Chapter 31: A Shadow Lurking in the Dark
The cold night breeze swept through the city as Jackim lay on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. His mind replayed the message over and over again.
"You're getting too close to something you shouldn't. Walk away while you can."
Who sent it?
What was he getting close to?
His fingers hovered over the phone screen, debating whether to call the number back. But he knew better. Whoever sent that message wasn't someone to be reasoned with.
Jackim exhaled sharply, tossing his phone aside. He wasn't afraid.
Whatever danger was coming, he would face it head-on.
---
The next morning, Jackim arrived at the university early. The campus was buzzing with students, but as soon as he stepped onto the grounds, whispers followed.
"I heard he got rejected from a restaurant last night."
"Haha, seriously? He probably went there hoping for leftovers."
"Why does he even bother coming here? A guy like him has no future."
Jackim ignored them. He had learned long ago that words only had power if you let them.
As he walked toward his classroom, a familiar voice called out.
"Jackim! Still struggling to survive?"
A group of well-dressed students stood nearby, led by Bryan Langford—a wealthy heir whose family owned several hotels in the city.
Jackim paused, his expression unreadable.
Bryan smirked, stepping forward. "I saw what happened last night. A stray dog like you doesn't belong in high-end places."
The students around them laughed.
Jackim's hands clenched, but he didn't react.
He had no reason to waste words on fools.
Instead, he met Bryan's gaze, his voice calm. "Enjoy your laughter while it lasts."
Bryan's smirk faltered for a second before twisting into a sneer. "Tch. Keep dreaming, loser."
Jackim turned away and entered the lecture hall, unfazed.
---
After class, Jackim checked his phone.
A new message.
This time, from an unknown but different number.
"Come to the Phoenix Grand Hotel at 7 PM. Someone wants to meet you."
Jackim frowned.
He didn't recognize the number.
Was this connected to the previous warning? Or was it something else entirely?
His instincts screamed danger, but at the same time… curiosity burned in his chest.
Who wanted to meet him?
And why?
Jackim took a deep breath. Only one way to find out.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jackim made his way toward the Phoenix Grand Hotel.
The towering structure was a symbol of power and luxury, its glass windows reflecting the city's golden lights. Valets opened doors for wealthy guests, and high-end cars lined the entrance.
Jackim, dressed in simple clothes, stepped inside, immediately drawing disapproving glances from the staff and guests alike.
A receptionist hesitated before speaking. "Sir, do you have a reservation?"
Jackim pulled out his phone and showed the message. "Someone invited me here."
The receptionist eyed him suspiciously, but before she could reply, a man in a black suit approached.
"Mr. Jackson, please follow me."
Jackim's pulse quickened, but he remained calm. He wasn't walking into a trap unprepared.
The man led him to a private elevator, swiping a keycard before the doors slid open.
Jackim stepped inside.
The ride up was silent.
He studied the reflection of the man beside him—stoic, disciplined, trained. A bodyguard, most likely.
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to a penthouse suite.
Jackim stepped forward cautiously, his eyes scanning the luxurious space. Velvet couches, a grand chandelier, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire city.
At the center of the room, sitting in an armchair, was a woman.
A beautiful woman.
Long, flowing black hair, deep red lips, and piercing eyes that seemed to see through him. She wore an elegant silk dress, her posture relaxed yet commanding.
She smiled slightly. "You're braver than I expected."
Jackim narrowed his eyes. "And you are?"
She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "Someone who's been watching you for a while."
Jackim's muscles tensed.
"Relax," she said. "If I wanted to harm you, you wouldn't have made it past the lobby."
Jackim remained silent, waiting.
She studied him for a moment before speaking again.
"I have an offer for you, Jackim."
---
Jackim's instincts screamed caution.
This woman wasn't ordinary. She held power. Influence. And secrets.
"What kind of offer?" he asked.
She smiled. "One that could change your life."
Jackim exhaled. He had heard these kinds of promises before.
People offering a way out of poverty.
People dangling riches like a baited hook.
But there was always a price.
"What do you want from me?" he asked, his voice steady.
The woman's smile deepened. "You'll find out soon enough."
She slid a card across the table.
"Think carefully before you decide. Because once you step into this world… there's no turning back."
Jackim picked up the card, his mind racing.
Something told him—this was only the beginning.