KNEELING GIANTS
last update2024-11-07 20:19:07

Mr. Austin clenched his jaw, his face was still twisted in anger and fear. He took out his phone, his hand was shaking as he dialed the number of the Vault custodian.

The phone rang, and a young man’s voice answered on the other end, polite but confused. “Hello, this is Jeremy, how can I assist you, Mr. Austin?”

Mr. Austin spoke quickly, his voice was tense. “Jeremy, I need one point eight million dollars in cash brought to my office. Now.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “I… I’m sorry, sir, did you say one point eight million dollars? In cash?”

“Yes, Jeremy,” Mr. Austin snapped, his patience was wearing thin. “One point eight million. In cash. Bring it here immediately.”

The confusion was clear in Jeremy’s voice as he stammered, “But, sir… that’s a lot of money to—”

Mr. Austin’s voice turned cold and hard. “Just do it, Jeremy. Stop asking questions and bring the cash.”

There was a nervous gulp on the other end of the line, then Jeremy said, “Yes, sir. Right away.
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  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   TWO BIRDS ONE STONE

    Marvin let out a dark chuckle, holding the briefcase tightly as he looked at the men still on their knees before him. His eyes gleamed with a cruel satisfaction."Did you all really think I would let you get away with crime?" he said with a voice that dripped with contempt. "I appreciate the one point eight million dollars, but sorry, I can't let you culprits escape judgment that easily."Mr. Austin’s face twisted with shock and anger. "Are you nuts?" he shouted.Daniel’s voice trembled with rage as he spoke up. "Are you saying that you would backstab us, even after we held up our end of the deal?"Marvin turned his gaze to Daniel, meeting his eyes with an icy stare. He gave a small, mocking smile. "Well," he said calmly, "they say actions speak louder than words."Without another word, Marvin took a step back and walked out of the office, still holding the briefcase. As he reached the control panel by the door, he raised his foot and kicked it with all his strength. The panel shatt

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   SILENT TRIUMPH SHATTERED HEART

    Marvin looked at Daniel with a smirk, a hint of amusement lit up in his eyes. He let out a small chuckle. "Do you think I’m scared, Daniel? Father has already tried to kill me once." He paused, then leaned in closer to the transparent glass door, letting them see the cold confidence in his eyes."Did you really think I’d let you all walk free around Neovalle now that I’m here?" he said quietly, with a voice that was full of menace. "Certainly not. The cops will throw you out of Neovalle once they get hold of you. And you can kiss your precious cannabis business goodbye… all thanks to me."He stepped back, chuckling to himself as he watched the fury and fear on their faces.About ten to fifteen minutes later, the sound of police sirens filled the street outside the bank. Marvin looked calm, watching the flashing red and blue lights through the windows. He knew what was coming next.His phone buzzed, and he answered quickly. It was Commissioner Johnson."Where are you now?" Johnson ask

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   UNSPOKEN CONNECTIONS 1

    Marvin took a deep breath as he stepped out of the bank and into the street. He hailed a cab, trying to keep his emotions under control, but the sadness was beginning to overwhelm him. As he sat in the cab, his mind was filled with memories of his mother, each one pulling him deeper into his grief. His chest felt heavy, and he looked out of the window, barely noticing the passing scenery. He wanted to be with her, even if it meant facing the hardest goodbye of his life.The cab pulled up outside the hospital. Marvin quickly paid the fare, barely registering the driver’s thanks, and rushed towards the emergency ward. He moved with purpose, but his heart was pounding. As he neared the ward, he spotted the doctor and a few nurses gathered around the bed where his mother lay.He approached quietly, his steps were slowing down as he drew nearer. With trembling hands, he reached out to move the cloth covering her face. His heart sank as he looked at her still, peaceful face. The black

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   UNSPOKEN CONNECTIONS 2

    Mr. V looked at Marvin for a long moment, his face was calm but his eyes were filled with a quiet intensity. Finally, he nodded."Yes," he said, his voice was steady. "I knew her while I was in Westwood. In fact, I am from Westwood."Marvin's mouth fell open in shock. He stared at Mr. V, feeling as if he were seeing him in a new light. The news was surprising, but at the same time, it made sense. Mr. V had always had that Westwood vibe—the way he moved, the way he held himself, even the way he spoke.Marvin swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper. "Which... which of the families do you belong to, then?"Mr. V gave a small smile, one that seemed to hold secrets. "I intended to keep this a secret during my time here in Neovalle," he said quietly. "But it wouldn't be right to keep a member of my own family in the dark about my identity."Marvin felt a wave of confusion wash over him. He looked at Mr. V, his eyebrows were knitted together. "What... what are you trying to say, Mr. V?"

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   A LONG LOST EMBRACE

    Mr. Christopher Richmond looked at Marvin with a gentle, almost tender expression. He reached out a hand. "Yes, Marvin, it is me… come here."Marvin moved forward and wrapped his arms around his uncle, holding him in a warm embrace. The weight of everything—the surprise, the grief, the relief—pressed down on him."I… I can't believe it," Marvin murmured, his voice was thick with emotion.Mr. Christopher held him close. "I left when you were just one year old.""That was… that was over thirty years ago.""Yes," Mr. Christopher replied softly.After a moment, Marvin pulled back slightly, looking around the waiting area with a cautious glance. He leaned in close and lowered his voice. "So… I presume that you know about the Synapticore force. Don't you?"Mr. Christopher’s expression grew serious. He held Marvin’s gaze for a few long seconds, and his eyes were now filled with caution. "Details about the Synapticore force are not meant to be discussed in places like this," he said in a low

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   ECHOES OF THE PAST: THE RICHMOND LEGACY

    The thudding sounds grew louder as Marvin and Mr. Christopher walked through the house. The noise echoed down the hall, making Marvin’s heart beat a little faster. He felt a mix of curiosity and fear—it sounded like something huge and powerful was being worked on just above them.Mr. Christopher let out a small sigh. "Oh, that would be Erasmus," he said with a touch of amusement.Marvin looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "What’s going on up there?""It’s that robot of his," Mr. Christopher explained. "It broke down during a recent construction project. Erasmus has been trying to fix it ever since, but he just can’t let it go."Marvin’s interest was piqued. "Can I see the robot?""Of course," Mr. Christopher said, nodding. "Let’s take the elevator."They stepped into the elevator, and Mr. Christopher pressed a button. The soft hum of the machine filled the air as they ascended. When the doors opened on the second floor, they walked down a short hallway until they reached a door. M

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   ECHOES OF THE PAST: A QUESTION OF AUTHORITY

    Marvin looked at his uncle, feeling more confused. "But… but you… I mean, I don’t see any Synapticore mark on you."Mr. Christopher gave him a patient smile. "So you think I need a Synapticore mark to prove I have the Synapticore force?""A prickle of heat crept up Marvin’s neck, and he lowered his gaze, clenching his hands to keep from fidgeting. He wasn’t sure if he’d overstepped, or even looked down on his uncle, but he could feel his uncle’s patient eyes on him."I’m sorry, Uncle. I didn’t mean to be rude."Mr. Christopher chuckled softly. "No, no, it’s fine. Even the smartest people make wrong guesses sometimes."Marvin relaxed a little, but his mind was still buzzing with questions. He was desperate to understand more about his uncle. But something in his uncle’s calm, firm tone made him decide to hold back his questions—at least for now.He had to desist from asking Mr Christopher anything about the Synapticore force and why he was not the CEO of Richmond tech group.Then, a

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SECRETS

    Mr. Christopher’s confident look faded, and he fell silent, as his eyes were fixed on the floor. He seemed to be deep in thought, processing what Marvin had said. Marvin’s words had struck a chord—there was a real chance that the Zypher family would offer the governor an enormous amount of money to sway him. And knowing the governor, he wasn’t exactly the type to turn down a deal like that.Finally, Mr. Christopher looked back at Marvin, and his face turned serious. "We have to find a way to stop her," he said.Marvin could see the determination in his uncle’s eyes, but he also saw a hint of worry. This wasn’t going to be easy."I’m trying to figure something out," said Marvin, with a hint of frustration in his voice. "But it just won’t come together. The Zypher's spectral manipulation abilities give them a big advantage in this wicked agenda of theirs."Mr Christopher nodded, understanding what his uncle meant. With that kind of power, they could push their agenda forward, making i

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  • THE RETURN OF THE REJECTED

    The day had arrived.The leaders of Westwood's most influential power families gathered under the immense, towering arches of the Westwood Grand Dome. A place where the fate of the entire family and business empires was decided, where rivalries were settled, and where power was both displayed and demanded.Today’s summit was especially crucial. The Astralyte, that coveted substance with unmatched power, was up for distribution, and each family had their eye on a portion. The negotiations would be tense, but they were necessary. Without a proper share of the Astralyte, a family’s grip on power would weaken, and the balance of control in Westwood could shift forever.The leaders entered the grand dome one by one. Each arrived with their usual entourage, their eyes scanning the vast space. The tension was palpable, like a storm about to break.At the very back, as though entering with an aura that made the air hum with power, was Marvin Richmond. He walked in with an unshakable confid

  • KNEEL BEFORE THE TRUE HEIR

    Daniel’s eyes widened in fear. He shook his head violently.“No… no, stop… stop this!” he said out loud, stumbling back.But Marvin’s eyes didn’t blink.His stare held Daniel in place.Still glowing.Still deep.Still commanding.“Bow to me, Daniel,” Marvin’s voice echoed again—this time louder in his head.“In front of everyone here.”Daniel gasped.He clutched his head with both hands, falling to his knees.His face was full of horror.“No! Don’t do this! Please!” he begged.But the command had already been planted.Like a seed in the soil of his mind.Daniel’s body moved against his will.He began to lower his head.The Richmonds all stood frozen.Nobody spoke.Nobody dared.Mr. Richmond’s eyes were wide.Even Martha was trembling, holding her children close.And slowly… in full view of every Richmond present…Daniel bowed.His head touched the ground.His voice cracked as he whispered: “I… I submit…”And Marvin?He still hadn’t said a single word out loud.He simply stood there… w

  • FACE THE ONE YOU CAST AWAY

    Daniel stood frozen, his knees were weak, as the man in the silver suit stepped fully into the open.His heart skipped a beat.His lips trembled.His entire body began to shudder.“No… no, this can’t be,” Daniel muttered, stumbling backward, his voice was barely a whisper.But it was real. It was him.Marvin.The same Marvin they had all cast aside.The same Marvin they had forgotten.The same Marvin who was once told he wasn’t worthy of the Richmond name just because his synapticore force wasn't awakened.And now… he had returned.Dana Orion’s eyes widened as her hand flew to her mouth. “Marvin?” she gasped.Her voice cracked under the weight of disbelief.Martha’s eyes narrowed, blinking rapidly as if her mind couldn’t accept the truth her eyes were seeing. “It’s… it’s him… It’s really him,” she said.Around them, the other Richmonds gasped and exchanged hushed whispers.Shock rippled across their faces like a wave crashing over the mansion.“But… how? Didn’t Father banish him?” a y

  • THE ARRIVAL OF POWER

    The sun hung low in the Westwood sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the bustling city.The air, as usual, was thick with anticipation as the convoy made its way down the busy streets.The blaring sirens of the lead vehicles cut through the noise of the city, commanding the attention of everyone in their path.The streets were cleared quickly, pedestrians stepping aside to watch in awe as the parade of vehicles passed.At the forefront of the convoy were five desert patrol vehicles, their engines roaring as they cruised down the wide, well-maintained roads. These vehicles were designed for both speed and strength, built to withstand even the harshest of conditions.The enforcers riding atop these vehicles stood tall and proud, with their Synapticore marks glowing fiercely on their foreheads, visible to anyone watching. They were the protectors, the ones who could detect any strange movements, and they were on high alert, ready to repel any attempt at kidnapping or harm that may be

  • HER WORTH, HIS CHOICE

    Marvin looked at her for a moment, silently he just stared at her.Then a slow smile crept across his face.“Is it because of that you’re keeping such a face?” he asked gently.Helena didn’t answer. She looked away, biting her lip. The sparkle in her eyes was gone.Without another word, Marvin pulled her into a tight embrace. His arms were wrapped around her like a shield.“You… you’re really the love of my life,” he said with a chuckle. “Such a jealous dragon—keeping your prince charming all to yourself.”He laughed softly, hoping to crack her mood.But Helena’s face remained serious, her body was still tense in his arms.Marvin knew her silence was louder than any word. So, his tone changed.“Helena,” he said, brushing her damp hair away from her cheek. “Listen to me. My journey to Westwood isn’t just some wild adventure. It’s for something big. Something powerful.”She glanced up at him, still unsure.“There’s a resource,” he continued. “It’s rare and it is found only in Westwood.

  • LOVE AND LEGACY

    FOUR DAYS LATER…The large TV screen on Marvin’s wall glowed with a bright image.News anchors were speaking quickly, but the real heat was coming from the analysts sitting at the round table. A live economic debate was on.“…there’s no denying it anymore,” one analyst said, pointing to the chart behind him. “Helios Enterprise has once again seen a shocking boom in the last 72 hours. Investors are rushing in, and demand for their new solar-based tech is through the roof!”“Exactly,” another added. “People are turning away from fuel-based power systems, gas generators, and even wind turbines. Helios’ solar products are more affordable, portable, and last longer.”“Especially their solar-battery drones, sun-powered vehicle chargers, and the new solar refrigeration boxes for hospitals and farms,” a third chimed in. “These aren’t just gadgets… they’re game changers!”Marvin smirked.He was lying in bed, naked, tucked under a light sheet. His body was well-built, and his mind sharper than

  • WHEN POWER CALLS HOME

    Mr. Richmond was caught off guard.He blinked, his mouth was slightly open, as if the question had struck a nerve he didn’t expect to be touched.He looked away for a moment, then back at Marvin.“I…” he began, then sighed. “I won’t lie to you.”He rubbed his fingers together nervously, the rabbit was still resting on Marvin’s desk like a silent witness to their tension.“Yes. I want something too.”His voice lowered, honest now.“I don’t want to miss out on the Astralyte benefits. As you know I’ve been cut off from the power families, my company have been hit with numerous sanctions and not just that, my name has been dragged through the mud... but if Astralyte becomes the new standard—if it fuels everything—then the fifteen percent you are due annually from our partnership would improve.”He paused, calculating his next words carefully.“The other family heads are not as efficient in research and discovery like us the Richmond. We Richmonds would have an edge when we too get to bene

  • FATHER OR OPPORTUNIST?

    Mr. Richmond stayed quiet for a moment, then took a deep breath.“I came to—”“Eight seconds,” Marvin said flatly, not letting him finish.Mr. Richmond raised a hand, his voice was now more pleading.“Alright, alright,” he finally said. “I’ll talk.”He paused, adjusting the rabbit in his arms.“A new resource has been discovered in Westwood. Something big. Something powerful. But the Richmond family… we were restricted from tapping into it.”Marvin’s eyes didn’t blink.“You mean the subject topic for recent WG-8 Summit,” he said calmly. “I know about that.”Mr Richmond leaned on his seat, his tone was cutting like a knife.“The Richmond family was restricted… because of your greed.”Mr. Richmond gave a slow nod, breathing in deeply.“I agree to that fact,” he said. “But—”“So you want me,” Marvin cut in again, “to help you get back the license… to be part of the beneficiaries of the Astralyte?”There was a pause. Mr. Richmond nodded slightly, like a man admitting his crime.“Yes,” he

  • OLD WOUNDS NEW GAMES

    It was him.Mr. Richmond. His father.A silence filled the room, thick like fog.“What are you doing here?” Marvin asked in a cold tone.His voice was low, calm, but sharp.The older man gave no answer—only a quiet smile, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along."Hello Marvin."Mr. Richmond rose slowly from his seat, still holding the twitching rabbit in his lap. He took a step forward and gave Marvin a warm look.“You’ve grown into a fine man,” he said with a calm voice. “How are you doing, son? By the way I must say… I’m truly impressed by what you’ve built here. The designs, the systems, the team—everything is remarkable. You’ve really done well with your company.”Marvin didn’t say a word. He walked past his father without looking at him.“Follow me,” he said in a low, controlled tone.Mr. Richmond followed behind, still cradling the rabbit in one arm as they moved through the glass doors into Marvin’s private office.The newly refurbished room was large, modern, and f

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