The luxurious black SUV glided smoothly down the road leading to Zander’s main mansion, situated on the outskirts of the city.
The mansion was surrounded by the sprawling grounds of the Rhett Military Academy, a training facility renowned not only for its stringent discipline but also for producing the finest soldiers. This academy was Zander’s private enterprise, a strategic investment designed to secure loyalty and military strength firmly under his control. In the backseat, Zander sat silently, his cold gaze piercing through the tinted window. Outside, hundreds of soldiers were rigorously training—engaging in shooting drills, hand-to-hand combat, and war simulations. Every activity was conducted under the watchful eyes of stern instructors. As the SUV approached the academy's main gate, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. A tall, broad-shouldered commander in full green uniform stood near the guard post. Spotting the approaching vehicle, he barked a sharp order to the soldiers in training. "Commander Zander has arrived!" the commander shouted, his booming voice echoing across the grounds. Instantly, the soldiers sprang into action. Training ceased, and they hurried to form ranks. The synchronized thud of boots striking the ground created a rhythmic sound that exuded perfect discipline. Their lines were straight, their postures rigid, and not a single head moved out of place. The SUV came to a halt before the main formation. Jacky, Zander’s aide, stepped out first and briskly walked to open the rear door. Zander emerged, his imposing figure radiating natural authority. Clad in an all-black suit, he stood out starkly against the sea of green uniforms. Though no command to speak had been issued, the soldiers’ eyes shone with barely concealed admiration. Zander strode purposefully toward his opulent mansion. The echo of his footsteps on the immaculate marble floors reverberated through the grand entrance hall. Automatic lights flickered on, illuminating a modern yet understatedly elegant space. In the center of the room floated a large holographic television, displaying the day’s headlines. "Breaking news: The second grandson of the Xanta family, Ganza Xanta, has become the center of attention following an incident at their family’s celebration party. Witnesses report that Ganza assaulted a guest whose identity remains undisclosed." "Analysts suggest this scandal could significantly damage the Xanta family’s reputation, particularly given their status as a leading force in business and politics." Zander sank into a black leather sofa, his sharp eyes fixed on the hologram with a look of satisfaction. Jacky stood beside him, arms crossed, grinning. “You’re a genius, Young Master." Jacky said, glancing at Zander. “In a single move, you’ve made the Xanta family look utterly chaotic. This scandal will haunt them for a long time.” Zander leaned back, his hand casually resting on his chin. A notification sounded from Zander’s sleek, high-tech communication device, its soft blue glow indicating an incoming call. The name of the caller flashed: Joseph Guezz. Answering the call, Zander was greeted by the holographic projection of a middle-aged man with a commanding presence—Joseph Guezz, dressed in a sharp gray suit. His face reflected a mixture of concern and authority. “Was the news about the Xanta family your doing?” Joseph asked directly, his voice heavy with tension. Zander offered a faint, confident smile, controlled yet brimming with arrogance. “Of course. Just wait for what comes next.” Joseph sighed deeply, his piercing gaze fixed on his son. “Zander, stop this. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you, like what happened to your mother seven years ago.” At the mention of his mother, Zander’s smile faded. His expression turned icy, his eyes losing their amused gleam and sharpening into a cold, vengeful glare. Leaning forward, he locked his gaze onto the hologram of his father. “Dad,” Zander said, his voice lower but charged with restrained emotion, “I’m not your teenage son anymore. I’ve grown. I know exactly what I’m doing, and I know how to finish this. Don’t try to stop me.” Joseph remained silent for a moment, his face hardening. Before he could respond, Zander pressed a button, ending the call abruptly.In the grand kitchen of Zander's mansion... The aroma of cooking wafted through the air, mingling with the clinking of pans and the hushed murmurs of conversation. In a quiet corner of the room, Leo, the new servant, stood awkwardly watching an older man with a stern face—Marcus—who was overseeing the kitchen with a sharp, discerning gaze. Leo glanced left and right, ensuring no one was too close to overhear. He swallowed hard, summoning his courage, and approached Marcus, who was meticulously chopping vegetables with the precision of an artist. “Mr. Marcus...” Leo’s voice was barely audible above the kitchen’s clamor. Marcus didn’t look up, only slightly raising an eyebrow. “What is it?” Leo hesitated for a moment, but the curiosity that had been gnawing at him refused to be silenced. “I heard... there was once a great war between the Guezz family and the Xanta family. Is that true?” Marcus’s hand froze mid-chop. The knife he had been using was slowly placed down on the
Darren exhaled deeply, trying to remain calm. He knew his father was nearly impossible to reason with when angry. “Dad…” Darren began, his voice firm but respectful. “I can’t speak directly to Mr. Death. In fact, I’ve never even met him.” Mr. Hammo narrowed his eyes, displeased with the answer. “What do you mean? You’re my eldest son! You’re responsible for this family’s safety!” “Mr. Death isn’t someone who can be contacted carelessly,” Darren replied. “Our partnership with V-Tech happened through his mediation, but Mr. Dom was the one who handled everything.” Mr. Hammo frowned, confusion and anger battling on his face. “So, what are you saying? That we should beg Dom for help now?” “That’s the issue,” Darren continued. “Asking for help through Mr. Dom could strain the business relationship we’ve built. If we appear desperate or reckless, he might pull out. You know how crucial our relationship with Dom is for the family’s business, Dad.” Mr. Hammo stepped closer, his eye
In the Morning, at the Golf Course... The expansive golf course stretched under the warm morning sun. The neatly trimmed green grass and the soft breeze carried the fresh scent of earth. Zander stood confidently, dressed in a sleek black polo shirt and crisp white pants. In his hands was an expensive-looking golf club. Beside him, Jacky stood casually, wearing a baseball cap. Zander took his position, his sharp eyes fixed on the golf ball resting on the tee. With a precise swing, his club struck the ball, sending it flying far into the distance and landing perfectly in the hole. “Nice shot, Young Master!" Jacky exclaimed in admiration. Zander offered a faint smile. “Golf is like warfare strategy. It’s not about power—it’s about precision.” Jacky nodded with a grin. “No wonder you always win.” Zander prepared another ball. But before he could take his swing, a faint buzzing sound filled the air. A small black drone emerged from behind the trees, flying low over
Darren didn’t answer his friend’s question. His phone rang again—another unknown number. Hesitant, Darren picked up. "Finally, you answered," a cold, heavy voice spoke from the other end, intimidating in its tone. "I’ve been trying to reach you, but you kept ignoring my calls." Darren recognized the voice immediately. It is Huros—the notorious crime boss known throughout Venua as a deadly shadow. His reputation in illegal dealings was unshakable. Darren sighed, realizing he hadn’t noticed Huros’ repeated attempts to contact him because he’d been partying. "Yesterday, you hired me to kill someona. I used my best method—the lethal drone." "Every target I’ve ever gone after has always ended up dead. But...He survived," Huros reported, his voice sharp and blunt. "I paid you $20 million, Huros. And what’s the result? He’s still alive! You’re incompetent!" Darren snapped, his anger spilling over. "Watch your mouth!" Huros replied coolly, his voice now edged with a dangerous thr
Dom began to explain, “After Mr. Xanta’s death, the position of head of the family remained vacant. During his lifetime, he had never named an heir to the family, so his wife—Madam Vioga Ode—temporarily assumed leadership of the family. However, it didn’t last long.” “Before her death, Madam Vioga declared in her will that the next head of the Xanta family would be Biella.” Jacky raised an eyebrow. “Why Biella? Isn’t the heir usually the eldest son or a male descendant?” “True,” Dom nodded. “However, in this case, Madam Vioga didn’t see any leadership potential in her three sons—Hammo, Galio, and Carrez. Moreover, the three of them have a terrible reputation.” “The public has long rumored them to be men who indulge in same-sex relationships, which is still taboo and illegal in Venua. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting their involvement in satanic rituals.” Zander slightly raised his head, his sharp eyes focusing intently. “Is that just a rumor, or is there concrete e
The Next Day, at Net TV Headquarter... Darren strode confidently through the main entrance of the Net TV building. His tailored blue suit fit him perfectly, and his dark sunglasses added an air of authority to his presence. He paused briefly, scanning the room with a satisfied smile. However, that smile quickly turned into a smirk when he spotted a familiar figure. Zander, dressed in a gray janitor’s uniform, was mopping the floor near the entrance. His movements were steady and unhurried, seemingly indifferent to the glances from passersby. Darren approached him, dramatically removing his sunglasses, and let out a small laugh. "HAHA! So," Darren said mockingly, "after seven years in the military, you’re back here… as a janitor? How pathetic!" Zander stopped his work for a moment, meeting Darren’s gaze with a blank expression before giving him a polite nod. There was no anger, no retaliation. Darren leaned in closer, his voice dropping but still dripping with disdain. "Yo
Meanwhile, on social media, Biella Xanta’s name had once again become a hot topic. Internet users recognized her as a famous beauty influencer with over one billion followers before she vanished from the digital world two years ago. "Where is Biella Xanta? Why did she disappear so suddenly?" wrote one social media user. "She was such an inspiration to young women like me. I hope she's doing okay," wrote another. Biella was also remembered as a brilliant and accomplished young woman. Three years ago, the official Venua magazine named her the most influential young woman in her country. Her achievements in business and her efforts to inspire young women to pursue higher education were widely discussed topics. However, for the past two years, all of Biella's social media accounts had been inactive. There was no official announcement about her departure, and since then, her name had nearly disappeared from the news.*** At the Xanta Family Mansion... The grand hall of the Xanta f
Huros stood with a confident posture, his muscular frame casting a massive shadow under the streetlight. Every inch of his body showed the perfection of a man sculpted by two decades of experience as an elite soldier and martial arts trainer. His gaze was cold, radiating an unwavering belief in his own victory. He clapped his hands slowly, as if giving Zander a moment to prepare. “You know,” Huros began in a calm yet sharp tone, “I’m not just some street brawler. Twenty years in the military, internationally certified, and recognized as one of the top five fighters in the world—those aren’t titles you earn by luck.” Zander stared at him without emotion, his body relaxed yet ready, poised in a defensive stance. Huros smirked and lunged forward with incredible speed for a man of his size. His fist sliced through the air, aiming straight for Zander’s jaw. Zander tilted his head slightly, dodging the attack with minimal, efficient movement. In retaliation, Zander delivered a low kic