Marcus could no longer contain the pain he got from being shot and began to scream as blood kept gushing out from his left arm. His shouting called the thieves from the safe where they had been with Mr Cyrus. They ran as fast as their legs could carry them to try and escape now that they had gotten what they came for. As they left, everyone’s attention went to Marcus. This had been his plan, he wanted their sympathy, hoping it would be enough to soften his father’s heart if he took a bullet for him. But Marcus was genuinely in pain. With his head spinning dangerously, Marcus could vaguely make out the faces of everyone around him. He felt multiple arms pull him gently, likely his father or sister trying to help his wounded estate, but really, it was the family doctor. It was fortunate that he had been on his way to the mansion for Mr Cyrus’ monthly checkup. He was lucky not to be there during the robbery, but while he hid in a corner, he had watched the thieves being caught by the

The released thugs made their way to their headquarters where their boss Marcus always waited for them. He sat in the shadows of the abandoned warehouse on the edge of the city that served as their secret hideout. The first person to arrive at the location was Jaguar, who had posed as a doctor only some days before the rigorous weeks of the lawsuit that Mr Cyrus filed against them. Behind him were the three other men who had carried out Marcus's robbery plan. Marcus was feeling better now after two weeks of recuperating while being given the best of care, paid for by his father."Boss, we're sorry for coming late," Jaguar the lead thug apologized. Marcus nodded. He was used to this — the late coming and the apologies that followed after. Under the only light in the dark room, his sharp features were thrown into relief."Of course you are sorry. You always are," he said. Jaguar smiled. "Well, do sit. We have a lot to talk about." Marcus ordered. The thugs sat on the only wooden be

Ellis blinked his eyes open slowly, his head throbbing. For a moment, he forgot he had been kidnapped. As his vision came into focus, he realized he was in an unfamiliar room. It was dark and dreary with cracks running along the concrete walls. He was lying on the bare floor, a thin blanket providing little comfort or warmth. Ellis slowly sat up, panic rising in his chest as the reality of his situation set in. He was locked in a small, windowless room with a solid metal door. He stumbled over to the door and pounded his fists against it. He wondered why the men had changed his location to this inaccessible place. "Hey!" he shouted. "Is anyone there? Let me out!" There was no response. Ellis continued shouting and slamming his hands against the unforgiving door until they ached. Defeated, he slid down against the wall to the floor. He was trapped, and he had no idea why. Over the next few hours, Ellis searched every inch of the room looking for a means of escape or even just a c

Ellis had been kidnapped over the weekend. And since his father hadn’t gone to the police or informed the media about it, no one else apart from the family members were aware of the incident. Ellis preferred it that way, and so did Mr Cyrus. They didn’t want another scandal revolving around their family name. Marcus had wanted it to become public knowledge so he would have more information to stain Ellis’ name with, but it was no longer possible. All the men he had hired for the kidnapping job were all dead, and he had to lie low for now in order not to be suspected as the mastermind of the whole operation. Ellis on the other hand was a bit surprised at how he was found. So after resting, he went to meet his father. Mr Cyrus had nearly insisted on Ellis being taken to the hospital, but Ellis managed to convince him to just bring in the family doctor. A few minutes of check up confirmed that Ellis was perfectly fine, just fatigued. The doctor was a bit surprised at that, but Ellis was

"But what if they start picking everything apart?" Ellis asked, voicing one of his biggest fears. "What if they think I'm not good enough?"He just wanted to get all of his apprehension out now so later, he would be more emotionally stable for the task ahead of him.Amira fixed him with a steely gaze. "Not good enough? What is that? If they say that you are not good enough, then you stand your ground as the heir of the Royale family. You don't back down or let them intimidate you. Don’t make my father regret choosing you, Ellis. I don’t like what he did by making a stranger a part of this family, but I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. Do not disappoint me."Ellis nodded, feeling a bit strengthened by her words. Amira was right — there was nothing like not being good enough. He was good enough. Mr Cyrus stood, smoothing out the creases in his suit. "Ellis, you're the future of this company. It is time for you to step up and take your rightful place at the helm. As you ca