Outside the underworld, life carried on as usual. People went to work, children played in the streets, and families enjoyed their peaceful lives, completely unaware of the dangerous world hidden beneath the surface. A world where syndicates and mafia families ruled from the shadows, deciding the fate of others without the civilians ever knowing.
With nothing left to hide, Sebastian quietly packed a few sets of clothes into his suitcase. He folded each shirt with the same calm expression he always wore, while Ruth stood on the balcony behind him, watching without saying a word. She already knew where he was going.
"Visiting that hidden heir of yours again, sweetie?" she finally asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. A faint grin appeared on her face as she crossed her arms. "Or are you really going there for your so-called business?"
Sebastian stopped packing and turned his attention to Ruth.
"I won't be gone for long," he said calmly. "I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."
He walked toward the balcony and rested both hands on the railing, standing beside her instead of in front of her.
"I'll explain everything before Ashton returns."
Ruth met his gaze for a brief moment before her sharp expression softened. She reached up and straightened his collar, brushing the dust from his shoulder as if nothing had happened.
"Darling..." she said with a quiet smile. "You don't have to explain everything to me."
She stepped past him and walked toward the suitcase, closing it with a gentle click.
"Some information..." she paused, glancing back over her shoulder.
"...has a way of finding me."
She quietly left the room while Sebastian picked up his suitcase and made his way toward the front yard. Before stepping into his car, he looked back one last time.
Ruth was still standing on the balcony, her eyes fixed on the mansion's front gate. She watched in silence until his car disappeared beyond the gates.
"You've grown soft since the day we first met, Sebastian," she murmured, her voice calm yet razor-sharp.
A faint smile crossed her lips as she turned back toward the mansion.
"I suppose they're right..."
She paused for a brief moment.
"People really do leave their past behind."
Her expression remained unreadable, but the aura surrounding her was nothing like Sebastian's.
Sebastian reviewed the documents one last time, making sure every record and transaction had been properly accounted for. The journey took nearly an hour before he finally arrived at his private jet.
At the foot of the stairs, his personal secretary and several guards were already waiting. The moment Sebastian stepped out of the car, they bowed respectfully.
His secretary greeted him in fluent Italian. "Welcome, sir. Everything has been prepared. We're awaiting your orders."
Sebastian climbed the stairs without slowing his pace.
"Start the engines," he ordered in Italian. "We're heading to England."
As he made his way toward his seat, he stopped midway and glanced back at his secretary.
"And make sure everything is ready before we land."
His secretary gave a firm nod before seeing to the final preparations. Moments later, the engines roared to life as the jet slowly taxied toward the runway.
The flight to England would take roughly three hours. Sebastian wasted no time reviewing the files his secretary had prepared before their departure.
Only one envelope remained.
He opened it without hesitation.
Inside was a detailed report on Ashton's activities throughout his stay in Russia. Every reckless decision, every unnecessary conflict, and every risk he had taken was carefully documented. Sebastian pressed a finger against his temple and let out a quiet sigh.
Controlling Ashton had never been easy.
Now...
He wasn't sure it was even possible anymore.
His secretary broke the silence.
"Master Ashton appears to be doing well on his own. Although..." he hesitated for a brief moment, "his methods remain as reckless and dangerous as ever."
Sebastian remained silent, allowing him to continue.
"On the other hand, Lain Collins has shown remarkable progress. It seems he's planning to expand his resort by opening a beach bar."
Sebastian showed no change in expression. "Both of them are doing well," he said calmly. "Continue the observation."
He set the files aside and glanced at his watch. Without realizing it, nearly two hours had passed reviewing the reports.
His secretary lowered his gaze to Lain's file before finally speaking.
"The Collins family is one of the most successful families in England." He hesitated for a moment. "Why are we protecting them? Especially Lain, sir?"
Sebastian slowly lifted his eyes. The sharpness in his gaze was enough to make the secretary straighten his posture.
"My apologies, sir," he said immediately. "I spoke out of turn."
A brief silence filled the cabin.
Sebastian let out a slow breath before breaking it.
"He may have been a mistake I created." His eyes settled on the file resting in his hand. "But not every mistake deserves to be erased."
His voice grew quieter.
"Some are worth keeping..."
"...because they give you the answers you've been searching for."
He remained silent for a moment before looking at Lain's photograph.
"After all..."
"He's still Ashton half-brother."
A faint pause followed.
"And my own child."
His secretary gathered his thoughts before lowering his head. "Understood, sir."
Just as their conversation came to an end, the cabin speakers crackled to life. "Gentlemen, we'll be landing earlier than expected. Please fasten your seatbelts in preparation for landing."
The announcement ended, and everyone aboard secured their seatbelts as the aircraft slowly began its descent. Sebastian turned his gaze toward the window. The skyline of England gradually came into view beneath the clouds.
A few moments later, the aircraft touched down smoothly before coming to a stop at the private terminal.
"Gentlemen, welcome to Heathrow Airport. We have now arrived in England."
The bodyguards exited first, securing the surrounding area before Sebastian and his secretary stepped off the aircraft. Waiting below were another group of guards, already lined up to greet him with respectful bows.
Without wasting another moment, Sebastian made his way toward the terminal.
Inside, a young blond man stood with both hands tucked into his pockets. Four bodyguards remained behind him, lowering their heads as Sebastian approached.
Sebastian slowed to a stop before him.
The blond man let out a quiet sigh.
"You really need to stop making these surprise visits." A faint smile crossed his face. "I barely managed to clear my schedule."
Sebastian looked at him for a brief moment.
"I didn't expect you'd be the one welcoming me."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Lain."
Lain shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, someone has to." He paused before the corner of his mouth lifted into a teasing smirk.
"I can't exactly be as strict as you..."
His eyes met Sebastian's.
"...can I, Dad?"
Sebastian said nothing.
Lain simply turned around.
"This way."
The two walked side by side toward the waiting car as their bodyguards quietly followed behind.