Sovereign Son-in-Law: Rise from The Ashes.

CHAPTER SIX.

6.

A bunch of black Range Rovers screeched to a halt outside the Galton lounge, and heads swung their way. People waiting to meet Mr. Galton inside the hotel couldn't believe their eyes. The cars were shiny and black, and the low rumble of the engines seemed to shout, Power! Finn got out of the first car, a band on his wrist glinting. He walked coolly, like he owned the place.

The waiting crowd was itching with curiosity. Whispers flew fast. Who's that? someone asked. Is he Valia royalty? another wondered. Everyone stared, unsure what to make of the guy swaggering in with such confidence.

Inside, Elara spotted him first. Her eyes popped, then her brother-in-law and brother saw him too. Adrian, who was crushing on her, just froze. They hurried over, looking ticked off. What are you doing here? Elara snapped, blocking his path. Who said you could come here and mess with us?

Her brother-in-law and brother jumped in, raising their voices. You don't belong here. Get lost before you embarrass yourself, they yelled, piling on the insults, calling him a nobody with no money or reason to be there. They warned him he'd be tossed out and beaten before Mr. Galton even showed up, so he should leave with some shred of dignity.

The crowd buzzed, shocked by the scene. Some sneered, others gawked, but Finn ignored them, his eyes glued to the hotel entrance. The charity thing inside was supposed to be exclusive, but he wasn't backing down.

Darius stepped up, fuming. You can't go in there. No way. Mr. Galton won't even look at you, he sneered, trying to block Finn, raising a hand like he'd hit him.

Finn's voice was calm but firm. Give me ten seconds, he said. Ten seconds to show you what's what.

The crowd snickered, thinking it was impossible. Who does he think he is? someone whispered. Darius's face darkened as he moved closer, trying to scare Finn even more.

Quick as lightning, Finn grabbed Darius mid-lunge and tossed him back a few feet. That's the last time you raise a hand to me, Finn warned, his voice steady. The crowd went silent, stunned.

Ignoring the insults from Elara and her family, Finn went to the door where the bouncers stood. They were about to stop him, but he showed them the band on his wrist. They froze, then bowed deeply. One spoke quickly into his radio, calling Mr. Galton.

Everyone watching couldn't believe it. The guy they were just mocking was now bossing the guards around. The crowd whispered, Who *is* he? How's he ordering the guards?

Elara stormed closer, her voice shaking with anger. This isn't happening. Why is he here? Who does he think he is?

Her brother-in-law and brother shouted, He can't go in! He's nothing! Mr. Galton won't even spit on him!

Adrian was just speechless, trying to wrap his head around how Finn, the guy they all looked down on, was suddenly in charge.

Finn's eyes scanned the room. He locked eyes with the doorman showed what he was wearing on his wrist. He checked every weakness, hesitation, and hidden motive. He could feel the tension in the crowd. He didn't need to say anything. Just being there demanded respect.

The insults kept coming, but they didn't faze him. You're nothing! You have no money! You can't come in here! someone shouted. Finn just waited.

A moment later, the doors to the lobby swung open, and everyone looked over. Mr. Galton walked in, his eyes locked on Finn. He walked right up to him, nodding with a calm smile.

The crowd gasped. Elara, her family, and Adrian were stunned. This can't be real, Elara whispered. Who is he?

Darius's jaw dropped. He couldn't understand how Mr. Galton, someone so important, had come to greet Finn. Every insult he'd thrown seemed pointless now.

Mr. Galton held out his hand to Finn. I've been expecting you, he said, his voice steady but friendly. Welcome, Lord Finn. It's an honor to have you here.

The crowd mumbled, trying to figure this out. Finn, the nobody they dismissed, was now getting the same respect as the most important person in the room.

Elara's face went from angry to confused, her mouth opening and closing silently. Her brother-in-law and brother were just as shocked. Adrian stepped back, looking frustrated and confused. None of them understood how Finn, the guy they had insulted and underestimated, had earned Mr. Galton's respect.

Finn looked Mr. Galton in the eye, feeling confident. He could feel the change, giving him an edge. He was starting to see the power he was about to have.

The bouncers and hotel staff stepped aside, making way for him. People stared in amazement as he walked through the crowd. The air around him seemed to crackle with and excitement.

Darius stepped up one last time, his eyes full of fury. This is impossible! No one bosses Mr. Galton around like that!

Finn didn't even flinch. He just lifted his chin and said calmly, I'm Lord Finn. And you'll learn some respect before this day is over.

Mr. Galton smiled slightly. Don't worry about them. Your path is clear. They'll find out who you are soon enough.

Finn looked around at the crowd, at Elara, her family, and Adrian. He wasn't scared, or unsure, just determined. The journey ahead was tough, but he was starting to grasp the power he now had.

This was just the beginning. And Finn Rowe knew nothing could stop him from getting to the top.