The Almighty Commander of Pyreking

Chapter 2

Across the driveway as the Ellis household erupted into a flurry of frantic preparations. Tailored gowns were brought in from high-end boutiques, and steam irons hissed in the hallway as servants rushed to meet Vivian’s demanding orders.

Vivian stood in the center of the living room, adjusting a glittering diamond necklace in front of a large mirror. She turned her head slightly, catching sight of Tristan carrying a bucket of water toward the front porch.

"Stop right there, Tristan," Vivian commanded with authority. "Put that bucket down and listen to me carefully."

Tristan paused and frowned, setting the bucket on the floor. He stared at her.

"Tonight is the most important night of Chloe’s life," Vivian said, her voice firm and sharp. "You are driving us to the Royal Treasure Auction in Trevor’s second car. But make no mistake, you are strictly the driver. You will wear a black cap, keep your head down, and stay near the vehicle."

“Why?”

“Why what?” she glared at him. “Trevor got us Three VIP tickets, and you aren't among those who will go inside. If you want to attend the event you should get yourself a ticket.”

Tristan shook his head, if he wanted the VIP ticket with a phone call he could get as many as he wants.

She looked him up and down, her lip curling in disgust. "Do not even think about stepping foot inside the main ballroom in that ragged outfit. If you embarrass us in front of Lord Bruce or the city’s upper class, I will throw you out onto the street before the night is over."

"Understood, Aunt Vivian," Tristan replied quietly.

He didn't argue, he knew that arguing with a woman blinded by social ambition was a waste of breath.

"Good. Now get outside and wipe down the car," she snapped, waving her hand dismissively as she turned back to her mirror. "Make sure there isn't a single speck of dust on the leather seats."

Tristan walked out into the driveway, taking a clean microfiber cloth. He began wiping down the body of the luxury BMW 7 Series, Trevor had left for them to use.

As he reached the passenger door, he heard footsteps approaching from behind the garden wall.

Trevor Rhodes was pacing back and forth, holding a cell phone pressed tightly to his ear.

Tristan lowered himself, his movements slowing as his military hearing picked up every word of the quiet conversation.

"Is the piece ready?" Trevor whispered into the phone, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Good. Make sure the chemical treatment on the jade looks completely authentic under the display lights."

There was a brief pause as the voice on the other end answered.

Trevor let out a low chuckle.

"Don't worry about the Ellis family," Trevor continued, his voice dripping with cold malice. "Vivian is obsessed with impressing Lord Bruce. She’s willing to empty every bank account they own just to secure that fake seal. Once she drops twelve million dollars on a piece of worthless carved resin, the Ellis family firm will go bankrupt overnight."

Trevor paused again, and continued with an evil smirk that formed around his lips.

"When they lose everything, Chloe will have no choice but to rely on me. She’ll marry me within a month, and my family will absorb all of Douglas Ellis’s remaining corporate assets for pennies on the dollar. Just keep your mouth shut and make sure the auctioneer pushes the bidding high."

Trevor ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket, unaware that Tristan was standing just a few feet away.

Tristan stood stunned for a moment, his jaw tightening as anger surged through his veins. Douglas had died protecting the nation, believing his family would be safe. Yet here was Trevor Rhodes, spinning a predatory web to destroy Douglas’s legacy and force Chloe into a trap.

Ten minutes later, Tristan walked back inside through the side entrance. The hallway was quiet for a brief moment as the household staff moved toward the upper floor to fetch Vivian’s luggage.

Chloe stepped out of her room, wearing a blue gown. Her hands were slightly trembling as she adjusted her bracelet, clearly engulfed by the financial gamble her mother was taking tonight.

"Chloe," Tristan said softly, stepping into the corridor.

Chloe turned, surprised to see him standing there. "Tristan, Is something wrong? The car is ready, right?"

Tristan looked directly into her eyes, his expression solemn. "Chloe, listen to me carefully. Do not let your mother bid on the green jade seal tonight. It’s a complete fake."

Chloe blinked in disbelief, taken aback by his word. "What are you talking about?"

"The seal being offered at the auction isn't an ancient Phoenix relic," Tristan explained, keeping his voice low but firm. "It’s a modern counterfeit made of chemically treated resin. Trevor is working with an underground forgery ring. He’s hyping up the bidding to force your mother into spending your entire family savings so your firm goes bankrupt."

Chloe’s eyes widened, a storm of confusion and doubt crossing her face. "Trevor? But Trevor has been helping us for months. Why would he do that?"

"Because he wants to strip your family of its assets and force you to depend on him," Tristan urged gently. "I heard him setting up the trap myself. Please, Chloe, trust me on this."

Chloe stared at Tristan, her lower lip trembling. Part of her wanted to believe the man who lived in her guest room, But the accusation was so unbelievable, that her mind struggled to process it.

"How could you possibly know if a historical seal is real or fake, Tristan?" Chloe whispered, her voice full of confusion. "You don't have any background in antiquities. You don't even have a college degree."

"What is going on here?"

A voice shattered the silence of the corridor.

Vivian marched down the stairs, her eyes blazing with fury as she caught sight of Tristan standing close to her daughter.

"Mother." Chloe started, but Vivian shoved her aside, stepping right into Tristan’s space.

"I knew it!" Vivian shouted glaring at Tristan in disgust. "I knew you were up to no good! What were you whispering to my daughter, you jealous trash?"

"I was telling her the truth, Aunt Vivian," Tristan said calmly, standing his ground. "The jade seal is a trap set by Trevor. If you bid on it tonight, you will lose everything."

"shut your filthy mouth!" Vivian screamed, her face flushed red with rage. "How dare you defame Young Master Trevor? He brought us VIP passes! He offered us a chance to connect with Lord Bruce! And you, an uneducated bum who spends his days drinking cheap coffee, have the nerve to slander a real gentleman?"

Two household maids stopped at the end of the hall, staring in shocked silence.

"You're just bitter because you see Chloe moving toward a life of luxury while you remain a nobody!" Vivian roared, her fingers trembling with fury. "You can't stand seeing us succeed. You want us to stay down in the dirt with you!"

"Mother, please, lower your voice." Chloe tried to intervene, tears pooling in her eyes.

"No, Chloe! I’ve tolerated this useless leech for six months because of your father's silly memory, but tonight he crossed the line!" Vivian yelled, taking a step forward.

SLAP!

The sound echoed sharply through the marble corridor.

Vivian’s palm struck Tristan across the left cheek with full force. The impact snapped his head slightly to the side.

Tristan’s body reacted on instinct. His feet automatically locked into a solid combat stance, his fist clenched like a loaded spring. A terrifying pressure radiated from his face, an aura that had once sent heart-stopping fear through enemy commanders on the battlefield.

Vivian gasped, instinctively flinching back a step as a cold chill ran through her spine. But Tristan forced his fist to unclenched. He gritted his teeth, swallowing the rising storm within his chest.

For Douglas, he reminded himself, his heart aching with heavy grief.

“I promised him I would protect them, even if they hate me.” He thought inwardly.

A tiny drop of blood trickled from the corner of Tristan’s lip, dripping slowly down his jaw line. He didn't raise a hand to wipe it away. He simply straightened his back, staring at Vivian with unfathomable eyes.

Vivian swallowed hard, trying to hide the sudden shudder that had run through her body. She pointed a trembling finger toward the front door.

"Wipe your filthy mouth and get out to the driver's seat!" Vivian spat, her voice shrill as she tried to regain control. "You will drive us to the Royal Grand Hotel this instant! And when we get there, you will sit in the parking lot like the dog you are and watch us become royalty!”