"What have you done, Bruce?" Marcus repeated, his voice sharp and high-pitched. "Something I should have done a long time ago," Bruce said, his voice cold and merciless. "I only held back because Scarlett convinced me it was the right thing to do."Bruce took a step closer, his shadow swallowing Marcus whole. "I nearly forgave you. I was on the verge of letting go of all the hatred. But then you caused Lucy to lose her ability to walk," he said, his jaw clenched. "For that, the Griffin family must fall."Marcus shook his head vigorously, his back leaning against the wall. "What does that have to do with ABC Holdings? How does any of this connect to—"Bruce crouched down, bringing his face close to Marcus's. Outside, the storm raged fiercely, with thunder rolling like a beast's growl."I'm not the same man you knew, Marcus," Bruce said gravely. "After tonight, you will regret ever messing with me."Before Marcus could respond, the door behind Bruce creaked open. Two figures in black

Caro's hand surged forward, the gun trembling in her grip as she pointed it directly at Bruce's chest. Her eyes were wild like a wild animal, and her breath ragged."Then you should know," she spat, her voice cracking with rage, "that this will be the last time you ever breathe."Bruce stared at the barrel of the gun without flinching. His expression remained calm as if she were pointing a toy at him."Wouldn't you like to know how I did it all?" he asked quietly. "The whole truth. Before you pull that trigger."Caro's hand shook. Her finger hovered over the trigger. "The truth?""Yes, Caro. The truth." Bruce took another slow step toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. "I am Bruce Dominic Shepherd."Caro's face contorted with disbelief. "Get the fuck out of here," she hissed. "You can never be Bruce Dominic Shepherd. He's nothing like you."Bruce tilted his head. "Then how do I know you danced with him at the Shepherd's banquet? How do I know you met with him days ago to beg him

The morning after, Bruce walked into Tyler's ward and stood by the foot of the bed, quietly watching as the boy ate his breakfast.Following his successful surgery, Tyler looked better than he had in days. Color had returned to his cheeks, and his eyes were bright and lively. Bruce was told by the doctor that Tyler would get better over time with proper care and medication."Mr. Bruce, guess what?" Tyler said, setting down his spoon. "The doctor said I might go home in two weeks! Can you believe it?"Bruce smiled as he pulled a chair closer to the bed. "I can believe it. You're a fighter, Tyler. The strongest kid I know."Tyler smiled brightly, but then his expression faded a bit. "My mom wasn't present when I woke up. The nurses said she had to work late again. Is she coming today?"The smile slowly left Bruce's face. He glanced down at his hands before looking back at the boy. "Tyler, there's something important you should know about your mom."Tyler's brow furrowed. "Is she okay?

Bruce sat alone in the massive armchair behind his father's desk, his head leaning back, his eyes fixed on the ceiling above. The study was silent except for the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth and the distant ticking of a grandfather clock. Bruce's mind churned like a stormy sea. His aunt and uncle had waited decades for an opportunity to seize control. And now, with Alistair ill and Bruce newly appointed as chairman, that opportunity had finally dropped into their lap.Outside the study, Kenshin and Oswald stood in the corridor, their backs against the mahogany paneling."How long has he been in there?" Kenshin asked."Nearly two hours," Oswald replied. "He asked to be left alone to think."Kenshin nodded slowly. "He's stronger than his father. I can sense it."Oswald said nothing. At that moment, a soft voice called from within the study. "Come in, Oswald."Oswald pushed the doors open, and the two men stepped inside.Bruce now sat upright in a commanding posture. He plac

Thomas Shepherd stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse suite, a thick cigar clenched between his teeth and a glass of champagne swirling in his hand. Smoke curled upward, melting away into the air. He was a big man, broad-shouldered and barrel-chested, with silver-streaked hair and a perfectly trimmed beard. Behind him, the penthouse door swung open, and the sharp click of high heels echoed across the floor.Abigail Shepherd was ushered into the room by his servants. She was smaller than her brother and appeared less intimidating. She donned a charcoal pantsuit with her brown hair elegantly gathered into a sleek bun."I didn't fly all this way to mess around, Thomas," Abigail said as she crossed the room. "It had better be something important.""It is important," Thomas said, taking a slow drag of his cigar and exhaling smoke into the air. "Bruce Dominic Shepherd is the current chairman of Shepherd Group. We need to talk about what this means for us and our future.