His voice, though weakened, was laced with bitterness. “Saul... if only you had been more competent. We wouldn’t be facing this now.”With a final, pained sigh, Leonard collected himself, his expression hardening into a grim resolve. “Summon all the Hands back to the estate immediately. We cannot let Rhyfel breach our defenses.”Ian nodded sharply, understanding the gravity of the command. “Yes, Father. I’ll see to it.”As Ian departed to carry out his father’s orders, Leonard muttered under his breath, his words dripping with venom. “Uther Rhyfel… you’ve always been a thorn in my side. Even from beyond the grave, your son continues to cause me trouble.”Meanwhile, Arthur Rhyfel was making his way through the bustling city streets with a purposeful stride. The same city that had seen his return for the first time was once again unaware of the storm that was brewing beneath.He approached a sleek black vehicle, where Elias, his driver, waited at the wheel. Arthur’s destination was Is
His eyes widened as he took in the information: financial records, names, operations, evidence that implicated the Hughes family in countless crimes. It was the breakthrough he had been waiting for, but even more comprehensive than he had hoped."This is… beyond what I expected," he murmured, still processing the weight of what he held. Then, snapping into action, he pressed a button on his desk intercom. "Bring in Agent Marlowe and Special Operative Ryder."Within moments, the door opened, and two figures entered. Agent Marlowe, a sharp-eyed woman with an air of calm authority, and Special Operative Ryder, a tall, muscular man with a cold, calculating demeanor. They had been sent from the capital, handpicked by the emperor to assist in cleaning up the city, a task that had proven more daunting than either had anticipated."Commissioner," Marlowe greeted, nodding as her eyes flicked over to Isabella, recognizing the family resemblance.The commissioner wasted no time. "We’ve just rec
Leonard Hughes sat behind his large desk in his study, a chilled glass of whiskey in his frail hands.If he had been told this would be how the great Hughes family that had survived and prevailed for centuries would fall, he would not believe.But that was the cold harsh reality.It was ironic and somewhat of a sick joke that it all ended on the same day that it started.Like someone had chosen it particularly because of its significance. Perhaps they had.On that very day fifteen years ago, The Hughes family, Burton family and Williams family, three of the seven great had joined hands together to bring the downfall of the Rhyfel family.Their actions against them had long begun, but that day marked the finale, the end of it all.They had pooled their resources together and attacked the Rhyfel family estate with the intention to spare not a single soul.And surely they would have succeeded at that, if not for the bravery of the young flower of the Rhyfel family, Luna Rhyfel.Pushing a
The sun had just set on kairford city but that did little to change the state of the crowded streets as people went about their business, with some headed towards Bine station. The train arrived and the doors opened and amongst the crowd, a tall, muscular man in a grey trench coat stepped out, pulling his phone out to answer a call. “I’m listening?” “Sir, we’ve been able to track your cousin, the one who you said looked after you.” “And?” “She was in an accident 5 years ago and has been paralysed from the waist down.” His jaw tightened as he heard the news. While he wasn’t enraged, a few of the passersby steered clear after getting a good look at his face. The man was Arthur Rhyfel and at ten years old an attack on his home during a get together made him an orphan. His cousin, who just so happened to have been at his home at the time of the attack as her family had visited him, stayed by him and protected him. Valuing his life above hers, she escorted him to the surrounding f
The system window popped up before Arthur as he arrived at his condo; [Mission completed: Retrieve Luna Rhyfel from the Gallagher’s.] He returned his attention to his home; one that while being comfy, was still extremely luxurious. From a swimming pool to a garden and a training area, he tried to put in his current home as many elements from his old home as he could and he succeeded for the most part. He helped Luna into her wheelchair and guided her into the house, smiling gently in response to her shocked expression. She was notified that a physician would be seeing her before her wedding, but she had never expected the physician to be as wealthy as this. Arthur stopped on the porch and drew a chair to join her much to her surprise. “It’s not necessary.” “What isn’t?” He asked, brow raised. “You don’t have to be this kind to me, you’re just a hired physician and I’m not worth being treated kindly.” Luna shifted away from him, averting her gaze and shrinking away in her
He offered his hand to her, saying, “It’s time, Ms Luna. Let’s give it a try.” She sat on her wheelchair on the porch afraid of that moment for multiple reasons. He took her hand in his and gave her a gentle tug, to which much to her surprise, she was able to move her legs forward. “H-how?” Luna asked, stumbling forward before being caught and supported by Arthur. “Your legs are fine now, you just need to get used to walking again,” Arthur said with a gentle smile. Five years ago, the accident she was involved in rendered her a cripple. Doctor after doctor that visited told her she would never walk again and after a long time she had no choice but to believe. But now thanks to Arthur’s miracle medicine, she watched her feet take step after step and tears of joy spilled out of her eyes without control. She clutched his shirt tightly and cried on his chest, after all the dark and gloomy life she had led for years finally had a dazzling light. Arthur hugged her tightly, offering
Arthur pushed her wheelchair towards the front porch, ignoring the look of disdain the guards gave Luna. “Are Ms Byrne and Mr Gallagher around? I’d like to discuss a few things with them.” Arthur stated.“So the nuisance has returned, huh? The master is inside.” The guard turned away disinterested, leading Arthur and Luna inside the house.He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, pushing her into the house. Alexander and Clara looked up from their discussion, the relaxed expressions they wore shifting to one of disinterest when they saw Luna on her wheelchair, with the doctor behind her.“After all the promises, you weren’t able to do anything either. As expected.” The Gallagher family head stated, sharing a look of disappointment with Clara.He called for his grandsons, Anthony and Aaron, the first was to bring his chequebook and handle paying Arthur while the second was to take his would-be wife away.“This is why you’re incompetent. You give your word then not only are you un
“Sir, you called for me?” A suited man approached the silently sitting Arthur.“Yes, do you recall the McHenry pharmaceuticals’ CEO? The one who’s daughter was rescued by our crew during one of our missions?”“Yes sir, I believe his daughter was one of those in the relief team.”“Call him, I want to have a meeting with him now.”“Roger sir.”Even if he wasn’t on the battlefront, the war god was not someone those who knew of him dared to trifle with. Especially if it was someone who owed him a favor.Not long after, a man in his fifties arrived in his condo, his head lowered as he approached Arthur who sat quietly in his garden, nursing a cup of tea.“Cap-Captain…I didn’t think I’d get to see you again.” Liam McHenry stated, wiping the sweat off his forehead.“Oh, quite the way to greet your benefactor, CEO?” Arthur stated, shooting him a sidelong glance.Muttering an apology, Liam lowered his head.McHenry Pharmaceuticals was the biggest and the most successful in the entire region. L