At Aurora Estate, the members of the William family, including the extended relatives, gathered once again to witness the fallout from Vivian and Lucretia's latest antics.“Why are you all here?” Emily Rey, the eldest son's wife, asked as she watched the usually rare visitors crowd into the living room.“Didn't you hear about Lucretia and Vivian?” Jesse Harp responded, hiding her grin behind her fan.“No. What happened?”“They tried to mess with Gregory at their own event.”“Isn't that sabotaging themselves?”“Yeah, right. I don’t know what they were thinking.”“So, you all came here to watch them get scolded?”“Not only that. I want the drama.”Jesse and Emily grinned subtly.Despite their differences, they shared a common enjoyment of watching family members get on the wrong side of the chairman.“Oh, here comes the main character’s mother,” Jesse said, waving towards Karina William-Sebastian, wife of the vice-chairman.“Don’t give me that. My despicable daughter never listens to me
Divorce is something that would flip both Jaucian and Philip Cheng, but of course, it's not something Marcus would actually do. It's not his marriage, after all.All he wanted was to push the mighty Gudofredo William around so he wouldn’t have to worry about his safety any longer.“I know your children are threatened by what I can do. They know how incompetent they are, just as you see their shortcomings,” Marcus said, continuing the mental battle with the chairman.“Do you think you can get away with speaking about my sons like that?”“So you agree they are incompetent?” Marcus tilted his head, amazed that the chairman didn't deny it.“You really have changed, Gregory William. Where have you been hiding this boldness?”“Like I said, I’m only scared of Margarette. Go ahead and threaten me; I have plenty of ways to bring you all down.”“Is that so?” Chairman Gudofredo asked grimly.He swiftly moved to get something from his drawer, and Marcus's jaw dropped as he recognized the gun.“Sh
The living room was lavishly decorated and meticulously maintained by Emily Rey Duncan-William, exuding an air of wealth and elegance. Yet, no one in her family appreciated her efforts or skill in decorating, as everyone was tense, awaiting the chairman’s arrival.Seated on an opulent sofa were Vivian and Lucretia, both visibly nervous. Across from them, on another equally luxurious sofa, sat Fermina William, looking stern and annoyed. Others stood in corners, whispering to each other or busy on their phones.The only one visibly moving was Gerald William, who was pacing by the fireplace.“Gerald, sit down. You'll wear a hole in the carpet,” Jesse, his wife, said.“I can't help it. God knows what Gregory is talking about with Father,” Gerald replied grimly.“Is there something you need to worry about?” Jesse asked, though she already knew what her husband was anxious about.She had taken Gregory’s advice to monitor her husband and was beyond shocked by what she discovered, yet she had
The news of Gregory William’s new role in selecting the next head of the William Group spread rapidly. Media outlets scrambled for more details, and the public grew increasingly interested, with some suspecting it was merely a ploy for election propaganda.Meanwhile, the person behind the chaos was enjoying leisurely time at a bar, meeting up with friends.Marcus Xu lounged in a high-end bar, the dim lighting and sleek decor providing a stark contrast to the tumultuous atmosphere back at Aurora.He clinked glasses with a few close friends, their laughter and chatter blending with the ambient music.“Cheers to your career!” Peter toasted, raising his glass with a grin.“To stardom!” Marcus replied with a smirk, clinking his glass against Peter's, relishing the moment.“You've really outdone yourself this time, Marcus,” said Hannah, shaking her head in amusement. “The whole city will know about you. Did you catch the news?”“Just wait until my web series airs; you’ll see more of my grea
The woman in the bar pouted her lips, clearly expecting Marcus to mean a kiss on the lips. However, her eyes widened in shock when Marcus clarified, "I meant I'd apologize by kissing your feet."Peter and Hannah, panicking, rushed to stop Marcus."No, no, Marcus, you don't have to do that!" Peter exclaimed, grabbing Marcus by the arm.“But her dress is obviously pricey. We can’t afford that,” Marcus said.“This is the reason why we shouldn't have come here! We don't belong in this place!”"Wait, stop! That's unnecessary!" the woman said, her voice wavering as she put a hand on Marcus's chest to halt him. "I have plenty of dresses. This one isn't worth all this trouble," she added, glancing nervously at the people around them."We're really sorry about the spill. We'll be more careful next time," Peter said with a sigh of relief.Hannah, equally relieved, nodded vigorously. "Yes, please forgive us. It was an accident."The woman ignored Peter and Hannah, as her attention was all on Mar
Marcus walked through the streets, deeply embarrassed by how he looked and smelled. He hid his face with his jacket as he rushed toward the nearest bathhouse."How childish. He did this to me just because I approached him? I didn't even challenge him or anything,” he grumbled. “Pablo, you made a huge mistake. I'll give you nightmares for throwing filth at me."Inwardly, he seethed with anger, the night's events reminding him of Pablo Rusto's betrayal. Pablo had sided with Reyster during their university days, abandoning Marcus when he needed a friend the most."That f*cking traitor," he spat under his breath.As he hurried along, memories flooded back.He recalled the days when he and Pablo had been close, sharing dreams and aspirations. But everything changed when Reyster and his gang started targeting Marcus. Instead of standing by him, Pablo joined the bullies, enjoying the newfound popularity it brought him."I heard he got into Magic Entertainment because of Reyster. Is this the
Jesse insisted on accompanying Marcus, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on his cheek. Despite his discomfort, Marcus couldn't help but notice the concern in her eyes."Is she pitying me? She’s blatantly looking down on me while she’s this drunk," he wondered, considering how Jesse had witnessed all the pathetic things that happened to him tonight."I'll be your comfort," Jesse said with a smile."No need to feel bad for me. I’m fine.""Oh gosh! You shouldn't be used to people threatening you like that! It’s frustrating!""Seriously, Jesse, you don't have to do this," Marcus said, gently taking her hand away from his face. "I'll be fine."Jesse pouted, her eyes sparkling with feigned inebriation. "But I'm worried about you. It's not safe for you to be alone after everything that happened tonight.""Jesse, you should really go home and rest. It’s late." Marcus sighed, realizing Jesse wasn’t going to leave him alone easily."But I don’t want to be alone tonight. And I really do enjo
Marcus couldn’t resist any longer. The heat between them grew unbearable, and despite his better judgment, he gave in to the temptation. The night became a blur of passion and urgency as Marcus and Jesse surrendered to their desires.He knew it was wrong, but at that moment, he gave in to the temptation, compounded by the effect of alcohol.When he woke up in the morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow on Jesse’s sleeping form.“Oh f*ck,” Marcus muttered.Reality hit him like a punch to the gut. He sat up, his head in his hands, feeling the weight of his actions crash down on him. He had crossed a line that couldn’t be uncrossed.“Marcus Xu, what have you done?” he told himself, slapping his cheeks lightly. “I am still nothing. I haven't built my foundation strong yet. What if she suddenly sues me or controls me with what happened last night?”Jesse stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open.She looked at him with a sleepy smile,
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