The Binder

Keeping the black card in his wallet, Zeb continued his way back to his rented room. Once there, he sorted through his cheap groceries and neatly placed them in the kitchen. Finally, he collapsed onto his worn-out sofa, staring at the ceiling. It was only then that he decided to check his phone. A flood of notifications greeted him—messages from his three remaining friends who had also been scammed by Alden.

Zeb read through the messages quietly. Like him, the others were heartbroken, filled with despair and anger over Alden's betrayal. However, their losses weren't as devastating as Zeb's, since they hadn't invested as much as he had. Still, losing a considerable sum and being betrayed by someone they considered a brother stung deeply.

Among the five of them, Zeb and Alden had always been the ones with modest means. The other three weren't fabulously wealthy but came from families with businesses worth millions, giving them a safety net Zeb lacked. Knowing how much this betrayal must have crushed Zeb, they had been trying to reach out to console him over the past two weeks. Yet, Zeb had ignored every call and message, retreating into isolation. They were also hesitant to visit him in person, worrying that their presence might hurt his pride or worsen his state of mind.

Now, as Zeb read through their heartfelt messages, a faint sense of comfort began to take root amidst the bitterness. After some thought, he finally replied, assuring them he was okay and trying to move on. His messages, though laced with anger, included plenty of colorful language directed at Alden, expressing just how traitorous and despicable they now saw him to be.

It wasn't long before Zeb's phone buzzed with an incoming call.

Ring… ring…

The screen displayed Ruzzel's name. Zeb hesitated. He wasn't ready to face his friends, even over the phone. But after a deep breath, he decided to pick up.

"Hey, Ruz… How are you guys?" Zeb asked, his voice tentative.

"Hey, bro! We're good, man. How about you?" Ruz replied, his tone careful and measured, as if trying to gauge Zeb's emotional state.

"I'm okay… just a bit down," Zeb admitted, his voice trailing off.

Sensing Zeb's hesitance and low spirits, Ruzzel quickly shifted the conversation. "Bro, you busy right now?" he asked lightly, then added, "The guys and I were thinking of meeting up this afternoon. You good to join us?"

Hearing Ruz's invitation, Zeb went silent for a moment. His eyes wandered around his small, shabby room. The walls seemed to close in on him, cluttered with the weight of his isolation. Two weeks of sulking and wallowing in self-pity had brought him nothing but stale air and darker thoughts.

Yeah," he thought to himself, "I've been holed up in here for too long. This isn't helping. I need to pull myself together."

He ran a hand through his unkempt hair, glanced at the worn-out sofa he'd spent too many hours on, and sighed. "I also need to check if I still have a job," he mused grimly, remembering the shifts he'd skipped without notice.

Finally, he spoke into the phone. "Alright, Ruz," Zeb said, his voice steadier now. "Pin me the location and time. I'll be there. I just need to freshen up and straighten out a few things here first."

"Really? That's great, bro!" Ruz's voice brightened immediately, a clear note of relief in his tone. "We'll meet at dotZ Club and Grill at 5. It's close to your area, right? Zayn picked the spot. He said it's got a private section, so we'll have some peace to talk."

"Yeah, that's not too far," Zeb replied, glancing at the clock. "I'll make it."

"Oh, and Zeb," Ruz added, his voice dropping slightly as if hinting at something important. "Zayn said he's got something to tell us. Sounded serious. You know how he is—it's rare for him to sound that way."

Zeb paused for a moment. Zayn Davan wasn't one for heavy conversations. Known as the playboy of the group, Zayn had an effortless charm that matched his idol-like looks and athlete's build. He was always the smooth talker, quick to lighten the mood, and rarely let anything weigh him down. It was hard to imagine him being serious about anything.

"What's he got to say?" Zeb asked, curiosity laced with suspicion.

"No idea," Ruz said with a chuckle. "But you know Zayn—whatever it is, it's gotta be big. See you there, bro."

"Alright. I'll be there," Zeb assured him, hanging up the phone.

For a moment, Zeb stared at the screen, feeling a strange mix of emotions. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face everyone yet, but staying here, stuck in this room, wasn't an option anymore. He stood up, stretched his stiff limbs, and got to work tidying up his space. For the first time in weeks, there was a faint spark of purpose behind his movements.

Dot Z Bar and Grill buzzed with quiet energy that afternoon. The dim lights and rustic decor lent a sense of privacy to the group occupying one of the corner booths. Ruzzel Cortez and Marcus Travick sat comfortably, engaged in a casual conversation, occasionally laughing at Ruzzel's playful remarks.

The sound of the door opening drew their attention. Both turned to see Zebrylle stepping inside. His appearance had improved slightly since the last time they saw him, though his eyes still carried the weight of their recent loss.

"Zeb!" Ruzzel waved enthusiastically, his grin stretching ear to ear. "Over here, man! Come sit down."

Marcus gave a polite nod, his usual calm demeanor intact. "Good to see you, Zeb. It's been a while."

Zeb approached and took a seat with them, offering a faint smile. "Hey, guys. Sorry for being out of touch."

"No worries, bro," Ruzzel said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We're still waiting on Zayn. That guy's always late. I bet he's stuck in front of a mirror somewhere."

Zeb chuckled lightly, the first time in weeks. "Sounds like him."

The three began catching up, their conversation naturally steering toward the events of the past two weeks. They shared how they'd been coping since the devastating loss of $7 million—scammed by their old friend, Alden.

The Five Sworn Brothers

The five of them had met in college, where they all majored in business. Despite their diverse backgrounds, their shared experiences forged a bond strong enough to call one another brothers.

Marcus Travick

Marcus, the most serious and level-headed among them, was often seen as the unofficial leader. His calm demeanor and rational thinking made him the voice of reason in their group. Coming from a family steeped in business, Marcus had a natural aptitude for leadership.

His family owned a thriving car dealership specializing in both local and imported vehicles, including luxury sports cars. They also had investments in the construction industry, giving them considerable influence in their region.

However, Marcus's financial privileges were not as generous as one might expect. Being the youngest sibling, he often received less financial support than his older brothers and sisters. This taught him the value of hard work and careful planning, traits that made him an invaluable member of the group.

Zayn Davan

Zayn was the playboy of the group, and he embraced the title with gusto. His idol-like looks and athletic physique drew attention wherever he went, and he enjoyed the perks that came with it. But beneath the charming facade lay a sharp mind and a surprisingly compassionate heart.

As the eldest son of John Davan, owner of Davan Electronics—a company with millions in assets—Zayn had access to significant wealth. However, his family kept him on a tight leash, viewing him as a reckless spender who wasted money on bars and women.

Despite this, Zayn had a knack for spotting opportunities, whether in business or stocks, which often surprised his friends and occasionally won their admiration, it's just that he's a certified playboy.

Ruzzel Cortez

Ruzzel was the joker of the group, always bringing energy and laughter to their gatherings. His playful nature often masked the complexities of his family background.

Ruzzel's father was a small-time gang boss who controlled a portion of the city's underworld. Although not as powerful as the mayor, his family's influence was enough that no business could operate in their territory without their approval.

Despite his upbringing, Ruzzel never flaunted his connections. Instead, he chose to live with a carefree attitude, focusing on his friendships and their shared dreams rather than the shadowy world his family controlled.

Alden Jordans

Alden was the brains of the group when it came to academics, particularly in business and mathematics. His analytical skills and practical experiences—honed by the hardships of being an orphan—made him a natural strategist.

A bit overweight and reserved, Alden had a quiet determination that earned him the group's respect. He and Zebrylle were the poorest of the five, attending the prestigious university on scholarships. Despite his financial struggles, Alden was instrumental in their success in the stock market.

Unfortunately, it was Alden who ultimately betrayed them, fleeing with the $7 million they had worked so hard to accumulate.

Zebrylle (Zeb)

Zebrylle, like Alden, came from humble beginnings. He had grown up in a rural town far from the city and relied on a scholarship to attend university. Though his academic scores were excellent, he often doubted his own abilities, especially compared to Alden's prowess in the stock market.

What Zeb lacked in luck or skill, he made up for in hard work and loyalty. He poured nearly all of his earnings into their shared investments, sacrificing his own comfort for the group's success. This made Alden's betrayal cut even deeper for him.

Zeb had been the glue holding the group together, always willing to support his friends, no matter their differences.

An Unlikely Brotherhood

Their group was an odd mix of personalities and backgrounds—two wealthy sons of business families, one with ties to the underworld, and two scholarship students scraping by. Yet, they accepted each other unconditionally.

Even in college, their financial situations didn't allow for extravagance. The wealthier members received limited allowances, while Zeb hustled through part-time jobs. Together, they shared everything—from dorm rooms to dreams of making it big in the stock market.

Now, as they sat together, minus Zayn, the weight of their loss loomed over them. But even in the face of betrayal, their brotherhood remained intact, their bond unshaken.

It had been barely four months since their graduation, and the five sworn brothers were still preparing to carve their paths in society. The $7 million they had pooled together was supposed to be their golden ticket—a head start that each of them had carefully planned to use for their own dreams and ambitions. But Alden's greed had shattered those hopes, leaving only bitterness and regret.

Each of them had envisioned a future shaped by their share of the money:

Marcus, ever the rational and meticulous one, intended to use his portion as a stepping stone to prove himself in the business world. It was not just about financial gain for him but about showing his family that he was ready to take on the legacy of their car dealerships and construction ventures.

Zayn, with his charm and bold personality, saw the money as his ticket to establishing credibility. He planned to use his share to dive into the electronics industry, proving to his family that he wasn't just a reckless playboy but a capable heir to Davan Electronics.

Ruzzel, always pragmatic despite his playful demeanor, had his sights set on expanding his family's influence. While his father's small-time gang held sway in their city, Ruz wanted to go beyond that—strengthening their grip on their territory while also saving for his own future aspirations.

Zebrylle, perhaps the most heartfelt in his intentions, had dreamed of lifting his family out of poverty. His share would have gone toward starting a small business—something sustainable that could provide a steady income for his parents and siblings back in his rural hometown. It was a modest dream but one that meant the world to him.

For all of them, that $7 million represented more than just money—it was their chance to take control of their lives, to break free from the limitations of their circumstances, and to prove themselves. Alden's betrayal didn't just rob them of their savings; it stole the future they had worked so hard to envision.