Chapter 4 Where did you get the money

Edward sat within the confines of his modest room, pondering how to expend his newfound wealth without arousing suspicion.

Certainly, questions would be raised about how an ordinary security guard acquired such a vast sum of money.

Edward couldn't afford for the gang leaders to discover he held their funds; if they did, it would likely spell his demise.

'Maybe I should just relocate to another town?' Edward considered.

Starting afresh in an unfamiliar locale, where no one knew his past, might solve his predicament.

'Nah, I need to stay in Brickwoods and show those who looked down on me that I am now far wealthier than they'll ever be.'

A smile danced across Edward's face as he conjured an image of the incredulous expressions on the faces of those affluent individuals and even his former girlfriend, who once belittled him.

They'd witness him cruising in a gleaming golden Lamborghini, followed by a convoy of Ferraris.

'Haha, they'll be like, "Who's this man?" And I'll say, "Yo, I'm just Edward." Haha,' Edward chuckled aloud at his fantasy.

Knock* knock*.

A knock resonated on his door, prompting Edward to swivel his gaze toward it.

He sat in quiet contemplation, wondering who could be knocking so early in the morning.

'Did the gang from yesterday trace me home? But I did nothing wrong. Or have they discovered the money?'

Various thoughts raced through Edward's mind as he tried to discern the visitor's identity.

"Open up, Ed!" a female voice called out from outside.

Recognizing the voice, Edward swiftly realized it was Angela. He promptly rose and approached the door.

"Angela, why are you here so early?" Edward inquired, ruffling his Black curly hair.

"My Dad asked me to go shopping for my mom in the hospital. The doctor said she needs some urgent types of foods," Angela explained, her expression marked with sadness.

"Uh... okay? Good luck," Edward replied, a touch bewildered by why she felt the need to inform him.

"Please come with me," Angela implored, her eyes wide and hopeful. "My dad is busy at work. I don't want to be alone at the hospital."

She grasped Edward's arm, her plea earnest.

"But... I have work too," Edward attempted to provide an excuse.

"It's Saturday, Edward. I know you do night shifts on Saturdays. Please, it won't take long," Angela persisted, still holding onto Edward's arm.

Edward sighed before consenting, "Alright, let me just take a quick shower. I'll be out in ten minutes."

He gently pulled his arm away from Angela's grasp and returned to his room.

As Edward was about to close the door, Angela stole a glance inside, noticing a slightly disheveled computer resting on a small table.

She thought nothing of it, assuming Edward was merely an avid gamer.

A few minutes later, Edward emerged from his room, clad in his customary black hoodie and trousers, their color worn away in many places, giving them a faded appearance.

The pair exited the apartment and navigated the still-quiet streets of Brickwoods.

The early hour meant that not many people had yet begun their day.

While walking, Angela regaled Edward with jokes, causing him to laugh heartily.

Angela had a knack for making him burst into fits of laughter, though occasionally she pushed the boundaries, veering from cheerful to somber.

They eventually arrived at a sprawling supermarket, situated in the upscale district of Brickwoods, where the affluent brought their spouses for shopping.

It was reminiscent of the supermarket where Edward was presently employed, albeit more modernized.

Upon entering, they were immediately met with strange glances and disdainful looks from the well-to-do clientele.

"Excuse me, are you two lost?" queried a shop attendant, eyeing them with evident disdain.

She didn't look bad at all, with her short blonde hair, cropped uniform, and miniskirt that revealed a portion of her thighs.

"Ah, no, we're here to buy groceries," Angela replied, feigning innocence.

"Well, this isn't the place for riffraff like you to shop. Why not leave and go to one of those local shops for your cheap 'groceries'?" the shop attendant sneered.

The attendant's words struck a nerve within Angela, her humble background and financial constraints making such encounters deeply uncomfortable.

Edward, too, was no stranger to being treated with disdain by his peers, but like Angela, he had little recourse.

However, with his newfound wealth, he could no longer let such slights slide.

"I'd like to speak with your manager, please," Edward asserted confidently.

"My boss wouldn't deign to speak to ragamuffins like y-"

"I'm right here, young man," a composed male voice intervened.

Turning, Edward found a man in his late forties, his beard and hair graying, donned in a crisp white suit and trousers.

"How may I help you?"

"Don't pay heed to this poor boy, they're just here to beg for food," the shop attendant hastily interjected, forestalling Edward from responding.

"Let the boy speak, Kate!" the man reprimanded, causing Kate to flinch and fall silent.

"Thank you, sir," Edward began, clearing his throat. "We came here to purchase provisions amounting to $10,000, but your shop attendant informed us that such a 'paltry sum' isn't permitted.

So we'll head to the nearby shop instead."

Angela was left utterly flabbergasted by Edward's words. She only had $50 on her and had planned to spend no more than $30.

She was fully aware that Edward didn't possess such a sum of money.

Glancing at him for an explanation, all she received was a wink and a thumbs-up.

"Is that true, Kate?". The boss scolded the young woman, who stood flustered.

"No, he's lying! There's no way a ruffian like him could have such an amount of money," Kate replied in the same haughty tone.

"That is no way to address a customer," Edward retorted confidently, extracting his debit card from his pocket.

"If I'm able to credit your account with $10,000, you will fire this arrogant lady instantly."

Angela watched in bewilderment as Edward embarked on a course she couldn't fathom.

She stood witness as Edward's debit card was collected and slotted into the machine.

The digits were deftly keyed in, and he was then prompted to input his PIN.

Edward entered the PIN and completed the transaction.

Ding*

The boss's phone chimed, and he swiftly checked the message.

A credit alert of $10,000 dollars met his gaze.

Kate and Angela stood there, stunned and astounded by what had just transpired before them.

"Pack your things and get out of my shop, Kate!" the man commanded.

Kate fell to her knees, pleading for mercy, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. The man signaled his security to escort her out.

"Please, I apologize for her behavior. Pick the items you want, since you've already paid for them," the man apologized before taking his leave.

Edward turned to face Angela, anticipating a cheerful reaction, given the shop attendant's humiliation and prompt dismissal.

Instead, he found her sporting a perplexed and concerned expression.

"What's the matter, Angela?" Edward inquired, concerned.

"Answer me truthfully, Edward," Angela began. "Where did you get such an amount of money?"