THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR

CHECKMATE 1

As Marvin held Daniel by the collar, he could feel Daniel's breath quickening, coming in short, panicked gasps.

Daniel tried to summon the synapticore force on his forehead—the small, glowing mark that pulsed with power—but before he could activate it, Marvin struck him hard right on that very spot.

Daniel’s head snapped back, and his face twisted in pain, and the faint glow on his forehead flickered and died.

He was too stunned to react, momentarily helpless in Marvin’s grip.

The office secretary, who had been watching the scene unfold from her desk, let out a shocked gasp.

Her hand flew to her mouth as she turned and hurried out of the office, with her footsteps echoing down the hall.

Marvin leaned in close, his voice calm but cold. “And make sure you’re paying attention to what I’m about to say,” he said, his tone was dangerous. “Because I’m not going to repeat myself.”

Daniel’s face was pale, his eyes turned wide with terror and pain.

He gritted his teeth, but the fear was cle