The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Chapter

12

Hugo's brows knitted together as his deep gaze landed on Ruth.

"Are you saying Felix-the guy freeloading at Sasha's-has Wendy's phone number?"

Ruth shrank back in fear, while Sasha stepped in to smooth things over.

"Hugo, I'm afraid you've misunderstood. That guy just loves to show off. If you let me explain, I'm sure we can clear things up for you."

After learning about Felix's actions at Concord Bank and his presence here, Hugo let out a disdainful sneer.

"That's more like it. If someone like that had access to Wendy's contact, even pigs could fly!"

Ivan quickly chimed in, "You're right. It was just too much of a coincidence! We almost let that bastard fool us again."

Hugo patted him on the shoulder. "How dare that piece of garbage that even Sasha despises pretend to have Wendy's number? Don't you guys agree that he needs a lesson?"

Ivan caught his message without fail. He had long been thinking about teaching Felix a lesson for harboring thoughts about his woman. Now that he was trying to tarnish Wendy's name, too, he best believed there be consequences to his actions!

""Don't worry, Hugo. Leave it to me."

Sasha didn't intervene in this decision. Given Warren's sentiments, she ought to refrain from drastic actions. In fact, it was a massive relief that someone else was stepping in. There was no way she would stop them. Meanwhile, in Zenith Pavilion, Wendy felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. She couldn't explain why, but she found Felix somewhat mysterious yet incredibly charming.

"The Kinsley family's influence in Avesburgh must mean you know some secrets others don't, right?"

Once Felix started speaking, Wendy grew serious, too. If this mission turned out successful, it would bring them

closer.

"What exactly are you referring to?"

"Medicinal herbs used in traditional medicine-the kind that are extremely rare and unobtainable on the market."

The cogs in Wendy's mind started cranking. A moment later, her eyes lit up.

1. up. 1

"Ah, yes. There's a company named Sunrise Bids. They're quite powerful and have auction houses all over the country. There's one in Avesburgh where they hold one auction a month. You can find all sorts there, including contraband." A slight frown furrowed Felix's brows.

"One auction a month. That's far too long."

Clearly, Wendy wasn't finished.

"They also accept commissions. However, the fee is quite substantial."

Felix smiled. That sounded brilliant.

"Do you have their contact?" he asked.

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Wendy didn't want to miss such a perfect opportunity. She had a long chat with Vincent yesterday, all about how extraordinary Felix was. His medical skills alone were sufficient to make Xander bow down. They were far beyond what the Kinsley family could achieve. "I do, but dealing with them might be inconvenient for a new face. I'll take you there. Once I set a time with them, I'll notify you."

"You can call them now."

The marriage weighed on Felix's mind like a burden. Therefore, it was his top priority to cure Curtis.

"Okay."

Sensing the urgency, Wendy hastily pulled her phone out. She wondered what could've motivated his haste. Her mind wandered. Could it be a woman? A girlfriend? A wife? A lover?

After ending the call, she reported back, "All set. You can arrange the commission after sunset tonight. It happens to be the monthly auction day today, too. I'll also see if I can pull some strings to help you acquire those herbs."

Felix nodded and rose to his feet.

"Pick me up when it's time."

At this moment, Wendy seemed to remember something and hurriedly stopped him.

"Um..."

Felix spun around. "Was there anything else?"

"Xander once mentioned a big shot to you. Her grandfather is ill, so she just wanted to see if she could get your contact."

Without hesitation, he refused, "I'm not available."

There was no need to talk to Felix about being a benevolent healer. Gerald had taught him a great deal about that.

When Gerald's medical skills saw great improvements back in the day, he started practicing medicine to help the world. However, he didn't get many returns on his good deeds. People were ungrateful, which led to all kinds of conflicts and complaints. In a fit of anger, Gerald issued nine Miracle Cards. This would turn out to be the token to obtain medical help from him. Each card was sure to come with a sizable cost-it would depend solely on whether one could shoulder it.

Before Wendy could offer to see him off, Felix walked off in the direction of a real estate project he had found interesting online. He figured it was time to move out on his own.

There was no way he could continue freeloading at Warren's, where he had to endure the disgusting presence of Nattie and Sasha.

As he passed an alley, he was stopped by a boy about 12 or 13 years of age.

"Sir, would you like your shoes polished? For just two dollars, I'll make them shine bright. If they're not clean, there'll be no charge," he began. He had shoe polish smudges on his face, but his smile was exceptionally pure. "Sure."

He entered the alley, where a simple chair waited for him. As soon as he sat down, the boy got right down to work

"Where's your family?

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The boy was hard at work, answering as he went.

"My parents have both passed away. It's just me and my little sister."

Felix expected no less. Otherwise, there was no reason for a young child like him to be roaming around doing this instead of studying at school. No one would hire someone so young, either. That would be child labor. "How old is your sister?"

"She's six and in her last year of kindergarten. Thankfully, elementary school doesn't cost much now with education being compulsory. But I still need to earn more, or she won't get proper nutrition."

At the mention of his younger sister, the boy's eyes overflowed with affection.

"Sir, I'm done. Are they clean enough?"

Felix nodded with a smile.

"They're very clean. Little guy, do you trust me?"

The child scrutinized Felix for a moment, taking an extra deep look at his eyes.

"I trust you! You give me a different feeling than others. Therefore, I trust you.

Felix pulled out a 20-dollar note and asked the boy to get a pen and a piece of paper. When he returned, Felix scribbled something on the paper. Then, he handed it back to the child, along with the Miracle Card he had recovered from the Kinsleys. "I won't give you the two dollars, but this here is called a Miracle Card. Consider it your payment."

The boy scratched his head in puzzlement, yet he didn't seem upset about not getting his two dollars.

"But sir, how do I use this?"

Felix chuckled.

"Go to the entrance of Luxe Dining Follow your instincts and give this to one of the patrons entering the restaurant. Tell them you want to sell this card according to the conditions on the paper. From then on, your life and your sister's will change." The recovered Miracle Card had to be spread out again as per Gerald's orders. Seeing this determined, sensible boy, Felix's heart was stirred.

Only wealthy people could afford to dine at Luxe Dining. Those who didn't recognize the card wouldn't bother with the boy, but those who did would need no further explanation.

As the boy watched Felix leave the alleyway, he rubbed the Miracle Card between his palms and gritted his teeth. His mind was made. "That man's eyes are really clear. I trust him. I'm going to Luxe Dining!"