Chapter 2: The Blackwood Estate Lucas Foster stood in front of the grand gates of the Blackwood Estate, the crisp evening air brushing against his face. The black card in his hand felt heavier than it looked. He took a deep breath, trying to steady the swirl of emotions inside him. Excitement, fear, curiosity, and a flicker of doubt battled for dominance. For the first time in his life, he had a chance to step into a world that had always seemed unreachable, a world that was suddenly his by birthright. The gates swung open at a subtle motion, revealing a long driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges and ornate street lamps. The estate rose before him, imposing and magnificent, with its stone façade glowing under the warm lights. Lucas felt both awed and intimidated. He had seen mansions in magazines, on television, even in the neighbourhoods he could only dream of visiting. But nothing had prepared him for the reality of standing here, knowing it was his family’s property. A

Chapter 4: First Lessons The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the Blackwood Estate, casting long shadows across the polished marble floors. Lucas woke to the quiet hum of the estate, the distant sound of staff preparing for the day mingling with the faint aroma of fresh coffee. He stretched and ran a hand through his hair, still processing the events of the previous night. Dinner had been more than a meal; it had been an education, a lesson in observation, patience, and subtle strategy. Sitting at the edge of the bed, Lucas picked up the folder Julian had given him the night before. He flipped through pages filled with charts, financial statements, and organisational charts. The sheer scale of the Foster empire was overwhelming. Real estate holdings spanned entire city blocks. Investments touched industries from media to technology. Every line in these documents represented power, influence, and opportunity. Julian had said knowledge was power, and Lucas realised j

Chapter 6: Shadows of Ambition The morning sun had barely risen over Manhattan when Lucas awoke to the quiet hum of the estate. Another day of introductions, observations, and lessons awaited him. He rose quickly, determined not to waste a moment. Yesterday had been rigorous, a combination of formal meetings and practical exercises. Today, he knew, the challenges would become more complex. Julian was waiting in the main hall, dressed sharply, his expression unreadable. “Good morning, Lucas,” he said. “Today will test your ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate subtle conflicts. You will begin with a tour of key Foster family ventures, followed by a series of operational exercises designed to sharpen your decision-making and strategic thinking.” Lucas nodded, feeling the familiar mix of anticipation and tension. “I am ready,” he replied. They walked through the estate, the grand halls lined with portraits of ancestors, reminders of the family legacy Lucas was only begi

Chapter 8: Shadows of the BoardroomThe morning sun filtered through the tall glass windows of the Foster Corporation’s executive tower, gilding the marble floor in streaks of gold. Lucas Foster stood still in the elevator, his reflection staring back at him from the mirrored walls. The dark suit fit him perfectly, a symbol of the transformation he had undergone since that night he first met Julian at the Blackwood Estate. Gone was the man who had drowned his despair in silence and whiskey. In his place stood someone sharper, colder, and more deliberate.Reginald’s words from their last meeting echoed in his head. Power is not claimed by birthright alone, Lucas. It is tested in fire, forged through perception.Today, the fire awaited him.The elevator doors slid open to reveal the upper conference hall. It was a grand room lined with portraits of the Foster ancestors. The air smelled faintly of leather and espresso, a mix of history and tension. Julian sat at the far end of the polish

Chapter 10: The Taste of Power The next morning carried an edge of cold that bit through the glass walls of the Foster Tower. From his office, Lucas watched the clouds gather over the skyline, heavy and gray. It felt fitting. Storms were coming, both outside and within. He had spent most of the night reviewing the Wilson proposal, marking pages and recalculating risks. Every number made sense. Every move Emily had suggested was precise, calculated to shift power without appearing to take it. She had the instincts of a strategist, but there was something else beneath it—a quiet hunger that matched his own. The door opened without warning. Julian stepped inside, his expression composed but unreadable. “You’ve been busy,” Julian said, eyeing the open files scattered across the desk. “Reviewing potential partnerships,” Lucas replied calmly. “With Emily Wilson,” Julian said. “You think I wouldn’t notice?” Lucas met his brother’s gaze. “It’s a sound move. Her markets complement our