All Chapters of RISE OF THE LOST HEIR: ASHES TO EMPIRE : Chapter 21
- Chapter 30
73 chapters
TWENTY ONE: POWER AND INFLUENCE
The celebration carried on long into the evening. Guests moved from group to group, introducing themselves, studying unfamiliar faces, exchanging pleasantries, and quietly sealing deals over glasses of champagne. Laughter blended with soft music as the Hale mansion buzzed with influence and ambition.“Levi!”Sophia’s voice cut through the noise as she approached, arm linked with Ethan.“Grandma, Grandpa—you made it,” Levi said, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.“Of course we did, my love,” Sophia replied warmly. “We arrived late because we had to wait for your aunt, but we wouldn’t miss the beginning of your reign for the world.”“We brought you plenty of gifts,” Ethan added cheerfully. “Sara already took them to your room. Be sure to check them out and tell us what you think.”“You didn’t have to,” Levi said softly. “Just being here is more than enough.”“Sophia, Ethan! You made it!” Kaitlin joined them, beaming. She hugged Sophia and Ethan, greeting them with a light French kiss
TWENTY TWO: GLASS THRONE
Monday MorningThe Hale Administrative Building dominated the city skyline like a monument to power.Its glass exterior stretched endlessly upward, wide and commanding, reflecting the sky and the movement of the city below. The structure wasn’t just tall—it was massive, layered in clean architectural lines and steel framing, its presence impossible to ignore. From every angle, it announced authority, wealth, and permanence, standing like a corporate fortress at the heart of the city, with a large HALES at the top.Levi’s car slowed as it entered the private driveway.The moment it came to a stop, the doors were already being opened. Escorts stood at attention, flanked by the building manager, his executive team, and several department heads.“Welcome, Mr. Levi. Mr. Luke,” the manager greeted.Levi glanced at Luke and gave him a subtle look—half acknowledgment, half approval—before stepping forward. With Vennesa and the manager leading, the rest of the team followed behind in a neat pr
TWENTY THREE: FIRST SEAT AT THE TABLE
The car finally came to a stop in front of what looked like an abandoned factory.From the outside, the place was unimpressive—aged concrete walls, rusted metal frames, faded paint. A few people loitered around casually, laughing, talking, blending into the surroundings as if this were nothing more than another forgotten industrial site.But the moment William stepped out of the car, everything changed.The men straightened instantly, their relaxed posture snapping into alert respect. They moved toward the entrance in silent coordination.“Welcome, sir,” one of them greeted.William smiled lightly. “It’s been a while,” he said. “I hope you’ve all been doing well.”“Never been better, sir,” another replied without hesitation.“All thanks to you,” a third added.Their eyes then shifted to Levi—measuring, cautious, unmoving.William caught it immediately and laughed. “Easy, boys. He’s my grandson. That makes him family.”At once, they stepped aside.One of them approached the large metal
TWENTY FOUR: BLOOD ISN’T LOYALTY
After the meeting ended, William led Levi through the surrounding area.“These people,” Levi said quietly, observing the way heads turned wherever William passed, “they practically worship you.”“Worship us,” William corrected calmly. “Any Hale they see is revered. Not only because of what my father started, but because every generation keeps doing more for them. That’s how the bond was strengthened.”Levi nodded slowly. “Then you’ve built yourselves an army.”William let out a low chuckle. “An army?” He shook his head. “Imagine them in every country, every state, every neighborhood. This is far more than an army. With our numbers alone, we could form a nation.”“Hm,” Levi murmured. “I was wondering how possible it would be to control certain government seats… I think I understand now.”William glanced at him, approving.“Politicians need numbers for their votes to matter. They need people to do their dirty work while still looking like saints to the public. These people deliver that.
TWENTY FIVE: GRAND PACIFIC QUAY
The day of The Grand Pacific Quay opening had finally arrived.From the early hours of the morning, the entire complex shimmered with life and anticipation. The massive structure stood proudly against the skyline, dressed in celebration—long satin ribbons draped across its towering glass doors, banners cascading from floor to floor, and soft lights lining every edge of the building, as though the mall itself were breathing in excitement.By 10:30 a.m., the surrounding grounds were already overflowing. People gathered in waves—families, couples, teenagers, tourists—all drawn by the promise of the grand opening and the almost-unbelievable discount sales. The air buzzed with chatter, laughter, and expectation.Reporters lined the front entrance, cameras mounted, microphones tested, lenses adjusted to capture every moment. News vans crowded the curb as journalists prepared to document reactions, fashion, and the historic opening.Minutes before eleven, sleek luxury cars began pulling up o
TWENTY SIX: GROWTH AND ROT
With the arrival of a new year—2023—the world continued to move forward.People were growing, evolving, changing.It was Spring, raining again—the same season Levi had once walked away from Northwood Crest years ago. Only this time, he was in a better place, living a better life. Whispers followed his name now.Rumors claimed Levi Hale had found someone who truly understood him… and had married her. But the wedding, if it happened at all, had been quiet—no media coverage, no public appearances. Because of that, many dismissed it as speculation.–––While the world moved on, Northwood Crest remained frozen in time.The neighborhood looked the same. The streets felt the same. And so did the people.Tommy and Claire were still as toxic as ever.Claire had eventually taken a job at Maple Lane Diner, but with her attitude, every shift turned into a new spectacle. She argued with customers, clashed with coworkers, and fought openly with Tommy whenever he stopped by. Some customers came pure
TWENTY SEVEN: WHEN GREED LEARNS TO WALK
Without a backward glance, Claire packed her bags. She pressured her parents until they handed over what little money they had, then left for California without hesitation or doubt. The job required a face-to-face assessment, followed by a two-week training and probation period before official employment. Claire arrived dressed in her most expensive—and revealing—outfits, determined not only to secure the position but also to secure a city boyfriend, new friends, and a brand-new life. Back in Northwood Crest, disbelief still lingered. “So she really left?” Tommy’s mother asked. “Yes, Mom,” Tommy replied, slouched on the living room couch. “It’s been five days now. Honestly, I’m just glad I finally got rid of her.” She walked over and slapped the back of his head. “And what happens when she starts earning that big pay you keep talking about?” “I don’t know,” he shrugged. “She already said she won’t share.” She scoffed. “What? After everything we went through with her?”
TWENTY EIGHT: CLOSED DOORS, OPEN SECRETS
Time moved fast.Before Claire could fully settle into the illusion she had built, the two-week training ended—and just as quickly, she was back in Northwood Crest. With nowhere else to go, she dragged her luggage to Tommy’s house, assuming she would be welcomed back without question.“I brought you both gifts,” she announced brightly, placing the bags down. She looked refreshed, confident—almost glowing. “Let me stay here until we’re officially called back. It won’t take long.”She smiled, certain.“People are different over there,” she continued, turning toward Tommy. “You should really look for work in California too. They put us in hotels, all expenses paid. It felt like we were the employers, not the employees.”She laughed exaggeratedly.Tommy’s mother stood by the door, unmoved.“I’m sure you enjoyed yourself,” Mrs. Blake said calmly. “But you won’t be staying here.”Claire blinked.“Mrs. Blake, come on. It’s just for a few days—”“How are we even sure you’ll be called back?” M
TWENTY NINE: THE RETURN
The convoy moved like royalty through the wide Portland roads.At its center was a Rolls-Royce Phantom Series, midnight black, its polished body reflecting the morning sky. Three Mercedes-Benz vehicles flanked it—one ahead, two behind—all bearing covered plate numbers that offered no clue as to who they carried. The formation was deliberate, precise, commanding attention without asking for it.Inside the Rolls-Royce, Levi Hale sat in silence.One elbow rested against the armrest, his knuckles supporting his chin as his eyes skimmed across the illuminated screen of his tablet. Financial reports, blueprints, schedules—he absorbed them effortlessly, yet his mind was not entirely present. The road hummed beneath the tires, smooth and unbothered, while the world outside passed by like a forgotten memory trying to resurface.Joe, his long-time driver, navigated the streets with calm expertise, his focus unwavering as he steered them away from the airport and deeper into the city.Levi’s tab
THIRTY: WHISPERS AND HUNGER
“What?!”Claire nearly leaped off her seat.The suddenness of her reaction drew attention from nearby tables, but she didn’t care. She sat frozen for a second, her phone forgotten in her hand, eyes wide and alert.The bar was crowded—music humming low in the background, glasses clinking, laughter rising and falling—but the conversation at their table had taken a sharp turn. Claire and her friends had claimed their usual corner spot, a round wooden table near the bar counter, where half-empty glasses and glowing phone screens littered the surface.The talk of the night had shifted.Foreigners.“They’re real,” the first girl said, leaning forward eagerly, her voice barely containing excitement. “And it seems they’re the ones who own the new bank.”“What?” Claire repeated, sharper this time.“Everyone’s posting it,” the second girl added, already scrolling furiously through her phone. “Videos, pictures, everything. The town group is blowing up. They’re at the bank right now.”Claire frow