THE CONSORTIUM’S HEIR BY BENJAMIN CHAPTER 160

Darius felt it was necessary to draw a clear line between his subordinates’ service to their superiors and the latter’s friends.

He waited for Rudd to alight the car before turning around and extending his arms wide.” Come along. Let’s give you a tour of my private jet.” Once Rudd set foot on the airport grounds, he wondered if the plane they were boarding belonged to Darius’ family. Now that Darius had confirmed that suspicion, Rudd’s jaw fell agape as he muttered, “D-Damn. It seems like you can afford plenty of luxuries now. Still, what shocks me more is that you still see me as your friend. You came to save me like you would’ve done back then.”

Seeing how touched his friend was, Darius blinked several times before replying, “Duh. We’re best mates, after all.”

He had ascended the private jet’s steps by the time he finished speaking. He looked at the door while motioning toward the jet’s interior. “Hurry up. We’ve still got plenty of things to do.” Rudd immediately clambered aboard.

Although he anticipated that the jet would be fancy, he was still deeply in awe. Witnessing the lavish aircraft in person made his heart race so much that he could barely breathe.

“I had the same reaction when I first saw this jet earlier,” remarked Darius, who could relate to Rudd’s wonder.

Rudd adjusted his expression, trying to brush things off. “I just assumed you bought this jet with your newfound wealth. It makes more sense that it belongs to your family. Although I’m still taken aback by everything, I’m growing numb. I’ll be as cool as a cucumber in no time.”

Amused chuckles rumbled from Darius’ throat just then. “I bet you won’t even feel a thing toward surprises like these in the future.”

Moments passed as Rudd sat next to Darius with a look of doubt. “By the way, what do your parents do for a living?”

Once Darius heard the word “parents,” a frosty look shrouded his features. Although his grandfather did not reveal much, Darius had a rough idea about his parents’ deaths after experiencing everything up till now. There was more to the so-called accident that killed his parents than met the eye. However, since his grandfather wanted to keep it secret, he chose to drop the matter.

Rudd could tell Darius was drowning in unhappy thoughts as the latter’s every pore seemed to radiate a grim aura. He paused to think carefully before asking, “Did I ask about something 1 shouldn’t have? Do your parents not treat you well?”

“No.” Darius shook his head. “I’ve never met them. They died when I got separated from my family. Grandpa says it was a severe car accident that claimed their lives. Though, I’m certain that if it weren’t for them, you and I would never have met.”

By then, Darius had reigned in his emotions. His expression softened, which was a significant contrast from his earlier iciness. He continued, “But it’s all good now, I’ve found my last

living family member. I swear I’ll hunt down the person who killed my parents and make them Pay!

Now that Darius sounded like himself again, Rudd pursed his lips, putting on a determined and sincere look. “You’re right, and I’ll do everything I can to help you!” That was a pleasant surprise to Darius, who nodded and grinned. “Indeed. However, this is a dangerous task, so anyone involved will inevitably be in harm’s way. That’s why I won’t allow you, my best friend, to partake in it.”

“If it weren’t for you today, I wouldn’t have walked out alive from that casino.” Rudd chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I would’ve lost a few body parts like a few fingers or a leg. Knowing my family, they’ll never let someone flawed inherit the family assets. Thus, i’ll likely get kicked out without a penny to my name.” He then locked eyes with Darius, the utmost sincerity swelling in his eyes as he added, “That’s why it’s fair that I do everything in my power to help you. Besides, we’re supposed to be best mates who can rely on each other.” A warm, tingly feeling engulfed Darius. He no longer rebuked Rudd, which Rudd took as a silent admission of defeat.

Thus, Rudd let go of his worries and began taking in his grand surroundings. Ever since he entered the aircraft, his mind had gone blank in shock. He gawked at the jet’s interior with his eyes rounded and jaw lowered like a child in a candy shop Half an hour passed, and Rudd’s mouth was still wide open with awe.

It was amusing to Darius, but he did not comment on it. Instead, he shut his eyes to get some rest.

“I’ve been so busy these few days that I haven’t had any breaks. Naturally, it also means haven’t cultivated my abilities one bit. That’s not good.” Just as Darius was deep in thought, Edward’s voice rang through the in-flight announcement system. “Sir, we’ll be landing shortly.”

Darius nodded, then turned to say, “We’ll land soon, Rudd. Put away everything, stow your tray table, and fasten your seatbelt. Behave yourself as you would in an economy plane.”

Rudd nodded.

Silence then ensued as Darius did not react in any way.

Only after exiting the plane did Darius let out a long exhale. “Rudd, this is my grandpa’s place.”

He glanced at the massive lawn ahead without a hint of emotion. That was normal as he had already seen the same view many times. Contrarily, this was Rudd’s first time seeing the place. He was so excited that he could not utter a word or breathe properly. Suddenly, he plopped to his knees while clutching his stomach.

Concern instantly showed on Darius’ face. He knew there were no medical resources here since those were only available in a hospital. Hence, he dashed ahead, squatted, and brought himself

within Rudd’s line of sight. “What’s wrong? I can call an ambulance.”

As soon as Rudd heard the word “ambulance,” he shot to his feet and fervently shook his head. “T- There’s no need! I was just shocked. Your grandpa’s house is bigger than all my family members’ houses put together.” The corner of Darius’ lip twitched. “Quit being shocked. You’re the first to see this place, but I hope you can keep it a secret for my sake.” content rights.

“Don’t worry.” Rudd nodded right away. “I’ll keep it a secret. It’s the least I can do as your best friend.”

That was when Darius brought Rudd inside. However, to Darius’ surprise, they bumped into someone right after entering the front door. He exclaimed, “Grandpa?”

James was understanding and flashed a kind smile toward the two. “I heard you were bringing a friend who just went through a tough time. I figured it was only appropriate that I come out to meet him.”

His words immediately relieved Darius of his nervousness.

James could sense his grandson was now more relaxed than before, so he chuckled and said to Rudd, “Young man, you’re my grandson’s friend. That makes you an esteemed guest of the Reid family. Anyway, my name is James, and I’m the previous owner of the Reid Consortium.”