Chapter 14
Author: Mel Hope
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-27 10:11:57

Meanwhile, after dinner that evening, Stewart, Linda, and Marvin returned home with a sense of satisfaction.

Despite the unwelcome interruption of Lieutenant Governor Mason during Marvin's celebratory dinner earlier, their spirits remained high.

After all, they had every reason to feel confident.

The triumph of Marvin taking over PortVarter State was seen as a foregone conclusion.

Douglas was now nothing more than a relic in their eyes!

They were confident that Douglas could no longer turn the tide, especially with Stewart's careful planning and the family's expanding alliances.

Stewart sat back in his large, cushioned chair in the family’s drawing room with a glass of aged brandy in hand.

He imagined more promotions, wealth, and power.

Images of him shaking hands with influential politicians in Sierra, including members of the powerful Drake family, flashed through his mind.

“If all goes well, a move to Sierra isn’t out of the question. I could establish myself as a key figure in
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    Half an hour later.Marvin reclined against the curved edge of the grand bathtub with a self-satisfied smirk stretched across his face. Linda also flashed a satisfied smile. "The best decision I ever made was breaking off my engagement with Douglas and being with you."Her eyes gleamed as she tilted her head back. A satisfied moan escaped from her lips.Her alluring curves pressed tightly against Marvin. Marvin swallowed hard and chuckled, his breath quickening again. “I bet he’s sitting in some dirty prison cell, his head hung low in defeat." "Maybe he’s even crying out, begging for someone to save him,” Marvin laughed heartily. Linda’s laughter joined his.“Serves him right. That lowlife was always a thorn in everyone’s side. Now, he’s being given what he deserves,” Marvin grinned, his eyes gleaming with a vindictive satisfaction. “I’ll drink to that,” he said, pretending to raise an invisible glass. “Here’s to Douglas Garnett, languishing in prison where he belongs, while

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    Nelson stopped to inspect the work his subordinates had completed under his meticulous instructions. The previously cold and unwelcoming cell now bore the semblance of a modest, yet cosy, bedroom. The curtains hanging over the iron bars lent a softer, almost domestic feel to the room, masking the stark reality that this was still a prison.However, Nelson remained unsatisfied as he noticed the bed prepared for Douglas.It was a thin mattress on top a creaky frame, and this bothered him. How could someone like Douglas, a man who had done so much for PortVarter State, be subjected to such discomfort? Nelson turned to one of his subordinates.“Go find a more comfortable bed,” he ordered.“Something proper. And tell the others to keep the door unlocked at all times. Mr. Garnett is not just any prisoner.”Without hesitation, the officer nodded and left without a word. The team under Nelson’s command had learned to obey orders without questioning them. Though whispers about the VIP tr

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    Learning that Governor Clarke remained adamant about pursuing a marriage alliance with the Drakes, and placing Marvin in control of PortVarter, pushed Nelson to the edge of his patience.Nelson cursed under his breath as he stubbed out yet another cigarette in the overflowing ashtray beside him. “Idiots,” he muttered. “All of them. They’re playing with fire, and PortVarter will burn because of their arrogance.”Nelson’s fists clenched as he thought about Marvin’s smugness and Linda’s scheming.Compared to Douglas, Marvin was no doubt a joke!Unable to sleep, Nelson tossed and turned on his bed, chain-smoking and wrestling with the despair that gripped him. The next morning, Marvin emerged from Linda’s room, looking refreshed and self-satisfied. He wore a smug grin as he descended the grand staircase.Downstairs, Stewart had arranged for breakfast to be ready for him. A lavish spread of milk, bread, eggs, and fruit awaited Marvin at the dining table. Stewart greeted him warmly, e

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    "Mr. Garnett, the arrest of that terrible terrorist, 'Don Boer' was a masterstroke! Helton City and the entire PortVarter State owe you a debt of gratitude. That man terrorized us for far too long." Josh, one of Douglas's assistants, expressed his excitement with a slight bow.Douglas gave a casual smile as he descended the grand staircase of his sprawling mansion, the victory feeling almost insignificant to him. After all, it was nothing compared to the many triumphs he had helped PortVarter State achieve over the past four years.Before Douglas could speak, the heavy oak doors of the living room were pushed open and two men in police uniforms strode inside with their stern faces and stiff postures breaking the relaxed elegance of the mansion. They walked straight up to Douglas. "Mr. Douglas Garnett, you are under arrest," one of the officers spoke with authority. Douglas’s eyes narrowed slightly, as he stared at the officers coldly. Even Douglas' assistants who flanked him sta

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    “You really are delusional if you think PortVarter’s future depends on you,” Linda continued with her tone dripping with contempt. “Do you even understand who you’re up against? "My family is aligning with the Drakes, the most powerful and prestigious family in Sierra, Remalia’s capital!Do you know what that means?"She asked, eying Douglas with contempt."...It means that Marvin, the young heir of the Drake family, who is my future husband..."She emphasized, smiling broadly to let that sink in and intimidate Douglas even more."...will be taking over the management of PortVarter. And with his resources and brilliance, within a year, this state’s GDP will easily exceed 30 trillion!”Upon hearing Linda's words, Douglas couldn't help but chuckle, finding her naivety and foolishness almost laughable.He knew the sacrifices he had made to make PortVarter what it currently was. He couldn't wait to see what this so-called "Marvin" would achieve.“This will prove to the whole nation ho

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    "...I want you to pick him up from the airport and ensure everything is ready for the celebration." "This alliance with the Drakes is crucial for our family’s future, and I expect you to make an excellent impression.” Linda’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. “Don’t worry, Dad. Everything will be perfect." "Marvin’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for PortVarter and our family and I can't wait to marry him.” Governor Clarke chuckled with pride. He couldn't also wait to see Linda and Marvin get married. The Drake family was a powerhouse in Sierra. To Stewart, the Drakes' vast connections and immense wealth were just enough to secure his family's place at the top. Marvin, their son, also held an esteemed position they believed would elevate them. Linda’s confidence grew as she imagined her future with Marvin. To her, Marvin was everything Douglas wasn't; he had wealth, pedigree and power! She prepared to leave for the airport, already envisionin

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    Douglas met Nelson’s gaze without flinching. “I was brought in on accusations of corruption, bribery, and solicitation,” he said casually, as though discussing the weather. Nelson’s face twisted in shock. “What?!” He nearly jumped out of his skin, his reaction so abrupt that even the officers flinched. Nelson couldn’t believe his ears. The man before him was none other than the same Douglas Garnett who, over the past four years, had revolutionized PortVarter State. Under Douglas’s leadership, schools had been built, child trafficking rings dismantled, infrastructure modernized, and healthcare for ordinary citizens drastically improved. Prices had stabilized, production increased, crime fought relentlessly, and social welfare programs enhanced to benefit everyone. Even the mayor of Grena, a notoriously tough and critical figure, had treated Douglas with the utmost respect, often speaking to him with the politeness reserved for dignitaries. “Impossible!”

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    Learning that Governor Clarke remained adamant about pursuing a marriage alliance with the Drakes, and placing Marvin in control of PortVarter, pushed Nelson to the edge of his patience.Nelson cursed under his breath as he stubbed out yet another cigarette in the overflowing ashtray beside him. “Idiots,” he muttered. “All of them. They’re playing with fire, and PortVarter will burn because of their arrogance.”Nelson’s fists clenched as he thought about Marvin’s smugness and Linda’s scheming.Compared to Douglas, Marvin was no doubt a joke!Unable to sleep, Nelson tossed and turned on his bed, chain-smoking and wrestling with the despair that gripped him. The next morning, Marvin emerged from Linda’s room, looking refreshed and self-satisfied. He wore a smug grin as he descended the grand staircase.Downstairs, Stewart had arranged for breakfast to be ready for him. A lavish spread of milk, bread, eggs, and fruit awaited Marvin at the dining table. Stewart greeted him warmly, e

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    Nelson sat rigidly in the driver’s seat, his hands gripping the wheel so tightly that his knuckles had turned white!He didn’t dare to speak, let alone suggest one of his subordinates take over.The drive down Maccano Mountain was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine and the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath the tyres. As Nelson glanced at the road ahead, he noticed Henry at the base of the mountain, upright, solemn, exuding an air of unshakable authority, as though awaiting their departure. Behind him stretched a long line of armed personnel. Their weapons slung across their chests as they stood like statues, two neat rows on either side of the road.Nelson’s hair stood on end, his throat tightening as he felt a little fear with the way they were all gathered.They all stood as loyal sentinels, their eyes trained forward, unmoving.Suddenly, a powerful, synchronized shout rang through the crisp mountain air, startling Nelson so badly that he nearly slammed on the brakes.“

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    This time, another set of armed forces, wearing the distinct marks of rival warlords, stood silently on either side of the road. Each soldier had lowered their weapons and stood with heads bowed in eerie unison.Their gazes fixed downward as if avoiding eye contact with something—or someone—they dared not offend.“What is this…?” Nelson muttered to himself.Normally, this place was one of chaos—an unspoken battlefield where skirmishes between warlord factions erupted almost daily. Yet today, the landscape was unnaturally calm with armed forces seen all over the place!Nelson’s subordinates exchanged uneasy glances, their hands itching for the comfort of their weapons. Whatever power Douglas held here extended far beyond anything they had anticipated.At the summit of Maccano Mountain, frost covered every inch of the ground. A sharp wind howled through the craggy peaks, cutting like a blade. The convoy came to a stop, and Douglas stepped out first. Nelson and his men followed cau

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    In unison, the heavily armed personnel turned their heads toward Douglas. Then, in perfect synchrony, they saluted.The silence now felt thunderous. Nelson’s subordinates, equally shocked, exchanged bewildered glances. Their eyes snapped toward Douglas, who stood calm and unperturbed as though the display was nothing out of the ordinary."Sir…?" Nelson whispered, uncertain of what to say. He was filled with confusion!He wondered what kind of hidden identity Douglas possessed that made him command such reverence in the most dangerous region of PortVarter!However, Douglas remained still with his eyes sweeping the formal assembly before him. His gaze, as sharp as a blade, held the soldiers' attention like a magnet!Finally, in a calm and unwavering voice, he spoke,“Did ‘The Baddie’ at the border have a change of heart?” Douglas's voice was neither mocking nor harsh—it carried a quiet authority that seemed to demand answers without force. “Has he decided to break his promise not

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    Late that night, Chief Nelson drove the black SUV to the base of Maccano Mountain.The deeper they drove, the louder the faint rumble of gunfire echoed from the distant border.This region was always tense!The residents who lived here endured sleepless nights, flinching at the sound of gunfire, never knowing when conflict might sprout up again. But one thing had remained constant over the years: as long as Douglas Garnett oversaw PortVarter, the turmoil from beyond the border never truly crossed into the land. His presence held enough weight to keep certain forces at bay.Before alighting from the vehicle, Nelson felt a little uneasy about Douglas's safety.The whole area was too quiet—eerily so.Nelson had brought along a handful of trusted subordinates to escort Douglas.They scanned the darkened streets with their trained eyes before stepping out of the car. “Stay alert!” Nelson instructed them as he rounded the vehicle and opened the door for Douglas.Douglas stepped out calm

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    The tension in the dining hall reached its peak as Stewart and Marvin's expressions darkened upon hearing Lieutenant Governor Mason's cutting remarks. Linda shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing nervously between her father and Marvin. Stewart, his face flushed with anger, stood abruptly and slammed his fist against the table, causing the silverware to rattle.“How dare you speak to me like this, Mason!”He barked, his voice filled with indignation. “You think some uneducated, talentless orphan like Douglas Garnett is indispensable? Let me remind you that without my mercy, that man wouldn't even be alive today.”Mason, unshaken by the governor's outburst, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. His disdain was palpable. “Mercy, you say? Mercy didn’t build PortVarter’s roads or stabilize its economy. Mercy didn’t drive ‘The Baddie’ back across the border or save countless lives in this state. Mercy didn’t achieve a GDP of 20 trillion. Those accomplishments belong to Douglas