After taking care of the thugs, Troy decided to return home. He now had 20 million and had also paved a way for him to land an influential ally. He knew the person who was plotting against 'The Madonna' and he was also someone who plotted against his adoptive family. He did not have any proof at this moment so of course he could not go to the authorities. Moreover the person in question is also a wealthy and influential figure. Troy knew he had to take it step by step and catch the culprit at the right moment, For now, setting his foundation and growing his strength should be his main concern.
Using void steps, he quickly reached his neighborhood society. He cancelled his technique and his disguise and jogged towards his house, giving the impression that he was out for a morning jog or walk. The society that the Carter family lived in was a peaceful one as it was one of the most richest neighborhoods in the city of LA and had its own private security. Hence the society was quite free of criminal elements. The society was made up of families of people in influential positions in corporate business, government institutions and white collar entrepreneurs. When Grandpa Carter had made it big, he had moved to Los Angeles from Riverside. He had met Philomena Brown, here in LA, who was also from a quite affluential family. They had fallen in love, and despite the initial resistance from Philomena's parents, they were able to get their blessings and start a life for them.
The Carter house was located at the north end of the society. As Troy made his way towards his house, he took note of his surroundings. He knew this once peaceful neighborhood would erupt into chaos on that fateful day. He thought about some of the tragedies that would happen in this neighborhood and shook his head.
"Well I can't be everybody's savior, I will at least try to save the better ones here" Troy thought in his mind.
"Hey, Troy you are up early!" a woman's melodic voice broke him from his musing. He realized that while in his thoughts he had almost reached his house. He was standing beside his next door neighbor's fence. Troy looked up to see a beautiful middle aged woman in her late 30s looking at him mesmerized and astounded. She had dark auburn hair, and snow like fair skin. She had a well kept physique for her age, which showed that she had kept herself fit throughout the years. Also she was god gifted beauty with great assets where they were required. This beauty was one of his next door neighbors, Cathy Worthington. She and her husband Jeremy Worthington had moved in this house 5 years ago, when the previous tenants moved out.
Troy smiled at her , "Mrs. Worthington, good morning. Just went for a morning run". As Troy said these he thought back to his previous life when this goddess also had a tragic fate. Cathy's husband Jeremy was well known businessman in trade, but also 20 years older than her. Everyone in the society knew that Cathy was nothing more than a trophy wife for him. Cathy was 37 whereas Jeremy was 57. Also, when the Great Calamity struck Jeremy had sold of his wife to a Russian mafia boss in exchange for money and protection. This had led to her committing suicide before those henchmen could disgrace her. She had confided to his adoptive mother everything before committing the act. Troy had always liked Cathy. Even though she was a bikini model before her marriage and was considered a trophy wife, and even though she was mistreated by her husband on several occasions, she never cheated on him nor led too extravagant of a lifestyle. Modelling was something of passion to her and not a way to climb onto a rich bed. Jeremy had helped her family out from a tough financial situation in exchange for marrying him. Otherwise, there was no way she would have married someone with whom she had no chances of conceiving a kid. These details were not known to Troy in his past life until she disclosed everything to his adoptive mother, Phoebe and Troy overheard.
While Troy was observing Cathy, she was doing the same. Cathy had always thought of Troy as a reclusive but smart, kind and shy boy. She had always disliked that Phoebe treated him differently then her daughter Silvia, but never said anything as to not come off as a nosy person. She had seen him from the last 5 years, and even though he had not inherited the absolute beautiful genes that runs in the Carter family, he could be considered quite handsome. The Troy Carter she was seeing now was far from just quite handsome. If Cathy had to rank him, he would definitely take the first spot among all the handsome young men in the neighborhood. Also she saw that he looked more confident, as before whenever Cathy would talk to him he would reply in withdrawn and shy manner, but now he was making eye contact and even had a smile on his lips.
Cathy broke out from her reverie and said earnestly, "Wow! Its nice to see you leaving the house, and being more confident. We really don't see you much around the society. Its good that you are not holed up in you room. Also, it feels like you have become more handsome" as she added a flirty line at the end, which even she did not know why she did,
Troy could see that she was genuinely happy for him, so he smiled and said, "Yes, I figured since I'll be going to college in a few weeks, its best that I get used to socializing. Thank you for the encouragement Mrs. Worthington".
"Cathy! Call me Cathy. A handsome young man calling me Mrs. Worthington makes feel old." Unbeknownst to Cathy she had already started thinking of Troy as young man instead of a boy.
"Come on Cathy, you're making me blush, and no way you're old. With your looks you can put any beauty pageant a run for her money" Troy smiled at her flirtation and flirted back. Cathy felt elated for some reason, but jokingly said, "You must be kidding".
"No way, you really are drop dead gorgeous Cathy, don't let anyone say otherwise" Troy replied in a confident matter. Cathy's heart started pounding for some reason, when Troy hurriedly said, " Well Cathy, I got a go now or my mom and gran would be worried as I left without telling them. But we can catch up later. Stay beautiful."
Saying that Troy left in a hurry towards his house, leaving Cathy mesmerized, fascinated and maybe a little horny.