THE TRILLIONAIRE'S WRATH: RISE OF THE FALLEN SON-IN-LAW

CHAPTER 011: The Master's Room

The morning sun hit the mansion, but it didn't bring any warmth. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of burnt coffee and bitterness.

Bernadette Hastings stood at the top of the stairs, her silk robe fluttering behind her. She looked down at the foyer, where Thiago was calmly eating an apple. He looked far too comfortable for a man who had been a prisoner only weeks ago.

"I’ve called the lawyers, Thiago," Bernadette shouted, her voice echoing off the high ceilings. "The 'Debt Observer' rule only applies to the office space and common areas. It does not give you the right to stay in this house overnight. Pack your things and get out before I have the guards drag you to the curb."

Thiago didn't look up. He took another bite of the apple, chewed slowly, and then pulled a single sheet of paper from his pocket. He walked up the stairs, his boots thumping heavily on the carpet.

"You missed the fine print, Bernadette," he said, stopping just one step below her. He was taller, and the way he looked at her made her feel small.

"What is this?" she hissed, snatching the paper.

"It’s an itemized list of the assets seized by Rad & Co.," Thiago said. "Since your family used the house as collateral for your latest failed loan, the company now owns every piece of furniture inside. That includes the art, the rugs, and..." He pointed a finger toward her bedroom door. "...that custom-made bed you’re so proud of."

Bernadette’s face went white. "You can't be serious."

"The company has decided that the Master Suite is the most suitable office for the Observer," Thiago continued, his voice cold. "I’m moving my things in now. You can take the small maid’s room next to the kitchen. I hear it’s very quiet."

"The maid's room?" Bernadette shrieked. "That’s where the help sleeps! I am a Hastings! I will not sleep on a cot while a janitor sleeps in my bed!"

"Then sleep on the floor," Thiago said. He gestured to the two heavy leather suitcases sitting by the front door. "And since you’re already standing there, you can help me move in. My back is a bit sore from those prison bunks."

Henry came running out of his study, his face red. "Thiago, stop this! You’ve gone too far! You can't humiliate her like this!"

Thiago turned his silver eyes toward Henry. "I spent five years in a room the size of a closet because of you two. Humiliation is just the beginning. Now, Bernadette... the bags. Pick them up."

Bernadette looked at the guests and staff who were peering from the corners of the hallway. Her pride was screaming. She looked at Henry, but he looked away, terrified of the legal papers Thiago held.

With trembling hands, Bernadette walked down the stairs. She grabbed the handle of the first heavy suitcase. It was packed with Thiago’s new, expensive gear. She strained, her face turning red as she hauled the bag up the stairs, step by step. Thiago watched her, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"Faster, Bernadette," Thiago teased. "I have a lot of work to do today."

***

While Bernadette was struggling with the bags, Thiago walked toward the back of the house. He looked around and for a moment he wished he had his sister with him, by his side.

“I promise you Tamia, I will avenge you, they will all pay”

Before he could say more, the door burst open. It was Henry. He looked panicked.

"Thiago!!" Henry yelled. "There’s someone at the gate. A man in a suit. He says he’s from the bank, but he won't show his ID to anyone."

Thiago straightened his suit. "I’ll handle it. Go back to your room, Henry. Or what’s left of it."

Thiago walked to the front gate. A man was standing there, holding a black briefcase. It was Stephen Williams, the Fixer. He looked at Thiago and gave a very slight nod.

"Is there a problem, Stephen?" Thiago asked loudly, making sure Henry, who was listening at the window, could hear.

"No problem, sir," Stephen said, playing along. "But we found a discrepancy in the Hastings' tax filings. It seems they’ve been hiding a property. A warehouse near the Jersey docks. It wasn't listed in the bankruptcy filing."

Thiago’s heart skipped a beat. The warehouse. That was where David was being kept.

"Is it active?" Thiago asked.

"Power is running to it," Stephen replied. "And a medical supply truck arrived there an hour ago. If there’s something in there they don't want us to see, they’re probably moving it right now."

Thiago looked back at the mansion. He saw Bernadette staring at him from the balcony of the Master Suite, her eyes full of hate. He realized she had agreed to move the bags just to distract him.

Suddenly, Thiago’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from the unknown number.

[THEY ARE LOADING THE CRATE. FIVE MINUTES UNTIL THE BOAT LEAVES. IF THE CRATE GOES IN THE WATER, THE BOY IS GONE FOREVER.]

Thiago didn't say a word. He followed the instructions last time and it turned out late. But he has to try again, He turned and ran toward his car, leaving the gates open.

Henry and Bernadette watched from the balcony. Henry let out a nervous laugh. "He's running! We did it! He's scared!"

Bernadette didn't laugh. She watched Thiago’s car scream down the driveway. "He's not scared, Henry. He's hunting. And if he finds what's in that warehouse, we won't just be poor. We'll be dead."

They looked at each other trying to grab what may be the outcome of it all but they are prepared for anything, as long as they destroy him.