Chapter 5 : Wastage of money

DAMIEN'S pov

The ceremony master continued. "Next, we have a young lady of strength and determination-ideal for even the most demanding tasks!"

Another girl stepped forward, her chin lifted and her gaze sweeping the room. She was tall, confident, and carried herself with a dignified air that made her stand out.

"Fifteen thousand to start!" the ceremony master said.

"Eighteen," someone called.

"Twenty!"

The room buzzed with interest, the bids coming faster now.

"Thirty!"

The announcer grinned broadly. "Thirty thousand going once, going twice-sold!"

The second woman exited the stage with the same calm demeanour, her head held high.

The crowd began to shift and murmur as several young women were brought forward and sold.

As the next name was about to be announced, a commotion erupted near the side of the stage. A young woman was suddenly pushed forward, stumbling onto the platform.

"Move," someone hissed behind her, and she quickly straightened up, but not without faltering.

I recognized her instantly. The girl from earlier-the one with the wide, haunted eyes.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and her trembling hands clutched the sides of her dress as though it could anchor her. Unlike the others, she seemed entirely unprepared for this, her fear rolling off her in waves.

The master of ceremonies hesitated only briefly before recovering. "A surprise addition, gentlemen! Young, untouched, and truly one of a kind. Perfect for the king's household!"

The room grew quiet for a moment, then buzzed with renewed energy.

"Let's start the bidding at Umm..... Ten thousand!"

"Twenty-five thousand!"

"Thirty," came a confident voice from the back.

"Forty!"

"Fifty thousand!"

The girl flinched slightly at the numbers being thrown around, her gaze darting nervously across the room.

And then I heard my own voice. "Hundred thousand!"

The room stilled, and all eyes turned toward me. I kept my expression blank, my hand still raised.

The master of ceremonies cleared his throat, visibly surprised. "Hundred thousand going once... going twice... Sold! To the king himself!"

The gavel struck the podium, and a hush fell over the room.

She didn't meet my eyes again as she was led off the stage.

As soon as the ceremony ended, I stepped outside, loosening the collar of my shirt as I headed for my car. My driver stood waiting, but I waved him off.

"Go home. I'll drive myself."

He hesitated. "Sir-"

"Don't make me repeat myself," I said flatly, opening the door.

He gave a short nod before stepping back. I got in and pulled away from the estate, heading toward a more private part of the city. This wasn't a trip I wanted anyone knowing about.

Why the hell did I do that?

"Did I fucking buy a servant? Why the fuck would I waste so much money on a servant?"

Damn... Damien.

ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND ON A SERVANT!!!

I exhaled sharply, gripping the wheel tighter. It didn't matter. The money had been spent.

"I guess I will just have to pay my money back in a different way then."

When I arrived, the dimly lit club was nearly empty. Lorenzo sat at the usual spot, swirling a glass of whiskey between his fingers. He barely looked up as I slid into the seat across from him.

"You're late," he muttered.

I ignored him. "Did you find out anything?"

Lorenzo exhaled, setting the glass down. "Nothing yet. No suspects."

I clenched my jaw. "I thought you were supposed to be at the ceremony. Did you see anything? Anyone acting strange?"

He shrugged. "A room full of criminals, Damien. Everyone was acting strange."

I wasn't in the mood for his sarcasm. My fingers drummed against the table. "And the parcel?"

Lorenzo's expression darkened slightly. "Still no clue who sent it. No fingerprints, no trace. But whoever it was... they knew exactly how to get your attention."

That much was obvious. I had received countless threats before, but this one? It was different. More calculated.

"Then we keep looking," I said, my voice cold. "I want to know who's behind this. And when we do-"

Lorenzo smirked, finishing for me. "They won't live to send another one."

I didn't smile. This wasn't a game. Whoever had sent that parcel had made a mistake. A mistake they would pay for

Lorenzo reached for his drink again, but before he could take another sip, I leaned forward slightly.

"And my money?" I asked.

He froze, then slowly set the glass back down. "You're really chasing that down now?" he asked, eyeing me with a smirk. "You don't need it."

I tilted my head, lips curling into something between a smile and a sneer. "Of course I don't need it. I have more money than I could ever spend in five lifetimes."

Lorenzo chuckled, shaking his head. "Then why-"

"I lend it out because I can," I said coldly, cutting him off. "I like watching the shift in their eyes... the way they beg for time, offer up everything just to delay the inevitable. That panic? That helplessness? That's worth more than the damn money."

Lorenzo leaned back, his expression darkening with amusement. "Still playing god, huh?"

"I am god," I said simply.

He let that hang in the air for a moment before clearing his throat. "Well... your flock's been busy repenting."

I raised a brow.

"We've started collecting. Took a few businesses, some estates... a couple of prized cars. People paid-just not all with cash."

I gave a slow nod. "And?"

He hesitated, then added, "Diego Lancaster is still not making an attempt to pay. He owes you more than anyone else."

That name didn't surprise me-but it stirred something colder in my chest.

"How long's he been dodging?"

"For six years now. I'm surprised you let him live peaceful with your moneyfor this long?"

I scoffed quietly. "That's over now."

"He's locked himself in like a coward," Lorenzo said, glancing toward the bar. "Won't answer calls, won't show his face in the bar. It's pathetic."

"Good," I murmured. "Let him stew in fear. Let him start thinking every knock is death."

Lorenzo raised a brow. "You want me to send a message?"

"No. Not again." I smiled thinly. "Let him panic. Let him lose sleep. The best part is always when they break-just before they fall."