The line rang, each tone a drumbeat in the quiet office. When Elijah finally picked up, his voice carried a mixture of surprise and mild suspicion. “Young master ? I wasn’t expecting your call. Is everything—” Chris cut him off, his voice sharp and unyielding. “Spare me the pleasantries, Elijah. I have questions that need answers, and I want them straight. Why is the White family allowing Sharon to run unchecked? Why has my father done nothing to stop her from attacking my loved ones? Both of you are supposed to be patriarchs, leaders of your respective households yet neither seems capable of controlling your respective houses.” There was a pause on the other end, a brief silence thick with uncertainty. Elijah’s calm tone tried to reassure, though confusion laced every word. “I… I don’t understand what you mean, sir. I have no idea—” Chris didn’t allow him to continue. “Don’t play coy. Sharon sent Elias to seize control of Pegasus Enterprise, the same company you claimed to esta

As the door closed behind him, Chris inhaled—then froze. Standing near the nurses’ station, holding a paper cup, was Eva. Her eyes widened the moment she saw him. “...Chris?” she whispered, almost breathless. His expression softened instantly—something almost imperceptible shifting beneath his stoic exterior. “I just got in,” he said gently, walking toward her. “I was on my way to see you.” Eva blinked rapidly, her heart racing in her chest. He looked exhausted. Worn. There was something heavy in his eyes, something she had never seen before. “Is everything okay?” she asked quietly. Chris glanced around at the bustling hallway, then back at her. “There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said. “Somewhere private.” Eva nodded uneasily, sensing the gravity in his voice. They chose a quiet, dimly lit restaurant across the street. A small booth by the window. The world outside moved normally, blissfully ignorant of the storm gathering around them. Chris waited until th

When Chris and Elliot stepped inside, Edward lifted the glass to them casually. “Well,” Edward said with a chuckle, “you two certainly took your time. I honestly expected my guards to drag your corpses through that door.” Chris wiped blood from his knuckles—not his own. “You overestimate your guards,” he replied coldly. Edward scoffed. “Or perhaps I underestimated how reckless the two of you are.” Elliot stepped forward, eyes burning. “Save the show, Uncle Edward. I didn’t come here for your theatrics.” “Oh, but theatrics are the heart of family politics,” Edward said, smirking. “Although I admit—I am impressed. You walked in here on your own two feet. That alone deserves credit.” He took another slow sip of wine, entirely too relaxed. Then his gaze settled on Elliot. “So. You finally crawled back home. I suppose you’re here to avenge your parents’ deaths?” The room fell still. Elliot’s jaw clenched. “You’re not even denying it.” “Deny?” Edward laughed. “Why should I? Yes,

Chris rubbed his cheek, smirking faintly despite the sting. “You don’t need my father’s approval to recognize my place. My intention has never been to ask for permission, Sharon. I’ve come to reclaim what’s rightfully mine—and to correct what’s wrong.” Sharon laughed, a high, sharp sound that echoed in the chamber. “Correct? You’re sitting in a cell! By tomorrow, the elders will have recognized Connor fully. And after that… you’ll disappear. Permanently.” Chris leaned forward slightly, voice calm but dangerous. “Wishful thinking. I wouldn’t have come if I truly intended to disappear. I'm rather very disappointed because I thought you would be smarter than this. Even in this cell, my presence sends a message. ” Sharon's face twitched in anger at Chris' words. “You have a lot of nerves talking toe in that manner but it's not surprising considering the trashy upbringing you must have had.” Chris wasn't offended by Sharon’s demeaning comment as he smiled instead. “Do you honestly thin

A heated debate erupted among the elders. Some argued for the acknowledgment of Chris White’s identity, insisting that the family’s legacy demanded recognition of all legitimate bloodlines. Others sided with Connor, emphasizing the primacy of his lineage and his mother’s efforts to secure the family’s future. The hall grew tense, voices overlapping, fists tapping on tables, the air thick with unresolved tension. Sharon held up her hand, silencing the room. “Enough!” she commanded, her voice carrying authority that no one dared challenge. “I foresaw this argument, and I have prepared for it. There is no need for speculation or dispute.” She pressed a button on the landline in front of her. “Edward, enter.” The doors swung open, and Edward entered, flanked by two figures—Chris White and Elliot Brown—both tied and restrained. Gasps filled the room. Eyes widened in shock. Connor’s gaze fell on Chris, his expression a mixture of disgust and disbelief. Chris, however, remained unflinchin