The $100k Bonus and the $800k Bill

1.

My year-end bonus was a solid hundred thousand, and my girlfriend, Valerie, insisted I treat her to a grand dinner. The bill, though, came to eight hundred thousand. My jaw dropped. This was daylight robbery! I refused to pay. The restaurant owner, a formidable woman, didnt bat an eye. Instead, she had her crew seize me, snarling that if I didnt come up with the cash, theyd make me disappear.

I finally got a good look at her, and a surge of anger coursed through me. Wasn't this Ramona Flowers, one of my mother, Astrid Vances, former associates? My mom, for all her ruthless reputation as a crime boss, had always been incredibly tender with me, her only son. When my dad divorced her years ago, I was disgusted by her violent lifestyle and refused to see her. Shed promised me then, tears in her eyes, that she would retire from the underworld for good. I never imagined that all these years later, her crew would still be running their old rackets! And now theyd actually kidnapped me!

Think you can dine and dash? You seriously dont know whose turf youre on, do you?

Settle the bill, or youll lose an arm!

A group of menacing men and women encircled me. One guy even held a cleaver, testing its edge on my shoulder. My heart pounded. Was this some kind of crooked establishment? No wonder four dishes cost eight hundred thousand. They were clearly trying to extort me! I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

Wheres Valerie? Where did she go? I asked.

If Valerie hadnt insisted on coming to this particular place for dinner, I would never have found myself in this godforsaken corner of the city. Sure, the dcor was opulent, clearly expensive, but I figured my hundred thousand bonus would cover even a lavish meal. I never expected a bill of eight hundred thousand. This was definitely a setup! They might as well have just robbed me outright, instead of serving me a meal first.

When I mentioned Valerie, someone sneered, Looking for her wont do you any good. Shes the one who told us to grab you!

Said you were a fat cat, ripe for the picking. Eight hundred grand? She claimed you could easily cough up eight million! Guess she was wrong. What a pain!

Worst case, we break his legs and send him to a high-end club to entertain some cougars to earn that eight hundred grand!

I gasped, shouting, No! This is kidnapping and extortion! Its illegal! Let me go!

The woman laughed as if Id told the funniest joke. Illegal? Honey, I am the law around here!

Dont want to go with the cougars? Fine. Pay the bill! Otherwise, Ive got plenty of ways to make you suffer!

With that, she grabbed my neck with a wicked grip and plunged my head into a water barrel. The intense sensation of suffocation brought me to the brink of death. I thrashed and struggled, finally gasping for air. A wise man knows when to yield. I quickly tried to negotiate.

Ill pay, but I dont have that kind of money on me right now. How about you let me make a call? Ill have someone bring the money over.

I wasnt lying. Most of the money I earned was with my dad. Only this hundred thousand bonus was in my own account. Even if they drowned me, I couldnt produce eight hundred thousand. As soon as I finished speaking, a heavily made-up woman slapped me.

Head to toe in designer clothes, and you dont have eight hundred grand? Whod believe that!

Make a call? Dont think I dont know what youre planning! If you dare call the cops, Ill tear you apart!

At that moment, a younger woman, a punk-rock type, grew impatient. Ramona, stop wasting time with him. Just send him to the club already!

Rich women these days love pretty boys like him. Hell fetch a good price!

I stared intently at the woman they called Ramona. She looked familiar. It was Ramona Flowers! Ramona, known as Ramona, was one of my mother Astrid Vances top lieutenants. My mom was a legendary crime boss, decisive and ruthless, yet she reserved all her tenderness and affection for me, her son.

2.

My father, Johnny Reed, was a scholarly man. Mom had relentlessly pursued him, and I was born from their union. Eventually, he couldnt take it anymore and decided to divorce her. The reason I didnt stay with Astrid back then was precisely because I couldnt stand her constant violence and underworld dealings. Astrid, with tears in her eyes, had promised me she would clean up her act.

All these years passed, and I never imagined her old crew would still be running their rackets C and now theyd kidnapped me! If I hadnt been studying abroad for so long and my eyesight hadn't been an issue, I would have recognized her sooner. Shocked and furious, I blurted out,

Ramona Flowers, are you blind? How dare you kidnap me!

The punk-rock girl paused for a second, then slapped me. Youre asking for it! Do you think you can just call Ramona by her name? With that, she raised a whip to strike me.

Ramona quickly stopped her, looking wary. How do you know my name?

Thinking shed recognized me, I shouted, Because Im Astrid Vances son!

Let me go right now, or if my mom finds out, shell have your head!

The moment I said it, the wariness on Ramonas face turned into a mocking laugh. You? You think you can pretend to be Astrids son? Youve got a death wish!

I was speechless. I am Astrid Vances son, Julian Vance!

Ramona grabbed my collar, scoffing. During dinner, your girlfriend clearly called you John Reed. Do you think were deaf?

I quickly explained, I really am Julian Vance. My dad took my moms last name when they got married, so I shared hers. After they divorced, I changed it back to my dads!

Ramona had been my moms confidante back in the day; she had to know my fathers name. But to my shock, the next second, Ramona slammed a club into my knee.

Astrid and Johnny are deeply in love! They would never divorce!

If you dare spread rumors again, Ill rip your mouth out!

I gasped in pain, suddenly remembering that my mom had kept the divorce a secret from outsiders. She was afraid people at school would gossip and affect my studies. It seemed that secrecy was now costing me dearly.

Just then, someone handed my phone to Ramona. A flicker of hope ignited within me. If she saw my lock screen, she would surely recognize me. But Ramona held the phone, comparing my face to the picture for a while, then spat at me.

I cant believe I fell for your tricks again and again!

You think if you Photoshop a picture with Astrid, Ill believe you?

Little Julian was dark-skinned and stocky! A pretty boy like you, trying to impersonate him!

With that, Ramona raised the club again, ready to strike. It was true that I used to be a round, chubby kid. But after high school, I joined a weight loss program, shed fifty pounds, and revamped my hairstyle and wardrobe. My greatest joy used to be hearing people tell me how handsome Id become. Now, I found myself in a darkly humorous situation.

As the club was about to descend, a bespectacled man next to her suddenly stopped Ramona. Ramona, could this punk be one of Astrids kept men?

If you harm him, what if Astrid comes looking for answers?

Before he could finish, Ramona glared at him fiercely. Are you trying to get yourself killed too? Astrid and Johnny are known as a model couple! How could she keep a pretty boy?

Now, even if he pays the bill, hes not leaving!

I hate nothing more than home-wreckers like this!

3.

With that, she motioned to some of her henchmen, ordering them to sever my tendons. My hands and feet were bound, making movement impossible. I screamed in desperation, I am Astrid Vances son! If you touch me, shell make you pay! But then, a sharp pain shot through my thigh as I felt a deep gash.

Still running your mouth even when death is at your doorstep? Today, not even the Almighty can save you!

The excruciating pain plunged me into despair. Just then, a knock came at the door, and a voice called out, Ramona, the Big Boss is here! She wants to pick out a private room for a birthday celebration! Shes looking for you!

Ramonas face lit up. Really? The Big Boss hasnt been here in ages. I need to make a good impression this time! Then, with a look of disgust, she pointed at me. Deal with this pretty boy immediately. Dont let the Big Boss see him; hell only bring bad luck!

With that, Ramona and her crew rushed out of the room. The only person Ramona would call Big Boss was my mother, Astrid Vance. Could it be her? Hope surged within me. If I wanted to escape, now was my only chance.

As I was being led out of the room, my head still covered, I suddenly kicked the man holding me in the groin. He groaned, immediately loosening his grip. I stumbled, desperate to flee. But unfamiliar with the hotel layout and hampered by my injured leg, I tumbled down the stairs. The fall knocked the wind out of me! Before I could even react, the man from behind me rushed forward and slammed something hard into the back of my head.

You little bastard, how dare you kick me? Ill beat you to death!

My head spun. I thought I saw my mothers figure at the end of the hallway. Then, I was dragged away, losing consciousness.

When I woke up, I was tied in a utility closet, my mouth taped shut. There was no one around. Had everyone rushed off to greet Astrid? That meant my mom was still here. As long as she was, I had a chance! I quickly shuffled to a corner, desperately trying to rub the ropes against the wall.

Just then, hushed voices drifted from outside the door. I strained to listen, and to my shock, it was Valerie!

Did you get the money? Give me my cut!

The person on the other side sounded annoyed. You have the nerve to ask! This pretty boy only had a hundred grand in his account and dared to impersonate the Big Bosss son. Hes got a death wish! But he does look pretty good.

You should take this chance to check his car for anything else valuable. My husbands not here, so Im going to have some fun inside!

Its been ages since Ive seen such a fresh-faced pretty boy!

Valerie was silent for a moment, then her voice was tinged with disgust. He used to act so high and mighty around me, I thought he was some untouchable prince. Never thought hed be licking other women behind my back!

But he must have money. His car alone is worth over a hundred thousand. How could he not afford eight hundred thousand in ransom?!

My heart sank. I had always believed Valerie was fragile and innocent, incapable of harming me. I thought someone must have forced her. But it was all a fa?ade. This was her true face! Id been such a fool, buying her gifts and taking her to fancy dinners the moment I got my bonus. I was completely misguided.

Just then, the ropes on my arm were almost severed. I was about to celebrate, but the next second, I heard the click of the lock turning. I quickly scanned my surroundings. The window was sealed. Escape was impossible. I gripped the nearly broken rope, quickly retreated to the wall, and pretended I had just woken up.

4.

The door opened, and a heavily made-up, plump middle-aged woman leaned in, a lecherous grin on her face. Well, handsome, I advise you not to try escaping. Not even a fly can get out of this place, let alone a grown man.

How about this? You can call me your godmother. Youll live the high life with me, and you wont have to pay that eight hundred grand. What do you say?

With that, she reached out, leering, to touch my chest. I rolled my eyes, quickly dodging her hand. Ugh! I wouldnt even want a crime boss as a godmother, so why would I want some old madam? You dont want a godson, you want to keep me! You shameless old toad

Before I could finish, she pressed a stun gun against my chin. Im giving you one last chance. Think carefully before you speak!

A wise man knows when to yield. I quickly feigned submission. Lets talk calmly The middle-aged woman finally released me, her grin widening. So, youre willing to come with me?

I coughed violently a few times. Just as I was about to speak, I saw a scrawny, bald man walk in. If I wasnt mistaken, these two were a couple. Seeing that the woman hadnt noticed him, an idea sparked in my mind. I deliberately spoke with a sarcastic tone.

Your husband treats you so well, do you really have the heart to keep a pretty boy behind his back?

Arent you afraid of what hell do if he finds out?

The womans voice suddenly rose several decibels. Dont even mention that bald loser! Hes useless every time. He makes me sick just thinking about him!

Handsome, if you just stay with me, Ill give you everything

Before she could finish, the bald man slapped her from behind. Charlene, you bitch! Trying to sneak around with another man right under my nose? Ill kill you today! With that, the two began to fight.

I quickly stoked the flames. Lady, if you beat your husband, Ill be yours!

A man who hits women is definitely no good. If you dont teach him a lesson, hell just do it again next time!

Charlene, hearing this, immediately sprang into action. Her nearly two hundred pounds of weight pinned her husband to the ground, and she furiously began to pummel him. Seizing the opportunity while they were locked in a chaotic brawl, I ducked low and scurried out the door.

But as I reached the entrance, they spotted me. My injured leg prevented me from moving quickly. Just then, from the second-floor railing, I saw Astrid Vance, surrounded by her entourage, about to leave the hotel lobby. I was about to shout, but then someone pursuing me clapped a hand over my mouth. Seeing myself about to be dragged back, I hardened my resolve. I wrapped my arms around the person behind me and leaped from the second floor.

The hotel lobby had a high ceiling; the second floor was equivalent to a typical third floor. Falling from that height, even if I didnt die, Id be crippled. But I couldnt care less. If I couldnt escape now, I was doomed.

Splash! I crashed into the giant fish tank in the lobby. The fish tank couldnt withstand my weight and shattered, sending water and glass everywhere. My face was sliced by the glass, blood staining the floor. Even with the waters cushion, my legs and arms were broken, making it almost impossible to move.

Fortunately, Astrid, hearing the commotion, turned her head just as she was about to exit. She frowned, clearly displeased. What in the world is going on here?

Are you back to your old tricks behind my back again?!

For the past twenty years, Astrid had always presented herself as a gentle, easygoing mother to me.