CHAPTER 2: CHRISTOPHER LYSANDER
The entire city of Paris would be familiar with the name Christopher if you followed the news online or on TV daily. In the business and stock market sectors, everyone knows Chris. He is the one who revitalized the stock market over the past decade. Years ago, during a severe downturn caused by various scandals, Chris's entry into the business world was a breath of fresh air.
There's a saying that the stock market can be as volatile as a roller coaster, but for Chris, it's different. His corporation has consistently led the market for over ten years.
Chris's position is highly coveted, especially his role as the heir of MB Group. Many might think that if his company is thriving, taking over should be easy, but it's not. Chris also leads a faction closely tied to the Italian mafia.
So, if anyone thinks they can easily dethrone Chris, they are sorely mistaken. His name has long been a source of fear and obsession for many. Originally an orphan, he was adopted at six years old. His adoptive father, a wealthy heir, funded all his endeavors, and with his sharp mind, Chris built his empire.
In a large room, Chris sat cross-legged, hands clasped, sternly looking at those around him—all close bodyguards—who allowed the events of last night to happen. Paul, his assistant and trusted bodyguard, stood by, bowing in apology: "Mr. Chris, it was our negligence. We don't expect you to forgive us. Whatever punishment you deem fit, I will accept it unconditionally."
"Forgive those who disregarded my life, or keep them around to jeopardize it again?" Chris's frown made everyone around him turn pale.
"I didn't mean that, sir. We were deceived by that person," Paul said, bowing his head.
"Being deceived is still your fault. Saying that shows you're not fit to follow me." Chris, trembling with anger, grabbed a metal whip and struck Paul repeatedly.
"It's our fault, sir. We failed to protect you properly, and we accept responsibility." The others who accompanied him knelt, acknowledging Chris's temper.
Seeing this, Chris stopped, wiped his hands, and sat down, lowering his voice: "It's not that I can't protect myself, but if I die, who will protect you? Remember, you have families too."
Paul struggled to his feet, sincerely apologizing: "Mr. Chris, this won't happen again."
Paul signaled to bring in another man, handcuffed and bloodied. "He kidnapped my wife. If he couldn't kill you, my wife would die. I don't even know who you are, but my wife means everything to me," the man said, despite his frail appearance.
"You don't know me, yet you tried to kill me? Your wife's life matters, but mine doesn't?" Chris smiled coldly. The man fell silent until Chris continued: "We all deserve to live. Your wife lives, I live, right?"
"If you want to kill me, let me avenge her first, then I'll surrender," the man said. Chris was surprised and whispered to Paul, who informed him that the man's wife had been raped and committed suicide.
"I know who is behind this. Do you?" Chris asked. The man nodded, both sorrowful and enraged.
"I'll give you a week. Do what you need to with the mastermind. If you run, know that I, Chris, would rather kill the wrong person than miss anyone." With that, Chris left. The man, thankful, was taken away. Chris admired his resolve, but whether he would return depended on his integrity.
Afterward, Paul drove Chris back to the company, to discuss upcoming meetings. "Should we make a big shot on the other side?" Paul asked.
"His daughter is the best bait. Do as you see fit," Chris replied, staring out the window. He spotted a familiar figure—the girl with braids and thick glasses—rushing across the street, falling near his car. Paul almost stepped out to help, but Chris held him back.
"Keep driving; don't worry about it," Chris said after ensuring she was fine. He was intrigued by the girl who saved him, but a sudden encounter would be unwise. There was still more to come.
Today, the workload at the hospital was light with fewer patients, so Celestia got off work earlier than usual. As she busily packed her things to leave, she glanced at the calendar on her desk and remembered that today was the day to visit the orphanage.
A knock on the door caught her attention; it was Amanda, who walked in with a bright smile. "Celestia, since you're free today, do you want to have dinner with me?"
"I can't, I have to visit the orphanage today. Let's plan for another time," Celestia immediately declined. Amanda, understanding her friend's habits, sighed, "Alright, let's plan for another day. It's been so long since we went out. Do you plan on eating hospital food forever?"
After receiving Celestia's nod, Amanda left happily. Amanda is a true heiress, her parents are both in real estate. She has always lived in the best conditions, and, being an only child, she gets whatever she wants.
Celestia and Amanda interned together and are known as the most synchronized duo at the hospital. Unlike many, Amanda never looked down on Celestia's background; she treated her very well.
Celestia, wearing her usual warm sweater, carried her bag to a nearby supermarket to buy some items. This time, instead of candy, she bought warm clothes for the children, as it was quite cold. Despite a decent salary and benefits, she always saved most of her money for the orphanage where she grew up, keeping very little for herself.
It was past five when Celestia finished shopping and took a taxi to the orphanage, as it was quite far. The children were playing in the large yard. Seeing her from afar, they excitedly ran out, shouting, "Sister Celestia, Sister Celestia, carry me!"
Seeing the children, all her work-related worries vanished. More than fifteen children lined up to receive their gifts, their faces beaming with joy. The nuns were also very pleased. Some of the nuns had been there since she was abandoned, while others joined later. Now twenty-six, Celestia spent the first eighteen years of her life here, and despite moving out, she regularly returned monthly to help.
"Henry, do you remember me? Let's see if my dear has grown taller today." The last child, Henry, was sent to the orphanage by Celestia. She found him abandoned in a bag near the trash and, due to her busy hospital schedule, couldn't take care of him herself.
"I miss you a lot, Sister Celestia," said Henry, a three-year-old boy, which was very endearing. Celestia smiled, lifting him up and spinning him around. However, a sudden call from the hospital for an urgent matter made her prepare to leave. Henry hugged her tightly, crying.
"Be good, my dear. Sister Celestia has to go to work to earn money. I'll visit you again in a few days, okay?" Celestia comforted him, patting his back.
Hearing her promise, Henry obediently let go. She easily said goodbye to the nuns and left. With no taxis nearby, she had to walk a bit.
Just minutes after she left, a sleek black car stopped in front of the orphanage. A man in a gray suit got out and went inside to talk with the nuns. Hearing footsteps, Henry thought Celestia had returned and ran out excitedly, but upon seeing the man, his smile vanished, and he walked back inside. Little did he know, the man was Chris.
Adopted from an orphanage himself, Chris visits orphanages in the city regularly. This was his second visit here. Every time, Henry would sulk and walk away.
"Henry thought you were Celestia. She just left. It's the second time you've come right after she left," said Ma'am, the oldest nun who raised Celestia. Chris nodded, recognizing the girl, who had walked out earlier.
"For the past two months, you have twice visited on the same day but at different times. We should arrange for you to meet," Ma'am suggested, having a fondness for both Celestia and Chris.
Chris also looked in the direction Sister Celestia pointed, feeling that the figure seemed familiar. His heart raced slightly as he recognized the image of that woman. He couldn't stop thinking about the night she saved his life, and her image had been etched deeply into his mind ever since.
Even though he was strong and rarely showed his emotions, Chris felt warmth and hope whenever he thought of her. He was certain that their fate didn't just stop that night.