Riley Ross

The smartest man alive.

Not many could claim that title, and even fewer for people to actually consider it, but there was one who had proven himself to be indisputable and second to no one.

And according to Costco Connection, the man’s only downfall is his own ego and refusal to use his brain for the advancement and good of humanity. Hence, his other title—the most selfish man alive.

Bella, Benjamin, and Pauline didn’t know how to act in front of him. All they could do was stare as he introduced himself to them. Perhaps the only one who had a reaction was Bella, who was still talking to herself while her eyes practically gnawed on Bernard.

As for the man himself, well, he was still smiling at them even though the silence had gone on long enough for it to be extremely awkward already. Everyone allowed this silence to stretch on; if it wasn’t for the screams that were coming from all directions of the theme park, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that time stopped for them.

But finally, after a few more moments, Bernard decided to break the silence.

"Ack! Are you alright, dude? I heard what happened—to think that a criminal would actually get into the park, I need to bolster the security. No, wait. Before that... your arm!"

And there, Bella, Benjamin, and Pauline watched as Bernard started talking rapidly. He moved and fidgeted around while approaching Riley, before circling around him with his palms hovering just inches away from actually touching him.

They have heard all sorts of rumors about Bernard Ross—how he is selfish, arrogant, egocentric, snobbish, and all sorts of negative remarks.

But right now, they couldn’t see anything of that. If anything, despite the way he was elegantly dressed, they could consider him... goofy.

Bella was about to say something, but Bernard suddenly faced their direction again.