg could heal in just a few days," Tono thought suspiciously.

Davis noticed Tono's confusion and smirked. "He must be wondering about my condition," he mused.

If Tono kept pushing him, Davis wouldn't hold back this time. "I'll warn you once—stop bothering me. If you don't, you won't be able to handle the consequences."

Tono sneered. "I do find your condition a little strange, but a beggar is still a beggar. Even if you dress nicely, that doesn't change reality."

Tono's loud voice attracted the attention of other shoppers on the ground floor. A crowd began to form, their gazes filled with contempt toward Davis.

"This guy is a thief!" Tono shouted, pointing at Davis with a smug smile.

Murmurs spread among the onlookers.

"A beggar pretending to be rich."

"Once a thief, always a thief."

"Get out of here, beggar!"

Some whispered, while others openly insulted him.

Encouraged by the crowd's reaction, Tono became even more excited. "Should I call security to have him beaten up?" he asked, turning to the people around him for support.

Davis remained calm, his gaze icy.

If they thought he was still the same person he used to be, they were about to learn how gravely mistaken they were.