The old man looked up, revealing a gaze filled with past wounds that never healed. The image of an arrogant billionaire had vanished; what remained before Kaelan now was merely an ordinary human shattered by the loss of a loved one."Because of that, I built everything from scratch," Charles spoke softly. "A business empire, political relations, high-level security systems." He smiled ruefully. "I turned out to be far wealthier than I ever imagined.""Then, what about them?" Kaelan asked pointedly."They are still standing tall there. Untouched."Charles looked intently at Kaelan. "That is the essence of the warning I wanted to deliver to you today.""That material wealth is useless before them?""Not just that," Charles corrected seriously. "If that group has decided to eliminate you, never assume they will come attacking openly from the front."Kaelan swept his gaze across the tall trees surrounding them. "They utilize pawns.""Precisely," Charles nodded firmly. "They are skilled at

Kaelan recalled the tragic tale narrated by Charles earlier—regarding someone brutally murdered simply for wounding the petty ego of one of their underlings."So, you see the same potential in me?""Not just that," Charles corrected calmly. "I see someone who sooner or later will inevitably cross paths directly with their vicious circle.""On what grounds do you make that claim?""Because you are an anomaly," Charles answered briefly. "And the entities within that circle possess an acute allergy to everything outside their control and comprehension."Kaelan fell silent. For a second, his gaze drifted through the rows of pine tree trunks before meeting Charles's eyes once more. "If we share the same enemies, wouldn't my existence precisely become a burden to you?"Charles instead gave a hearty laugh. "Quite the opposite, Kaelan.""Explain.""Because for the first time in the span of several decades..." Charles stared at the youth with complete seriousness. "...I have finally found some

Toward dusk, Kaelan set foot back in the Garrison Mansion. As soon as he stepped into the family room, Evelyn's figure immediately greeted his gaze from behind the sofa.The woman turned quickly. "You just got back from Father's residence?"Kaelan stopped his steps. "Yes."Evelyn scanned her son's expression for a few seconds. There was a palpable gleam of curiosity there—no longer the cynical gaze full of suspicion like a few weeks ago. "You two have been spending a lot of time together lately.""A few times," Kaelan answered concisely, then chose to sit in the single armchair opposite.Evelyn let out a small sigh. "Mother truly didn't expect it.""Why?""Because for years..." Evelyn left her sentence hanging, "...Father almost never deigned to approach you, let alone summon you privately."Kaelan had no intention of debating that fact. "Time really changes many things."Evelyn leaned forward. "What all did he talk about with you?""Many things.""Including the distribution of positi

The subsequent data contained records of the group's asset expansion surging drastically from decade to decade. Not a single formal financial pillar could rationalize such rapid wealth accumulation. They gripped various vital sectors: energy, information technology, global logistics, mineral extraction, the weaponry industry, and property speculation. Every time Charles tracked the cash trail, the tip of that money flow always led to a single anonymous command center without identity."Who on earth are you?" he whispered bitterly, staring at the rows of data.He opened the final file on his desk—an organizational hierarchy design compiled by his private investigation team.Lowest layer: street syndicates, smugglers, debt collectors, narcotics cartels. Middle layer: illegal logistics distribution networks and regional-scale asset laundering. Upper layer: legal companies supplying legal legitimacy and capital. Elite layer: alliances of influential businesspeople and politicians regulati

The corners of Olivia's lips thinned further. She redirected her attention back to Lyra. "It seems you two spend a lot of time together now."Lyra's brows furrowed faintly. "We're friends.""Friends, huh?" Olivia's voice tone sounded light, yet laden with the poison of sarcasm.Kaelan gave Olivia no room to continue her drama. He turned around. "If there's nothing else important, we need to head to class."Kaelan stepped past the woman just like that, followed by Lyra behind him.However, right before they moved away, Olivia's whisper broke the corridor air. "Kaelan."The man stopped his steps without turning. "What else?""Do you really intend to cut off all our memories just like that?"Kaelan turned half-way, giving the coldest gaze he possessed. "Yes."A single absolute word. Without a shred of tolerance.Then he stepped away again.In the starting-to-empty corridor, Olivia stood alone. Her hands clenched so tightly that her nails dug painfully into her palms.She finally fully re