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THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR OUTSMARTING DEATH 1
The faint sound of music and laughter from the party outside the closet reached Marvin’s ears, but it felt distant—like it was happening on another world entirely. Inside the small, dimly lit closet, Marvin’s world was rapidly closing in. The walls seemed to shrink, suffocating him with every passing second. His heart raced, the pulse in his temples were loud and clear. Outside, the partygoers were oblivious to the danger that loomed so close. The night was young, filled with laughter and celebration, but for Marvin, it was about to become a nightmare.His mind raced. There were four men with him inside the closet, armed with machetes and they were getting closer. The leader, with his cruel smile, was practically savoring every second of the moment. Marvin knew he could fight—he had fought before—but this wasn’t the time for brute force. The odds were stacked against him. Three of them had weapons, and he had no room to move.What was worse, however, was the risk of exposure. If
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR OUTSMARTING DEATH 2
Marvin took a slow step forward, making them flinch. His voice dropped, calm but ominous, as if he were casually describing the weather. "You see, there’s a reason no one who tries to corner me lives to tell the tale. You think that my rivals are afraid of me only because of my schemes? No, gentlemen."His eyes flickered faintly, a subtle glow started forming at the edges. "They are afraid of what happens when I stop holding back."The faint glow from Marvin’s eyes wasn’t all—the air in the closet shifted. A low hum began to build, barely perceptible, but enough to make the machetes in the men’s hands tremble. Marvin wasn’t fully activating the Synapticore, but just enough to create the illusion of something catastrophic building.The leader’s smirk wavered, replaced by a flicker of unease. The other men shifted nervously, their grips tightening on their weapons as they exchanged uncertain glances. "What’s he doing?" one of the machete men hissed to the leader, with a cracking voice
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR BURNING RAGE
The name burned in his mind like acid. Marvin’s jaw tightened as he pushed past a group of partygoers without so much as a glance. Luiz was the only one who had been with him the entire time. The only one who could have known his movements, his disguise, his plans.Marvin’s mind raced as the pieces began to fall into place. Luiz had always been jumpy, always sweating at the mere mention of Victor Vayne. But tonight, that unease had been more pronounced. Marvin hadn’t thought much of it at first—even though Luiz was fund of putting on a hard exterior, he wasn't much that hard.He was easily spooked. But now, after the ambush in the closet, Marvin couldn’t ignore the obvious."He sold me out."Marvin’s teeth ground together as his anger flared. He believed Luiz Tarejo was the one who had betrayed him, no doubt tipping off Victor Vayne’s men. The ambush had been too precise, too deliberate to be a coincidence. And the fact that his own man had revealed his real name—Marvin Richmond—c
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR WHEN DOUBT CREEPS IN
Marvin’s grip tightened ever so slightly. He leaned in, his voice was a low growl that only Luiz could hear."You’re going to tell me everything," Marvin hissed. "Right here, right now."Luiz’s breath hitched, his face turned pale and drenched in sweat as he tried to muster a response. Luiz winced slightly, biting down on his lip to avoid crying out. Despite the pain, he forced himself to appear calm, glancing nervously at the surrounding guests.“What… wha… what do y-you mean?” Luiz stammered, his voice was shaky but low enough not to draw attention.Marvin leaned in closer, his lips near Luiz’s ear. His voice was cold and cutting, like ice slicing through flesh.“You can pretend all you like, but I am aware of your stance against me in my fight against Victor Vayne,” Marvin hissed. “Now tell me… how far has the news spread?”Luiz’s eyes widened in shock, and his lips trembled. “Marvin, no! What are you talking about? I haven’t betrayed you!” he whispered, his Spanish accent was thi
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR A CALL FOR LEVERAGE
Marvin narrowed his eyes and frowned deeply at Luiz Tarejo, studying the man’s trembling form with cold intensity. Luiz swallowed hard, his throat went dry as he avoided Marvin's gaze, his breathing was uneven and shallow. For a long moment, the air between them felt suffocating, and it was heavy with unspoken accusations and tension.Without breaking eye contact, Marvin reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. The click of the screen unlocking sent a jolt through Luiz, who instinctively shifted on his feet but dared not move further.Marvin dialed a number, his fingers were steady despite the storm brewing inside him. When the call connected, he spoke with a calm but firm voice that carried a weight of authority."Hello, Uncle Christopher."The voice on the other end responded almost immediately. It was deep and warm with a hint of concern. "Hello, Marvin. What’s going on?"Marvin’s jaw tightened as he turned slightly, ensuring no one else could overhear. "Uncle, I’m in
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR A SHADOW IN THE LOUNGE
Luiz Tarejo hesitated, his palms were clammy as he gestured nervously toward the far end of the lavish hall. “The VIP lounge is through that door, Marvin… I mean, Mr. Woods. Please, this way.” His voice trembled slightly, betraying his unease.Marvin, alias Isaiah Woods, followed Luiz with steady, deliberate steps. His dark coat swayed with his movements, and the hat on his head added an air of mystery that made heads turn as they walked past the curious onlookers. Luiz led the way, occasionally glancing back at Marvin, his nervous energy was palpable.As they entered the lounge, the atmosphere shifted. The room was filled with elegantly dressed individuals seated around a grand table. Plates of exquisite dishes and sparkling glasses of wine were already in front of them, and lively chatter filled the air. The guests seemed relaxed, laughing and sharing stories, but their voices hushed when Luiz stepped in with Marvin behind him.All eyes turned to Marvin. His presence was command
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR A LESSON IN POISE
The steward walked away gracefully, his polished shoes made soft clicks against the tiled floor. Marvin resumed eating his meal, his movements were calm and measured as though he was unbothered by the subtle tension lingering in the room. The fork in his hand glided effortlessly over the tender steak, and he chewed in silence, ignoring the whispers and curious glances still directed his way.Victor Vayne, however, wasn’t one to let things slide so easily. He leaned forward, his sharp eyes narrowing at Marvin. “So, Mr. Woods,” he began, his tone was casual but carrying an edge. “I’ve been meaning to ask you a few things.”Marvin didn’t respond immediately, his attention was focused on cutting another piece of his food. Victor’s lips twitched with irritation, but he pressed on.Victor Vayne leaned in, his sharp eyes were gleaming with curiosity and a hint of mischief. “First question,” he said, his tone was deliberate. “If you were offered two investments—one that promises quick retu
THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR PANIC AT THE TABLE
Victor Vayne froze, still staring at the stiff, coiled snake on his plate. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his forced smile twitched. His mind raced, but he refused to lose face in front of his guests, no matter how strange or horrifying the situation seemed.The guests were equally stunned. Some sat back in their chairs, their faces pale and filled with uncertainty. A few whispered nervously to one another, glancing between Victor and the snake. Others shifted in their seats, as if preparing to leave the table at the slightest provocation.Marvin, however, remained completely calm. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, his expression was as composed as ever. It was as if the chaos unfolding before him was no more concerning than the meal he had just finished. His demeanor stood in sharp contrast to the tension gripping the room.Victor, desperate to restore control, raised a hand and cleared his throat loudly, forcing the murmurs to quiet. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began,
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THE MOTHER, THE FRANCHISE, THE FUTURE
Three Months LaterIt had been three long months since Marvin’s burial.The pain didn’t leave. It only changed form. It sank deeper inside Stella Orion.She was now five months pregnant. Her belly had grown round and full. Her skin had stretched, and her steps had slowed. Her face looked tired—more pale than usual. The glow people often said pregnant women had was missing. Instead, her eyes carried deep sadness.Because of her intense grief, her health had weakened. The doctors had warned that the stress was too much. To help her stay stable, they inserted a special injection line into her wrist—an IV drip that gave her strength, vitamins, and kept her hydrated. It was always connected when she had to attend meetings or go out in public.Today was one of those days.She had a very important meeting with the board members and investors of her advanced cosmic energy franchise. They had all gathered to discuss the future of the company Marvin helped her build.Even though she was pregn
THE GRIEF OF ORION
Right inside the great Orion Family Estate, a large number of people gathered in silence for the burial of Marvin Richmond. The sky was cloudy. The wind was gentle, yet it carried the weight of sorrow. Flowers were laid everywhere. Men in black suits stood quietly around. A white canopy covered the sitting area. Some people wore black, others deep blue, but everyone’s face showed pain.Inside the mansion, in a special hall designed for mourning, Stella Orion stood beside a long coffin. It was made of dark brown wood, polished until it shined. But it was not the beauty of the coffin that held her attention—it was who lay inside.Marvin.Her Marvin.Stella was on her knees, her hands were trembling as they rested on the edge of the coffin. Tears ran freely down her cheeks. Her eyes were red. Her nose was blocked from crying too much. She looked down at his peaceful face. He looked like he was only sleeping. But he wasn’t.He was gone.“No… no…” she whispered, shaking her head slowl
BLOOD ON THE TILES
“Yes, my love,” Marvin replied gently, his voice was calm and warm. “I trust them.”But on the other end of the call, Stella’s voice trembled. Her doubt couldn’t be hidden.“Marvin… these people… they’re not like us. They play by different rules. One moment they’re your allies, and the next…” she paused, swallowing. “They stab you in the back. Please, don’t take chances. I beg you. Just say the word, let my men come and pick you from the airport instead of the Bowens.”Marvin stood still for a moment, her words were echoing in his mind. He stared into the distance, eyes were cold but thoughtful.“I understand how you feel,” he said softly. “I know you’re scared. I would be too if I were in your shoes. But you don’t have to be. I’ve prepared for this. Every step, every move—it's all planned out. Carl is part of that plan. I didn’t come here blindly, Stella. I know who to trust.”“But—” she tried to protest.“Shhh…” Marvin interrupted, his voice soothing, like a warm blanket on a cold n
ALLIES OR ASSASSINS
Suddenly, Marvin’s phone vibrated in his pocket.His eyes opened slowly. He had forgotten to switch it to airplane mode.He reached into his coat and brought it out. The screen lit up. It was Uncle Christopher.He answered at once. “Hello, Uncle.”“Marvin,” the old man’s deep voice came through clearly. “How’s everything? Have you made it through the airport checks? You know this journey isn’t an ordinary one.”“I passed through the necessary protocols,” Marvin replied calmly. “I’m already on the plane. We’re about to take off. Next stop—Westwood.”There was a short pause before Uncle Christopher responded. “Okay. That’s fair.”Before Marvin could say more, the flight attendant approached. She leaned slightly toward him, speaking politely but firmly.“Sir, please end your call and switch your phone to airplane mode now.” the flight attendant requested.“It’s for your safety, sir,” she said gently. “Phones can interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems during takeoff.
WESTWOOD HERE I COME
The sun was just rising when a sleek black Bentley Bentayga rolled smoothly out of uncle Christopher's gated mansion. Inside, Marvin sat quietly, dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath. A sleek, dark overcoat draped over his shoulders, and a silver wristwatch gleamed subtly on his wrist. His posture was relaxed but commanding, his clean-cut appearance giving him an air of quiet power. He looked healthy—stronger, sharper, and more focused than ever before. His eyes were cold, scanning his surroundings with precision, but inside him, a fire was burning.The driver didn’t speak. He only focused on the road. Beside Marvin, a silver suitcase sat firm, containing only what he truly needed. Two enforcers sat in the front seat—members of the elite guard chosen by Uncle Christopher himself.As they approached Neovalle Airport, the early morning light reflected off the airport’s tall glass buildings. Flights were already taking off. People rushed in and out of t
GHOST OR GLADIATOR
The Prime Minister didn’t flinch. He looked straight into Marvin’s eyes, his voice was dropping to a grim tone.“Marvin, listen to me carefully. The Richmond family did not all agree on what happened to you.”Marvin’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”The Prime Minister sighed deeply, then leaned forward.“Our family… the Richmonds… we are not united anymore. We’re divided into two strong factions.”He raised two fingers to make his point.“One side—your side—believes you fought bravely. They believe that if not for your sacrifice and bold stand, the Richmonds would never have gotten a voice with regards to the attainment of the Astralyte. They believe you deserve protection and honor, not death.”Marvin listened closely.“These ones are loyal to the legacy of our founder, Paul Richmond. They know what you’ve done. And they will never support any attack on your life.”A small breath of relief escaped Marvin’s lips.But the Prime Minister wasn’t done.He slowly lowered his hand, his v
THE ELIMINATION ORDER
Marvin’s eyes remained fixed on the strange man in the silver mask. His heart thumped harder with every passing second.The mark of the Synapticore glowed faintly on the man’s forehead—proof that this visitor was not just anyone. He was one of them. One of the Coven of Elders, the one who passed the decree against the extraction of the Astralyte.Marvin’s lips parted slightly, but words failed him. He tried to sit up more in bed, with eyes that were narrowed in disbelief.The man took one step forward and spoke again—his voice was smooth and calm, yet carrying an odd electric tone that seemed to buzz through the air.“Good day, Mr. Marvin,” the man greeted again, his voice sending chills down Marvin’s spine.Marvin finally found his voice, though his words came out slower than usual.“G-Good day,” he replied, still staring at the mask. “I know that mark, I know you… You’re from the Coven of Elders… from Westwood…”Before he could say more, the door opened again.Uncle Christopher ste
SHE HATES ME... BUT SHE LOVES ME
Uncle Christopher sighed and stepped closer to Marvin, lowering his voice.“It’s not severe,” he said softly. “At least, not yet. The doctors say there’s hope… but it’s going to take time. A lot of care, patience, and the right treatment. This condition… it doesn’t heal in a week or two. But she can get better.”Marvin’s jaw tightened. His heart felt heavy, but he nodded slowly.Without a word, he reached for the wheels of his chair and rolled himself closer to the bed.The sound of the wheels on the tiled floor echoed in the quiet room.When he stopped just beside her, he reached out and gently touched her wrist.“Helena…” he said softly. “It’s me. It’s Marvin.”At first, she didn’t react. Her eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.Then slowly, her head turned—and her eyes were locked onto his.But instead of relief or recognition, her face twisted in confusion and disgust.“No…” she whispered. “No, you’re not him.”Her voice rose slightly. “Get away from me! You’re not my Marvin. You’r
WHAT BROKE HELENA
Uncle Christopher’s eyes narrowed.He stepped closer to Marvin and crossed his arms.“This isn’t just about Helena… or your father,” he said. “It’s bigger than that. What you did at the last WG-8 Summit… it shook Westwood to its core.”Marvin blinked.“My speech?”Uncle Christopher nodded slowly.“You gave out information that no one thought you had access to. You exposed secret dealings, illegal contracts, and power abuses—especially from the leaders of the Power Families. The entire Council of Elders turned on them that day. You embarrassed them… and you made enemies.”Marvin’s brows furrowed.“But… why would they see me as a threat?” he asked. “I’m based here in Neovalle. I run a solar based tech company. My focus is innovation. I don’t even want anything in Westwood. Even when I finally get to hold the Astralyte… my goals haven’t changed. It's not like I intend to conquer Westwood.”Uncle Christopher gave a slow, tired nod.“I know, Marvin. I know you’re not after thrones or terri
