Comeback Of The Mysterious Master

"Where are you now? I'm pregnant with your baby. We need to talk."

Upon hearing the serious tone of the woman on the phone, Brennen Roberts immediately ended the call.

"Insane."

Brennen dismissed it as a prank call. He lit up a Marlboro and returned to the break room where a group of his coworkers were absorbed in discussing the latest local news.

"What's got everyone so captivated?" Brennen asked.

Dominick Jones, Brennen's best friend, held up his phone to Brennen. "Haven't you heard? The heiress of the wealthy Lewis family is getting married to the son of Enceridge's wealthiest man."

"What does that have to do with someone who makes five thousand a month like you?"

Brennen shook his head, showing no interest in the rumor.

"Come on! Every man in Enceridge dreams of marrying Miss Lewis! And she's going to marry some fat rich guy! Such a waste!"

As Dominick spoke, he showed a secretly saved photo of the Lewis family heiress. With a sorrowful expression, he said, "A beauty like her is just beyond reach for ordinary people like us."

Brennen took a casual glance at the phone and froze when he recognized the woman. He seemed to recall this Miss Lewis!

"Damn!"

He snatched Dominick's phone and zoomed in on the picture for a better look.

Dominick assumed Brennen was captivated by the photo and laughed, saying, "Brennen, you think it's a shame too, huh?"

"No. I've slept with this woman!"

After a quick confirmation, Brennen realized this Miss Lewis was indeed the first woman he'd slept with since coming back to the country.

Dominick reclaimed his phone and said with a scoff, "Okay, okay. Brennen, ease up on the envy and cut the tall tales. Just yesterday, you claimed to have slept with an international movie star, and now it's a wealthy heiress."

Their friend Jensen Clarke added with a sneer, "Brennen's always bragging about these stories. Last week over drinks, he even said he was a renowned international arms dealer."

Dominick smiled and said, "You know what, Brennen also boasts about being a big shot in Sotrith! He says all the top families there have to treat him with respect."

The two exchanged a mocking look and laughed. "Brennen, if you're such a big shot, why are you still here working as a waiter?"

Brennen just shrugged dismissively. "You guys just don't get it. The wise man keeps himself hidden among the crowds!"

Despite his retort, his thoughts drifted back two months ago.

The day Brennen returned from overseas, he ended up drinking heavily with friends. The next morning, he woke up to find an astonishingly beautiful woman next to him.

Unexpectedly, it was none other than Emilee Lewis, heiress of the Lewis family.

The memory was clear in Brennen's mind; Emilee truly was the woman of dreams.

But after that night, Emilee acted as if she didn't know him and never contacted him again.

Brennen wasn't upset about it. Having ruled the criminal underworld overseas for more than ten years, he was no stranger to brief encounters with various women.

As for why he was working as a waiter, there was a reason behind it.

With his reputation as the renowned Valor King from the underworld overseas, he was also a significant figure back home. Yet upon his return, his father, Clayton Roberts, scolded him for his overly assertive and aggressive demeanor, suggesting he learn humility among ordinary people.

So, Brennen took a job as a waiter at the hotel.

Dominick sighed. "Man, why do I have to look like the son of the wealthiest man? That lucky guy gets to marry such a beauty, and here I am, just serving tables."

"It's just your luck," Brennen teased.

Dominick looked at Brennen and retorted, "Really, Brennen, what's the difference between us? The pot calls the kettle black."

Jensen quickly joined in with a mock, "What are you on about, Dominick? Brennen here claims to have been with Miss Lewis. How do you match up to that?"

Dominick said with a smirk, "Anyone can make up stories. I even slept with a princess."

Brennen had enough of the boring conversation and headed for the restroom.

Just as he walked away, a Maserati rolled up to the hotel entrance.

Then, a graceful figure stepped out of the car.

She was dressed in a white lace top, accentuating her ample and firm breasts that pushed the shirt up, revealing her rounded and perky buttocks beneath the slim skirt. Her long legs were clad in black stockings, complemented by high heels.

Her skin glowed effortlessly, enhancing her allure. The addition of frameless glasses to her stunning face made her appear even more captivating.

"Damn!" Jensen couldn't help but swallow hard, his eyes fixed on the woman.

Dominick caught Jensen's stare and, upon a clearer view, he too gasped in surprise.

Yet, the more Dominick observed her, the more recognizable she became. "Isn't that my dream woman, Emilee Lewis? What's she doing here?"

Unfazed by their stares, Emilee walked in on her high heels.

Jensen quickly approached her and said politely, "Hello, can I help you?"

Emilee glanced at Jensen and said, "Is there someone named Brennen Roberts here?"

Both Jensen and Dominick were shocked, and they instinctively looked towards the restroom.

"Yes. May I ask what it's for?"

Emilee remained silent, merely staring in the direction of the restroom as Brennen appeared, adjusting his pants.

Seeing Brennen dressed as a waiter made Emilee frown slightly.

"You're Brennen Roberts?"

"Yes. Why are you looking for me?"

Emilee stared at the man she had shared a passionate night with, the memories causing her cheeks to turn a shade of red.

That evening, after discovering she was to be used as a pawn in a business marriage, she had gone out to drink alone. Too much alcohol led her mistakenly to the hotel room next door, resulting in their unexpected encounter.

Recently, her menstrual cycle had been late, and sensing something was off, she checked with a pregnancy test, which confirmed her suspicions that she was pregnant. In a state of panic yet trying to remain composed, she called the hotel's front desk for Brennen's contact details.

"Why did you hang up on me?" Emilee questioned.

When Jensen and Dominick overheard this, they were utterly astounded, looking at Brennen with a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Brennen thought back to the call he had abruptly ended earlier, where someone had mentioned a pregnancy.

Then Emilee confirmed his vague memory, saying coldly, "I'm pregnant."

Brennen tossed his cigarette into the trash can and said, "What does your pregnancy have to do with me?"

His dismissive response made Emilee sneer involuntarily. Men really could be cruel.

"It's your child."

With those few words, Brennen suddenly felt the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Jensen and Dominick stared at Brennen, their eyes wide with shock and newfound respect. It seemed Brennen hadn't been bragging after all.

But Brennen didn't think so. He wondered if Emilee was just trying to pin the baby on someone.

He had seen too many similar situations!

He wasn't about to be anyone's fall guy!

"Let's go to the hospital," Emilee insisted, stepping into a car and holding the door open for Brennen.

After a brief pause, Brennen got in. Needing further confirmation, he asked, "Is the child really mine?"

"Do you think I'd lie to a waiter?" Emilee asked coldly in return.

"If it turns out the baby is indeed mine, I will take care of both of you," Brennen said earnestly.

"And how exactly will you do that? By working as a waiter?"

"What's wrong with being a waiter? Isn't that an honest way to make a living? I should have no problem providing for a child," Brennen responded, visibly irked. After all, his true identity far surpassed anything the Lewis family could ever hope to achieve; if anyone was marrying above the other, it was Emilee.

"I need to mention something important. I'm engaged to the heir of the wealthiest family in Enceridge. If you want to take care of me and the baby, you'll have to go against the Patel family. Are you up for that?"

"The Patel family? Please, they're nothing. But first, I need to be sure the child is actually mine." Brennen dismissed the threat of the Patel family with ease.

He was confident he could handle a minor challenge like the Patel family.

To Emilee, however, Brennen's boast seemed completely far-fetched.

She shook her head, thinking Brennen's background was modest at best and that he was caught up in his own fantasies. He seemed utterly unreliable.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital.

Emilee remained seated in the car, lost in her thoughts and gazing out the window, wrestling with her choices.

Brennen unbuckled his seatbelt. "Come on, what are you waiting for?"

Snapped back to reality by his words, Emilee looked at Brennen and said, "Are you truly prepared to take responsibility?"

Brennen opened the car door. "If the child is indeed mine, then taking responsibility won't be an issue. But if not, I'm not going to be played for a fool."

Emilee stressed each word, saying, "THE BABY IS YOURS!"

"Let the test results decide!"

Emilee's eyes blazed with frustration. That idiot!

It had been her first time that night!

So, of course, the baby was Brennen's!

Frustrated, Emilee made an appointment with a doctor and headed straight for the operating room.

Brennen followed, confused as he realized this wasn't a regular examination room. He asked, "Hold on! What are we doing here?"

"I want an abortion!"

Emilee had long lost hope; having this baby would only complicate her life more than marrying into the Patel family would.

"I already said I'll take responsibility if it's my child. What are you doing?" Brennen couldn't understand why Emilee had suddenly changed her mind.

But Emilee offered no further explanation and proceeded into the operating room as the nurse called her in.

"Wait, clarify what you're doing before you go in!"

"Sir, please wait outside."

Brennen wanted to ask more, but the nurse prevented him from going further. He exhaled and mumbled to himself, "Maybe it's better this way. It's good to have less drama."

Inside the operating room, the doctor was ready to perform the procedure using a long suction tube.

Emilee felt her nerves heighten and, in a sudden change of heart, she called out, "Stop! I've changed my mind! I just need a moment to think!"

The doctor stopped, respecting Emilee's sudden decision, as such changes of heart were not uncommon.

Although the baby was not yet born, a mother's bond with her child often developed strong emotional ties.

Emilee was contemplating not marrying into the Patel family or counting on Brennen; maybe she could raise the child on her own.

After lying quietly for a few minutes, Emilee left the operating room only to find the hallway empty, which saddened her. She sighed with a bitter smile. This kind of man was indeed unreliable.

She began to walk slowly towards the exit.

To her surprise, just as she was about to leave, she spotted Brennen approaching with a brand-new thermos in hand.

Seeing Emilee, Brennen took her bag, offered her support, and handed her the thermos. "Is everything okay? Regardless of your choice, I respect it. Maybe I can offer some financial support."

Brennen's gestures, though small, comforted Emilee somewhat.

"Not done," Emilee said, shaking her head. "I'm feeling tired. Could you drive me home? Do you know how to drive?"

Without any further questions, Brennen grabbed the car keys, gave a kick to the tire, and boasted, "This car is no challenge for me. I could pilot a fighter jet if I had to!"

Just as Emilee was beginning to see Brennen in a new light, his boastful remark made her opinion of him plummet once again.

After they climbed into the car, Emilee began to explain, "This car isn't like regular ones. It..."

Before she could finish, Brennen expertly started the car and sped off with a roar.

Emilee stared at him in disbelief for a few moments, seeing him in a new light for the first time.

This customized car was quite different from typical vehicles.

Ordinarily, Brennen would never have the opportunity to even touch such a car, much less drive it.

"Where do you live?" Brennen inquired.

"Wyvern Villas." Emilee closed her eyes after saying it.

Brennen felt his phone buzzing incessantly in his pocket.

When he checked it, he saw his father was calling. He answered the call.

"What's the matter?"

"There's an auction at the Elite Building tonight. There's a project crucial to our future business plans. I'm allocating one billion for it. I want you there to ensure we get it," Clayton instructed.

"Got it."

"Also, you'll have support from Archie Ward, the chairman of the Enceridge branch of the Prosperity Chamber of Commerce. He's on our side and will take your lead."

"Understood."

They eventually arrived at Wyvern Villas, the most prestigious residential area in Enceridge.

It was rumored that the priciest villa here, purchased by a mysterious tycoon, was worth 170 million.

As the Lewis family heiress, it made sense for Emilee to live in such a place.

Since getting into the car, Emilee seemed preoccupied.

Brennen waved his hand in front of her face to snap her out of her thoughts.

"We're here."

Emilee murmured a distracted "Okay" and then asked without much thought, "Do you want to come in for a bit?"

Fiddling with his lighter, Brennen replied, "Aren't you worried I might do something?"

Emilee scoffed, "I'm already pregnant with your child. What more is there to worry about?"

Brennen quickly exited the car, exclaiming, "Stop! Enough! Farewell!"

As Emilee opened the car door and stepped out, she didn't expect her distracted state to cause her to trip and fall, twisting her ankle in the process.

Just as Brennen was about to light his cigarette, he noticed her mishap and rushed to assist her. "Clumsy, aren't we!"

Emilee scowled, glaring at Brennen. "Say that one more time?"

"You're clumsy! Ah! Damn! Fuck!"

Emilee bit Brennen's shoulder, venting her built-up frustration, panic, and vulnerability all at once.

Brennen cursed in pain.

He gave Emilee's curved buttocks a smack, resulting in a sharp sound.

Under her fitted skirt, Emilee's buttocks jiggled softly.

And surprisingly, it felt satisfying.

Finally, Emilee released him.

Brennen pulled down his collar and saw a bloody bite mark on his shoulder.

"Damn! Are you a vampire or something?"

Emilee held her head high, looking as if she had avenged some major injustice. Hobbling into the house, she said casually, "I've got first aid inside. You coming?"

"Of course!" Brennen followed her without a second thought.

He dabbed some antiseptic on his shoulder.

Watching Emilee try to apply ointment to her ankle, Brennen stepped in, took the ointment from her, and applied it for her.

People said that a woman's elegance was evident in her feet. Holding Emilee's foot, Brennen could see why; her feet were soft, perfectly formed, and small.

Emilee attempted to pull her foot away, but Brennen kept a firm grip, a slight flush coloring her cheeks.

As she looked at Brennen, Emilee found herself rethinking her annoyance; maybe he wasn't so irritating after all.

Yet the thought of her impending marriage into the Patel family soured her mood once more.

Just then, the door swung open.

Emilee's mother, Dolores Lewis, and her best friend, Clare Ward, entered.

They caught Brennen and Emilee in a somewhat intimate moment.

"Emilee, what's happening here?" Dolores asked, visibly upset.

Realizing how this looked, Emilee quickly withdrew her foot, explaining, "I twisted my ankle."

She hesitated, then added, "And my boyfriend was just helping me with the ointment!"

Emilee's declaration silenced the entire room.

Brennen looked just as confused, unsure of what Emilee was trying to do.

Dolores stepped forward and said, "What did you just say? This shabby waiter is your boyfriend? Have you lost your mind?"

Confronted with Dolores' intense gaze, Emilee could no longer defy the authority she had surrendered to for two decades. She managed a strained smile and said, "Mom, I was only kidding. Why are you taking it so seriously? I twisted my ankle, and this waiter just helped me inside."

Dolores breathed a sigh of relief. "You gave me quite the fright, you know? You're about to marry into the Patel family. We can't afford any slip-ups right now, or it could ruin us."

Emilee's smile deepened with sadness. "I understand, Mom."

Dolores took Emilee's hand. "Sweetheart, I know this is hard, but our family's survival is at stake. Without the Patel family's support, we'd be bankrupt. They've promised to secure a major project for us once you're married into their family, which will set us back on our feet!"

Emilee's expression grew paler, her smile bitter. "Yes, Mom."

Dolores removed her scarf. "I'm glad you understand. You're such a tease sometimes, claiming you've taken a waiter as your boyfriend. I knew my daughter wouldn't choose so poorly."

"What's wrong with being a waiter?"

At first, Brennen had let the comments slide, but the constant belittlement of his job now irked him.

Dolores regarded him coldly. "What's wrong? Really? You belong to a different class. My daughter comes from a distinguished family. You're aspiring to something way out of your league! You're living in a fantasy!"

Noticing Brennen's rising anger, Emilee quickly intervened. "Brennen! It's best you leave now. Thank you."

Seeing the plea in Emilee's eyes, Brennen muttered a curse under his breath and left.

Once Dolores had gone upstairs, Emilee collapsed into a chair, exhausted.

Clare linked her arm with Emilee's. "What's really going on between you and that waiter?"

"There's nothing between us," Emilee responded.

Clare moved in closer. "You might have tricked your mom, but fooling me? Not a chance! Tell me what's really going on!"

After a moment of hesitation, Emilee confessed, "I'm pregnant with his child."

"Jesus Christ!" Clare exclaimed. "Seriously? Are you joking?"

"I'm serious."

"Are you out of your mind? Of all people to sleep with, why would it have to be a waiter?"

Emilee sighed, her expression somber. "I was drunk that night. I didn't realize what was happening until it was too late."

In a hushed tone, Clare asked, "So, what's your plan? You can't hide this forever, you know? Soon enough your belly will grow and it'll be obvious!"

"I've decided to keep the baby," Emilee replied resolutely.

"God! Are you insane?" Clare's voice pitched higher.

Emilee responded earnestly, "I asked him multiple times today if he would take responsibility, and he agreed."

Clare cupped Emilee's face in her hands. "Honey, please don't be naive, okay? You're the heiress of the Lewis family! He's only a waiter! He has nothing! You two are from completely different worlds! He's not even worthy of you!

And have you even considered what your family will think? They'll never accept him!

Plus, there's the Patel family to think about! Given their reputation, you're setting yourself up for a huge struggle, and it could destroy your family! That waiter will be killed by them!"

Emilee changed the subject. "Let's not talk about me for a moment. What brought you back to Enceridge so suddenly?"

Clare explained, "My grandfather had to meet someone important here and attend the auction tonight. So, I came along. Emilee, let's not focus on me right now. You need to consider your own situation first."

Emilee's eyes filled with tears at the thought of marrying someone she disliked, or even despised, which made her even more resolved to keep the baby.

...

Just after Brennen left the neighborhood, a Lincoln limousine pulled up in front of him.

An elderly man with gray hair stepped out of the car. "Sir, please get in."

Brennen paused, surprised. The man introduced himself. "I'm Archie Ward, president of the Enceridge branch of the Prosperity Chamber of Commerce. I've come to take you to the auction."

Realizing this was the person Clayton had mentioned on the phone, Brennen understood the situation.

"Please get in the car first, sir."

Archie held the door open with respect.

Brennen got into the limousine without hesitation.

As they drove, Brennen realized they were not heading to the auction site. "Where are we going?"

"We have some time before the auction starts. So, sir, I'm taking you to Area A of Wyvern Villas now, in case you want to freshen up."

When they arrived, Brennen stood in front of Enceridge's most expensive villa, valued at 170 million.

"Wow! Nice house," Brennen said casually.

Archie took out the keys. "Sir, here are the keys."

Brennen gestured dismissively. "It's just too big. I'm not used to living in such a big house by myself."

Nevertheless, Archie didn't take the keys back.

He was well aware of Brennen's background.

Brennen had a powerful backing that made him a figure few in the country would dare challenge.

Even those arrogant aristocratic guys in Sotrith would treat Brennen with respect.

To outsiders, Archie might appear wealthy and influential, but in reality, he was merely a subordinate working for Brennen's father.

After taking a bath, Brennen opted for casual wear instead of the suit Archie had laid out for him.

Archie had even arranged for a chef to prepare a lavish meal.

Once they had eaten, Archie drove Brennen to the Elite Building.

The auction was mainly attended by members of Enceridge's leading families.

Brennen had little interest in auctions; his presence there was purely to fulfill Clayton's request.

Due to his role, Archie couldn't accompany Brennen openly, so he waited in a designated room.

With some time to spare before the event started, Brennen stepped out to use the restroom.

As he came out to wash his hands, he noticed a beautiful woman coming out of the women's restroom across the way.

Her wine-red hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and her suit hugged her figure beautifully, her legs sheathed in black stockings and ending in red high heels, enhancing her allure.

Brennen dried his hands and turned to see the woman's face.

Upon a closer look, he recognized her as Clare, whom he had previously met at Emilee's place.

After a brief moment of surprise at seeing Brennen, Clare's expression quickly turned sour. "What the hell are you doing here?"