A thief

As Theo sat in the car after dining with Paul, a sense of fulfillment and joy filled him. He couldn't help but recall Paul's words.

Flashback***

With a sigh of relief, Theo finished signing the papers. "Is this where my new life begins? One filled with luxury cars, extravagant houses, and successful companies?" Paul posed, a warm smile on his face. He knew exactly what was on the minds of young men like Theo - making money and having endless beautiful ladies by their side.

" So what about ladies" 

At the mention of ladies, Theo let out a sigh. His past had begun with a lady, but it had ultimately led to a dead end.

He scoffed, "Ladies? No thank you. For now, my focus is on my new career. I'll leave the ladies for a few years." This answer took Paul aback. It was a mature and unexpected response from a young man. Clearly, something must have triggered his past experiences.

"That's why I asked about ladies. Most young men I've helped in the past had a long list of women they wanted to be with once they got their hands on a ten-million-dollar note," Paul explained.

Theo chuckled and sucked his teeth, "My sincere condolences to those with such a mindset. But for me, it's going to be a different journey if I stop thinking about ladies."

"Well, I'm glad you made the right decision. You think a lot like your father," Paul acknowledged.

"Did he really have to mention my dad?" Theo thought to himself.

"We'll grab a bite to eat and then I'll take you to your new house and company. You can forget about your old house, all your new belongings are already stocked in the new one," Paul informed.

New house? New company? Theo shook his head. "I can't just move in so hastily. I have some precious things I need to bring with me. I apologize, but I'll have to move in tomorrow."

As Theo began to get out of the car, he was stopped abruptly. "You forgot something!" Paul exclaimed.

He turned back and Paul handed him his phone. "I knew you'd need it," he chuckled.

END OF FLASHBACK

With a slow and tired step, he walked towards his apartment, muttering softly under his breath, "Oh my!" The sight that greeted him was enough to make his heart sink. All his belongings and possessions were scattered outside, including his computer, clothes, and important documents.

"What on earth...who could have done this?" he exclaimed, his eyes fixated on the mess before him. His frustration and anger came to a boiling point as he clenched his teeth and pounded on his locked door.

"Oh no, it's locked!" he yelled, trying his keys, but they didn't work. "This man must have changed the lock! Oh God!" Theo cried out, desperate to break through the door but failing.

He slumped to the floor, feeling defeated and lost. Memories of his recent choices and actions flashed before his eyes.

"Why did I turn down Paul's offer? I had no idea this scumbag would kick me out," he muttered, sitting on the floor and covering his face with his hands.

"Why do I always have a poverty mindset?" he questioned himself. "Paul offered me a house right away, but I turned it down because I wanted something better. Now I'm going to have to sleep outside," he lamented. "It's like I almost turned down a big opportunity to take over the company. Why do I always have to be so pessimistic? And using my father as an excuse...how pathetic, Theo," he scolded himself.

Lost in his thoughts, his eyes fell upon a frame of his father that he had kept with him since the orphanage home gave it to him. He had wanted to know more about his father, but now he felt even more alone in the world without his guidance.

"Dad, it's up to me now. Where's mom? Where's Ruth? Where are you? I feel like I'm alone in this world, but your shadow..." he trailed off, lost in his own sophisticated musings.

His thoughts were interrupted by a ringing phone. It was his landlord. As soon as he answered, he was flooded with threats and demands.

"As you can see, your stuff is outside my apartment. The new owners are moving in, so you need to leave," the landlord demanded.

"I...I don't know what to do. My things are still out there," Theo replied, feeling overwhelmed.

"I don't care about your things. Throw them in a garbage truck for all I care. Just get out!" the landlord spat out before hanging up.As the threatening sound pierced his ears, Theo couldn't help but scream over the phone.

"Arghh!" The frustration ran through his veins as he hung up and let out another yell.

His hands clenched into fists and he fought the urge to throw his phone. But then he remembered something important – he was rich!

Rich!

His heart skipped a beat as he pulled out his phone to check his bank balance. It was still the same. With a sense of satisfaction, he packed his most precious belongings into a bag and headed to the last place he would ever go – the SWISS HOTEL.

"He did say I would need my phone," Theo muttered to himself.

As he walked into the hotel with regal confidence, he noticed a new guard at the entrance.

"That's nice," he said with a smile.

He strode over to the receptionist, oozing charm. "Good afternoon!" he greeted her warmly.

She started to respond, but then she stopped in her speech and rolled her eyes.

"Stop it, Theo," the receptionist scolded. "What are you doing here? Can't you just leave us alone? You have some nerve showing your face here."

Theo chuckled, shaking his head. "I used to work here, remember? I see myself as a new customer. You can call me...well, whatever you want," he said with a smirk.

The receptionist scoffed. "You're an absolute jerk. Gemma must have been right about you," she said and the other girls beside her burst into laughter.

"Emotional damage!" They all shouted, laughing at their little inside joke.

Theo let out a deep sigh and took out his credit card. "Just show me the most expensive room you have and I'll pay for it. I don't have time for chit-chat. I need a place to stay and store my belongings for now."

The receptionist eyed his card and casually tossed it on the floor.

"She shoots and she scores," she said playfully. "Take your pathetic card and get outta here."

But Theo wasn't backing down. "I'm asking again, show me your most expensive room or you'll be fired!"

The receptionist finally took a good look at the card and her eyes widened in disbelief.

"A black card!" she exclaimed. "Are you crazy? Where did you get this?"

Theo just smiled smugly and remained silent.

"Are you mute?" the receptionist taunted. "Let me guess, you stole the card, didn't you? You're nothing but a thief and a liar."

But Theo didn't let her words affect him. He simply handed her the card and waited for her to show him to his luxurious room.

Is he truly an unprincipled man? You are well aware that such a card can only be wielded by influential and significant individuals.

He disregarded her tirades and gazed intently into her mesmerizing gaze.

"Arrrghhhh..." She hurried over to her co-workers and displayed the card to them.

"Just look at this. He claims it as his own, but how can a scoundrel like him possess that?" she scoffed.

"Palma...that's a black card!!!" The other girl gulped nervously.

"Yes, I know. The design is quite exquisite. Are you perhaps an artist?" Theo lost his composure and burst out, "Just get me the room, my legs are aching. I'm keeping it low because I used to work here. It would be a disgrace for your company to reject a distinguished client."

"Distinguished client, my foot!!! I've had enough of this. I'm calling the manager and having you arrested on charges of slander and theft."

Theo's face was adorned with a smug smirk as he placed his hand on the counter. "This is going to be good!!!" he exclaimed.

"Sir!!! Guess who it is? It's Theo. He is here with a black card; it's possible that he may have stolen it. The reception requires your immediate attention."

She hung up the phone and crossed her arms, ready for the impending spectacle.

In no time, the manager appeared at the reception and Palma held out the card triumphantly.

"The black card!!!" the manager mouthed in astonishment.