"Sir, I heard someone's trying to sell a rather fine ancient gemstone," Monica said. She knew Colin had a fondness for collecting rare treasures, often hosting exhibitions to show them off. Of course, the tickets were never free.
"Oh? Really?" Colin asked, nibbling on a slice of fruit. If it was a fine gemstone, he'd go buy it later—after all, his collection was first and foremost for his own enjoyment, and only second for showing off.
As for holding exhibitions, that was simply because they were a good way to make some pocket money. Every time he hosted one, countless people showed up. Even when he jacked up the ticket price, they still sold out in no time.
Monica took out her tablet, tapped on the screen, and brought up an image of the gemstone.
It was a deep red gem, radiant and exquisite. Colin found himself quite taken with it. Since he liked it, he might as well buy it. With the wealth he had now, there was little in this world he couldn't buy.
After chatting with Monica for a while, he went downstairs, got into his flashy car, and drove off.
At an intersection, a man in a long coat, his face mostly hidden, glanced at Colin's car while speaking quietly into a communicator.
"He's out."
Everyone knew that Colin—the foreigner from the East—was incredibly wealthy. Many had already thought of kidnapping him. The biggest reason they hadn't yet succeeded was simple: Colin didn't keep bodyguards. It was practically an open invitation to would-be kidnappers.
A few minutes later, several cars cut him off on the road.
This time, there were over ten kidnappers—all well-trained, clearly determined to make this job succeed.
Colin, however, remained perfectly calm, chewing his gum. "Who sent you to kidnap me? I'll pay you ten times their price. Go kidnap them instead."
A young man with his face covered replied flatly, "Sir, not everything in this world can be solved with money."
Colin chuckled. "Heh, then it just means the money wasn't enough. A hundred times—bring me that person, and the deal's yours."
Another tall figure shook his head. "No. Doing that would ruin our reputation. We'd never get another job again."
Colin eyed him and said coldly, "Are you stupid? I'm offering you more money than you could ever spend in your entire life—and you'd rather keep working illegal gigs?"
His tone carried such effortless authority that even his insults hit like commands. The man didn't get angry, though. He actually seemed to be thinking about it.
The kidnappers huddled together and began to discuss. Finally, they came up with a compromise: they would restrain Colin and have him supply them with money indefinitely.
One of them stepped forward. "Sir, we don't have to kidnap you. But you'll have to keep paying us—and we'll help you handle any… troublesome matters in return."
"So, you'll be my bodyguards, huh? Works for me," Colin said, grinning. "Now, who sent you to kidnap me? Go bring them to me, and I'll take you all in as my security detail."
The group deliberated again and decided to take him up on the offer—leaving one person behind as insurance.
The one who stayed tore off her disguise, revealing a striking blonde woman with sharp blue eyes and an icy expression.
Colin then took her along to see the gemstone. The woman was silent most of the ride, until she finally spoke. "You can call me Annie."
"Oh hello, Miss Annie. By the way, you're quite beautiful. Why turn to kidnapping?" Colin asked casually.
"I'm a killer," she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I was planning on doing one last job before retiring. But your offer was… hard to refuse."
"Oh? A hitwoman, huh? So—who sent you after me?"
"We don't know," Annie replied coolly. "Only that it was a very rich client. The job pays one hundred million. He's already transferred fifty."
"A hundred million, huh? Not a bad sum," Colin said with a faint smirk. "But if you don't know who he is, how do you plan to bring him in for me?"
"Simple," Annie said. "We'll have someone impersonate you to draw him out."
A few minutes later, they arrived at a grand estate where quite a crowd had already gathered.
Colin's entrance immediately drew attention. After all, this man was not only richer than Bruce Wayne—but far more irritating.
And the stunning blonde at his side only made him stand out even more.
Handing his keys to a valet, Colin flashed a broad grin and greeted the crowd: "Hello, my dear paupers!"
"Damn it! That bastard!" someone snarled through clenched teeth.
Colin knew perfectly well what these people thought of him. Which was exactly why he didn't bother to be polite. He preferred to taunt them point-blank.
"Come on, you little punk! Fight me!" A burly man stepped forward, glaring daggers at him.
"Oh," the crowd whooped excitedly.
"Beat that damn Easterner to a pulp!" someone yelled.
Colin spread his hands and said lazily, "So eager, huh? Getting worked up won't make you any richer, you know—"
Before he could finish, the burly man charged. Annie moved first—grabbing his arm and beating him down in seconds.
The man was all muscle and no skill.
Annie hit hard—so hard that within moments, he was sprawled on the floor, groaning.
Colin sighed. "Tsk, why rush? Anyway, don't forget to call the cops later."
After all, the man had thrown the first punch. With Colin's financial power, it would be easy enough to have him locked up for assault. Sure, he could've used his real power instead—but that would've spoiled the fun.
Annie stepped back to Colin's side and said coldly, "I can see why someone would pay to have you kidnapped."
Colin chuckled. "Heh, these little dramas add spice to the dull parts of life. I could use more of them, really."
Annie looked him over. That cheerful smile, those bright eyes—this man was absolutely not a good person.
Before long, an elderly man hurried out to greet them, his tone overly courteous. "Mr. Colin! I'm so glad you could come. I assure you, today's gemstone will not disappoint."
"Oh? Confident, are we?" Colin asked, smiling faintly.
The old man leaned closer and whispered, "Mr. Bruce Wayne will be attending as well."
Colin's fondness for outbidding Bruce Wayne was no secret.
Whenever the two of them showed up at the same auction, Bruce always came out second-best.