At exactly 8:43 a.m., the executive boardroom on the sixty-eighth floor of Ashcroft Group Headquarters had fallen into a silence so oppressive that even the soft hum of the central air-conditioning seemed unnaturally loud.Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the glittering skyline of Aurelia City. Below, traffic flowed in disciplined streams, and towering skyscrapers reflected the morning sun like polished mirrors. It was a view that symbolized ambition, wealth, and power.Inside the boardroom, however, no one was admiring the view.Twenty-three executives sat around a handcrafted walnut conference table worth more than most people would earn in a lifetime. Some stared at laptops filled with financial projections. Others shuffled through thick reports they had already read a dozen times. One director nervously tapped his pen against a leather notebook before realizing the sound echoed through the room and quickly stopped.No one wanted to be the first to speak.At the head of the tabl

The banquet hall shimmered beneath the glow of crystal chandeliers.A string quartet played softly in the corner, their music weaving through conversations between politicians, business leaders, and the country's wealthiest families.Laughter echoed around the room.Champagne glasses clinked together.Tonight was supposed to be a celebration.The return of the Ashcroft family's long-lost heir had become the talk of Aurelia City's elite.Every influential figure wanted to witness history.At the center of it all sat Damian.Victor Ashcroft occupied the head of the dining table, Eleanor beside him, while Damian was given the chair on Victor's right–a position that had remained empty for twenty-five years.Guests smiled warmly at him.Executives congratulated him.Family friends welcomed him.One after another, expensive gifts were placed before him.Yet...Damian couldn't stop looking around the room.Something felt... strange.He couldn't explain it.The atmosphere was warm.The family

The first rays of dawn stretched across the eastern sky, bathing Ashcroft Manor in soft shades of gold.The estate was quiet.The grand halls that had echoed with celebration the previous night now rested in peaceful silence.Only one figure was already awake.At exactly five-thirty in the morning, Benedict Vandross stepped onto the eastern veranda carrying a steaming cup of black coffee and a worn leather notebook.This hour belonged to him.For twenty-five years, he had started every day the same way.Thirty uninterrupted minutes before the household awoke.Thirty minutes to prepare for everyone else's needs before thinking of his own.He sat in a wicker chair overlooking the gardens and opened the notebook.Neat handwriting filled every page.6:30 a.m. — Chairman Victor's morning exercise.7:00 a.m. — Mrs. Ashcroft's medication.7:30 a.m. — Breakfast with the family.8:30 a.m. — Executive briefing.10:00 a.m. — Tour of Ashcroft Group Headquarters for Damian.Benedict paused at the

Rain continued to fall over Aurelia City throughout the night.By morning, the storm had passed, leaving the streets washed clean beneath a pale blue sky.At exactly seven-thirty, the Ashcroft family gathered for breakfast.The atmosphere was noticeably lighter than it had been the previous afternoon.The company's swift response to the leaked documents had reassured investors, and the morning financial reports reflected it.Victor folded his newspaper."Our share price recovered before the market closed."Sophia smiled."That's good news.""It means people still trust the company," Eleanor added.Victor nodded once before looking toward Benedict."The crisis was handled well."It wasn't praise.It was simply a statement.Benedict inclined his head politely."The entire team deserves the credit."Damian looked at Benedict for a moment before speaking."I disagree."The table fell quiet.Victor raised an eyebrow."What do you mean?"Damian met his father's gaze respectfully."Yesterday

Benedict closed the door to his room without another glance at the envelope resting inside his jacket.The butler's voice had carried an urgency that allowed no delay.He walked briskly through the quiet corridors of Ashcroft Manor until he reached Victor's study.The door was already open.Victor stood beside the window overlooking the estate, his hands clasped behind his back.Without turning around, he spoke."Come in."Benedict stepped inside and closed the door gently."You wanted to see me, Chairman?"Victor nodded."I've just received a call from the Board."He turned slowly."The East Coast Transit Project has attracted more public attention than expected."Benedict listened quietly."The directors believe Damian should begin representing Ashcroft Group at selected public events."Benedict smiled."That's a good opportunity for him."Victor studied his face."You don't object?"Benedict seemed genuinely surprised."Why would I?""It will help everyone become familiar with the