FROZEN SOVEREIGN: THE ICEBOUND OVERLORD

Claiming The Will

CHAPTER EIGHT

 “Go against you?” Zane stared straight into her eyes. Madelyn instinctively shivered. “Where I get my money is none of your business,” he said coldly. “Why don’t you stay in your lane and enjoy whatever little peace you have left… before I decide how to deal with you?” His voice dropped slightly. “And who gave you permission to rummage through my things?

 He began descending the stairs slowly. Madelyn couldn’t believe her ears. Zane… questioning her? Deal with her? In all the years he had lived under this roof, he had never once spoken to her like this. Not once. Her heart pounded violently as she struggled to steady herself.

 This morning’s threat still lingered in her mind. How did he know about her affair with Marcus? Does he really have evidence against her? Her fingers curled unconsciously. After he left earlier, she had gone straight to his room, searching carefully, and thoroughly, but found nothing except the document for that abandoned property. Still… The unease refused to leave her. It only got worse once she found out Zane had seven trucks drive Into Nova Domicile with lots of goods but when she went to peek through the short fence surrounding the vast land, she had found nothing inside the compound.

 “Did I not warn you to mind your business this morning?” Zane continued as he stepped closer. “I see you don’t like the easy way out.”

 Before she could react, his hand shot out. He grabbed her by the throat. Madelyn’s eyes widened in shock. Her hands immediately clawed at his wrist as she struggled to breathe. A strangled sound escaped her lips as panic set in. Zane’s grip tightened slightly. His expression remained calm. Madelyn coughed violently, her face turning purple as her strength began to fade Then—He let go. She staggered backward, gasping for air, her body trembling as she tried to steady herself. Zane pushed her aside without another glance. He owed them nothing. He had already given them one life. He would not give them another.

 “Do you think your mother in heaven would be happy watching you treat me like this?” Madelyn croaked, clutching her throat. “Zane… you really have no empathy. Choking the woman who raised you…” Her eyes burned with hatred. “You’ll regret this. I promise you.”

 “Regret?” Zane let out a low chuckle. “In your dreams.” He bent down, picked up the fallen document, and turned away without hesitation.

 Six days later. August 18th. Zane stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs to the only suit he has. Today, he turned twenty-two. And more importantly… Today was the day his father’s will officially take effect. A faint smile formed on his lips. “Finally…”

 He picked up his phone and checked the time. Everything had been moving quickly over the past few days. The bunker reconstruction was already half way through. IVDS had mobilized faster than he expected—teams working day and night beneath Nova Domicile. Materials, equipment, and personnel flowed in without pause. Above ground, demolition had already started.

 The old structure was gone. In its place… The foundation of his fortress was being laid. Cold-proof alloys and Bullet-proof glass. Aerospace materials. Reinforced composite walls made of steel plates. Layered defensive systems. Everything was being built exactly to his specifications. At the same time, shipments had been arriving nonstop. Thermal suits. Insulated combat wear. Medical supplies. Dry rations. Weapons.

 Zane slipped his phone into his pocket. Once the will was executed, he'll have enough to fund everything. A knock sounded on the door. Zane’s eyes flickered. “…Come in.” The door opened slowly. A man in a two-piece suit stepped in, head slightly lowered. “Master Zane… the family lawyer has arrived.”

 Zane’s lips curved faintly. “Good.” He turned toward the door. “It’s time.”

 Downstairs, the atmosphere was heavy. Madelyn sat stiffly on the couch; her expression dark. Tristan wasn't back from his business trip. His flight for the previous day was cancelled due to bad weather and now, he has yet to arrive. Edgar stood beside her, arms crossed, his face filled with irritation. Ruby lingered nearby, unusually quiet.

 At the center of the room sat a middle-aged man in a formal suit, a briefcase resting neatly beside him. Barrister Gordon, The family's lawyer. The moment Zane stepped into the room; all eyes turned to him. “Mr. Vaughn,” the lawyer said, standing up slightly. “We’ve been waiting for you.” Zane nodded once. “Thank you. Let’s begin.”

 Samuel, the intern who had gone to call Zane out, stepped forward quickly, placing the file on the table with careful hands. Barrister Gordon adjusted his glasses and took the document. “The will,” he said calmly, “was sealed under legal oath and is to be opened and executed on the beneficiary’s twenty-second birthday, 18th August, 2026.” He glanced briefly at Zane, then at Madelyn. “No interruptions will be tolerated during the reading.

 Madelyn’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing. Samuel opened the file and handed over the primary document. Gordon broke the seal. The faint tearing sound echoed in the silent room. Then he began to read. “This is the final will and testament of Mr. Travis Vaughn… and Mrs. Marylyn Voss…”

 Zane’s gaze darkened slightly. “…being of sound mind at the time of drafting…” Gordon continued steadily. “…we hereby declare that all personal, corporate, and liquid assets under our ownership are to be transferred in full to our biological son, Zane Vaughn, upon his attainment of twenty-two years of age.”

 Silence followed. “…this includes but is not limited to—company shares, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, offshore accounts, and all undisclosed reserves…” Samuel turned a page. “…with an estimated total valuation exceeding twenty billion dollars.”

 Madelyn’s fingers twitched. Edgar’s eyes widened. Ruby’s breath caught.

 “…all assets are to be transferred solely to Zane Vaughn. No secondary claimant is recognized under this will.”

 Madelyn shot to her feet. “That’s impossible!” she snapped. “There must be a mistake—”

 “Sit down, Madam,” Gordon said coldly, not even looking at her. “Or I will suspend this session.”

 She froze… then slowly sat. “…this will is final, binding, and irrevocable.” Gordon closed the document. “It is now in effect.” Samuel immediately placed the transfer authorization forms in front of Zane. “Please sign here, Mr. Vaughn.”

 Zane stepped forward. He picked up the pen and signed on the first page. Samuel flipped to the next page. “Second authorization.” Zane lowered the pen again, “STOP!” The door slammed open. Everyone turned sharply. Heavy footsteps echoed as a man strode into the room, his presence dominating instantly. Tristan Vaughn. Behind him stood his assistant, carrying a folder.

 Madelyn’s eyes lit up instantly. “Tristan!” Relief flooded her face like someone who had just been saved from drowning. Edgar straightened. “Dad, you’re back!” Tristan didn’t respond to them. His gaze was locked on the table. “Put that pen down,” he said sharply.

 The room fell silent again. Zane didn’t move. He slowly lifted his eyes and met Tristan’s gaze. Barrister Gordon frowned slightly. “Mr. Tristan Vaughn,” he said, “this is a legal execution of a sealed will. You cannot interrupt—”

 “I can,” Tristan cut in coldly. He stepped forward and placed a document on the table. “These assets,” he said firmly, “should be transferred to me.” Shock rippled through the room. Samuel blinked. “Sir… that’s—”

 “My late brother’s estate was under my management for years,” Tristan continued. “I am the acting head of the family. By family structure and operational authority, everything should default to me.” Madelyn immediately backed him up. “Exactly! That’s what I’ve been saying!”

 Edgar smirked. Zane remained silent. Gordon’s expression hardened. “With all due respect, Mr. Vaughn, what you’re stating holds no legal weight over a registered will.”

 Tristan’s eyes narrowed. “My assistant has the documents,” he said. The assistant quickly stepped forward and handed over the file. Gordon took it, and scanned through. He scoffed lightly. “This is an internal family claim structure,” he said. “Not a legal override.”

 Tristan’s jaw tightened. “It establishes authority,” he insisted. “No,” Gordon replied flatly. “It establishes preference. And preference does not override a legally binding will.”

 The words hit hard. Madelyn’s face stiffened. Tristan’s expression darkened. Zane finally spoke. “…Are you done?” All eyes turned to him. He still held the pen. “You came all the way here,” Zane continued, “to stop something that was never yours to begin with?”

 Tristan’s gaze turned sharp. “Watch how you speak to me.” Zane’s lips curved faintly. “Or what?” Zane lowered the pen without hesitation and signed the second document. Samuel quickly flipped to the last page. “Final authorization…” Zane signed again.

 Done. Samuel gathered the documents with slightly trembling hands. Barrister Gordon closed his briefcase. “It’s official,” he said. “All assets… have been fully transferred to Mr. Zane Vaughn. Effective immediately.” Zane adjusted his sleeve slowly, then turned his gaze toward Barrister Gordon. “…A question,” he said. Gordon paused. “Go ahead, Mr. Vaughn.”

 Zane slipped one hand into his pocket. “If I decide to sell off everything… liquidate all assets under my name; companies, shares, properties, there won’t be any legal issues, correct?” The words landed like a bomb. Madelyn shot up instantly. “What?!”

 Edgar’s eyes widened. “Sell… everything?” Tristan’s expression turned darker in an instant. Gordon, however, replied. “As the sole legal owner,” he said clearly, “you have full authority over all assets transferred to you. You may retain, restructure, or liquidate them at your discretion.” He paused briefly, then added, “There will be no legal complications.”

 A faint smile appeared on Zane's lips. Finally, the long wait if almost over. Madelyn lost it. “Have you gone insane?!” she shouted. “That company is the backbone of this family! You think you can just sell it like it means nothing?!”

 Edgar stepped forward angrily. “You’re crossing the line, Zane!” Tristan looked as though he had just eaten sourdough. “Sell… my company?” he repeated slowly. Zane glanced at him indifferently. “Correction,” he said, “my company.”

 That was the last straw. Tristan moved in a flash, his hand swung toward Zane’s face, but Zane caught it effortlessly before it could his him. Tristan’s eyes widened slightly. Zane’s grip didn’t budge. Over the past few days, he hadn’t been idle. Between overseeing supplies and the bunker, he had already begun training at IVDS. His body had adapted quickly. His body was now stronger, his reactions faster, and his control precise. With a slight twist, Zane stepped forward. And flipped him. BAM! Tristan crashed onto the floor. The sound echoed through the room. Madelyn’s mouth fell open. Edgar took a step back unconsciously. Ruby covered her lips in shock.

Zane looked down at him, “Uncle,” he said lightly, “have some decency. And some self-respect.” Tristan groaned, stunned, struggling to process what had just happened. Barrister Gordon’s voice cut through the tension. “Mr. Tristan Vaughn, I advise you to control yourself.” He said sternly. “Any further attempt to assault Mr. Zane Vaughn will result in immediate legal action. You could be detained.”