Rise of the Sovereign: Wayne Stark

Chapter Four

Wayne stood before the towering structure, eyes wide with disbelief, as if trying to breathe in the sheer elegance of the place. The building exuded prestige—no, power. Even the air smelled like wealth, like the scent of ancient money and secrets only the elite were born to know.

He felt like he was standing at the edge of a dream. This wasn’t just architecture—it was another world, a realm he had only seen on luxury lifestyle TV shows and glossy magazines. And now… he was here. Not as a guest. Not as a beggar peering through a glass wall. But as the man this empire now bowed to.

Could this be real? Is this… really mine?

Just weeks ago, he couldn’t afford lunch. Now he own the kind of world they made movies about.

His heart pounded. His thoughts scattered. It felt too absurd, too perfect to be anything but fantasy.

“Master, this way. Shall we?” Zack’s voice grounded him, laced with respectful urgency.

Wayne blinked, almost forgetting he was still standing at the entrance, eyes lustfully drinking in the wealth sprawled before him.

This was Solmere Estate, an empire beyond imagination—owned by a coalition of thirty-eight ultra-wealthy families from various nations. That fact alone told just how extraordinary, how fiercely untouchable this place was.

As they entered, a wall of uniformed security men—one hundred and twenty in perfect formation—bowed in unison. “Welcome, Sir,” their voices echoed.

Then came a sharply dressed man in his mid-thirties, his steps confident but respectful. He bowed deeply. “Welcome, Sir. We’re honored to have you, Master.”

Wayne’s mind reeled. It was too much. Too surreal. But his face remained unreadable, like stone carved from dignity. He was overwhelmed, yes—but his composure didn’t flinch.

This isn’t a prank. This is real. It’s really happening.

The estate had declared the day a holiday. Every business within had been shut down—an unprecedented move—just to acknowledge the transfer of power. The empire was changing hands.

“Yes, sir,” Zack continued with grace, walking beside him. “This is Alex, the current general manager. If you ever feel the need to replace him or make structural changes, you have full authority. You’re not sharing ownership with anyone—this empire is completely yours, unless you ever choose to partner.”

Wayne said nothing.

The silence wasn’t cold—it was thunderous. The kind that comes from a man trying to make sense of a crown placed suddenly upon his head. He inhaled deeply and walked steadily toward the grand office to sign the final documents.

With a penstroke, the empire was sealed.

He released a shaky breath he hadn’t noticed he was holding.

Alex, eager and tense, spoke up. “Sir, would you like to host a celebration party? It would be a great honor and a momentous way to announce your arrival—”

Wayne raised a hand slightly, his voice calm but clear.

“Um… right. Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “We can celebrate another time. For now, let’s focus on results. I want the estate running like a perfect machine. The people who’ve trusted in Solmere’s capability deserve our best. And another thing…”

He paused, his presence deepening.

“Until further notice, I don’t want my identity revealed. No full announcements yet. I’ve still got things to settle.”

There it was—that charismatic command. Reality had finally pierced through the fog. Wayne was no longer the man watching from outside the gates. He was the man they were opening them for.

“Alex,” he said, locking eyes with the manager. “You’ll remain in charge for now. But understand this—if you fail to meet expectations, if I sense incompetence… you’re done.”

Alex stiffened, goosebumps rushing down his back.

“Y-yes, sir! I swear, with all my heart, I’ll serve with everything I’ve got. I won’t let you down.”

“Good.” Wayne glanced at his wristwatch. “It’s getting late. We’ll leave now, right Zack?”

“Yes, sir,” Zack responded with a slight bow. Then, with a hesitant tone, added, “But there are still other details you’re yet to hear, sir.”

Alex was dismissed with a nod, and Zack continued, tapping gently on his tablet screen.

“All the information’s on your device, sir. Also, a private mansion was acquired in your name.”

Wayne turned slowly to him. “How much… does all of this cost?”

Zack gestured, and another man stepped forward—his nervous energy obvious, though he tried to remain composed. He adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and spoke.

“Sir… the Solmere Estate alone is valued at 14.8 trillion dollars. Aside from its opulence, it’s tied to multiple global branches across six countries, all flawlessly designed and operational. Current estimations show it generates approximately $120 billion per week, and with the ongoing expansion projects, income is projected to increase by 30%. As of now, you own 14,000 businesses under this empire.”

Wayne froze.

14.8 trillion? Billion a week?

He stared into space for a moment.

What… what world am I living in?

He tried to comprehend it all, as if the math could somehow make this any less outrageous.

“You’re saying all this… is under my name?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, sir. Entirely. And there’s more—like the Seraphine Estate, perched on a private cliff with exclusive ocean and mountain views. Nature shields it. No one else has access. It’s currently valued at $200 billion.”

Wayne nodded slowly, absorbing it all.

“That sounds good,” he said finally. “We’ll check that out next time.”

His insides were screaming with disbelief, but on the outside, Wayne had shifted. He now carried the quiet storm of a man who’d tasted power and realized it suited him.

He’d crossed beyond fainting. He was transforming.

He took a breath, then smirked slightly.

“I need to head home before my wife starts hunting me down,” he said, pulling out his phone.

It was still on silent. Dozens of missed calls flashed across the screen.

“Oh no… I really need to go,” he muttered.

“Are you sure you don’t want to look around more?” Zack asked. “There’s a private lobby designed specifically for elite billionaires, and the Golden Evercreste experience is highly recommended—it’s tailored to awaken a high level of sensory pleasure and world-class hospitality.”

Wayne waved his hand. “We don’t have time now. You—what’s your name?” he asked the man who had offered the recommendation.

“Sam, sir,” he answered, bowing politely.

“Zack,” Wayne turned to his guide, his voice tired but commanding, “Take me back to my wife’s place. I want to lay low for now. Handle everything else until I’m ready to step into the spotlight.”

For the first time that day, Wayne showed true fatigue—not just in his voice, but in his soul.

He was exhausted, yes—but there was fire behind his eyes.

Without delay, Wayne returned to his wife’s house.

He decided to walk, letting the night air clear his thoughts. As he neared the house, he checked the time—it was already past 11 p.m.

“Wayne.”

The voice called out just as he approached the door. He paused and turned.

He recognized it instantly.

Why is she outside at this hour? Was she… waiting for me?

“Where have you been all day? I called you countless times, and you didn’t answer or call back.” Her eyes held a quiet fury, locked onto his as she waited for an answer.

“Sorry… I was busy. I didn’t see the calls.” Wayne’s voice came out low, almost a whisper.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. “Come in.”

Once the door shut, she didn’t hesitate.

“About the divorce… are you planning to sign the papers?” Her tone was sharp—challenging. Not angry. Firm.

Wayne didn’t respond immediately. He was still unsure.

“Well, I already told Grandma I’m not signing. She’s furious and called for a meeting tomorrow. She said if we don’t show up, she won’t hesitate to kick my family out of the Romanos legacy. So be ready for whatever she throws at us.”

What is she trying to do? Wayne wondered. She’s risking everything—even her own place in the family.

The Romanos were known for disowning anyone who dared stain their name. They were ruthless, even to their own blood.

Wayne simply nodded, offering no further response.

The next morning, Wayne was up early, scanning through his tablet and checking his assets in silence.

“What are you doing? Are you ready?” Lena’s voice broke through from behind him.

Wayne jumped slightly, still pretending to be nervous. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Okay. Let’s go then.”

They arrived at the Romanos estate, stepping into a house soaked in old money and power.

There was a specific room where family meetings were held—and today, it was packed.

Murmurs floated through the air as relatives whispered under their breath.

The Romanos family was vast—and opinionated.

Then, she arrived.

Mrs. Romanos entered like a queen. Draped in her usual luxurious gown, she walked with regal elegance. She gripped the edge of her dress as she glided to the front of the hall. The scent of expensive perfume trailed behind her.

The room fell silent instantly.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said, her voice rich with command.

“I know our meetings usually happen in the evenings, but today’s matter is urgent.”

Her eyes narrowed as they found Lena and her mother seated together—Wayne just behind them.

Gift’s heart pounded. She hadn’t expected Lena to defy the divorce order. That decision alone might doom them.

“Since my husband passed, this family’s business has been slipping. We once stood tall. Now we’re falling behind. That’s why I’ve called this meeting.”

Then, Wayne’s phone rang.

A cold silence swept the room.

Mrs. Romanos turned toward him, her eyes like daggers. Wayne quickly ended the call and powered off his phone. Her stare alone felt like a slap.

She continued.

“It’s come to my attention that the Solemere estate has been sold—suddenly, and without warning.”

Wayne’s blood ran cold.

She wouldn’t believe it if someone told her I’m the new owner.

“Our company isn’t strong enough to earn contracts from them, but we have a chance to partner with the Caldwells. If we meet their standards, we could secure a $1 billion deal. That’s our target now.”

The room was frozen.

The Solemere empire wasn’t just a business—it was a titan. And the Romanos were worth barely $500 million. This was a long shot.

“I know it sounds impossible,” she continued. “But impossibility is no excuse. If we strike this deal, we’ll rise to the top ranks of this city.”

Then came Jacob’s voice—confident and unafraid. “How exactly do we do that, Mom?”

She shot him a look, sharp and measured.

“Good question. I’ve planned it out. From now on, anyone who isn’t contributing to the success of this family will be cut off. I won’t waste resources.”

Gift felt her mother’s rage. This was personal. She was furious at Lena’s refusal to divorce—and now she was lashing out.

“I’ll start with you,” Mrs. Romanos said, turning to her eldest grandchild.

Elena.

Gorgeous, poised, and always dressed in high-end fashion. She was the golden child, known for securing high-value contracts.

“Elena, I want you to land a deal. Even if it’s just $10 million. Your efforts never go unnoticed.”

Elena smiled with grace. “A $10 million contract won’t be a problem, Grandma. I won’t disappoint.”

Mrs. Romanos gave a satisfied nod.

Then she turned to the others.

“All my grandchildren are expected to contribute… except Lena. She’s never brought anything to this family. And yet she depends on us to survive.”

Everyone stared at Lena and her mother. It was humiliating.

Gift clenched her jaw, struggling to stay composed. She wished she could vanish into the floor.

“And as for James, Jacob, Anna, and the rest—they’ve always had this family’s best interests at heart. But Lena… if I’m being generous, you and your family still have one chance.”

She paused.

“I want a $50 million contract from the Arnold family. That’s your task. You have two weeks. If you fail—”

Lena’s mother nearly choked on her breath. Her heart raced in panic.

“It’s over for us,” she whispered.

Lena’s eyes widened.

Wayne remained silent. Calm. Unshaken.

Just as expected.

“I will not tolerate excuses. If you fail—just make sure you, your mother, and your husband are gone before I even notice. I’ve covered your shame long enough.”

Whispers broke out across the room. Though they were family, most of them were united only by business and favoritism.

Gift and Lena were blood—but not much else.

Wayne’s presence had only made things worse for them.

“But…” Lena’s voice cracked, though she tried to stay firm.

“But the Arnolds… they’re not open for new contracts right now. We’ve never even had ties with them. Getting a $50 million deal from them in two weeks—it’s unrealistic.”

“I hate excuses,” Mrs. Romanos snapped. “Admit defeat now, and I’ll pass judgment.”

Two weeks.

The room seemed to shrink. Lena had no business connections. She lived a quiet life—work and home, no networking, no allies.

Wayne dipped his head in silence.

“Everyone stared at Lena and her mother, it’s humiliating… but Wayne’s silence wasn’t weakness-it was the calm before an empire roared”

This is it.

The game was finally beginning.