The Sovereign's Fury

Chapter 5

Leo stared at his father, his eyes narrowing. With one glance at the old man’s flowing Qi and steady pulse, he knew there was absolutely nothing wrong with him.

“Why did you lie?” Leo inquired, his anger beginning to bubble.

“I wanted to see you, Leo. You are still my son, remember?” The old man stared deep into his eyes, but Leo wasn't buying the explanation for a single second.

He had known his father for a long time and wasn't about to fall for his tricks so easily.

“The both of us know you didn't call me here just to look at my face and throw compliments at me. What do you want, Dad? To tie me up to one of your master plans again?” Leo frowned even harder as memories of forced lessons and boardrooms flashed in his head.

“I know I was wrong, Leo. I want to make up for all the injuries I caused you. I want to be a father, and we can’t eliminate the fact that you are still my heir,” his father replied.

Leo stared into his eyes for a long moment. For the first time since he could remember, they seemed genuine.

“I don’t have a problem with you following your dreams, Leo. Or marrying that lady.”

The rest of the words seemed to fade into the background as Leo’s thoughts took over.

*You were right after all, Father. Love doesn't exist, and nothing came from me pursuing my so-called dreams,* he thought bitterly.

“Can you forgive me?”

Leo walked slowly toward his father and gave him a warm hug. When they parted, for the first time, a real smile hovered on the face of the old man, and it gladdened Leo's heart.

“And before I forget.” His father clapped his hands once. A group of elite guards walked in, their faces hidden behind dark visors.

He handed a Golden Platinum Card to Leo, with his full name inscribed in glowing mana-ink.

“This is for cutting off all your sources of income,” the old man said. “There is ten trillion dollars on it, just for your living allowance.”

Immediately his father spat out the words, Leo’s face brightened. He had always known his father was wealthy, but he had never been interested in the business world enough to check. He realized he didn't even know his father’s true Net Worth.

“Dad, where exactly are you on the business chart?” Leo finally found the voice to ask.

“Top three of the Octa-Trillionaires in the world,” he responded. “Your surname, Vane, is the third most dreaded name in the world. It is enough to bring good fortune or total ruin.” He smiled.

For the first time, Leo felt guilty about not helping his father. “Father, I want to be your heir. I want to help you.”

“What about your marriage?”

“I think this is the path for me now, Father.”

“I know you are married and I don't want to separate you from your family, so you can head the division in your city. It maintains a top-three position, but I am sure it can do better without mismanagement. I will set up everything you need.”

“And I don't think you have to give up on your dreams either,” the old man added. “Your Master’s right-hand man was here. He wanted to see you urgently.”

“Master?” Leo’s heart rate increased. The Master of the Six-Path Needle was looking for him?

Back at the Sterling mansion, the Governor was being cared for, but the air was tense.

“I want everyone out of the room immediately!” The Governor’s voice carried a sudden air of dominance.

“Is there anything wrong, Father?” Sarah inquired, her eyes searching his.

“Don't I have the right to talk to my daughters privately anymore?”

Sarah wanted to object, thinking he needed rest, but she could tell that arguing with him was like shooting into the void. She turned to the maids and guards.

“What are you still doing here?” She made a gracious but sharp whimper at the staff, creating an instant air of intimidation. “Go!”

The room cleared. The Governor sat up, his eyes sharp. “Now tell me, who was that brilliant young man who treated me so effortlessly?”

“Just a random stranger who walked in. I don’t think we should worry about him. The important thing is that you’re fine,” Monica responded quickly, trying to bury the topic before her insults were brought up.

“Monica! Do you realize how much we have offended that man?” The Governor barked. “Do you believe he is a regular bum? With that walk? With those eyes? He is someone powerful, someone we don't want as an enemy.”

“So what do you suggest we do?” Sarah inquired.

“Find him. No matter what it takes. And apologize.”

Monica was about to protest when the door flew open and the Assistant Manager of the Sterling Group walked in. He looked like he had seen a ghost.

Sarah sprang up. “What’s wrong?”

“There is trouble,” the man panted.

Sarah’s eyes narrowed, demanding an explanation, but he was hesitant. He glanced at the Governor and leaned toward Sarah to whisper.

“Say it out loud!” The Governor’s voice echoed. “Nothing is kept from family here.”

The manager nodded. “It’s the company’s executive board. Half of them have collapsed with a strange, dark aura. They are at the hospital right now, unable to speak. It’s like they’ve been cursed.”

Sarah and Monica exchanged panicked glances.

“This is bad news,” the Governor said swiftly. “If the Hopkins Community notices this, we will be removed from the Imperial Project instantly. All our hard work will be stripped away.”

He gripped the bedsheets. “I will hide this from the public for now, but we need to find that young man—Leo—right away if we want to survive this crisis.”

He looked at Monica. “And you, Monica... you better be ready to get on your knees and apologize.”