THE RETURN OF THE HIDDEN HEIR

Chapter 004: The Weight of Names and Consequences

The lobby had never been this silent. No, this one felt carved out of fear itself.

Dominic Santiago strode out of the elevator, the storm written on his face strong enough to make grown men seriously reconsider their life choices.

His eyes swept the room, landing on the sight of the four guards that surrounded Derrick Morgan. His expression shattered.

Vera stepped forward in a flurry of indignation. "Sir! Thank goodness you're here. This boy–this arrogant brat–barged in and claimed he knew you. I was just making sure security–"

The sound of Dominic's slap across Vera's face echoed through the marble lobby.

Vera staggered back, clutching her cheek in utter disbelief. Everyone gasped. Someone even dropped his tablet in shock.

Dominic Santiago had just slapped his secretary, and he didn't spare her a glance after that.

Instead, he turned to Derrick and bowed–a deep, respectful, humble bow.

"Sir...I sincerely apologize for their arrogance. I must have failed to manage my staff properly."

A murmur rippled through the lobby. They couldn't believe their eyes.

"B-bow?" Someone whispered. "He bowed? To him?"

Derrick waved a hand casually, more like the entire city's richest wasn't folded in half before him.

"It's alright. Just...try to clean up your mess."

With that, he turned away, walking toward the elevators as if the entire world as it is, parted for him.

Dominic straightened, his face darkening like a dangerous thundercloud as he slowly pivoted. Then he shot a glance at as much faces as he could.

"Every single person who disrespected Mr. Morgan today–fired! Not later, right now! And blacklist them from the entire industry and its associates."

"M-Mr. Santiago–" Vera pleaded, collapsing on her knees with a blanching face, "Please! It was a misunderstanding! You–you can't–"

"You have one minute to clear up your office, " he said without turning. "If you delay, the legal department will contact you."

Her mouth instantly snapped shut, and tears gathered her eyes. No one dared to move to help her.

Dominic turned to the rest of the employees. "For all of you. If anything like this ever happens again–if any of you as much as look at him wrong–you can as well pack up and leave. Understood?!"

A collective, terror-struck, "Yes, sir," echoed around the lobby.

Without another word, he spun around and rushed after Derrick.

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Upstairs.

The very moment they stepped into the private executive lounge, Dominic vibrated with excitement.

"Sir, you're finally back," he said, trying to keep his voice steady and professional. "I must put together a grand welcome banquet! The city needs to know–"

"That won't be necessary."

Derrick lowered into a leather chair and gently rubbed his forehead. "The city needs to mind its business."

Dominic nodded slowly. "Of course. Low profile."

"Perfect." Derrick leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "Now... let's talk about the letters. Tell me, what did you dig up?"

Dominic instantly stiffened. "Ah. Well. Sir... I must say, I owe you a formal apology."

"Just spill it."

"The documents are extremely old. Most of the ink had faded already. Only one of the letters was successfully deciphered and interpreted."

"Okay, then get to it already."

Dominic hesitated a bit, one that made Derrick furrow his brows. "What's the matter?"

"Well...sir...it happens to be–" he paused, then cleared his throat. "A marriage contract."

Derrick stared at him, then replied in a low voice. "Nope. I didn't hear that. You must be kidding–"

"I wish it were sir" Dominic interrupted, his brows furrowing. "But it's already too late."

Derrick instantly sat upright. "What do you mean, too late?"

"Mr. Rowan is fully aware of it."

Derrick shot to his feet. "Aware? Of what?–"

"He may have personally contacted the head of the other family. And he may have...secured the engagement himself. All for you, his much beloved disciple."

For a moment, Derrick said nothing. His jaw clenched, his breath shallow, and his eyes fixed sternly on Dominic. "My exposure was supposed to be confidential. He knows I'm meant to stay off the radar. Why would he risk this?"

Dominic took a moment before answering. "He said it was necessary. And...the other family accepted immediately."

Derrick turned away, walking towards the large window and pushing the blinds open with two fingers. "I need to speak with my master. Arrange a call."

"Sir...really, there's no need to worry," Dominic said carefully. "The engagement was arranged using your current identity."

Derrick froze and turned slowly. "What?"

"Of course, sir. The moment they heard you were Mr. Rowan's prized disciple, they made no objections. Not a single question was asked."

Derrick hesitated. "Which family is it?"

Dominic brightened. "The illustrious Lorenzo family. A very noble household, sir. Prestigious, respected–sir?"

Derrick had gone completely still, the shock draining every expression from his face.

"Are you alright sir?" Dominic asked, a hint of panic creeping in as he watched Derrick run a hand through his hair as he walked back to the leather chair. "Sir, is there anything I can do–"

"Not the Lorenzo family," Derrick muttered, shutting his eyes before sinking into the chair.

The Lorenzo family–Ivy's family. He'd looked into her background before she woke up that morning, and he'd learnt quickly that whenever people in the city mentioned Lorenzo, they referred to her family.

His vision slowly dimmed with a rush of anger. Of all families–how could he marry into that one?

Dominic kept going, oblivious of the conflict. "They're quite noble, sir. And their daughters are properly raised–"

"You have no idea," Derrick chipped in quietly, "you really don't."