The Hidden Master's Return

Brennen Roberts jolted awake to the insistent buzz of his phone.

The screen displayed an unfamiliar number, accompanied by a string of unread messages from that very number.

"Where are you?"

A short pause followed, only to be shattered by the startling revelation in the next text--"I'm carrying your baby."

As if that wasn't enough to stir the pot, a third message read--"Can we meet?"

Ignoring the barrage of messages, Brennen swiftly navigated to the App Store, securing an SMS and spam call blocker app.

"You won't be squeezing a dime out of me," he muttered triumphantly.

Clad in his Yummy Express delivery uniform, Brennen indulged in a Marlboro cigarette, joining a group of fellow workers engaged in lively banter about the local happenings in Enceridge.

With a cigarette nonchalantly dangling from his lips, Brennen chimed in, "What's the hot gossip, boys?"

Dominick Jones theatrically shook his phone, revealing, "The heiress of the wealthy Lewis family in Enceridge is tying the knot with the scion of the city's richest man."

Securing his shoelaces, Brennen quipped, "Why should we care who she's marrying when we're pulling in a mere five grand a month?"

Dominick, with a sly grin, held up his mobile and declared, "Well, what I'm trying to say here is that Miss Lewis is drop-dead gorgeous! Yet, the man in question not only lacks aesthetic charm but also treads the path of moral laxity, reveling in a life of debauchery. Rumors have circulated that he bears the taint of syphilis, an unsavory revelation that casts a shadow over his already questionable character. It's truly a stroke of misfortune for Miss Lewis--endowed with such breathtaking beauty, yet poised to tie the knot with a man whose exterior mirrors none of her own grace."

Brennen glanced over and was gobsmacked when he caught a glimpse of the stunning woman on Dominick's phone screen.

"Damn!"

Perhaps owing to the haze of just waking up, Brennen squinted at the cell phone, attempting to get a clearer view of the captivating woman on the screen.

Dominick, with a playful smirk, teased, "Do you share the sentiment that it's a travesty for a beauty like her to hitch her wagon to such an unsightly fellow?"

Wearing an enigmatic expression, Brennen fixed his gaze on the woman in the photo, confessing, "I've crossed paths with this woman in the sheets!"

Dominick snatched the phone back, disdainfully remarking, "Easy there, Bren. Spare us your tales of conquest. Last time, it was an international movie star, and today, it's a rendezvous with a rich man's daughter."

Jensen Clarke chimed in with a scoff, "Brennen's always spinning yarns. Remember that night of drinks? He boldly claimed to be a globally recognized arms dealer."

Dominick, smirking, added, "And that's not all. He also boasted about being a prominent figure among the heirs of affluent families in Sotrith. According to him, they treat him like royalty."

The duo exchanged incredulous glances before bursting into simultaneous laughter. "Hey, dude, if you're such a legend, why are you here delivering takeout?" they jeered.

With a cigarette hanging casually from his lips, Brennen retorted, "You're clueless. I'm a noble of solitude!"

As he uttered these words, his thoughts seemed to drift into a realm far removed from the banter of his friends.

That particular evening, having recently landed back from foreign shores, Brennen found himself caught in the throes of revelry with a handful of companions. Morning light revealed a striking beauty nestled beside him in the aftermath of their spirited celebration.

To his astonishment, the lady unveiled herself as none other than Miss Lewis, the coveted heiress of Enceridge's affluent Lewis family.

The vivid imagery of that sensual encounter remained etched in Brennen's memory.

Yet, post that fateful day, she adeptly assumed an air of nonchalance, as if the passionate interlude had been nothing more than a fleeting dream.

Brennen sighed and got ready for his day.

Having spent over a decade abroad, Brennen returned home not as a mere wanderer but as a legendary figure in the underworld, earning the moniker of the Valor King.

He also held sway as the Lord of Blelnard, a gathering ground for the world's most intimidating rogues and villains.

Upon his reentry, protocol dictated that he report in. However, Clayton Roberts, Brennen's father, deemed his son's demeanor too hostile and fierce. Instead of a formal return, he decreed a baptism of sorts--a cleansing in the hustle and bustle of the ordinaries.

And so it was, despite his power and influence, Brennen found himself engaged in the humble pursuit of delivering takeout.

Dominick, reflecting on his own circumstances, sighed. "Damn, why is it that I bear such a resemblance to the son of the affluent man, yet he's the one destined to marry a beauty? Meanwhile, I'm stuck delivering takeout."

Brennen secured the battery into place on the electric bicycle.

"Well, then, you can lay blame on the luck of your family lineage," Brennen remarked coolly.

Dominick shot Brennen a pointed look, saying, "Come on, dude! We're not as different as you might think. The pot calling the kettle black, aren't we?"

Jensen, quick on the retort, adopted a sarcastic tone, "Dominick, what's this nonsense? Brennen's supposedly an international outlaw who's had his way with the heiress of the Lewis family. What's your claim to fame in comparison?"

Dominick scoffed, "Who doesn't know how to embellish a bit? I'll have you know, I've even shared a bed with a royal princess!"

Brennen, choosing to ignore their banter, casually strolled towards the bathroom to take a leak.

Unbeknownst to him, as Jensen turned around, a Maserati pulled up outside the delivery service station, heralding an unexpected arrival.

In short order, an enchanting figure emerged from the sleek Maserati.

Draped in a white lace shirt, her voluptuous bosom gracefully filled the fabric, while a form-fitting skirt accentuated her round, perky posterior. Black silk stockings adorned her slender legs, leading down to the allure of high heels.

With tender and flawless skin, she exuded a captivating charm, effortlessly pulling off a cold and beautiful countenance. Rimless glasses adorned her face, adding an extra layer of allure to her already striking presence.

"Damn!" Jensen couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes widening in sheer admiration.

Dominick, following Jensen's gaze, took in the sight with his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. Joining in the sentiment, he echoed, "Damn."

Upon closer inspection, Dominick felt a sense of recognition. Hastily retrieving his phone, he compared the live vision with the photo, realizing that the woman before them surpassed even the captured image. "Emilee Lewis, the heiress of the Lewis family? Why in the world is she here?"

Dominick couldn't resist voicing his astonishment.

Why would an affluent young woman like her find herself in the midst of ordinary folk?

Emilee gracefully approached in her high heels, the sharp clicks resonating on the ground.

Jensen, his excitement palpable, greeted her, "Hello, can I help you with something?"

With a glance from her beautiful eyes, Emilee inquired, "Is there someone named Brennen Roberts here?"

Jensen and Dominick, both caught off guard, turned their attention in the direction of the bathroom.

"Yes, but why are you looking for him?" Jensen probed.

Rather than answering, Emilee simply cast her gaze towards the bathroom, where Brennen emerged, zipping up his pants.

At the sight of Brennen in his delivery attire, Emilee couldn't suppress a furrowed brow.

"Brennen!" she exclaimed.

Brennen, with a cigarette casually hanging from his lips, pivoted around, and upon locking eyes with Emilee, he experienced a momentary lapse.

"Why are you here?" Brennen queried.

Emilee, recalling the passionate night she shared with this man, blushed every time the memory surfaced.

Learning she was destined for a marriage of convenience, she sought solace in a solo drinking spree. In a state of inebriation, she inadvertently stumbled into the wrong hotel room, setting the stage for that unforgettable night.

In the ensuing days, a delayed period triggered a sense of unease in Emilee. A pregnancy test later, two unmistakable lines stared back at her. Panic ensued, but after regaining composure, she promptly reached out to the hotel front desk for Brennen's contact details.

"Why didn't you answer my calls?" Emilee questioned, her tone tinged with both urgency and vulnerability.

Jensen and Dominick, upon hearing Emilee's revelation, stood there in stunned silence.

Their gazes towards Brennen now held a toxic mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Brennen, sporting a perplexed expression, gradually pieced together the puzzle-- connecting the dots from the unknown phone number to the messages hinting at pregnancy.

A sense of foreboding settled over him.

As if confirming his suspicions, Emilee declared with an icy tone, "I'm pregnant."

Brennen nonchalantly flicked the cigarette butt into the trash. "What does your pregnancy have to do with me?"

Emilee couldn't help but sneer at his heartless demeanor. In her cynical assessment, all men seemed to be cut from the same cloth of irresponsibility.

"The baby is yours," Emilee declared with a straightforwardness that added weight to Brennen's already burdened mind.

Jensen and Dominick, witnessing this revelation, stared at Brennen in utter shock. Their admiration for him now transformed into a realization that perhaps, he wasn't merely boasting; he was living a life none of them had truly fathomed.

Brennen's initial reflex was to view this assertion as a desperate attempt by the woman to find a convenient scapegoat for her pregnancy.

And he certainly didn't want to play that role.

Before Brennen could voice his rejection, Emilee continued, "Well, then let's go to the hospital."

With that, she turned and headed for the waiting car.

Jensen and Dominick, playing the role of impromptu advisers, nudged Brennen forward, encouraging, "Go on, Brennen. What are you waiting for?"

In the car, as Brennen settled in, embarrassment colored his question, "Is the baby really mine?"

"Why would I be lying to you?" Emilee retorted, her tone icy.

After a brief pause, Brennen asserted, "If the child is truly mine, I'll take responsibility for both of you."

Emilee, cynical and unyielding, countered, "You'll take responsibility? How exactly do you plan to manage that-- with your food delivery job?"

Brennen didn't like what he just heard.

"Why the stigma around food delivering? I mean, isn't it just a hands-on hustle to make a living? Supporting a kid shouldn't be too difficult."

Emilee responded with a dismissive snort. "I'm a Lewis from Enceridge, and you should be well-versed in my family's standing in this city."

Brennen nonchalantly shrugged. "The Lewis family? Yes, I'm aware. Big deal, though. What's it to me?"

"I happen to be engaged to the heir of Enceridge's wealthiest tycoon," Emilee declared. Her teeth clenched as this unfolded--her worst nightmare materializing.

"What sets the heir of the richest man in town apart from any other man? Got two heads?" Brennen questioned, unfazed by Enceridge's opulence.

Emilee found herself vexed by Brennen's breezy demeanor, convinced he was nothing more than an audacious commoner.

It appeared reliance on him was futile.

Soon enough, they pulled up at the hospital.

Rather than hastily exiting the car, Emilee remained lost in contemplation, gazing out of the window.

Brennen unfastened his seatbelt, urging, "Come on, why the hesitation?"

Emilee shot back, locking eyes with Brennen. "Are you genuinely ready to step up?"

As Brennen swung the car door open, he asserted, "If the kid is indeed mine, I'm on board. But I won't be the fall guy, raising someone else's baby if it's not mine."

Emilee emphasized with conviction, "The child is yours!"

Brennen felt a twinge of irritation; the situation seemed too serendipitous. The likelihood of a one-night encounter resulting in pregnancy was exceedingly slim.

To his astonishment, following a series of procedures, Brennen soon realized this wasn't any regular check-up for expecting mothers.

"Hey! What's your plan?" Brennen interjected.

Emilee icily declared, "Abortion."

"If it's my kid, let it see the light of day!" Brennen responded without missing a beat.

Emilee locked eyes with Brennen, sneering in silence.

"Emilee Lewis!"

A nurse called out.

Emilee gazed upward with vacant eyes, red from emotion. She rose and approached the nurse, but after a few steps, she halted, pivoted, and cast a glance back at Brennen.

Ultimately, she entered the operating room.

Emilee lay in the sterile environment, and the doctor, armed with a long tube, readied to perform the surgery.

Suddenly, Emilee intervened, declaring, "I won't go through with the abortion! Allow me a moment to lie here quietly!"

Respecting Emilee's choice, the doctor set aside the equipment.

Meanwhile, Brennen occupied a seat in the corridor.

Feeling confined in the corridor, Brennen turned on his heel and stepped outside for a smoke.

As Emilee emerged from the operating room, her disappointment surfaced upon not spotting Brennen. She swiftly deduced that putting her trust in a man of such ilk was a futile endeavor.

Navigating with unsteady steps, she headed towards the exit.

Surprisingly, just as she approached the door, Brennen returned, hastily rinsing his mouth while rushing back.

Spotting Emilee, he reached for her purse and gently took hold of her arm in a supportive gesture.

Although a small act, it offered some solace to Emilee's heart.

"I feel a bit frail. Could you drive me home? Are you up for it?" Emilee inquired.

Brennen snatched the car keys, delivered a swift kick to the wheel, and exclaimed, "Why wouldn't I be able to handle a damn car? I've even piloted fighter jets!"

Emilee shook her head in a mix of amusement and helplessness, sliding into the passenger seat.

As Brennen settled in behind the wheel, Emilee began, "This car isn't your run-of-the-mill vehicle; it's--"

Before she could finish her sentence, Brennen deftly ignited the engine, propelling forward with a forceful press of the accelerator.

Emilee remained in stunned silence for a few heartbeats.

For the first time, she regarded the delivery guy with a hint of astonishment.

Driving a luxury car of this caliber was leagues apart from the ordinary.

One would naturally assume that someone in the food delivery business would need to toil relentlessly for a lifetime to afford such opulence, let alone possess the skill to navigate it.

"Where do you live?" Brennen inquired.

"B19, Wyvern Villas," Emilee disclosed, and then she closed her eyes momentarily.

Brennen's pocket buzzed persistently, prompting him to fish out his phone.

A call from his father flashed on the screen, and he promptly answered.

"What's going on?" Brennen inquired.

"We have a bidding meeting tonight at the Elite Building. Securing this project in the new district is crucial for our future business strategy. I'll allocate one billion for it. Attend in person and ensure its success," Clayton instructed.

"Got it," Brennen affirmed.

"By the way, Archie Ward, the president of the Prosperity Chamber of Commerce's branch in Enceridge, is in our circle. He'll follow your lead," Clayton added.

"I understand," Brennen replied.

The car smoothly glided into Wyvern Villas, the epitome of opulence in Enceridge.

Legend had it that the priciest villa in the area had been snagged by an enigmatic magnate for a cool 170 million.

Considering Emilee's status as the Lewis family heiress, residing in such lavish surroundings seemed par for the course.

Exiting the vehicle, Emilee appeared lost in her thoughts throughout.

Brennen extended his hand, waving it in front of Emilee until she snapped back to reality.

"We've arrived," he said.

Emilee nodded, before, out of the blue, suggesting, "Would you care to come in and have a cup of coffee or something?"

Brennen, toying with his lighter, quipped, "Aren't you worried I might pull something?"

Emilee sneered. "You got me pregnant once, remember? What else here should I be afraid of? That you'll knock me up again?"

Brennen leaped out of the car. "No way! Knock it off! Goodbye and hope our paths will never cross again!"

Emilee swung the car door open and stepped out. However, her mind had been preoccupied the entire day, leaving her less than steady on her feet. In an unexpected turn of events, she tumbled to the ground, spraining her ankle.

Brennen, on the verge of lighting a cigarette, witnessed the mishap. Setting aside his lighter, he approached Emilee, offering a playful jab, "You, my dear, are a walking disaster!"

Emilee scowled, shooting a fierce gaze at Brennen.

"Try saying that again!"

"Total klutz! Ugh! Damn it!" Brennen exclaimed.

In an outpouring of frustration, panic, and helplessness, Emilee sank her teeth into Brennen's shoulder.

Yelping in pain, Brennen's response was swift-- a resounding smack on Emilee's perky buttocks.

A loud sound echoed-- the impact against the tight skirt accentuating the moment.

A masterful touch.

Emilee, finally releasing her pent-up emotions, let go.

Brennen yanked open his collar, revealing a bloody tooth mark on his shoulder.

"Oh, damn! Are you a dog?" he exclaimed.

Emilee, wearing a look of vengeance, hobbled through the door, nonchalantly remarking, "I've got the first-aid kit at home. Dare to step inside?"

"To hell with fear!" Brennen retorted, promptly following her.

As Brennen tended to his shoulder, he observed Emilee awkwardly trying to apply medicine to her ankle.

Without hesitation, he snatched the tube of cream and took over the task.

Taking hold of Emilee's sprained foot, Brennen discovered that her feet were as exquisite as the rest of her body. Delicate and smooth, her small foot captivated his attention.

Despite Emilee's attempt to retract her foot, Brennen held it steadfastly, a subtle blush gracing her cheeks.

While gazing at Brennen, Emilee found herself once again lost in thought. The impending marriage into the wealthiest family in town, the Patels, weighed heavily on her mind.

Unexpectedly, the door swung open at that very moment.

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

The scene that greeted them was Emilee and Brennen in close proximity.

"Sweetie, what's happening?" Dolores inquired.

Emilee promptly stood up, and Brennen, holding a tube, began to explain, "She sprained her..."

Before he could conclude his sentence, Emilee interjected, "I sprained my ankle."

What caught Brennen off guard was Emilee's subsequent remark--"That's why my boyfriend is applying medicine for me."

The abrupt hush in the atmosphere hung uncomfortably.

Brennen wore a perplexed expression, trying to make sense of it all.

Dolores, with a determined stride, chimed in, "Excuse me? Did I hear that right? Did you just say this stinky delivery man is your significant other?"

Brennen, on the brink of offering an explanation, bristled at the mention of "stinky delivery guy."

"Hold on, 'stinky delivery guy'? What's that supposed to mean?"

Dolores, seething, shot back, "Zip it! I wasn't addressing you. Emilee! Spill it. What's the deal here?"

Emilee met Dolores' anger with a bitter smile. "Mom, I was just messing around. Why take it so seriously? I twisted my ankle, and this delivery man helped me out."

Dolores, breathing a sigh of relief, patted her chest. "You nearly gave me a heart attack! You're about to marry into the Patel family soon. We can't afford missteps; the Lewis legacy hangs in the balance."

Emilee, with a bitter smile, replied, "I get it, Mom."

Dolores clasped Emilee's hand and said, her tone earnest, "Emmie, I understand you're facing a tough time, but consider the Lewis family's current standing. The Patel family's support is our lifeline. They've assured us that once you tie the knot, they'll secure that important project and share with us. The Lewis name will shine once more!"

Emilee's complexion paled as she managed a rueful smile. "I know, Mom."

Dolores, removing her scarf, continued, "Good that you do. You always enjoy giving me a scare. Claiming a delivery guy as your beau--talk about keeping me on my toes."

"Excuse me, but what's wrong with being a delivery guy?" Brennen asserted with an air of authority.

Dolores shot him a frigid glare. "What's the issue? You're just a person from the lower rungs of society. Entertaining thoughts of being with my Emmie, the daughter of a wealthy family, is nothing more than wishful thinking for someone like you."

Sensing Brennen's mounting frustration, Emilee swiftly intervened, "Brennen! You should go back for now. I appreciate your help today."

Observing the pleading look in Emilee's eyes, Brennen grumbled and made his exit.

Once Dolores had ascended the stairs, Emilee sank wearily into a seat.

Her closest friend, Clare, looped arms with her, inquiring, "Emmie, what's the connection between you and that delivery guy just now?"

"We have no ties," Emilee responded tersely.

Leaning in, Clare whispered to Emilee, "You might be able to fool your mom, but you can't fool me."

Emilee sighed, her hand on her stomach. "I'm pregnant with his child."

"Damn!"

Clare exclaimed, incredulous, "Seriously? You're not messing with me, are you?"

Emilee shook her head. "I'm not kidding."

Clare, astounded, questioned, "Are you out of your mind? If you were looking for a fling, did it have to be a delivery guy?"

Emilee gently caressed her belly, explaining, "I was drunk, and by the time I realized it, it was too late."

Lowering her voice, Clare pressed, "So, what's the plan? You can't keep this under wraps forever. It's not sustainable!"

Emilee declared with determination, "I plan to keep the baby!"

"No way! Are you out of your mind?" Clare's voice escalated a notch.

Emilee, maintaining her seriousness, countered, "I asked him repeatedly today if he would assume responsibility for the child, and he affirmed that he would."

Clare cupped Emilee's face and implored, "This is no joke, okay? You're the heiress of the Lewis family! He's merely a delivery man! He brings nothing to the table! You exist in disparate world! Can't you see?

And, at the very least-- have you thought about what your family would think? One can fathom the incredulity they'll harbor at the prospect of embracing a delivery man as their prospective son-in-law!

More significantly, consider the Patel family! Given the inherent disposition of the Patels, you're sure to find yourself ill-equipped to navigate their expectations. The repercussions for the Lewis family, entangled in the association with this delivery fellow, could be nothing short of catastrophic. And as for the delivery guy, he may find himself ensnared in a web of formidable predicaments with no discernible escape route!"

Emilee deftly shifted the conversation. "Let's table my affairs for now. Why the sudden return to Enceridge?"

Clare elucidated, "My grandfather expressed a desire to meet a notable figure in Enceridge and decided to attend the bidding tonight. I tagged along. Now, Miss Lewis, enough with the questions. It might be wise to contemplate your own predicament first."

Emilee's eyes welled with tears. The prospect of marrying someone she didn't like and actually even harbored disdain for stirred a profound resistance within her. It amplified her determination to bring this unexpected life into the world.

Clare's eyes sparkled with excitement, "I've got a brilliant idea!"

"What is it?" Emilee inquired.

Clare chuckled before continuing, "If your secret gets out, just assert that you were a victim of assault by this food delivery man. The Patel family won't be able to cast a single stone at you!"

...

As Brennen exited the residential enclave, he gave the security guards stationed at the gate the middle finger, an unmistakable gesture of defiance.

The dismissive attitude towards delivery personnel was a lingering issue he couldn't ignore.

Intent on returning to the delivery service station, his path intersected with an elongated limousine pulling up before him.

Stepping out of the vehicle, a distinguished grey-haired man addressed him, "Mr. Roberts, please join me in the car."

Brennen stood momentarily stupefied before the elderly gentleman identified himself. "I'm Archie Ward, the president of the Enceridge branch of the Prosperity Chamber of Commerce. I've come to escort you to the bidding conference."

It finally clicked for Brennen; his father had alluded to this individual during their earlier phone conversation.

"Please, do board the car, Mr. Roberts."

Archie graciously opened the car door, bending down with respect.

Without further ceremony, Brennen stepped into the waiting luxury vehicle.

En route, as the car deviated from the expected path to the bidding conference, Brennen couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "Where are we headed?"

Clayton responded calmly, "There's still some time before the bidding conference. We're making a detour to District A of Wyvern Villas first. New attire has been arranged for you. You can freshen up and change there before the bidding."

Upon arrival, Brennen found himself standing before the most imposing villa in Enceridge, valued at a staggering 170 million.

"Impressive. Quite the gem," he casually remarked, offering a nonchalant compliment.

Archie extended the keys to him, saying, "Mr. Roberts, these are for you."

Brennen dismissed the gesture with a wave, stating, "It's too grand; I'm not accustomed to solitary living."

Despite Brennen's protest, Archie didn't retract the keys.

Others might be oblivious to this young man's background, but Archie was well-versed in the details.

The formidable influence wielded by Brennen was unparalleled nationwide. No one dared to cross him.

Even the haughty young elites of Sotrith, when confronted by Brennen, obediently assumed an air of respect.

To the outside world, Archie was known for his wealth and influence, yet in the presence of Brennen, he assumed the role of a humble steward.

Brennen proceeded to take a shower.

He opted against donning the suit Archie had arranged and instead chose to dress in comfortably loose casual attire.

Archie, astute in his understanding, had a chef prepare an elaborate spread, culminating in a satisfying meal.

Post-feast, they made their way to the Elite Building.

The majority of today's bidders hailed from the distinguished families of Enceridge.

Despite the allure of this gathering, Brennen's interest waned; he was here solely at his father's behest.

Owing to his position, Archie needed to maintain a low profile, hence abstaining from direct participation and waiting in a designated room.

With some time to spare before the proceedings commenced, Brennen took a detour to the restroom, emerging later to wash his hands.

From the restroom diagonally across, a striking woman emerged.

Her burgundy hair was elegantly tied into a high ponytail, and her office attire accentuated her alluring curves. Clad in black silk stockings that enhanced the length of her slender legs, she strutted in red high heels, exuding confidence.

Brennen dried his hands and turned around, coming face to face with her.

Upon closer inspection, he recognized her as Clare, the one he had encountered earlier at Emilee's villa.

Spotting Brennen, Clare was momentarily stunned before composing herself with a scowl. "What brings you here?" she demanded.