karlmaks
Stories
7
Chapters
3,386
Words
5.9 M
Comments
20
Reading
20 d, 12 h
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Johnny left quickly with the cash in hand, eager to escape the situation. After he was gone, Elvin raised an eyebrow, curious. “You really lent him the money?” Lance nodded. “He can’t pay it back.” “I worked in his bakery for over a month. I know exactly how much he earns. Even if his daughter stopped pilfering from the cash register, after covering all expenses, he clears around $200 a month.” Elvin looked astonished. “That much?” “Yes, it’s a decent amount,” Lance agreed,…-
1.5 M • Ongoing
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Jason's death had unified the group in a way few other events could have. Perhaps this was the Federation’s equivalent of the saying about weighty matters... what was it? Something about a mountain? Lance wasn’t sure of the exact phrase, but the sentiment seemed fitting. At 9 a.m., Lance arrived outside St. Naya’s Cathedral. His reputation among the Empire’s immigrant community had been growing steadily, and many greeted him warmly as he passed. Lance skillfully cultivated this public…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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Lance leaned against his car, a cigarette dangling from his lips, watching passersby on the street. The middle-class neighborhood had strict entry rules, and the security guard eyed Lance suspiciously. He didn’t have any psychic powers to detect criminal intent—he just instinctively distrusted non-residents, especially those as good-looking as Lance. Lately, Lance’s ventures had started gaining traction, and he’d gotten to know more about Patricia’s father, Mr. William Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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As Johnny exited Golden Diamond Law Firm, the city’s bright sunshine contrasted sharply with the darkness engulfing his world. He was utterly dejected. After paying the $260 consultation fee, he had less than $150 in cash left, and all his bank accounts were frozen. Worse yet, according to Mr. Gus, even the best-case outcome—where the court believed Johnny’s failure to report taxes was due to ignorance rather than intent—would still result in a hefty fine. This wasn’t unique to him.…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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The smiles faded from the faces of the young crowd, replaced by a mix of complex emotions. Some eyes burned with fury, others showed traces of pity, while many simply brimmed with curiosity. Everyone had different levels of involvement in the events leading up to this, shaping their stance, perspective, and thoughts about the impending execution. Hiram stepped forward. "This is my fault. I need to apologize to everyone." This time, Lance allowed him to speak uninterrupted. Hiram explained the…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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Golden Diamond Law Firm was one of the top firms in Jingang City. Whether it was the best in the Federation was unclear, but they certainly claimed to be. Johnny had put on a more decent outfit today, though sitting in a wheelchair gave him a slightly awkward appearance. Still, at least he didn’t look out of place. His daughter pushed him into the opulent offices of the Golden Diamond Law Firm, where a blonde woman greeted them. Dressed in a professional yet striking suit, her crisp white blouse…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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Lance looked at the bloodied and disheveled Jason, shaking his head slightly before glancing at Hiram. "Get some water." Turning back to Jason, Lance said coldly, "Before you give me your answers, think carefully. Consider whether lying to me is worth it—and what will happen to you if I find out you're lying." There was a faucet right outside the door. In the Federation, where the water was famously sweet and drinkable straight from the tap, it was hard to resist its availability. After letting…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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The dimly lit bar was filled with an ambiguous glow, occasionally casting light on people's faces. A few patrons seated at the counter glanced toward the small balcony-like private table on the second floor. "Has Jason struck it rich recently?" One of the patrons at the bar asked softly. Business at the bar wasn’t particularly good during the day, though there were always a few customers. For drunks, drinking wasn’t bound by day or night—they only cared whether the alcohol was making its way…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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"Mr. Lance, your physique is remarkable. I assure you the clothes I tailor will look splendid!" An elderly tailor from the Empire was taking Lance's measurements. With more money at hand this time, Lance had decided to order two sets of outfits for everyone. The weather was cooling down, and the recent rains brought a sharp sense of autumn's chill that lingered for a day after each downpour. Additionally, unified attire would foster "corporate culture"—a strategy well-proven by capitalists, who…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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Detective Lukal rubbed his temples, his headache worsening as he stared at the file on Kent. Kent’s brother was a senior member of the Camille Gang, and Kent had used this familial protection to cause plenty of trouble in the Imperial District. Casinos were a breeding ground for conflict, and Kent’s underhanded dealings only made matters worse. Informants had reported that Kent had been recruiting "skilled" dealers from Overlis State for years—a euphemism everyone understood. Though his…
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1.5 M • Ongoing
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