THE DOCTOR THAT KILLS

Power comes at a price

Chapter 6

Adrian sat still, eyes locked on Drake. His heart was racing, not from fear… but from something deeper. Something awakening.

He could barely process the truth.

He was an heir, He has an hidden legacy. How?

The room was silent except for the soft hum of the air conditioner.

Finally, Adrian asked, voice steady but low.

“Why did I collapse earlier? What happened to me?”

Drake leaned back in his seat, studying him carefully.

“You tried to use your gift… while it was still dormant.” Drake said, and then paused, studying Adrian's reaction

“And every power… comes at a price.” He added

Adrian’s brows furrowed. His heart skipped a bit

“What price?”

Drake stood and walked to the window, drawing the curtain slightly to let in a sliver of light.

“That’s not for me to answer. You’ll have to find that out on your own. But the more you push your gift without understanding it…”

He looked over his shoulder.

"The heavier the price becomes.”

Adrian swallowed hard.

"What do you mean?" He asked slightly troubled. He thought back to the hospital, to the lobby and then the collapse. Could all of it really be connected to him… awakening?

“You said I have no idea who I really am,” Adrian said.

“So where do I start?”

Drake turned, his faint smirk returning.

“It starts with taking back what’s rightfully yours. What your parents died protecting. What your grandfather, Mr. Walker Zhao, has been guarding for two decades.”

Adrian blinked. “Mr. Walker Zhao?... Wait, the actual Mr. Walker Zhao!” Somehow the name seemed too familiar for him to forget

Walker Zhao is a name that no one dares mention, he is the personality of power himself, and he leads one of the family's that controls the world power

And now, that man is his grandfather?!

How?

Drake nodded once. “The very same. The man who built an empire that stretches beyond borders. And now… you’re the sole heir to it.”

Adrian’s mouth parted, but no words came out. This was too much.

“I know,” Drake said softly, “It’s a lot. But believe me when I say, your power, your influence… even we, who seem untouchable in this world, pale in comparison to what you carry in your blood.”

Drake gave a slight bow. “We are nothing before you.”

Adrian’s jaw tensed. “You’re joking, right? Y...y.. you the CEO of Diamond Group? You're one of the richest men in America. And Madam Graciela? No one dares breathe wrong in her presence!”

“And yet,” Drake replied, smiling, “before you, we bow.”

Adrian opened his mouth, then shut it again. He looked like someone who’d been hit by five plot twists in a single breath.

His thoughts ran wild and far...

What is he supposed to do now? What does all this mean for his life? How does he even begin to live like an heir?

He was about to say something when a knock was planted on the door, and few seconds later the door opened, one of the suited bodyguards entered and bowed.

“Pardon the interruption, Lord Adrian. Madam Graciela requests your presence.”

Adrian arched a brow. “May I ask why?”

“Her daughter was recently discharged from the hospital. She is hosting a welcome party to celebrate her return to the country and has personally invited you.”

Drake turned to Adrian, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Adrian rose slowly, still digesting everything.

“Does everyone around here know something I don’t?”

Drake laughed softly. “That’s the fun of being a Zhao, your name opens doors long before you do.”

“You can choose to decline, if you don't want to grace the occasion, Lord Adrian,” Drake said, with a smile

Adrian shifted uncomfortably. He doesn't even have anything suitable to wear…

Drake, still grinning, said, “That won’t be a problem. I’ll send men to Dior Group immediately. They’ll escort you and make sure you’re dressed in your status. Something worthy of Lord Adrian Zhao.”

Adrian blinked. “Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?” Drake asked innocently.

“Reading my mind! It’s creepy,” Adrian said, half-serious, half-horrified.

“It’s not my fault your thoughts are loud,” Drake said with a dramatic sigh, then added with a wink, “Besides, someone has to make sure you don’t faint from anxiety again.”

Adrian gave him a flat look. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

Who would believe that, a business God like Drake Williams, could smile this broadly.. He is a feared business personality, and those that sees him smile are less than five in the world

But here he was smiling in front of the almighty heir to the most respected family in the whole of Asia continent

Before him, he was nothing

Drake looked at Adrian for a while and chuckled. “But in all honesty, Adrian… I don’t see myself as your servant. Or even just a subordinate. I’ve known about you since you were a child. I’m here to walk with you, not behind you.”

There was something in his tone, something steady, warm, even friendly.

“I’ll protect you. But more than that… I hope we become allies. Maybe even friends.”

Adrian stared at him.

For the first time in a long while, something inside him softened. The world was spinning fast, but Drake’s words grounded him.

Maybe… he didn’t have to face all of this alone.

He exhaled deeply and looked at drake again, “So... Madam Graciela’s daughter. She’s the one I healed, right?”

Drake nodded. “Valentina Vaughn. Supermodel. America's sweetheart. Ever heard of her?”

“I’ve seen her face on billboards,” Adrian admitted.

Drake shrugged. “You’re about to see her in person. I just thought you should be… emotionally prepared.”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. “Why does it sound like you're trying to set me up?”

“Me?” Drake gasped, mock offended. “Never. I’m just here to make sure my future best friend doesn’t embarrass himself at his first high-society event.”

“Best friend?” Adrian repeated dryly.

“Well, we’re working on it,” Drake replied with a cheeky grin.