The Return of The King Steven

Chapter 5

That morning came without mercy. 

The sky was slightly overcast, but bright enough to remind him that nothing could be hidden any longer.

Steven stood in front of the window of the cheap hotel room where he was staying temporarily. 

His hair was a little messy, his face tired, but his eyes... for the first time in years, they began to look alive. 

There was something there—a decisiveness that even he himself had almost forgotten he possessed.

The phone rang. The name that appeared: Leon, his loyal right-hand man since long ago.

"Sir, everything is ready," Leon's voice sounded firm.

"The company, personal assets, reports of all transfers to Mrs. Nora's business. Everything has been summarized. When would you like to make the announcement?"

"Not yet," replied Steven. 

"The first act wasn't about proving who I am. Nor was it about revealing my identity."

"Then what, sir?"

"To show what happens to people who underestimate a man's self-esteem."

Leon paused for a moment before saying, "Yes, sir. I'll wait for further instructions."

Steven turned off the phone. He took a deep breath. 

Today, he will not only face Nora... but also Ryan. And for the first time since the drama began, he will not back down.

***

Nora was busy in her office when Steven entered. He didn't knock. 

For the first time, he didn't feel the need to. 

Nora turned her head, startled, and her face immediately tensed up.

"You came without an appointment?" she said coldly. "I'm working, Steven."

"Good," Steven said flatly. "Me too."

Nora sighed heavily. 

"What else now?" Nora asked, sounding annoyed.

"You look like you want to say something, so say it."

"Ryan said he would help me improve the company's image," said Nora, her voice increasingly defending Ryan. 

"What about you? Always causing trouble. Always stressing me out."

"Sure," Steven replied flatly. "Ryan is very good at positioning himself as a hero."

Nora rolled her eyes. 

"Look at that. You're always jealous of him."

"Jealous?" Steven stifled a short laugh. "All right. If that's what you think."

The door was open. Ryan entered without knocking.

"Ah, Steven." His face immediately changed as if he felt entitled. "So you came after all."

"She still my wife, so I have no excuse why I come," Steven looked straight at him.

Ryan walked closer with a fake smile. 

"I hope you don't interfere with Nora's work again. She's already stressed enough because of all your mistakes."

Nora nodded slowly, as if agreeing with the lie.

Steven did not back down. 

"The first round has begun."

Ryan smiled dismissively. "What round? You think we're playing a game?"

"Of course," replied Steven. "You started it. I'm just finishing your game."

Nora stood up, her voice rising, "Steven! Stop threatening him!"

"This isn't a threat," said Steven. "This is an announcement."

Ryan crossed his arms, looking very confident. 

"What's your announcement? What else do you want to say? That I manipulated Nora? That I secretly brought you down? Who would believe that?"

"I don't need you to believe me."

Steven looked at them both in turn.

Today, I'm not going to prove anything. I just want you to know one simple thing.

He took a step closer.

"Starting today, I will no longer be the man you despise at will."

Ryan chuckled as if he had heard a bad joke. 

"Then what will you do? Leave Nora? Disappear? Go ahead. That will make my plan easier."

Nora immediately looked at Ryan, hesitant.

"What's your plan?" Nora asked, confused.

Ryan realized his mistake. He quickly smiled softly. 

"I mean... a plan to help your company, Nora."

Steven clearly saw that split-second panic. It was brief, but it was enough.

He decided then and there: Ryan couldn't be allowed to get too comfortable.

"I'll be back tomorrow," said Steven. "And I want you all to be here. We'll talk again."

Nora clicked her tongue in annoyance. "What for?"

"For the next round."

Ryan chuckled. "You're too confident."

Steven turned to leave, but he held the door and looked at Ryan one more time.

"It's not confidence," he said softly but firmly. "I'm just done being a victim. Now it's my turn to get everything back."

He closed the door.

In the parking lot, Leon was waiting with a long black car that he rarely used in front of Nora. 

Steven went inside.

"How was it, Sir?" asked Leon.

"Just as I thought. They still underestimate everything."

“When would you like to begin round two?”

"Tomorrow."

"First target?"

Steven stared out the window. His eyes were sharp.

“Ryan Thomas.”

Leon nodded without hesitation. "Okay, Sir. I'll get it ready."

Steven leaned back in his chair, his voice low but clear.

Tomorrow, the game changes. Tomorrow they will understand that the man they despise is not someone to be trampled on.

He closed his eyes for a moment.

"The first round has actually begun. And they haven't even realized it yet."

The car sped away, leaving Nora's office building still standing but already cracked from within.

And for the first time, Steven smiled slightly—coldly, but genuinely.