Edmund was too stunned and his brain couldn’t function properly for a while. He could only stare at Miles dumbly as his brain was processing very slowly.Edmund began recalling on everything he knew about Miles. He recalled that Miles had managed to get that $300,000 for his daughter’s treatment. He had told his wife that he didn’t get it as a loan from dangerous gang members. Was he telling the truth then? He realized with shock that Miles was properly the invisible hand raising his wife through the ranks in the company. However, it had to be made clear that Lola had earned every single success She had gotten so far. She only needed help with dealing with people like Edmund who were trying to bring her down through horrible means.Wind couldn’t believe it. This whole time, he had been offending a very powerful man.The head of security, on the other hand, quickly accepted this sudden truth. “Chairman Miles!” He had almost bowed down to Miles, shocking the three other men in the offic
Miles straightened in his seat. “This is the punishment you will bear. As long as you work as a staff of Styleon Group Corporation, you will not be able to avoid them.” He allowed a moment of silence to pass so that his words could sink into the two culprit’s heads. “You two would no longer be at the rank you currently are from now on.” He pointed at the head of security guards. “You! From now on, you will be nothing more than a junior worker at this company. Also, you’re no longer a security guard but a gatekeeper. Therefore, you should never be seen inside the company building ever again. By the end of today, you are expected to join your new coworkers outside of this building, as you will be working at the gates.”“Chairman! Please, no!” The former head of security had tears at the edges of his eyes as he began pleading miserably. The security officers of Styleon Group Corporation had always looked down upon the gatekeepers as the former worked inside the building while the latter
Lola had never expected to find Edmund and the head of security guards kneeling outside the company building. “Mr. Porsche, what are you doing kneeling by the company’s entrance?” Edmund was deeply ashamed when he saw the way Lola was looking at him. “Lola, beg your husband. Look, I’m sorry for everything I did to you.”The former head of security guards tried to ask for Lola’s help but Wind quickly shut him up.Lola shook her head at the two. “I don’t know why you guys are being punished by kneeling here, but I have something to say.” She bravely looked at Edmund in the eyes. “Mr. Porsche, you are nothing but a worthless scum! How could you do that to me?! You were the one who forced that project contract upon me as a major task to pass my probation period. That was very unethical of you, and I should have reported you long ago. Yet, I kept quiet for the sake of peace. You have no idea what I went through to secure that contract with Eckre Empire Headquarters. Yet, you shamelessly t
“Dorian, what’s wrong?” Miles didn’t expect to hear what Dorian said next.“Young Master Miles, it’s very urgent! I need you to come to the company as soon as possible!” Dorian’s worried voice came through the call.Miles became skeptical when he heard this. “Dorian tell me. This isn’t an attempt to get me to agree to visit my father back home, right?”“Young Master Miles, I promise that this is not the case. It is about the family business empire, Sir. It’s currently at the edge of a crisis.”Miles lurched from his seat into a stand. “What?! Dorian, talk to me! Is my father okay? What exactly happened?!” He knew quite well that Dorian would never truck him like this. This is exactly what made him very shocked. The Eckre Empire Headquarters was worth over $5 trillion. So what on earth could have pushed it to the edge of a possible crisis? How did that even happen in the first place?“Young Master Miles, it would be best if you come over. I don’t think it’s best to have this kind of co
“Dorian, I want you to book me an early flight to the capital tomorrow.” Miles suddenly turned to the butler with a commanding tone.Dorian was, of course, cut off guard. “Young Master Miles, you can’t do that. Your father strictly demanded that you remain as low-key as possible. If you go to the capital, you might come across whoever or whatever has sent the entire Creek family into hiding. Plus, if they catch you, they might use you to threaten your father, forcing him out of hiding.”Miles sighed. “Keep the booking on the hush-hush then. But Dorian, I have to visit my family’s home. I need to see how things are over there. I’ve been away from there for too long to not know now.”Miles had walked out of the Eckre Empire Headquarters building feeling a bit soulless. He currently had his mind riddled with so many thoughts. Even on his way home, he couldn’t get his mind off of his family, wondering if they were okay or not. The person he was most worried about was his father. Those yea
Dinner turned out amazing. Lola had really gone all out with the food. The family of three ate their fill and it didn’t take long before Kelsey fell asleep. Miles took his sweet little angel to bed before returning to The living room. Miles was a bit surprised when he found his wife slowly dancing to the soft music coming from the stereo. “My love, what are you doing?”Lola opened her eyes with a smile on her face. “I’m swaying to the music, Babe.” She hummed with a satisfied expression. “I’m really happy today. Not only did I get the promotion, but I also got to vent out my grievances at that bastard, Edmund Porsche. From now on, I’m his superior. I feel so alive.” There was an ecstatic expression on Lola’s face. She suddenly beckoned her husband. “Come here; I want you to dance with me.”Miles smiled as he walked toward his wife. A few minutes later, the two were waltzing through the living room, chuckling as they tried not to smack their legs against the couch footings as they rot
Miles got up very early the next morning and left the house after making sure he had prepared breakfast for the family. He also left a note and a recess age for Lola as the woman and her daughter were still sleeping when he left. Miles got to the airport with a slightly troubled heart. He soon boarded the plane and was on his way to the capital. On his way there, he couldn’t help but keep thinking about his family. Is his father okay? Should he go check on his father’s company once he arrives? Is everyone he left at home alive? What kind of threat could they possibly be facing that the family had to be dissuaded? How powerful is this supposed enemy of theirs? There was so much going through Miles’s head that he could feel an incoming headache. He decided to distract himself until he got to his destination. Once Miles arrived at the airport, he walked out of it to feel a heavy wave of nostalgia. This was the same airport he used when he left home, walking away from the life he was bo
1Old man, Philip could only chuckle weakly. “I should have known you would be too curious about this to not hear your father’s warning. Just when he told you to stay away, you decided to return here. Yet, we’ve been begging you to come home for so many years but you refused.” He gently patted Miles’s back.Miles pulled away from the hug. “Old man Philip.” There was a pleading look in his eyes as he regarded the old man.Philip could easily decipher that stare as Miles begged him to reveal all that he knew. “Hmmmh! Very well. It’s best that you know the truth now.” It was at this moment that the smell of something burning reached them and the two men turned to the electric cooker to find the source sitting on top of it.“My lunch!” Philip pushed Miles away and hurried back to save whatever edibility was left of the burning lunch, which was fortunately enough.Half an hour later, the two were seated at the dining area with enough food for two and warm herbal tea to ward off the cold. I
Miles knelt down to her level, smiling softly. "We did, sweetheart. But winning was just the first step. Now we have to make sure it stays won."Sarah's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"Miles quickly looked at his family, then shifted his focus back to Sarah. "We still have a large amount of work in front of us." Nevertheless, I think we are prepared for the challenge. Do you want to assist us in improving the city? Sarah nodded with great enthusiasm. "May I work as your aide?" The room was filled with laughter, relieving the tension that was growing. Miles stood and playfully tousled Sarah's hair. "You have the ability to become anything you desire, young one. "That is the main objective." Maxwell cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Miles, there's something else we need to discuss. About your role in the family."Miles tensed, memories of their past conflicts flooding back. "Dad, I-"Maxwell held up a hand. "Let me finish. I was wrong, son. I tried t
Miles paused at the door, turning back to face his defeated enemy. "You're right about one thing, Ethan. It's not over. It's just beginning. But this time, we're building something better. Something just."With that, they left, racing towards the Lyon compound. While driving through the city streets, they observed evidence of the night's happenings all around - police barriers, lights flashing, and groups of spectators. "What do you think Joseph Lyon has?" Lola asked, her brow furrowed with concern.Miles shook his head. "I don't know, but we can't let him walk. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."They arrived at the Lyon compound to find it in chaos. Creek family members and newly arrived police officers were everywhere, securing the premises and rounding up Lyon family members and associates.Elena met them at the entrance, her face grim. "Joseph's in the basement. He's threatening to upload some kind of dossier to the internet if we don't let him go.""What's in the dossier?"
Elena's voice came through, tense but steady. "She's inside. Ethan took the bait. He's got her in his office."Miles tightened his fists, suppressing the anxiety eating away at his stomach. "Okay then. I am entering. Always remain committed to the plan, regardless of any obstacles that may arise. With that, he walked confidently towards the front door, feeling his heart racing but remaining determined. The guards by the entrance became tense when he neared. Miles declared that he is here to visit Ethan with a commanding tone that left no room for disagreement. The guards nervously looked at each other before one of them communicated on his radio. After a brief pause, they moved out of the way, letting Miles go through. While strolling through the grand corridors, Miles couldn't shake the thought of the countless lives ruined to uphold this image of authority and extravagance. He prepared himself, aware that tonight marked the end of everything. He reached Ethan's office door, pau
Miles took a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities. "We need to create a distraction. Something big enough to draw Ethan's attention away from his office."Lola stepped forward, her face set with determination. "I have an idea. But you're not going to like it."Miles turned to her, concern etched on his face. "Lola, what are you thinking?""Me," she said simply. "I'll turn myself in to Ethan. Tell him I'm abandoning you, that I want to make a deal.""Absolutely not," Miles said firmly. "It's too dangerous."Lola stood her ground. "It's the perfect distraction. Ethan won't be able to resist the opportunity to use me against you.""She's right," Rachel interjected. "Ethan's obsessed with destroying you, Miles. Having Lola in his grasp would be irresistible."Miles shook his head, his voice rising. "No, I won't risk you like that. There has to be another way.""There isn't," Lola insisted. "We're running out of time and options. This is our best shot."Maxwell placed a hand on
"Dad!" he called out. "This way!"In some way, amidst the chaos and lack of light, they succeeded in coming together again and leaving the cabin. In the woods, they ran without direction, with the sound of their pursuers not far behind. "There's a river approaching," Maxwell gasped while they ran. "If we manage to get across, we could risk losing them." They continued moving forward, with branches lashing their faces and the ground unpredictable beneath their feet. At last, the sound of water rushing reached their ears. "We arrived," Elena wheezed. But as they reached the riverbank, a shot rang out. Miles felt a searing pain in his arm and stumbled."Miles!" Lola cried out."I'm fine," he forced through clenched teeth. "We must continue to keep going forward." Stepping into the icy water, they could hear their pursuers approaching nearer. Miles glanced behind him and observed flashlights moving among the trees. With a sinking heart, he came to the realization that we will not be
While driving in uncomfortable silence, the city lights disappeared in the distance. After what felt like an endless amount of time, Dorian veered onto a dirt path that twisted through thick forests. "He declared that we are nearly there." Out of nowhere, headlights were visible in the rearview mirror. Dorian muttered curses quietly. "They've found us."Miles twisted in his seat, his heart pounding. "How? We were so careful!""Questions later," Dorian growled, pressing down on the accelerator. "Hold on, everyone!"The vehicle surged ahead, jolting harshly over the bumpy road. Sarah began to weep, and Lola tried her hardest to console her while hanging on tightly. "That way!" Elena yelled while indicating the direction in front. A tiny cabin appeared, tucked in between the trees. Maxwell came to a halt in front of the cabin. "Everybody, leave!" "Hurry up!" They scrambled out of the car, Miles helping Lola with Sarah while Elena and Maxwell grabbed what few bags they had managed t
It's a gamble," she remarked, "but there's a chance it could succeed." Count me in. One after another, the rest of the Autumns concurred. When they joined hands to confirm their sudden collaboration, Miles felt a spark of hope for the first time in weeks. Miles did not realize that another person was secretly listening to their conversation. In a room on the upper floor, Maximilian Autumn, the eldest child of Nigel and heir of the Autumn family, was having a conversation on the telephone. "Did you get all that, Ethan?" Maximilian whispered.On the other end of the line, Ethan Chariot's voice crackled. "Every word. Good work, Maximilian. Your family's betrayal won't be forgotten when this is all over."Maximilian's grip tightened on the phone. "Just remember our deal. When the dust settles, I want control of both the Autumn and Chariot families."Ethan chuckled darkly. "Of course. As long as you hold up your end, you'll get everything we agreed upon. Now, let's discuss how we're goi
While embracing each other, both fully conscious of the peril nearby, a faint voice was heard from the staircase. "Mom?" Father? "What's happening?" Miles and Lola looked in the direction Sarah was standing, her worried expression evident on her small face. They shared a glance, aware that their future decisions would impact not only their destiny, but also that of their daughter and the whole city. Miles kneeled and extended his arms towards Sarah. "Sweetheart, please come over here." Mom and Dad have something significant they need to inform you about. While Sarah embraced them, Miles and Lola promised quietly to defend their family and seek retribution against anyone who posed a threat. The larger view was starting to become clear, bringing with it the understanding that their lives were about to change forever. The sudden ringing of the doorbell surprised Miles and Lola, interrupting their quiet chat. Miles cautiously approached the door, looking through the peephole. Surpris
He was startled by the ringing of the doorbell. He opened the door and saw Rachael Autumn standing there, her face showing signs of worry. "Rachael? What are you doing here?" Miles asked, ushering her inside.Rachael wrung her hands nervously. "Miles, we need to talk. It's about your family... and mine."Miles' eyes narrowed. "You mean how your family has been lying to me all this time? Using me?"Rachael flinched. "It's not like that, Miles. We didn't have a choice.""There's always a choice, Rachael," Miles spat. "You could have told me the truth.""And you?" Rachael shot back. "You lied too. You said you were single, that you were just Miles Autumn. Was that all a ploy to get close to us, to get information?"Miles stepped back, stunned. "What? No, I... I never said I was single. I just... I didn't mention my family because I was trying to protect them."Rachael's eyes softened. "I believe you, Miles. But you have to understand, we're all caught up in something bigger than ourselv