THE EXILED LORD

CHAPTER 4

The airport buzzed with hushed conversations as a fleet of luxury cars lined up at the entrance, their polished surfaces gleaming under the afternoon sun. The sight alone was enough to make travelers stare and pause in curiosity.

"Who do these belong to?" someone murmured.

"Look at that convoy… it’s not just any rich businessman," another whispered. "That’s Wilson Brown’s fleet!"

At the mention of Wilson Brown, the city's most feared and untouchable mafia boss, the murmurs turned into gasps of disbelief.

Wilson rarely made public appearances, and yet here he was, personally leading the convoy.

Just as people were still digesting this revelation, the airport doors slid open.

A tall man with an imposing aura strode out, his dark eyes scanning the area lazily, as if he owned the very ground he walked on.

He was dressed in a fitted black suit, his presence commanding respect without him even uttering a single word.

This dashing man was none other than Luca Ashford himself.

The air seemed to shift as Wilson Brown stepped forward, his expression turning from cold indifference to deep reverence.

"Boss," Wilson greeted, his voice carrying a tone of utmost respect. Then, under everyone’s stunned gazes, he bowed slightly.

The crowd erupted into chaos, they couldn't believe their eyes.

*Gasps!*

“What is going on?”

“Does the great Wilson have a boss?” Another asked as the sight before him felt unbelievable.

“Who is he bowing to?”

"What? Wilson Brown just bowed to him? Wait a minute, does Wilson Brown have a boss?”

"Who the hell is that guy? Even the mafia king treats him with such respect even to the point of calling him boss?"

Luca merely smirked and patted Wilson’s shoulder as if the man was an old friend.

"You look like a real success now," he remarked casually, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

Wilson straightened and lowered his head slightly. "No matter how much I achieve, I will always be your most loyal servant, Boss."

The whispers turned into murmurs and gossips.

Who exactly was this man?

Without another word, Luca got into Wilson’s car, and the fleet of vehicles roared to life, speeding toward the Thornton estate.

Just as the convoy disappeared into the distance, a woman stepped out of the airport, Marina Ward.

She had just returned from an overseas trip, exhausted yet sharp-eyed as always.

As she gazed across the parking area, her eyes locked onto the tail end of the luxury convoy driving away.

For a moment, her breath caught up in her throat.

"That man in the backseat… he looked just like Luca Ashford," she muttered under her breath.

But her subordinate, a composed woman in a sleek suit, frowned upon hearing that and said,

"That convoy belongs to Wilson Brown, the most powerful mafia boss in the city. Mr. Ashford couldn’t possibly be in his car, you know."

Marina exhaled, forcing out a laugh. "Ahh! You're right. I must be seeing things… After all, the Luca Ashford I know could never be associated with someone like Wilson Brown."

But even as she spoke those words, an unshakable feeling stirred within her, she still felt it wasn't that way.

Was it truly a mistake? But why would she imagine that it was Luca Ashford she saw?

Marina just couldn't put her mind into it.

“Let's go!” She uttered and her subordinate bowed and followed her.

*****

The convoy pulled up just outside the grand Thornton estate.

Luca stepped out of the vehicle, his sharp gaze scanning the familiar surroundings.

*Sigh* He smiled as he took a deep breath.

He then turned to Wilson who was standing beside him;

"Leave with your men," he instructed.

Wilson hesitated for a split second; “But…” before nodding. "Understood, Boss."

As Wilson’s convoy disappeared, Luca ascended the front steps and knocked on the heavy wooden door.

It swung open to reveal a middle-aged man with some grey hair and a dignified presence.

For a moment, his expression was guarded until his eyes landed on Luca, he couldn't believe his eyes.

A beat of silence passed. Then recognition dawned.

“Luca, Luca is that you?” Leon Thornton, the head of the Thornton family, spoke in disbelief.

A slow smile spread across Luca’s face, "It’s been a long time, Uncle Leon."

Leon’s face broke into a rare, genuine smile as he stepped forward and embraced Luca.

"I never thought I’d see you again! You've grown into a fine young man."

Luca chuckled, stepping back and said;

"I owe you and your family a lot. You took us in when my father and I had nowhere else to go, I will never forget."

Leon waved him off. "Nonsense. You were family then, and you’re family now."

But before the warmth of their reunion could settle, a sharp female voice sliced through the air.

"Is that the stray dog coming back to our house? Why would you open the door for someone like that?"

Luca turned toward the voice, his gaze meeting the cold, disdainful eyes of June Thorton. She is the mother of Amelia.

She crossed her arms, her lips curled in mockery, her eyes full of contempt, she uttered;

"I really don't understand why my husband agreed to let a man like you of all people to marry my precious daughter, you are not worthy of her."

Luca’s smile didn’t waver, but his eyes darkened, a silent storm brewing within them.

If it were in the Quarry, she wouldn't dare speak to him like that, he didn't want to retaliate his smile was still warm, he said;

“Hello Aunt June, it's been a while.”

“Apparently, not long enough! Since you are in my home, if you have any iota of shame left, you will go back to the hell hole you crawled out from.”

Lucas was already pissed, but there was no need to show it, he remained silent and kept smiling.

He was somewhat used to it, June had never liked him from the beginning, so he was certain this would happen.