2026-04-10 14:44:25CHAPTER 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? Threatening her? In all the years he had lived under this roof, he had never spoken to her like this.
Her heart pounded violently. This morning’s threat still lingered in her mind. How did he know about her affair with Marcus? Does he really have evidence?
“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 clawing at his wrist as she struggled to breathe. A strangled sound escaped her lips.
Zane’s grip tightened slightly, his expression calm. Madelyn coughed violently, her face turning purple. Then — he let go.
She staggered backward, gasping for air, her body trembling. Zane pushed her aside without another glance and continued walking.
“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 of his only suit. Today, he turned twenty-two. And more importantly… today was the day his father’s will officially took effect.
A faint smile formed on his lips. “Finally…”
He picked up his phone and checked the time. The past few days had moved quickly. The bunker reconstruction was already halfway through. IVDS had mobilized faster than expected — teams working day and night beneath Nova Domicile. Above ground, demolition was complete and the foundation of his fortress was being laid.
Cold-proof alloys. Bullet-proof glass. Aerospace materials. Reinforced composite walls. Everything was being built exactly to his specifications.
Shipments had also been arriving nonstop: thermal suits, insulated combat wear, medical supplies, dry rations, and weapons.
A knock sounded on the door.
“…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 still hadn’t returned from his business trip. Edgar stood beside her with his arms crossed, while Ruby lingered nearby, unusually quiet.
At the center of the room sat Barrister Gordon, the family lawyer, with a briefcase beside him.
The moment Zane stepped into the room, all eyes turned to him.
“Mr. Vaughn,” the lawyer said, standing slightly. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Zane nodded once. “Thank you. Let’s begin.”
Barrister Gordon broke the seal on the document and began to read:
“This is the final will and testament of Mr. Travis Vaughn… and Mrs. Marylyn Voss…”
“…being of sound mind at the time of drafting… 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 filled the room.
“…this includes but is not limited to — company shares, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, offshore accounts, and all undisclosed reserves… 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!”
“Sit down, Madam,” Gordon said coldly. “Or I will suspend this session.”
He continued reading the final clauses, then closed the document. “It is now in effect.”
Samuel placed the transfer authorization forms in front of Zane. Zane stepped forward and signed each page without hesitation.
“STOP!”
The door slammed open. Heavy footsteps echoed as Tristan Vaughn strode into the room, his assistant following closely behind.
Madelyn’s eyes lit up with relief. “Tristan!”
Tristan didn’t respond to her. His gaze was locked on the table. “Put that pen down,” he said sharply.
Zane didn’t move. He slowly lifted his eyes and met Tristan’s gaze.
Barrister Gordon frowned. “Mr. Tristan Vaughn, this is a legal execution of a sealed will. You cannot interrupt—”
“I can,” Tristan cut in coldly. He placed a document on the table. “These assets should be transferred to me.”
A heated exchange followed, but Gordon remained firm. “Preference does not override a legally binding will.”
Zane finally spoke. “…Are you done?”
He lowered the pen and signed the remaining documents without hesitation.
Done.
Barrister Gordon closed his briefcase. “It’s official. All assets have been fully transferred to Mr. Zane Vaughn. Effective immediately.”
Zane slipped one hand into his pocket. “A question… If I decide to sell off everything — liquidate all assets under my name — there won’t be any legal issues, correct?”
The words landed like a bomb.
Madelyn shot up. “What?!”
Edgar’s eyes widened. “Sell… everything?”
Tristan’s expression turned murderous.
Gordon replied calmly, “As the sole legal owner, you have full authority. You may retain, restructure, or liquidate them at your discretion. There will be no legal complications.”
A faint smile appeared on Zane’s lips.
Madelyn lost it. “Have you gone insane?! That company is the backbone of this family!”
Edgar stepped forward angrily. “You’re crossing the line, Zane!”
Tristan moved in a flash, swinging his hand toward Zane’s face.
But Zane caught it effortlessly. With a slight twist, he stepped forward and flipped him.
BAM!
Tristan crashed onto the floor. The sound echoed through the room.
Madelyn’s mouth fell open. Edgar stepped back unconsciously. Ruby covered her lips in shock.
Zane looked down at him. “Uncle,” he said lightly, “have some decency. And some self-respect.”
Barrister Gordon’s voice cut through the tension. “Mr. Tristan Vaughn, I advise you to control yourself. Any further attempt to assault Mr. Zane Vaughn will result in immediate legal action.”
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