Chapter 59: Mr. Lopez Is Coming by Bike

President Lawrance offered a careful and profuse apology, his generous forehead drenched in sweat.

He was terrified!

The Duke of Southern River was one of the most influential clients associated with the Commerce of City. If the funds had indeed been transferred from their account, the head office would have caught wind of it immediately.

And once that happened, his position as sub-president would be revoked without mercy.

John Lopez calmly tucked his sleek black card back into his wallet and said with a light smile, "It's all right. As long as the misunderstanding is cleared up. I never imagined a simple bank card could stir up such a commotion."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. It was none other than the Duke of Southern River himself, calling to ask about the situation.

That call alone sent another wave of dread through President Lawrance and the staff. It confirmed that this unassuming young man standing before them had a background far beyond their understanding. Otherwise, how could someone as prominent as the Duke react so swiftly?

Their shirts clung to their backs with sweat.

Luckily for them, John Lopez was composed and gracious—he hadn't taken offense.

President Lawrance left, silently offering thanks to the heavens for the fortunate outcome.

Since the matter had proven to be a misunderstanding, the two plainclothes officers also took their leave.

The husband and wife who ran the second-hand bicycle shop approached John, their expressions full of remorse and fear.

"Mr. Lopez, we didn't mean to offend you," the wife said with a tremble. "You're so kind... so magnanimous. Please, can you forgive us?"

More than a million dollars had nearly vanished from their shop that day, and although the financial loss stung, what frightened them more was the power this young man wielded.

He clearly wasn't just anybody. If he had taken issue with them, their little shop might not have survived another day. Perhaps they would have been driven out of all of New York City.

Still shivering, the couple watched John Lopez.

He smiled gently and said, "You didn't do anything wrong. It was my fault for not making things clear at the beginning."

"No, no, please don't say that," the husband protested. "We were blinded by money and handled everything poorly."

"Well, in that case," John said cheerfully, "how about helping me clean up this lovely bike of mine?"

"Of course!" the shop owner replied instantly.

Without wasting a second, he got to work. He removed the rust from the frame, applied a coat of their finest paint, and even replaced the chains and screws with brand-new parts. He handled every detail with the utmost care.

John Lopez beamed with satisfaction as he examined the refreshed bike.

"How much do I owe you?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing! I couldn't possibly take your money," the owner said, shaking his head fervently. "You've already shown us mercy. I should be the one thanking you!"

"But running a small business isn't easy," John insisted. "Please, take it."

He left a fair payment, then wheeled his bicycle out of the shop and onto the street.

As they watched his back disappear into the distance, the couple sighed in awe.

"He's so down-to-earth despite being clearly extraordinary," the wife said.

"Mm-hmm," her husband nodded solemnly. "I have a feeling Mr. Lopez will be a pillar of America in the future."

"Maybe… he'll become the next King of Horizon."

After leaving the shop, John turned down a quiet alley, his heart brimming with excitement.

Who said this was just an old, scrapped bike?

This was clearly a treasure—a priceless artifact!

He eagerly mounted the seat, gripped the handlebars, and let a thread of Chi pulse into his palms.

Instantly—

Whoosh!

With shocking speed, the bicycle soared up a 90-degree vertical wall like it defied the laws of physics.

"Haha! I'd love to meet the genius who built this magical ride," John laughed. "It's a masterpiece! No effort required at all!"

The bike zipped between buildings at lightning speed, faster even than a high-speed train.

Below, a couple was in the midst of an intense conversation.

The boy held his girlfriend's hands and said, "Honey, don't be mad. I promise I'll never lie again. If I ever do, you don't have to speak to me for the rest of—holy sh*t! Babe, look! There's a bike flying in the sky!"

Slap!

The girl smacked him across the face.

"What kind of excuse is that?" she snapped. "If you want to break up, just say so!"

John Lopez had no idea that his airborne joyride had just indirectly caused yet another young couple to split.

Thankfully, he was wise enough to realize the attention he was drawing. After a few minutes of unbridled fun, he descended discreetly in a secluded spot, avoiding further spectacle.

At the Remars Estate

Outside the spacious courtyard, three men stood waiting—Stratton Remar, his sons Simon and Maxwell.

Simon glanced at his watch. "Dad, it's almost dinnertime. Are you sure Mr. Lopez will come?"

"He said he would," Stratton replied confidently. "Did you find the stone?"

"Yes."

"Good. Put it in the living room. When Mr. Lopez arrives, present it to him. And remember—treat him with the utmost respect. We do not want to offend that man."

"I understand."

Just then, Maxwell frowned and pointed down the street. "Dad... I think Mr. Lopez is coming. On a bike."

Smack!

Stratton's palm landed hard on Maxwell's cheek.

"I just told you not to offend him! What nonsense are you spouting? Mr. Lopez, riding a bike? Do you know who he is?"

"Well... I think I saw it too," Simon added hesitantly.

And before Stratton could scold them both, a bicycle rolled to a stop in front of them with a soft click.

John Lopez stepped off the seat, all smiles. "Mr. Remar! I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

Stratton's jaw dropped.

He was riding a bike. And not just any bike—it looked incredibly familiar.

"You really rode here...?" he asked in disbelief.

John nodded. "Yes. It's the one I picked up in the antique city this morning. Had it repainted. Rides like a dream."

He gave the seat a proud pat.

The other three stood frozen in stunned silence.

Stratton opened his mouth, paused, then sighed. "You certainly have excellent taste, Mr. Lopez."

Maxwell watched the glowing man before him and nodded with silent admiration.

No wonder he's the King of Horizon's brother-in-law. He's brilliant in ways we can't even fathom.

Fantastic.