Financial Emperor: After I Rose From the Dead
Chapter 30: A Chance Or A Trap [3]

Chapter 30: A Chance Or A Trap [3]

Rino stood with his back to the wall by the corner, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone loosely against his ear.

His posture was relaxed, as he returned the "hello" that was said from the other side of the phone.

"You left me, Rino. Just like that, without even sending words, or at least texting me earlier. Absolutely, nothing. Do you know how embarrassing it had turned out for me?"

Rino inhaled slowly through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. If only Zaria had seen his facial expression, she would know it didn’t show that guilt or remorse.

In fact, it was unreadable except for the slight twitch of annoyance at the corner of his jaw. He had expected the call, quite right.

But, what he didn’t expect was the much energy Zaria had decided to put into the drama.

He, however, listened as Zaria continued with her own annoyance.

"I even texted you, thinking you might at least have the decency to say something. Anything. Maybe an explanation, or even a half-assed excuse would have worked," she barked with a tiny pitch voice.

Not letting her continue, Rino tilted his head towards the window. Then, with his usual calm demeanor, he said.

"So, this is why you called?" Rino kept his tone cool, yet, detached. "To bark me over the phone?"

Zaria kept mute.

And for that moment, there was silence, not too long but that stretched awkwardly. He could hear her breathing on the other end, and he knew she was stunned.

That was the wrong response he should have ever given her.

But, Rino Carter’s personality had suddenly taken over him.

The one who never gave too much of himself to anyone. He made it a habit to sever emotional tethers before they tightened.

Now, comes the wonder.

Why do girls still flock around him, if this is truly how he behaved? If he never tried to make use of the word "apology".

Rino sighed, pulled the phone slightly away from his ear and glanced at the screen. His thumb hovered over the red "End" button.

"I’m not done," Zaria’s voice rushed in, less angry now. Almost pleading.

It was as if she had figured out what Rino’s next action would be at the exact time. "Please."

At the pitiful voice, his thumb retreated and he placed the phone back to his ear and waited.

"My initial intention was not to argue with you," she said, lowering her tone. "I just... hope we can meet somewhere, though your choice. But, we need to talk."

Zaria had said so, expecting to get a response from Rino but all she got was his silence. He said nothing. Then, she had no choice but to continue.

"There’s something you should know before it becomes public," she said. "Although, I suppose you might be aware of it by now."

That got his attention.

He turned back toward the table where Rose Carter was seated with Ribby standing by the side, but didn’t return to them just yet. He just stood rooted at the spot, listening to what Zaria had to say.

"It’s about Nova Nexus Tower," she said after a breath. "Is that not your property that’s located at Medar?"

Rino’s brows lifted slightly. "Yes."

"The Federal Government is planning to close it down soonest as one of their plans for the tech initiative in the area."

"They have already started inviting select private agencies to place their bids for the building. And a limited time frame was given for this bidding."

"The announcement is yet to be made public, but I guess you do understand the power of politics when it comes to certain governmental issues," she explained.

Rino’s fingers tightened around the phone.

Place bids?

Then what is Rose planning?

Or, she’s not aware of this additional fact?

"Who told you this?" Rino asked.

"I did my digging as Blogger Chick. I have my ways of getting first-hand information," she said.

Rino knew there was something she was not telling him. He wanted to know exactly how she knew about the Federal Government’s plan.

As for knowing about Nova Nexus Tower, Rino guessed that she must have known about it after that night she observed her Samsung notes. The scribbles he had made on them.

Satisfied, he complimented her for doing the right thing by letting him know of this information.

"I didn’t want you to be blindsided," Zaria’s voice wavered slightly. "Whatever you are planning, you deserve to know what’s coming."

For the first time, Rino was still, mentally. There was no snide remark, no indifferent shrug. Just quiet thoughtfulness.

A bid, he thought again.

Then, after a pause, he replied. "Thanks for the heads up."

He still needed to know what affiliate Zaria was using to get her information, and so he added.

"I will text you the meeting place once I finish what I was working on before you called."

Before she could reply, the call ended.

***

Rino returned to the table with light but deliberate steps.

Mrs. Carter sat menacingly on the couch, while standing beside her, Ribby looked like he was praying for the Earth to swallow him home.

Understanding his predicament, Rino stopped beside him and asked him to leave before settling down.

"Thank you, young master," he showed his gratitude and gave a quick bow to Rose before disappearing from the room as fast as his legs could carry him.

Once Ribby was gone, Rino collected the document once again, letting Rose’s eyes drop on him, searching his gave for positivity.

Rino scanned the document once again until his eyes met something he didn’t see the first time he read the contents.

Just beneath the final line: Signed, Sealed and Delivered by both parties.

He saw a bold note that stood out, italicized as well.

"Payment is non-refundable, no matter future consequences."

What Zaria told him flashed into his mind.

A bid.

And he chuckled softly.

"What’s funny?" Mrs. Carter asked him.

He didn’t answer right away.

He just picked up the pen that had been resting beside the papers and twirled it between his fingers like a knife.

Then, he murmured to himself, keeping his voice so low that Rose was unable to hear whatever he said.

"Lucky cat."

And leaning over, he pressed the pen down and signed.

Rino Carter.

"Congratulations, Rino. You can drop your account details now while I wire the payment," she said, pleased.

Rino stood from his seat and left.

He was already some steps outside the door when the system’s chime alerted again.

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«↓ 2¡3 Goals Identified ↑»

«↓ 2¡3: Place a Bid on Nova Nexus Tower ↑»

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rino smiled.

"System. You never fail to understand smart moves."

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