Rise of the Sovereign: Wayne Stark

Chapter Six

Earlier, Wayne had received a message from Zack, prompting him to meet immediately.

Wayne had been firm about one rule from the beginning: Zack was never to show up at his house, no matter how urgent the matter. Their meetings had to be discreet. Wayne’s identity had to remain hidden—until the right moment. If anything came up, Zack was to text and wait for instructions.

Now, standing before the sleek, latest-model Rolls-Royce Zack had arrived in, Wayne stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

“Master, welcome,” Zack greeted with a bow. The suited men behind him echoed the gesture in perfect sync.

“What’s the urgent matter, Zack?” Wayne asked coolly, his voice firm and composed—no longer the hesitant tone of a man clinging to survival, but the voice of a man who had embraced command.

Zack gave a composed smile.

“The official announcement goes live today, as per your instructions. Only your last name will be revealed. Your full identity remains protected, Master. Once it’s out, all of Solemere Estate will begin a process of refinement and rebranding. A clean slate—just like you wanted.”

As Zack spoke, Wayne casually scrolled through his tablet, studying an image of a luxurious hillside villa.

“Well, about that,” Wayne said, his eyes still on the screen. “I need you to prepare a contract offer for the Arnold family. Include a clause—they must collaborate with the Romanos family business. Specifically with Lena. I heard they’re trying to form alliances with major firms in hopes of securing early access before Solemere reopens. I want this arranged by tomorrow.”

Zack nodded crisply. “Understood, Master. I’ll have it drawn up today. And regarding the villa in the photo—would you like to purchase it? Just say the word, and it’s yours.”

Wayne sighed, lowering the tablet.

“My wife once said that if she ever became wealthy, she’d love to own a house like that. Her birthday is coming up. It’s also our wedding anniversary. I’ve been thinking… it might be the right gift.”

Zack’s eyes lit up.

“That would be a wonderful gesture, sir. We have professionals who can handle every detail of the planning. Say the word, and we’ll begin immediately.”

Though Zack was older than Wayne, he had served the Stark family with unwavering loyalty for decades—even before Wayne was born.

“Put it on hold for now,” Wayne said. “We’ll handle it when the time is right. Right now, there’s something I want to know—about the man you mentioned before. Mr. Williams. You said he wanted to meet?”

Zack straightened, adjusting his cufflinks.

“Yes, sir. Mr. Williams said that once you’re fully settled, he’ll visit in person. He also emphasized that if you ever need anything—anything at all—you only need to ask.”

“Understood,” Wayne said, stepping out of the car. “I’ll be in touch.”

—

As Wayne neared home, Lena’s earlier call came rushing back to mind. She’d mentioned that Mrs. Romanos had sent the family lawyer with a firm threat: fail to secure the contract, and not only would they lose the house—they’d be fully cut off from the Romanos legacy.

Wayne saw the game for what it was. This wasn’t about business. It was manipulation—another attempt to pressure Lena toward Peter Arnold. But Wayne had no intention of letting them dictate her future.

He walked through the door and paused.

The energy in the house had shifted.

“What the—?” Wayne muttered internally.

Peter was lounging on the living room couch like he owned the place, wine glass in hand.

“Well, look who’s back,” Peter said with a smug grin, lifting his glass in a mock toast.

Wayne froze, eyes narrowing. Gift stood nearby, her expression twisted with open contempt.

“My dear poor son-in-law. Here’s the son-in-law-to-be,” she said, voice dripping with condescension, clearly speaking for Wayne’s benefit. “I promise you, Lena won’t have a choice. She’ll submit to Peter eventually. I’d bet everything on it, whatever charm you’re using to hold her down would not work this time.” Her face with twisted looks of disdain towards Wayne

Peter snorted. “But ma, she’s still married, isn’t she? Looks like she’s still clinging to that pauper. Stubborn woman.”

Wayne stood silently, unmoved. Lena wasn’t home—he noted that first.

Peter continued, smug. “I’d speak to my father. Getting that contract for Lena is really nothing to me. We’re worth billions in my family.”

“Exactly,” Gift chimed in. “Unlike some people who feed off a woman’s income. Pathetic, really.”

Wayne gave a small bow of his head, lips curling in the faintest smile.

“What’s funny, huh? You old fool!” Peter snapped, instantly irritated by Wayne’s composed silence.

With a sudden flourish, Peter tossed his wine onto Wayne’s shirt.

“You dare mock your mother-in-law? You ungrateful parasite!”

He stepped forward aggressively, puffed up by entitlement and the safety of his family’s wealth.

“Dear, let it go,” Gift muttered, tugging on Peter’s arm. “He’s already finished. He’ll be back on the streets where he belongs.”

Peter sneered. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood. One call, and my guys would leave you begging for a hospital bed.”

Wayne didn’t blink.

If only you knew… one call from me could erase your entire family from existence, he thought silently.

They stormed out in a storm of insults, slamming the door behind them.

Wayne pulled out his phone and called Lena.

“Hello? Where are you?” he asked gently.

Her voice came sharp, tired, on the other end. “Not in a good mood, Wayne. What now?”

He paused. He could hear the weight in her voice—the pressure, the fatigue.

He wanted to ease that burden. And before he could stop himself, the words came:

“I found a way to secure the contract. Just come home, and let’s talk.”

There was a pause—then her tone shifted, surprised and hopeful.

“Wait—what? Really? What happened?”

Wayne kept the moment alive.

“I had a close relationship with Grandpa as y’all know before he passed. He entrusted me with certain assets. We can use them to get the contract directly from Mr. Arnold. We don’t need Peter.”

She exhaled deeply, somewhere between disbelief and relief.

“…Alright. I’m heading home anyway,” she said, ending the call.

Wayne immediately dialed Zack.

“Contact Mr. Arnold. Let him know someone will visit his office tomorrow. He must sign the deal with her. And Zack…”

“Yes, sir?”

“…Do not reveal my identity to even Mr Arnold or anyone .” He emphasized that just to be able to maneuver his plans.

“Understood, Master,” Zack said without hesitation.