The wide yard and garden of the William Family Estate, "Aurora," which once exuded solace, space, and nature, now bustled with fire trucks and reporters clamoring to enter the already chaotic scene.Reporters from various news outlets gathered, microphones in hand and cameras rolling, eager to capture the latest developments in the arson incident.Facing a camera with the still ongoing fire in the background, one reporter began, "Good morning, viewers. We're here outside the prestigious William family estate, where earlier today, a shocking arson attempt took place. Details are still emerging, but sources indicate that Fermina William, the matriarch of this esteemed family, allegedly attempted to set fire to her own son-in-law, Gregory William.""Gudofredo William's only son-in-law, Gregory William, was left behind in the yard of their estate while his family fled to safety. Does this imply that the prominent son-in-law, who spearheaded developmental projects benefiting the lower clas
Fermina William flinched as her usually timid son-in-law spoke haughtily and disrespectfully toward her.Gregory William, the pushover of the William family, never talked back to her, but today was different—extremely infuriatingly different.“Me? Kiss your feet?” she snorted, echoing Marcus Xu's words.She smashed the wine glass on the table, causing it to shatter.Her temper flared, fueled by the unprecedented behavior of her usually submissive son-in-law. He definitely triggered her. She had already flipped her suite upside down, but the desire to break more things still lingered.“You...” Marcus spoke slowly, a grin hidden beneath his mask.He felt an odd thrill at provoking such a powerful and wealthy woman, knowing that his actions as Gregory William wouldn't affect his true persona—Marcus Xu.“What! Spit it out! Tell me what you know so I can laugh at your ridiculous joke!” Fermina yelled.“Mother-in-law...” he teased, drawing out his words even more. He leaned closer to her un
Exiting the Royal Eleanor Hotel triumphantly, Marcus Xu was thrilled by his success in taming his mother-in-law.“First step done. Wait and see, I’ll become someone who can smack your face,” he muttered to himself, contemplating the rewards that would aid in his revenge against Reyster Sebastian.Lost in his thoughts of victory, Marcus was suddenly approached by a stranger. “Are you alright?” the stranger asked, concern evident in their voice.“Me? I’m fine,” Marcus replied, tilting his head in confusion.“Here, buy something to fill your stomach,” the stranger insisted, offering him two dollars.“Huh? No, I’m–” Marcus began, intending to return the money, but then he realized that he was the one who seemed out of place. With a mask covering his face, barefooted, and wearing only his casual home attire, Marcus felt a pang of embarrassment.“Where did my head go?” he awkwardly muttered, accepting the money gratefully. “Thank you for this; I’ll spend it well,” he said, quickly moving aw
Inside Margarette William’s penthouse, she stirred reluctantly from her sleep. The soft, rhythmic beeping of her alarm clock echoed through the room, pulling her from the depths of her dreams. "Yeah, I heard you," she groaned, addressing her alarm. She reached out to silence the persistent noise; her movements were slow and cumbersome.She shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of her burgeoning belly pressing against her. She was in the throes of her third trimester, and every movement seemed to require Herculean effort. "Damn morning," she greeted herself as she glanced at her bulging belly. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, irritation evident at the changes in her appearance each day. Her once svelte figure was now swollen with life, a consequence of her greed-driven pursuit of victory."You have to work harder just because you're a woman," she muttered to herself, a phrase that haunted her daily.Her frown deepened when she heard a knock on her door without even havi
Marcus stood frozen in shock as Margarette suddenly writhed in pain, her face contorted with agony. Panic surged through him, uncertain of how to react to the sudden turn of events."What's happening? Are you okay?" Marcus asked, his voice laced with concern and confusion.But Margarette only responded with a strained gasp of pain, clutching her baby bump, and her breathing was shallow and rapid.Sensing the urgency, Jaucian sprang into action. Without hesitation, he rushed to Margarette's side and swiftly dialed for a doctor."We need help, now!" Jaucian exclaimed urgently into the phone, his voice steady despite the panic in the air.Marcus watched dazedly as Jaucian took charge. Then he flinched when he heard a thud from inside his brother’s room. His concern for Margarette suddenly shifted to his brother.“Good luck giving birth,” he said, releasing her and hurrying to his brother's side.“Fucker,” Margarette groaned, squinting as she watched Marcus leave her. She then yelled, the
On the same morning that Marcus ignited Aurora, Gudofredo, chairman of the William Group, sat at his study table in the heart of his expansive, dimly lit office.Behind him, shelves adorned with awards and accolades loomed, casting eerie shadows across the room.Tension crackled in the atmosphere as Gudofredo's gaze remained fixed intently on the computer screen before him, where the stock value of William Group plummeted relentlessly. Each downward tick sent a shiver down the spines of those present."We can't completely cover up what that bastard did, but we can effectively shift public opinion," Gerald William, the chairman’s second son, began, but his eldest brother cut him off."What's the point of marrying a media company CEO if she can't even assist us with such a problem? This is precisely why women should just stay at home," Michael William sneered, referring to Gerald’s wife."Jesse can’t control something that blindsides us so early in the morning!" Gerald defended."That's
In the hospital, Marcus found himself thrust into the role of the father of the William family’s newborn eldest grandson. It was a surreal twist, akin to being cast as a CEO in a real corporate drama.But for now, he had to project the image of a caring father to those around him."Please fill out this form, sir," the nurse said, casting a hesitant glance at Marcus."What's it for?" Marcus inquired, sensing the nurse's unspoken thoughts."It's still sad about Madam being in a coma, but congratulations on your baby boy, sir," the nurse offered, her words laced with empathy.Marcus managed a smile beneath his mask, touched by the nurse's genuine concern for the baby."Thank you," he replied simply, before focusing on the form in front of him. His hand paused midway through filling it out as a thought occurred to him. "Why do Margarette and Greg both have the same surname?"He realized he had spoken aloud, and a wry smile tugged at his lips as he noticed the nurse's reaction."Why are yo
Inside CEO Joe Sabal's sleek, modern office, tension hangs thick in the air. Joe stands on one side of his polished desk, his brow furrowed with suspicion, as he scrutinizes Marcus Xu, who stands confidently before him."Should I really be wary of him?" Joe ponders silently.He's always been curious about Marcus's ties to the William Group, especially now that associates like Philip and Jaucian are involved with him. Their recent interactions only deepen Joe's intrigue."The two of you really pique my curiosity," he remarks."Curiosity about what?" Marcus responds with an enigmatic smile, meeting Joe's gaze head-on."What exactly were you and Philip up to? Jaucian has been reaching out to me as well, in connection with you," CEO Joe leans forward, his suspicion mounting."Don't tell me..." He hesitates, nerves fluttering as he considers whether uncovering the truth will benefit him. "Are you some hidden heir of the William Group? A secret heir?"Joe watches Marcus closely, noting the
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