Rise of the Sovereign: Wayne Stark

Chapter Five

The mischievous little grin on Wayne’s face didn’t go unnoticed—James, Lena’s cousin, caught it from across the room.

“What’s this idiot smiling about in a situation like this? Does he really think it won’t affect him if Lena and her mother get kicked out? Useless man,” he muttered under his breath, clearly irritated.

He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tense air.

“Grandma,” he began smoothly, “I think it’s time Lena learned how to manage things herself. Of course, she’s close with Peter—Mr. Arnold’s son—so she might as well ask for his help. Since her so-called husband is clearly useless, maybe this will finally show her who truly deserves her.”

James’s courage wasn’t his own—it came from his friendship with Jacob. Both had always shared one thing: a quiet resentment for Wayne and Lena, especially since Lena refused to divorce Wayne.

But Mrs. Romanos, experienced and tactical, wouldn’t let things sound too pointed.

“James, shut up,” she snapped, frowning.

“This task isn’t just about Lena—it concerns every single person in this room. We are all responsible for this business’s growth. The reason Lena and her mother are being challenged is because they’ve done nothing but live off the family funds without contributing. That’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable. So they—and her husband—will sort this out together. We don’t have the luxury of waiting around.”

Her tone was moderate but piercing. Gift—Lena’s mother—felt the pressure tighten like a noose.

“As we all know, Solmere Estate doesn’t waste time with anyone that drags them down. We don’t even know the new owner yet,” Mrs. Romanos added.

Wayne smirked slightly to himself. If only they knew the estate was bought by just one man—and that man is sitting right here.

Lena and her mother sat frozen, struggling to stay composed. Lena didn’t dare glance back at Wayne—her mind was splintering.

It’s over. I should just start looking for a new job, she thought bitterly.

Wayne watched her quietly, seeing the weight she carried. Then, he stood and walked to her side, gently whispering into her ear, “Don’t worry, dear. Everything will be fine.”

His voice was low, but loud enough for her mother to hear. For the first time, Wayne was acting like a real husband—offering comfort when it mattered most.

Eyes around the room shifted toward them. Whispered comments stirred.

Lena, overwhelmed and exhausted, let her head fall onto Wayne’s shoulder. The rest of the meeting blurred like static in her mind.

—

Later, outside:

—

“Let me drive, dear,” Wayne said, gently taking Lena’s car keys.

Gift, clearly disgusted, said nothing and climbed into the back seat without protest. She had bigger things to worry about.

The drive was silent.

When they got home, Gift stormed into her room and slammed the door behind her.

Lena dropped onto the couch with a sigh.

“Dear…” Wayne started nervously. Now that he owned a massive empire, he didn’t feel like a nobody anymore. Maybe—just maybe—he deserved to be loved.

“I’m tired, Wayne. Can you cook something for me?” she interrupted, without lifting her head.

“Of course. Give me a few minutes.”

Soon, he returned with a bowl of steaming rice and chicken soup. Wayne had once worked as a chef for two years—cooking was still his strong suit.

Lena smiled as she approached the table.

“You’re such a great cook, Wayne,” she said as he pulled out the chair for her.

Wayne chuckled softly.

Despite everything, Lena ate like she hadn’t seen food in days.

After a while, he broke the silence.

“So… how do you plan on getting that contract from the Arnolds?”

“Hmph. I don’t even know anymore,” she said, burying her face in her hands.

Then she straightened up with a forced chuckle.

“I already reached out to another company. Maybe something will come through…”

She didn’t even plan to fight for the Arnold deal?

“What if Mrs. Romanos decides to take back the house?” Wayne asked gently.

Her face shifted—then she let out a deep sigh.

“I’ll figure something out.”

“But she gave you two weeks. Have you forgotten?”

Wayne wanted her to ask for his help. Maybe this was his moment to reveal the truth—that he wasn’t the same helpless man anymore.

“You know what, Wayne? Just let it be. I’ll handle it. I won’t let Mr. Arnold’s son think he has any kind of chance with me.”

With that, she turned and headed toward her room.

Wayne chuckled to himself.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

David! He’ll think I forgot him.

He rushed outside and hailed a cab to the hospital.

“Hey, don’t think I forgot about you,” Wayne said quickly when he arrived.

“Hmph, where are you? Can you come now?” David’s voice was calm, but his tone was sharp—he had questions.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

—

At the hospital:

—

“So, where did you get the money for the surgery?”

David looked him in the eye after their greetings. Wayne’s grin faded.

“Wayne… don’t tell me you borrowed that much just to save me.”

Wayne hesitated. He wanted to tell the truth—but it still sounded unreal, even to him.

“No… I just won some money from the lottery. Lucky timing, I guess,” he said quietly.

David stared, puzzled.

“How much did you win?”

Wayne dodged. “You’re alive. That’s all that matters to me.”

David was about to respond when Wayne’s phone rang again.

“Hello, dearest,” Wayne answered with a smile.

David frowned. When did he start calling his wife that?

He knew Wayne’s marriage was cold—they were like roommates, nothing more.

“What?” Wayne’s tone shifted. “What do you want to do about it now?”

The call ended.

“That was Lena?” David asked.

“There’s a problem. Mrs. Romanos gave her two weeks to secure a $50 million contract. If she doesn’t, they lose their home and all ties to the family business. It’s all because of me—either Lena divorces me, or we all get thrown out.”

David leaned back. “She’ll sign. What other option does she have?”

Wayne gave a quiet smile.

“Then I’ll let her choose. If she gets the contract, there’s nothing they can hold over her.”

David raised an eyebrow.

“You? You’re just a broke guy. How would you get that contract for her?”

Wayne’s expression remained calm.

“Just watch. You’ll see.”

With that, he walked out.

David sat in silence as the thought finally sank in.

How did he even afford the hospital bills? Or get me a VIP room? How much did he really win?

Wayne had always said he’d rise one day and take revenge of every single humiliation he’d suffered. Maybe this time, he actually meant it.