As soon as Marcus returned home from the funeral, he hurriedly searched for Gregory William’s things that he had previously ignored.“I know it’s here somewhere,” he muttered, leaning down to the vault underneath the floor and searching for the documents he had discarded long ago.“Oh, here they are,” he said with a grin. He then groaned as his body reminded him of the pain, urging him to rest, but he immediately shrugged it off. Ignoring the late hour, he quickly called Michael’s number.“Assh*le! Do you know what time it is?” Michael exclaimed.“It’s 3 AM,” Marcus responded reluctantly. Michael snapped and hung up. Marcus dialed his number again and was yelled at once more.“What do you want, bastard?”“Why are you yelling at me when I called for your sake? You’re breaking my heart,” Marcus said sarcastically.This reminded Michael that he should treat Gregory William better, as he was the one who would decide who would be the next chairman.“I was half asleep. What did you call fo
Marcus leaned back in his chair, satisfied with his conversation with Michael. However, he knew that Michael would handle the issue internally to avoid damaging the William Group's stock value.“He’ll probably just go straight to the chairman to ruin his brother’s image, but I’m sure he’ll never humiliate him in public,” he muttered to himself.Marcus had a different plan in mind—one that would ensure Reyster Sebastian received the humiliation he deserved. For this, he needed the help of Jesse Harp William, Gerald’s wife and the CEO of Harp Media.He dialed Jesse's number and was surprised when she immediately answered, despite it being so early in the morning.“Hello?” Jesse’s groggy voice came through the line. “Marcus?”Marcus almost forgot how to breathe as soon as Jesse called his real name. He felt relieved when he heard her crying as she breathed into the phone.“Are you calling from heaven?” she sobbed.“What the heck? She’s grieving for my death?” he mused inwardly, surprised
At eight in the morning, the air was still peaceful in Aurora. The only news that had broken was about Reyster's bullying, which didn’t really matter to the William family. Specifically, for the chairman, it was insignificant.However, not for the eldest son.Michael William, anxiously paced back and forth in front of his father's office, waiting to be let in.“If only he wasn’t important right now, I’d just kill him rather than do this,” he muttered nervously.He scowled, thinking about how Gregory William almost discovered his misdeeds and jeopardized his extra funds.“Lucky he didn’t find out it was me. I’d be doomed if he went straight to Father,” he said with relief.He glared at the office door, determined to fix everything and secure his path to succession.“Make it direct and short,” Simon Cheng, the chairman's close associate and secretary, commanded, but Michael no longer regarded him with respect.“You don’t tell me what to do. Aren’t you ashamed to still hang around here a
Michael froze in fear. He didn't know what Simon was referring to, but Simon's smug expression told him he was doomed. “I need to hurry; the conference will start at 9,” Michael said, trying to deny and hide his fear, attempting to act innocent. Simon snorted and presented a newly released article to the chairman, further fueling Gudofredo's fury. “Look at this,” Simon said, handing his tablet to Gudofredo. “What the hell is that? I need to go,” Michael said impatiently, but he froze again when he heard the news playing on the tablet. Gudofredo stood up, slapping the tablet showing the news into Michael's face. "Explain this!" he demanded. The news was about Reyster Sebastian's inside job, scheming with a person in the article called "Mr. M" to siphon funds from the William Group. Although no name was revealed, it was obvious to Gudofredo that "Mr. M" was Michael, as the evidence presented was identical to the documents Michael had used to accuse Gerald. "Are you two kiddin
Marcus chugged down a handful of painkillers, his hand trembling slightly from the intense pain radiating from his injuries. “Ugh. Sh*t. Damn body, please cooperate. I need to do this now,” he muttered to himself, forcing himself to walk through the hotel hallway. The fall from the cliff had left him battered and bruised, but his determination to keep moving was unyielding. Despite the pain and his injuries, he forced himself to walk with a steady gait, pretending nothing was wrong. “Are you okay, sir?” a man asked as they met in the middle of the hallway. “I’m fine,” Marcus replied, automatically shifting into character. He studied the face of the associate, realizing he had no idea who this guy was. The only thing he could tell right away was how the man was dressed, which indicated he worked for the William Group. “Oh, I am Robles Asol. Associate from William Securities,” the man introduced himself, showing his ID. “Okay, go on your way,” Marcus said dismissively. But he turn
Jeyster Sebastian sat in his mansion's opulent dining room, enjoying his morning coffee while scanning the latest news. The serene ambiance was a stark contrast to the brewing storm he was about to face.As he sipped his coffee, his eyes landed on a headline from Harp Media that made his blood run cold: "Sebastian Scandal: Murder, Embezzlement, and Betrayal."Jeyster spat out his coffee, staining his pristine white shirt. His heart pounded as he read further. The article implicated his son, Reyster Sebastian, in the murder of a rising actor and accused him of embezzlement and internal manipulation within the William Group."This can't be happening," he muttered, his hands shaking as he set the tablet down. He stormed out of the dining area, his mind racing.How could his son be so reckless?The Sebastian name was now smeared with scandal, and it threatened his own chances of winning office.“Reyster Sebastian!” Jeyster marched towards his son's room, his anger building with each step.
The grand ballroom of the Sunrise Hotel was filled with investors, executives, and media personnel, all buzzing with anticipation.Marcus Xu, disguised as Gregory William, stood confidently on the stage, his bandaged face hiding a sinister smile.The moment he'd been waiting for had arrived.“Let me in!”The crowd gasped, and security immediately moved to intercept Reyster Sebastian the moment he barged into the conference hall. He pushed through them with frenzied strength."Gerald William! Where are you?" Reyster shouted, his voice cracking with emotion. No longer intimidated by Gregory William, he furiously searched for Gerald. His disheveled appearance drew whispers and curious glances from the attendees. Wearing only a robe and slippers, he stood in stark contrast to the polished, high-powered crowd."Gerald William!" Reyster shouted again, his voice echoing through the ballroom. "Show yourself, you coward!"Marcus Xu stepped forward, gripping the microphone tightly. "Ladies and
Jeyster Sebastian stood in his office, glaring at the mirror as his team bustled around him, preparing for the press conference. The weight of the latest scandal pressed heavily on him. His hands shook slightly as he adjusted his tie, trying to mask his anger and anxiety. The media had already crowded the hall outside, with cameras flashing and reporters shouting questions."Mr. Sebastian," his secretary, Killiman, approached cautiously, his face pale. "There's another problem."Jeyster's heart sank. He turned to him, his eyes narrowing. "What now?""Reyster caused a scene at the William Group conference," Killiman said, his voice trembling. "He barged in, accusing Gerald William of framing him. It’s all over the news already."Jeyster felt a surge of rage. "That idiot! He's making everything worse!" He slammed his fist on the table, making everyone in the room jump. "We need to fix this. Now."He barked orders to his employees. "Double-check the statements, make sure the press kit is
All the members of the William family glared at Marcus with disapproval. Their silent protests were as loud as thunder, but only Fermina openly expressed her disdain, shouting at him.“What did you do?” she exclaimed.“What? Don’t worry, I’m not interested in taking everything away from you all,” he shrugged. “Is it just as bad for me? A new workload I never asked for?”“Tell me honestly, what are Gudofredo and you planning to do?” Fermina asked, her gaze menacing.This was not part of her plan at all. None of this was what she expected. No one expected this.“Nothing. I’m as shocked as you all, but as a good son-in-law, I’ll do the job well.” Marcus winked and then stepped closer to Fermina and Michael, looking at them contemptuously. “Now, I think your ears are ready to listen to what I have to say.”“We won’t just follow your orders,” Michael said. “I am still the eldest son of this family. You should watch what you say,” he added, though there was a hint of caution in his tone.“L
No one noticed Marcus harshly grabbing Gregory’s wife by the face, as everyone’s attention was on the doctor’s statement.He instantly silenced Margarette with a menacing glare.“Do you know what happens when you treat people like filth? They might end up like Miguel Xu—driven to the point of suicide."“Isn’t dying easier than suffering in poverty?” Margarette innocently replied, failing to empathize with people like the Xu brothers.“Why do I even bother trying to make you understand?” he groaned, releasing her but unable to calm his rage. He badly wanted these people to pay and taste what poverty feels like.“I don’t get what you’re trying to say. Aren’t you a William too?” Margarette said.“Ha! That’s right, I am a William now,” Marcus dryly laughed. He then tried to confirm if everything Margarette said was reliable. “How do you know all of this?”“Mom would usually express her concerns when she thought I was asleep. She talks to herself a lot.”“That’s funny to hear. Fermina is r
Marcus Xu’s face contorted under his bandages as he walked through the hospital hallway, a throng of media and reporters clashing with his security detail, desperate for a statement."Why now? This old man is really a piece of sh*t." Marcus voiced his frustration as soon as he entered the restricted area where the reporters couldn’t follow.“The family is gathered in the lobby,” Butler Morgan reported, trying to ignore Marcus’s grumbling and focus on his duties.“So you called me just to idle?” Marcus asked irritably. “I’ve got a lot of other things to do, you know.”“But Madam Margarette was looking for you.”“So, is Margarette your boss now?”“No, that’s not it,” Morgan stuttered. “It’s just that everyone is here, so I thought you should be here too.”“As if I’m part of this family,” Marcus said, glaring at Morgan.His time was precious, especially with so much to do with catching Reyster Sebastian.Even though he knew the competent Carlos Roki was on the move, he wanted to make sur
While Marcus Xu was determined and focused on catching Reyster Sebastian and uncovering the truth behind his brother’s death, chaos continued between the brothers Michael and Gerald William in Aurora.The grand doors of the William mansion swung open, and in marched the imposing figure of Chairman Gudofredo, his eyes blazing with fury. His once sharp features, now softened by age, contorted in rage as he took in the scene before him.Michael and Gerald, the two heirs to the William empire, were grappling like schoolboys, fists flying and shouts echoing through the ornate hall."Enough!" The chairman's voice thundered, freezing everyone in place.Michael and Gerald, their suits disheveled and their faces flushed, sprang apart, panting."What in god's name do you think you're doing?" the chairman bellowed, his voice reverberating off the marble walls. "You are the CEOs of the William Group, not children in a playground!"Both men stood silent, eyes cast down, avoiding their father's fur
Marcus Xu arrived at the William Securities headquarters. Despite it being Michael William’s territory, the staff treated him with care, aware that Gregory William had equal power in appointing the next chairman of the conglomerate.“Please wait in CEO Michael’s office. We’ll bring all the files you need there,” an associate said.“No. I don’t want to wait,” Marcus bluntly replied as he barged into the headquarters' security control room, startling the staff.“Leave me alone. I’ll call you once I’m done,” he commanded, ignoring the startled looks from everyone around him.“What are you looking for, sir? It will be faster if we navigate it for you,” a security personnel suggested.“No. Everyone leave,” he said sternly, his commanding tone leaving no room for argument.Once alone, Marcus operated the computers with ease, his past experience as a part-time security personnel coming in handy. He quickly navigated through the controls, searching for footage of Miguel Xu meeting Michael Wil
Marcus's heart pounded with intense rage and confusion. He froze in place, struggling to digest the events that led to his brother’s death."Miguel wasn't just devastated because we were poor and I was murdered? He met these bastards? What did they do that pushed Miguel to kill himself?" he mused.He felt like snapping Michael and Gerald's necks as they remained nonchalant, talking casually about the person they killed and the consequences that led to his brother’s suicide.His veins popped out, and his brows knitted in disgust at the vile people in front of him.However, none of his expressions or intense rage would be noticed by the two because of the bandages wrapped around his face. Michael and Gerald were oblivious to the growing hatred within Marcus as they continued to speak casually."Why do you care about that actor and crippled brother? They don't matter. What matters is that you helped me get away from this jackass's scheme. Thanks to you, I was saved from being framed," Mi
At Aurora, the grand estate of the William family, the members gathered in the opulent study room, the tension palpable as they awaited the arrival of Chairman Gudofredo. The ornate room, filled with dark wood and rich leather, seemed to suffocate them under the weight of the scandal that had befallen the William Group.Ruben, the chairman's brother, lounged in a leather armchair, swirling a glass of brandy. His eyes darted around the room, assessing the anxiety etched on everyone’s faces."Well, isn't this a charming family gathering," he remarked with a sardonic grin. "I wonder which one of us will be the sacrificial lamb today."Lucretia, Ruben’s wife, sat primly beside him, her lips pursed in disapproval. "Ruben, this is serious. The company's reputation is at stake, and all you can do is make jokes."Emily, the wife of the eldest son, Michael, stood near the fireplace, her arms crossed defensively. "Perhaps if certain people had been more discreet, we wouldn't be in this mess," s
Jeyster Sebastian stood in his office, glaring at the mirror as his team bustled around him, preparing for the press conference. The weight of the latest scandal pressed heavily on him. His hands shook slightly as he adjusted his tie, trying to mask his anger and anxiety. The media had already crowded the hall outside, with cameras flashing and reporters shouting questions."Mr. Sebastian," his secretary, Killiman, approached cautiously, his face pale. "There's another problem."Jeyster's heart sank. He turned to him, his eyes narrowing. "What now?""Reyster caused a scene at the William Group conference," Killiman said, his voice trembling. "He barged in, accusing Gerald William of framing him. It’s all over the news already."Jeyster felt a surge of rage. "That idiot! He's making everything worse!" He slammed his fist on the table, making everyone in the room jump. "We need to fix this. Now."He barked orders to his employees. "Double-check the statements, make sure the press kit is
The grand ballroom of the Sunrise Hotel was filled with investors, executives, and media personnel, all buzzing with anticipation.Marcus Xu, disguised as Gregory William, stood confidently on the stage, his bandaged face hiding a sinister smile.The moment he'd been waiting for had arrived.“Let me in!”The crowd gasped, and security immediately moved to intercept Reyster Sebastian the moment he barged into the conference hall. He pushed through them with frenzied strength."Gerald William! Where are you?" Reyster shouted, his voice cracking with emotion. No longer intimidated by Gregory William, he furiously searched for Gerald. His disheveled appearance drew whispers and curious glances from the attendees. Wearing only a robe and slippers, he stood in stark contrast to the polished, high-powered crowd."Gerald William!" Reyster shouted again, his voice echoing through the ballroom. "Show yourself, you coward!"Marcus Xu stepped forward, gripping the microphone tightly. "Ladies and