"Prepare everything for my arrival," Tom said, his voice cold and commanding. The voice at the other end of the line was steady, from Joshua, showing much respect to Tom in silence. "How's everything back home?" Tom asked, pacing the room now. "It's not good, sir" Joshua admitted. "The family's been in chaos since your disappearance. Everyone's fighting to take control, but Gabriel… he's been getting a lot of support." The bitter bile rose in his throat as Tom's jaw clamped down hard. Gabriel, his supposedly trusted brotherly friend, leading the pack to steal his rightful place. That betrayal had rankled deep, though not nearly so much as the outrage of him poisoning Tom's food. His voice barely above a whisper: "Gabriel. that sly rat." Joshua's voice cut in, almost as if sensing Tom’s thoughts. "He’s convinced some of the elders that he’s the rightful leader, but the rest are divided. They’re just waiting for someone strong enough to unite them." Tom clenched his fists. "They’

A hooting sound echoed from the rear loud enough to be audible. "She must be nuts. Messing with Bigsharks? Death wish if there ever was one." Still, another murmured in dismay, shaking his head: "Only an idiot would tackle them. Setting herself up to fail." Lisa's mother stood forward, marked with anxious lines and resentment. "Lisa, this is insane!" she admonished. "You think you can just walk in and ask those people for money? You're going to get yourself killed. And you're listening to him"-she sent Tom a withering look-"your poor, clueless husband, egging you into this mess." Lisa felt doubt clawing at her as she suddenly wondered what she was really doing. They were right-it was insane. Her mother rolled her eyes. "I regret ever giving birth to you, Lisa," she spat, cold. Then she turned sharply on her heel, storming out of the room. Delilah watched, trying and failing to conceal a smirk. Delilah's luck simply could not get any better than this. Their grandfather had just s

Lisa took a step back. “No. I won’t divorce him. And if anyone mentions it again, I’ll leave this house right now.” Her voice was final. The room fell silent. Everyone could see she meant every word, and no one dared to push her further. Lucas cleared his throat, putting on a smile. “Alright, Lisa. I promise no one will bring it up again.” He held up his hands, looking around as if to assure everyone. “But… even if you don’t like the idea, how about a little drive with me? Just a short one.” His voice was casual, but the look in his eyes suggested there was more to it. Lisa hesitated, sensing his intent. But before she could answer, the door swung open, and in walked Debby, her longtime friend, looking flustered. She spotted Lucas instantly and rushed over, flashing him a bright smile. “Oh, Lucas! I didn’t know you’d be here!” she exclaimed, practically ignoring everyone else in the room. Tom stepped forward and gave her a polite nod. “Hey, Debby.” But Debby barely loo

Debby appeared suddenly, walking over to the table with a haughty air. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of Tom standing there. "Well, well," Debby said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Look who’s here. The beggar himself. How quaint." She sneered, her eyes raking over Tom from head to toe. Lisa’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched them. She had hoped to get away from the situation, but now it was only getting worse. "Leave him alone, Debby," Lisa said, her voice trembling with anger. "You have no right to talk to him like that." Debby ignored her, continuing to sneer. "How could you marry someone like that? He doesn’t even belong in a place like this. Does he wipe tables too?" She chuckled darkly. Lucas let out a sharp laugh, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. "He’s just a server here. A waiter, Lisa. Nothing more." He turned to Tom with a smirk. "Tell me, how’s the pay? Do you get a tip for working as the scum of the earth?" Lisa felt a tight kn

Tom motioned to Felix to take the chair across from him. The attorney stood stern, his eyes darting back and forth warily between the two men. A servant brought in three goblets of wine with silent efficiency.Tom picked up a glass, swirling the wine lazily, his piercing gaze locking onto Felix. "Go on, Felix," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Have a drink. I trust you'll find it… satisfactory.Felix hesitated, his sharp features betraying no emotion. Memories teetered in his mind, reminiscent of the last time he shared wine with Tom. That moment had been to end Tom's life. Now here Tom was, alive and thriving, smirking as if he could read his thoughts."I'm not a two-faced man, Felix," Tom said smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "If I had a problem with you, you'd know it. I don't poison people in the dark—I confront them in the light."Felix chuckled, lifting his glass but not drinking. "You've always had a way with words, Tom. Or should I say… Your Majesty-to-be?"Tom's l