The boardroom emptied, leaving only Malric, his two closest friends, and Mr. Reign.
For a moment, the old man simply studied his grandson. His sharp eyes gleamed with authority.
"You'll have to prove to them that you're worth something, boy," Mr. Reign said calmly, his deep voice echoing in the silent room. "Nothing will go your way just because you want it to."
A dark smirk curved Malric's lips. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lazily against the table.
"Grandpa… I'm most dangerous when I know too much. And I always do. I'm already here. There's nothing to prove. I am the proof."
Power met power as the two men locked gazes, neither backing down. Mr. Reign rose from his seat with an aura that filled the room, but Malric matched him effortlessly calm and dangerous at the same time.
"Will you come home for a welcoming dinner? Your grandmother would be pleased," Mr. Reign offered, his tone measured.
Malric scoffed. "Not her again. I just want to go home, take a bath, and unwind. The rest can wait." He winked, turning coolly on his heel, coat swaying behind him.
Zarek and Nick exchanged apologetic glances at Mr. Reign before hurrying after their friend.
---
Outside, the sleek black cars gleamed under the sunlight. Malric stopped, glancing at his friends.
"Nick. You're coming with me," he ordered smoothly.
"We have something to discuss."
His sharp eyes slid to Zarek. "And you make sure my office is arranged to my liking before you head home."
"Sure," Zarek replied, though suspicion flickered in his gaze.
Without another word, Malric got into his car, and Nick followed as the car speed out of the skyscraper's lot, engines growling.
"So," Nick said casually, "what's there to discuss?"
Malric pulled a photograph from his pocket and handed it over.
"Find out everything about her."
Nick raised his brows, smirking. "Wow, what a pretty face? A childhood sweetheart?" or what
Malric's icy gaze cut through him like a blade. "Ask another question, Nick, and it'll be your last."
Nick raised his hand in surrender as he chuckled nervously. "Easy, man. I have a long way to go."
---
They soon arrived at the sprawling mansion Malric hadn't set foot in since his prison days. Mr. Storm, the loyal butler, stood stiffly at the gates, with a pale face
"Young master," Mr. Storm said, bowing low. "Welcome home."
"Glad to see you're still alive, old man," Malric said smoothly, walking past him as if he'd never been gone.
Nick slipped into the kitchen for a glass of juice while Malric ascended the staircase. Mr. Storm followed, his steps hesitant.
Malric suddenly stopped mid step, his voice quiet yet sharp. "Is there something that needs my attention ?"
A bead of sweat slid down Mr. Storm's temple. "Actually… yes. There's something I must tell you…"
"Later," Malric interrupted. "You're stressing yourself. Calm down before you drop dead."
With that, he entered his code.the door clicked open with a soft beep, he pushed his bedroom door open.
The moment the lights flicked on, his expression froze.
The bed was freshly used. Books were scattered in chaos on the nightstand. And a scent soft, feminine, and unfamiliar clung to the air.
His aura shifted instantly, suffocating the room. Mr. Storm stiffened under the pressure.
Malric's voice was low, almost a whisper. "Tell me this isn't what I think it is."
Mr. Storm's lips trembled. "Actually… it is. The young miss… is staying here. She's your… wife."
Silence fell upon them Heavy and cold.
From the doorway, Nick's face paled. "This is bad," he muttered under his breath.
Malric let out a laugh low, cold, and dangerous as his eyes landed on a certain book. He picked up the book,, crushing it in his fist until the spine cracked.
" is this a joke."
"Sir…"
"Me? Married?" He threw the book across the room. Glass shattered.
"Don't. Say. That." His voice was a roar.
"You're telling me some teenage girl I don't even know is my wife? Sleeping in my bed? In my house? a high school girl?"
"It was your grandmother's arrangement," Mr. Storm said cautiously. "She plans to hold a press conference soon, now that you're out."
Malric's laughter turned deadly. "I dare her."
His voice rumbled like thunder as he stalked out of the room, giving out orders one after another. "Get rid of everything she touched. Every trace of her. Do it now."
"But your grandmother—"
"She'll never know," he snapped. "Find her another room. Anywhere. I don't care. Get her out of my space."
Nick followed, frowning. "You're not seriously gonna hurt your grandmother, right?"
Malric smirked darkly. "What do you think of me?"
Nick hesitated. "You… won't?"
The smirk deepened. "We'll see."
Nick's blood ran cold. "Wait… you're not planning to kill your wife, are you?"
Malric didn't answer.
Moments later, they were back in the car. Malric dialed Zarek.
"Where are you?"
"At home. Why?" Zarek replied cautiously.
"Get out. Find my grandmother. Stop the press conference. Now." Malric's voice was like ice before he hung up.
---
A black car turned sharply ahead.
"Malric, don't" Nick's warning turned into a shout as Malric sped toward it, refusing to slow down.
The other driver swerved, barely avoiding a deadly collision.as the car came into a halt.
Inside that car, Elysia screamed, clutching her chest as her heart threatened to burst.
"That was close!" Marco gasped, knuckles white on the wheel. He handed her a bottle of water, his eyes wide with concern.
"Miss, are you alright?"
"I… I'm fine," she whispered, though fear lingered in her voice. "Who drives like that?!"
Marco's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and froze, the color draining from his face.
"Miss… we need to get you home. Now."
"What? Why?" Elysia's voice trembled at his sudden panic.
"The young master is home."
Her blood turned cold.
Her husband.
He was home.
Panic wrapped
around her chest like chains. Would he accept her? Would he even speak to her?
Or would tonight be the night her life truly changed forever?