"Look at what Ive caught, Billy..." Mr. Collins released his grip, dropping the little boy onto the carpet.
Billy? Could this be the owner of the manor? The magnate who could command a robot butler in his estate?
As he was escorted through the estate, Billy realized the sheer opulence of the place. Even the craftsmanship on a small stone stool was a work of art from the renowned European master, Eslo. Anything taken from here could buy a house in his neighborhood.
God of Wealth, indeed! He had to ingratiate himself with such a wealthy patron.
Should he act pitiful, silly, or cute? Billys mind raced with strategies, but when he looked up at Mr. Gardiner, all his rehearsed lines fled.
What kind of man was this? Cold and aloof, his icy gaze seemed to shut out all warmth, chilling the very air around him. Was this man even human?
"Your garden has been infiltrated by a thief. When I arrived, this boy was stealing your pearls."
"Stealing? Thats a bit harsh. Its more like reclaiming what was lost in a bet," the boy retorted, turning to Mr. Gardiner. "I won those pearls in a bet, and they were tossed into your garden. Climbing in was just a retrieval mission. How about we split them, say, thirty-seven, with you taking the larger share as compensation for my uninvited entry?"
The boy grinned cheekily, trying to charm Mr. Gardiner.
One should not strike a smiling face, and the boy was offering a fair share, showing his sincerity.
Mr. Gardiner looked down at the boy on the floor, still with that cold expression.
"Arent you afraid of me?" Since a certain incident, Mr. Gardiner had not smiled, and even the children in his own home were frightened by his unchanging stern face, keeping their distance. Yet, this little fellow dared to cling to him.
"Why would I be afraid?" Billy replied. A wealthy man like him was someone to befriend, not fear.
"Haha! Interesting, Mr. Gardiner, I never thought Id see you at a loss. Look at this小家伙s audacity; its just like yours when you were young," Mr. Collins laughed, amused by the boys antics.
What? The God of Wealth had such moments too? Billy was acting cute for money, but a man of such wealth and status shouldnt need to resort to such tactics, right?
Mr. Gardiner looked down at Billy, and Billy looked back, their gazes meeting— one as cold as ice, the other bright with a cheeky smile. Ones expression grew colder, while the others smile widened.
"Haha, I must say, this boy does resemble you, a bit plumper perhaps," Mr. Collins added, pinching Billys cheeks. "The nose is similar, the mouth too, but these eyes are a bit too mischievous..."
How dare this man handle his face as if he were a toy! Billy glared at Mr. Collins, vowing silently to settle the score one day.
"Mr. Gardiner, look at what Ive found..." Mr. Collins, with a chuckle, lifted the boy as if he were a curiosity.
"Check the robots belly, hes hoarded quite a stash of pearls in there," Billy said, trying to divert attention and salvage his plan.
"And why should I let you have them?" Mr. Gardiner questioned, an unamused expression on his face.
"Because, Mr. Gardiner, every pearl in that robots belly is rightfully mine. I won them fair and square, and Im just claiming my prize," Billy reasoned, his eyes never leaving the robot.
Mr. Gardiner considered the boys words, the coldness in his eyes melting just a fraction. Perhaps there was more to this child than met the eye. With a sigh, he gestured towards the robot.
"Very well, consider it your reward for your... unique approach to retrieving lost property."
Billys eyes lit up, and he wasted no time in collecting his treasure. As he pocketed the pearls, he couldnt help but feel a sense of triumph.
"Thank you, Mr. Gardiner. Your generosity knows no bounds," Billy said with a bow, already planning how he would spend his newfound wealth.