Jason stood silent for a second, the sting of his father’s hand still burning across his cheek, but the ache of humiliation far worse than any physical pain. “I didn’t know he had that kind of information,” Jason muttered. His voice was hollow, lips trembling from shame and rage. Alfred’s gaze was cold. “That’s exactly the problem. You underestimate people. You thought Luca Ashford was a stain to be wiped off the floor. Now you’ve made him a giant in front of the city’s elite. Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?” Eunice stepped between them, her voice softer but firm. “This isn’t the end. We’ve survived worse, Alfred. We just need a new strategy.” “No,” Alfred snapped. “We need to bury this boy before he gets stronger. He just declared war on this family. So now…” He paused and looked at Jason. “Now we fight back like Stewarts.” Jason’s eyes slowly lifted, his father’s words igniting something in his chest, fury, vengeance, pride. “Then let me do it my way this time.” A

Back in the city, everywhere including the media was bustling with different topics all pointing to Jason Stewart rather than who he actually wanted trending. The story Jason leaked had just gone public, thanks to his bribed media agents. But what he didn’t expect… was the counter-leak. News outlets received digital proof of forged records. Official counter-statements from international agencies. Even audio files of Jason attempting to coerce journalists into bending the truth. The scandal didn’t touch Luca. It demolished the Stewarts. Within hours: Stewart Foundation stock dropped 60%. Interpol publicly denied all claims made by Jason. Alfred Stewart was summoned for questioning by the federal bureau over Jason’s manipulation and fraudulent activity. The final blow? Well it was when Luca made a viral statement and released it to the media. “Legacy is not inherited, it is built. My father built his in the shadows, so I could walk in the light. The Stewarts tried to rewri

George stepped through the school gates, his heart thudding a little harder than usual. Though the building looked the same, with its polished floors and brightly lit hallways, something about walking in after what had happened made the air feel heavier. He kept his head low, gripping the straps of his backpack a little tighter. The hallways were busy, students moving past him in a blur of laughter and chatter. He used to wish high school would fly by, dreaming of the day he'd escape to college. But lately, every day here feels like a mountain to climb. His eyes flicked to the side as one of the boys who used to shove him into lockers passed by. George tensed instinctively, expecting a cruel comment, a laugh, but nothing came. The guy looked right through him and kept walking. This was strange, new even. As for George he released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. *Sigh* it was one of relief actually but that didn't last long as he crashed right into someone.

When Janelle stepped through the door with Owen trailing behind her, she looked like she'd left a part of herself back at Ian's mansion. Killian noticed it instantly, he wasn't smiling, not even pretending to. Her eyes were dim, and the spark she usually carried had dulled to a quiet ache. Killian stood from the couch where he'd been waiting, concern etched across his face. "Janelle?" She didn't answer at first, just walked over and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. He held her without hesitation, Owen gave them a glance, then simply gave Killian a small nod. Walking away without a word. Janelle stayed in Killian's arms longer than she meant to. Long enough for the silence to start speaking on her behalf. "Rough night?" Killian asked softly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She nodded slowly. "It's Owen. It's everything. I just… I hate seeing him like that. So angry. So closed off." Killian guided her to the couch, sitting do

Back at the estate, as a private jet fired up on the runway, Luca stood near the hangar’s edge with his father. “I’ll find her,” he vowed. “No matter what.” Dorian nodded. “I know. But Luca…” “What?” “If you fail, if you don’t make it back, I’ll burn this entire world to the ground, I SWEAR.” Father and son locked eyes, then Luca boarded the jet. The Revenants moved quietly in the shadows. And war followed in their wake, they have been eagerly waiting for this day, they were tired of their boring lifestyle, this is what they were trained for. The jet sliced through the clouds like a predator on the hunt. Inside, Luca sat silent, eyes closed but burning with power. His aura pulsed faintly around him, swirls of crimson and gold energy surrounded his skin like embers. The God of War, the power in him was awakening fully. Beside him, the Revenants sat in silent shadows. Their eyes glimmered under their masks, fully aware of the weight Luca carried. As the plane