CHAPTER 202: CHAPTER 201: STERLING FAMILY’S FAVOR

Rex said his goodbyes and was just about to slip away toward his car when Vivienne suddenly called out to him.

"Wait a moment," she said, stepping forward with a composed grace. Her voice was soft but carried enough weight to stop him in his tracks.

He turned back, blinking. "Yeah?"

"Can I see your phone for a second?"

Rex raised a brow, confused by the odd request. Of all the things he expected, that wasn’t one. Still, curiosity won out over confusion. He unlocked his phone and handed it to her without hesitation.

Vivienne took it with a small nod of thanks. Her fingers moved swiftly and elegantly as she tapped in her number and called it. Moments later, a soft chime rang from her purse. She smiled faintly, satisfaction blooming in her eyes as she handed the device back to him.

"Now I have your number," she said. "And you have mine. "I know no words of thanks will ever be enough for what you did today. Rex. What you did today... I could never repay that with just words. So instead, take this as a formal favor from the Sterling family. No matter what you need, how ridiculous, or outrageous it might seem—just reach out. We won’t and will never refuse. This is my promise and promise from Sterling Family."

There was a firm finality in her tone, a commanding confidence that made it clear she wasn’t just speaking on a whim. The kind of promise backed by power. And wealth.

Rex was taken aback by the sheer weight of her words. Her tone was powerful, authoritative, with no room for doubt.He studied her for a moment, then glanced at the elite guards behind her. He wasn’t an expert, but anyone with half a brain could tell—this was no ordinary rich family. They carried the air of old power, deep roots.

But still, he had to play the part.

He gave a half-smile, shrugging modestly. "There’s really no need. I just acted on instinct."

Vivienne shook her head. "Exactly. And that instinct deserves to be rewarded. I would’ve offered you money, but looking at your... entourage, it seems like you’re not exactly short on funds."

She opened her purse again and produced a pure white card with delicate silver lettering. A faint, refined fragrance clung to it—subtle but unmistakably high-end. The card exuded understated elegance, the kind of luxury that didn’t need to announce itself loudly.

"This is my personal card. Present this anywhere, and you’ll never be turned away by any company under Sterling group and you can use this to directly meet me.."

Arabella, who had been watching them with bright, excited eyes, bounced on her heels. "Brother, take it! You don’t know how rich Grandpa is! He has so many cars he forgets where they’re parked! One time, he bought a house just because he liked the neighbor’s dog!" she said with wide-eyed sincerity. "And he owns a building where the elevator talks like a butler! He’s super, super rich!"

Rex let out a soft laugh, glancing between them. Her wide-eyed sincerity paired with Vivienne’s powerful offer left little room for pride. Even though he didn’t know much about the Sterling family yet, it didn’t take a genius to guess their weight—from the sea of black-clad guards to the reverence in people’s eyes. Arabella’s anecdotes painted a vivid picture: a grandfather who bought houses on a whim, owned elevators with British butler voices, and probably treated million-dollar cars like disposable toys.

In the business world—especially the one Rex knew he’d eventually enter—connections weren’t optional. They were lifelines. In a landscape where money talked and influence roared, having a shield like the Sterling family could be the difference between rising and vanishing. No matter how brilliant or skilled you were, one misstep without backing could end everything. And this card? This card was more than a favor—it was a golden key, a silent guardian, an emergency escape hatch.

So Rex accepted it with a grateful nod, his smile easy but his thoughts already weaving possibilities for the future.

He accepted the card and nodded. "Alright. I’ll keep that in mind. If I ever find myself cornered, I’ll reach out."

Vivienne’s expression warmed. "And even if you’re not cornered, you’re welcome to visit."

"Yes! Brother, don’t forget to visit me!" Arabella chirped, her eyes glittering like twin stars.

Rex chuckled, pretending to shield himself from the blinding cuteness. "Okay, okay. I’ll come by when I can. Stop dazzling me already."

"Yay!" she squealed.

Just then, his phone rang again. Seeing the name on the screen, Vivienne gave him an understanding smile. "You seem busy. Go ahead. And don’t forget to visit. My company and home address is on the card."

Rex nodded, waved, and turned toward his car—only to come to a sudden stop as his eyes landed on the wrecked heap that used to be his ride. The front bumper was nearly kissing the pavement, the hood was crumpled like a soda can, and one of the headlights hung on by a wire, flickering weakly like it was gasping for help. He blinked, then let out a slow, tired sigh.

"Well... damn," he muttered.

He didn’t even have the heart to curse. Just a small, defeated nod of acceptance.

Of course, this was LA—where your car could get totaled just by looking at someone the wrong way. Rex had only been in the city for a short time, but somehow, it already felt like the universe was trying to send him a message. Unfortunately, he was too tired to decode it.

Vivienne noticed and discreetly motioned to one of her guards. The man approached quickly, and after a quiet exchange, he hurried off. Victor and Kaelan came up beside Rex.

"Boss, take our car for now," Victor said, stepping closer. "We’ll call the company, and they’ll handle everything—from insurance and repairs to cleaning up the mess. They’ll make sure it’s picked up, processed, and delivered back to you in perfect condition, like nothing ever happened."

Rex nodded, it’s like he had any other choice. On the other hand, the guard from before returned and handed something to Vivienne.

(End of Chapter)