karlmaks
Stories
5
Chapters
1,558
Words
2.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
8 d, 12 h
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Vaughn was relatively easy to deal with—after all, he was just a vice-chairman. When Lance saw Vaughn slip the check into his pocket, he knew the union wouldn’t trouble him for a while. But this wasn’t a long-term fix. Complaints, once suppressed, didn’t disappear; they merely accumulated, growing stronger until they reached a tipping point. It was like going shopping with your partner. You pass by a food stall and ask if they’d like a bite. They say no. But as soon as you get something for…-
545.2 K • Ongoing
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When you meet your girlfriend’s father for the first time, and he asks if you’re nervous, how do you answer? Nervous? Why are you nervous? Not nervous? Why aren’t you nervous? No matter what you say, it invites more questions, each harder to navigate. A single slip could make the entire encounter crash and burn. Lance glanced toward Patricia in the dining room, then back at Mr. Lawrence. “Not nervous,” he said confidently. “If you truly love someone, standing in my position gives you all…
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545.2 K • Ongoing
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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,…
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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • 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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545.2 K • Ongoing
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