As Tyler and Nicholson arrived back at the villa, the atmosphere grew tense. The grand estate loomed ahead, its elegant facade belying the turmoil within.
The car came to a halt, and before Tyler could gather his thoughts, two mafia members swiftly moved in. They grabbed him roughly by the arms, holding him tightly as they yanked him out of the car. The forceful grip sent a jolt of pain through Tyler's shoulders, but he bit back any signs of discomfort. The men dragged Tyler across the gravel driveway, his feet barely touching the ground. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging as he struggled against their iron grip. His mind raced, searching for a way to escape, but the mafia members' firm hold left him little room to maneuver. At that moment, the door to the villa opened, and Old Ms. Harrington emerged, followed closely by the rest of the family, coming from the private room. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to contempt as they took in the sight before them. Old Ms. Harrington's cold eyes locked onto Tyler, her lips curling into a slight, disdainful smile. It was clear she relished the sight of him being manhandled. As the mafia members dragged Tyler closer, Old Ms. Harrington stepped forward, her elegant dress sweeping the floor. "So, this is how you return, Tyler," she said, her voice icy and dripping with sarcasm. "Dragged in like a common criminal. How fitting." The rest of the family gathered around her, their faces a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. They seemed to enjoy the spectacle, eager to see how this confrontation would unfold. Nicholson approached the group, his expression calm but with a hint of smugness. He looked at Old Ms. Harrington and gave a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared understanding. "Ms. Harrington," Nicholson greeted her with a respectful bow. "As promised, here he is." Old Ms. Harrington glanced at Nicholson, then back at Tyler. "You've outdone yourself, Mr. Nicholson," she said, her tone smooth and condescending. She turned to Tyler, who was still held firmly by the mafia members. "You really thought you could defy us, didn't you?" she continued, her voice low and dangerous. "Did you honestly believe you could escape the consequences of your actions?" Tyler glared back at Old Ms. Harrington, his jaw clenched in defiance. Despite the circumstances, he refused to be intimidated. "I didn't come here to escape," he replied, his voice steady. "I came here to confront the truth." "Confront the truth?" Andrew echoed with a mocking laugh. "Hahaha! Look at him, just like a dog being dragged around!" He leaned back, clearly enjoying the spectacle of Tyler's humiliation. Richard, standing nearby, couldn't contain his rage. "You fallen-from-grace wretch!" he hollered, stepping closer to Tyler. "Weren't you very arrogant just a moment ago? You even had the audacity to hit my son! Try doing that now, if you dare!" Tyler's gaze shifted to Nicholson, the sting of betrayal sharp in his voice. "Mr. Bradford," he began, addressing Nicholson by his full name to emphasize the seriousness of his words. "I heard that your contract as a proxy with Zuckerberg General Hospital ends this month, right?" Nicholson was taken aback, his smug expression faltering for a moment. "What does that have to do with this?" he asked, trying to maintain his composure but clearly unnerved by the unexpected turn in the conversation. A knowing smile played on Tyler's lips as he chuckled softly. "You don't have to go to the superior to discuss the contract renewal anymore," he said, his tone laced with quiet confidence. "You're no longer the general agent." Tyler's mind flashed back to the past, remembering the owner of Zuckerberg General Hospital. His grandfather had once rejected the founder of Zuckerberg attempt to align with the powerful William family. Tyler knew that with a single call, he could ensure Nicholson vanished from San Francisco's social and business circles. Nicholson's face contorted with fury. He had pinned his hopes on earning more money and power as the general agent, and Tyler's words threatened to shatter those ambitions. "Who do you think you are!?" Nicholson snapped, his voice rising with indignation. "Do you really think you can dictate my position? Am I going to lose my status just because you said so? Do you know how close I am to the boss of Zuckerberg?" He continued, his frustration spilling over. "Back then, no one believed in the potential of Zuckerberg General Hospital. But I stepped in, risking my own money to save it! This time, I'm prepared to invest a million dollars to secure my place!" Tyler sneered, unperturbed by Nicholson's outburst. "No matter how much money you throw at the problem, it won't change anything. You won't be the general agent anymore. You can try if you don't believe me." Nicholson's anger boiled over, and he sputtered, "You—!" He was at a loss for words, his frustration evident. At that moment, Old Ms. Harrington's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Tyler, you fallen-from-grace wretch, don't you dare brag!" Her tone was icy, filled with disdain and authority. Everyone fell silent, all eyes turning towards the matriarch. She stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "First, you sabotaged the family's reputation," she began, her voice steady and condemning. "Second, you cheated on Emily, disgracing her and our name. And third, you had the audacity to lay hands on my grandson. Today, you will face the consequences of your actions under the family rules." Tyler's jaw tightened, his defiant expression unyielding. He knew this was coming, yet the accusation still stung. The Harrington family had always wielded their power with ruthless efficiency, and now, they intended to use it against him. Old Ms. Harrington's eyes were cold and unforgiving as she delivered her verdict. "Take him in!" she ordered, her voice carrying a finality that left no room for dissent. The mafia members, still holding Tyler, tightened their grip and began dragging him further into the mansion. Tyler struggled briefly but knew it was futile. The Harringtons were determined to punish him, to make an example of him for daring to challenge their authority. As he was pulled through the grand hallways of the villa."You insolent fool! Kneel before me this instant!" commanded Old Ms. Harrington, her voice dripping with authority."Do you think you can break the family's laws and walk away without consequence? You fool!""Family rules! What rules!" Tyler exclaimed, defiant.Old Ms. Harrington's eyes narrowed, but there was a glimmer of understanding in her gaze. "Have you forgotten the agreement you signed with our family? Three years ago, when you became a son-in-law of the Harrington family, you vowed to accept our family's rules and face the consequences if you ever betrayed us. Does that vow still bind you?"Tyler stood tall, his voice steady. "It absolutely does."A nod of acknowledgment came from Ms. Harrington. "Very well, then you understand your offense," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Bring me the 'Judgment Rod." At her command, Richard produced a long, intricately carved rod, a symbol of the family's history and tradition.The Judgment Rod, passed down through generations, was mo
"Sir, you're under arrest for the murder you committed," a police officer's voice echoed through the night air. The wail of ambulance sirens and the flashing red and blue lights of the police cars bathed the surroundings in an eerie glow."You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court," the officer recited, his hand hovering over his holstered gun, finger poised on the trigger."Turn around, hands in the air!" he barked, his voice firm and commanding.Tyler complied reluctantly, raising his hands to rest atop his head in a gesture of surrender. Despite his cooperation, the officer advanced aggressively, thrusting Tyler's head forcefully against the unyielding surface of the police car's bonnet. Bound by handcuffs, his arms contorted behind his back, Tyler's eyes met those of his brother-in-law Andrew, whose once immaculate clothes now bore crimson stains, betraying his involvement as the mastermind behind this unfolding chaos.The offi
The loud clang of the gate slamming shut jolted Tyler back to reality. He watched Diego return to his post, then shifted his gaze to the mansion entrance, where red and blue lights flickered through the downstairs windows, casting an ominous glow.Fueled by hope, Tyler tried to force his way through the gate. He imagined his wife's family throwing a welcome-back party, explaining why no one had picked him up at the prison entrance they were too busy preparing a surprise celebration. He clung to the belief that his wife, Emily, still loved him and that their bond was unbroken. However, his efforts were futile; the gate was securely locked by Diego, leaving Tyler frustrated and defeated.After a few minutes in the scorching sun on Haight Street, Tyler slumped against a waste bin, feeling hopeless. Suddenly, the click of the gate unlocking made him lift his head, wondering who was on the other side.That's when he saw her—a maid in a black top and Nike trousers, holding a black trash can
"Could he have escaped from Alcatraz?" the one in the middle speculated, glancing around at the group."Maybe. The commander of Alcatraz Island held a press conference yesterday, announcing that three prisoners had escaped," the person on the left added, leaning forward with interest."He’s probably one of them, and that's why he's here today," Keisha, the light-skinned girl on the right, chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement."How do you know?" Sophie asked, her tone playful but curious."It's obvious - it was all over the news yesterday, and now he's suddenly appeared!" Rachel exclaimed, clearly impressed by the unfolding mystery."Rachel’s absolutely right!" Sophie agreed, nodding at her friend's keen observation.As the group erupted into laughter again, drawing the attention of the crowd, Tyler felt his patience snap."I don't have time for your jokes!" he exclaimed, pushing his way past them.Tyler knew Emily's three friends had never liked him, and the feeling was mutual. Th
Diego understood that without proof of how Tyler gained access to the mansion, his job as the gatekeeper would be in jeopardy. He knew that Old Ms. Harrington was not one to forgive those who crossed her easily.A guest's sharp voice broke through the tension. "How did he get that gate card?" She pointed her wine glass at Tyler, her finger accusingly aimed at him, while Tyler's gaze remained locked on Diego with unsettling intensity.Tyler's eyes narrowed in disbelief. He never expected Diego to act this way after everything he had done for him over the past few years."After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me?" he thought, his voice barely a whisper.Memories of his last humiliation at work still lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He had revealed the cost of Diego's son's treatment, thinking he was helping, only to face backlash. His boss had punished him by deducting a portion of his salary, but Tyler never disclosed this to Diego or anyone else. He brushed
"I'll take this," Tyler said, his hand delving deeper into his pocket to bring out his phone. Glancing at the caller ID, he noticed it was a familiar number he used to call back then. "It's urgent!" he added, pointing at his phone as he walked away from the guests into a quiet corridor to pick up the call."Father, let me go check the security footage to confirm all this," Andrew said, walking alongside Tyler.In the quiet, cold corridor, the light casting a growing glow all around, Tyler was about to pick up the call when Andrew suddenly pushed him against the wall. "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to stay away from this mansion and the Harringtons?" Andrew's finger pointed at Tyler's face. "Let me make this clear: if you expose what happened in the past, I'll make sure to bury you alive," he threatened. Releasing Tyler against the wall, Andrew walked away, disappearing into the distance.Tyler watched him go before redialing the number he had missed due to Andrew's bul
Old Ms. Harrington's frustration was evident in her voice. "This doesn't prove anything! What are we achieving here?" she asked, her tone soft yet firm.Andrew shrugged, his expression uncertain. "Some aspects remain unclear, Grandma."Her eyes narrowed as she replied sharply, "If we can't even establish how he gained entry, then all of this is a waste of time. But that man owes me an explanation!" Her anger simmered just beneath the surface, palpable in her words.Andrew paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking again. "Grandmother, why doesn't Emily just divorce Tyler? He's brought nothing but disgrace to our family. I'm embarrassed to be associated with him in public."Old Ms. Harrington's expression hardened. "Divorce is not an option, Andrew. It goes against your grandfather's wishes, and I won't allow it. Your grandfather and Tyler's grandfather had an agreement - our families only marry within our social circle. We cannot betray that trust."Tyler's and Emily's grandfa
As Tyler stumbled out of the mansion, trying to process the betrayal, he barely noticed the sleek black car speeding up the driveway. Before he could react, the car screeched to a halt, and two men in dark suits jumped out. Strong hands grabbed him, dragging him into the back seat.He fought back, but their grip was ironclad. A cloth was forced over his mouth, and the last thing he saw was the mansion's grand entrance fading into the distance.When Tyler awoke, his head throbbed, and he realized he was tied to a chair, his arms bound tightly behind him. A coarse, black cloth covered his eyes, shrouding him in darkness."Who's there?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the silence.A door creaked open, and he heard footsteps approaching. The air grew colder, and he sensed someone standing directly in front of him."Tyler," a familiar, cold voice spoke, dripping with disdain. "I see you're finally awake."Tyler's heart pounded. "Who are you? What do you want?"The man chuckled. "You rea