After Death

part 8

The evening sky loomed dark over the grand office building owned by Ronald’s family. Inside one of its luxurious rooms, Ana, Brian’s personal secretary, stared sharply at the screen on her desk. The information about Brian’s relocation to a safe place was clearly displayed. She exhaled deeply, fully aware of the growing threat Ronald posed.

Elsewhere in the building, Dr. John walked hastily down the corridor. His face reflected unease—not only from Ronald’s pressure but also from Ana’s mounting suspicion. He knew she was intelligent and fiercely loyal to Brian.

---

"Dr. John, are you looking for Mr. Brian again?" Ana’s voice sounded pleasant, but her smile concealed a deep wariness.

Dr. John stopped in his tracks, his eyes cautiously meeting hers. "Yes, Miss Ana. I need to check on him to ensure his health. Do you know where he is now?" he asked, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

Ana gave a slight nod, her smile unwavering. "Mr. Brian is currently attending an urgent meeting. He had to leave for an out-of-town appointment suddenly," she replied without hesitation.

Dr. John furrowed his brows. "A sudden meeting? Out of town? That’s impossible..."

"Why would it be impossible, Dr. John?" Ana interrupted with a composed tone. "Didn’t you say the medication you prescribed was the best? Look at the results now—Mr. Brian is well enough to resume his business activities."

Dr. John’s face turned pale instantly. Ana’s words felt like a whip lashing his guilty conscience. He swallowed hard, trying to hide his nervousness.

"Of course. The medication I provided... was designed to help him recover," Dr. John stammered.

Ana fixed him with a piercing gaze, scrutinizing every flicker of emotion on his face. She already suspected the truth but chose not to confront him directly. "If that’s the case, there’s no need to worry. Mr. Brian is in good hands," she concluded with a faint, knowing smile.

---

Dr. John left Ana’s desk with unsteady steps, feeling as if the noose was tightening around his neck. Meanwhile, Ana opened an encrypted application on her phone. Brian’s current location, hidden under the care of another doctor, remained secure for now.

Brian, Ronald’s half-brother, had always been a target because of his ambitions that threatened his sibling’s dominance. Ana knew that if Ronald ever found Brian, his life would be in grave danger. She had taken bold steps to relocate Brian to an unexpected sanctuary, far from anyone’s reach—including Dr. John’s.

---

In a small house on the city’s outskirts, Brian lay on a bed. Though his body was still weak, he looked far better than he had a few days prior. Beside him, a young physician named Dr. Clara carefully monitored his heartbeat.

"Your condition is gradually improving, Mr. Brian. However, you must avoid unnecessary stress," Dr. Clara advised.

Brian nodded weakly. "Thank you for helping me. I don’t know how Ana found you, but I owe her my life."

Dr. Clara smiled faintly. "Ana is incredibly smart. She knows how to protect those she cares about."

Brian returned her smile but couldn’t hide the shadow of anxiety in his eyes. He knew the threat from Ronald was far from over.

---

Days later, a grand family event took place in one of Ronald’s lavish venues. Guests moved elegantly through the hall, enjoying the sophisticated atmosphere. Standing in the center, Ronald exuded confidence as he mingled with prominent businessmen and officials.

The calm was abruptly shattered when an unexpected figure entered the room.

Brian, dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, walked in with a steady stride. His piercing gaze swept across the room, and though his body wasn’t fully healed, his presence radiated strength.

The room fell silent. Ronald turned, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Brian?!" he exclaimed, his voice sharp and incredulous.

Brian smirked faintly. "Surprised, Ronald? I’m not as easy to get rid of as you thought."

Ronald clenched his fists. "How is this possible? Dr. John told me you were too weak to even move!"

"Clearly, he was mistaken," Brian replied coldly. "Fortunately, I have people who genuinely care for me. They ensured I got proper treatment—something you never wanted me to have."

Ronald, now livid, beckoned Dr. John, who had been lurking in the corner. "John! Explain this! Didn’t you guarantee he wouldn’t recover?"

Dr. John trembled visibly. He knew his position was precarious. "I... I don’t know how this happened. The medication I gave him should have..."

"The medication you provided became the very weapon against you," Brian interjected sharply. "I know you tried to weaken me, but unfortunately for you, you failed."

---

The festive atmosphere turned tense as the guests watched the confrontation between the two half-brothers unfold. None dared to intervene. Standing quietly in the corner, Ana observed the scene with a calm demeanor. She knew the time to reveal her plans had arrived.

Ronald, his fury barely contained, attempted to regain control of the situation, but Brian’s unwavering composure made him feel cornered. The battle between them was no longer just about power—it was about betrayal, survival, and the consequences of their actions.

---

In the shadow of looming threats, Brian stood firm against his brother. But he knew this was only the beginning. The real fight had just started, and only one of them would emerge victorious.