Chapter 853
New Year’s Day was fast approaching, and it was time to finalize the paid song list for the coming year. Mira Mercer didn’t want to overcomplicate things; she simply planned to use the top ten most popular tracks.
There was no reason not to take full advantage of the perks of her second chance at life.
Owen Lance still needed to formally hand over his CEO responsibilities to Felix Grant. He was preparing to enter the Lance family enterprise, which meant he would no longer have the time to oversee Solflare Entertainment or his own Vanguard Realty.
However, since Julian Vance had always managed Owen’s properties, it wouldn’t require much effort.
Meanwhile, Jordan Ellis stood in front of the checkout counter of a small
convenience store named Lucky Clover.
“Take me to your boss,” he demanded.
“Sir, I am the boss of this store p>
The female cashier frowned.
“No, you aren’t p>
The cashier glanced at Jordan. He was in his forties with an average build, but he stood as tall and straight as a pine. He carried a natural, imposing aura that immediately marked him as a martial arts expert.
His gaze was bright, steady, and unhurried.
Dressed in a simple gray-and-white linen outfit, he looked like a rogue wanderer.
Anyone capable of working the front desk at a place like this naturally had a sharp eye.
“Excuse me, are you here to do business p>
The question was a double entendre. It was a convenience store, so naturally, there were business transactions, and ordinary people would reply with a topic related to groceries.
But anyone who knew the truth would answer, “I need a favor p>
Jordan simply said, “I’m looking for Mr. Doyle. Tell him directly that Jordan Ellis is here to see him p>
The cashier dialed a number, exchanged a few brief words, and then turned back to Jordan. “Mr. Doyle invites you in p>
She then led him to the back of the store.
The supermarket was merely a front; in reality, this was one of Aethelgard’s most renowned private detective agencies.
“Jordan, what rock did you crawl out from under? I haven’t seen you in years; I thought you were dead p>
Sitting in the main hall of the parlor was a small old man with a thick beard. Upon seeing Jordan, he yelled out, his expression caught somewhere between a laugh and a cry.
“Don’t worry. Even if you kicked the bucket, I’d still be standing p>
“Where the hell have you been all these years p>
Clarence Doyle asked.
“Weren’t you hoping I’d die early? Why do you care so much p>
“Who said I wanted you dead p>
“I never wanted you dead. I wanted you to live a long, healthy life so I could finally beat you p>
Jordan had always been the knot in
Clarence’s heart. Back in the day
they
in
y both operated Aethelgard within the same industry, locked in a fierce rivalry.
No matter how hard Clarence tried he could never outcompete the
deeply rooted Ellis famnet
constantly snatched away the
biggest clients.
Furious, Clarence used to curse Jordan every single day, genuinely wishing he would drop dead.
Then, for some unknown reason,
Jordan suddenly left. He only kept a fraction of his assets just enough to maintain a foothold in Aethelgard.
Almost overnight, Clarence monopolized the city’s bodyguard and private investigation sectors. By all accounts, he should have been thrilled.
But he didn’t feel satisfied. It felt as if his life had suddenly lost all meaning. Besides, this line of work was a gray area, and trouble was a constant companion.
As the sole powerhouse, his agency had to weather every storm alone. When a crisis hit, he didn’t even have anyone to consult.
“Then you’re out of luck for the rest of your life. You could never beat me p>
“Even if I were dead, you’d have zero chance against my apprentice p>
“You took on an apprentice, old man? Who is it p>
“I’m not telling p>
“It couldn’t be Silas Lawson, could it p>
Clarence naturally knew that Silas Lawson was managing Jordan’s business in Aethelgard.
“He doesn’t even come close. My apprentice is leagues above him p>
Jordan stated proudly.
“If you’re going to be so cryptic, just leave. Don’t come looking for me p>
“Fine, I’m leaving. I really am leaving p>
Jordan made a dramatic show of heading for the door.
“Stop right there! Fine, fine, I’ll drop it p>
It wasn’t every day he ran into his old friend, and he wanted to catch up a bit more.
“So, out with it. What brings you here today p>