The Third Holmes (𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁 𝘅 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗬/𝗡)

CHAPTER 12

Y/N was fixing some papers on his desk when his editor who was also the owner of the publishing company went into his office.

"Mr. Holmes." His editor said gravely.

"Is there something wrong, Sir?" Y/N queried.

A brief silence occurred before the editor spoke up. "Our publishing house wants to be bought by a certain businessman."

Y/N widened his eyes. "Of course, you did not accept."

"This man has a certain reputation and I want out of it." The editor said solemnly.

Y/N saw the way his boss was clenching his fists and his eye twitching.

"You're not telling me something." Y/N pointed it out.

His editor just sighed in contemplation.

"This person is blackmailing you, isn't he?"

His boss widened his eyes. "How do you know?"

"It was obvious, I know how strong-willed a person you are when it comes to your business, Sir. You are willing to fight anyone for it. It only means one thing if you feel threatened about fighting someone... It's blackmail."

"Nothing gets past you, huh."

"What are the person's demands?" Y/N asked seriously.

"That's the thing Y/N, one of his demands is you."

"Me?" Y/N said indecrously.

"He told me that he'll leave my business alone when he gets to negotiate with you." His editor said with a pinched expression.

He then knelt, his knees letting out a thud on the floor. "He has something about me that I can't let out in the open. Y/N, I'm ruining my dignity to ask this from you. Please..."

Y/N's features softened as he knelt with the editor. "You don't have to. Please stand up, Sir. I'll handle this."

As his boss stood up, he then said. "You still don't know who the man is."

"It's Charles Agustus Milverton, isn't it?"

His boss flinched at the name.

"I won't ask how you knew, but what does he want with you?" The editor said as he fidgeted his hands.

Y/N then paused for a moment. "We just have a history... I'll visit his office, Sir. You don't have to worry.

"Be careful, Mr. Holmes..." The editor said.

Y/N hummed in acknowledgment as he went outside of his office. "He's the one who should be careful."

***

Y/N fixed his suit as he looked at Milverton Manor in disgust.

It looks despicable as the last time I've been here.

Y/N then headed to the gates and expected to be stopped by the guard stationed outside.

"Mr. Holmes... Welcome back." The guard said as he opened the gates of the manor for him.

"Tsk, as if I'm delighted," Y/N muttered to himself.

As Y/N was about to open the door of the manor, it was already opened for him by the secretary of Milverton as he revealed himself. "Milverton-Sama is inside his office, Mr. Holmes."

Y/N then grinned. "Ruskin-San, such formalities. What a pleasure it is to see once again my predecessor."

"I-" The young man was about to reply when he was cut off by Y/N.