The Last Sovereign

Chapter 6

Molly lifted her chin, a proud smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Charlie isn’t just anyone,” she declared.

“He’s from the Northridge family—one of the finest names in the capital. Graduated from the top business school in the country. He’s exactly who should be leading the Anderson family business.”

Across the table, Calvin Dark’s expression soured. He slammed a hand down, the impact rattling the wine glasses and silverware. “Robert, this is outrageous,” he hissed. “You dare to threaten me?”

But Robert didn’t back down. His eyes narrowed, a fierce intensity burning in them as he shot back, “I’m not threatening you. I’m standing up for the truth, for the man who built this state’s security!”

His voice echoed, ringing with conviction before he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Calvin fuming.

The tense silence finally broke as Charlie turned to Molly and Calvin, his face set with steely determination.

“Don’t worry about Robert. I will lead Anderson Enterprises into a new era,” he said, his tone confident. “I’ll surpass anything Joshua ever accomplished for the economy of Texpanse.”

Calvin’s scowl faded, replaced by a pleased smile. “That’s exactly what we want to hear, Charlie,” he replied, nodding approvingly.

Molly leaned in, eyes glinting with satisfaction.

“We’ve chosen wisely,” she said. “With you, we’ll see real progress. You’re a rare kind of man, Charlie.”

Meanwhile, down south near the border, Joshua stepped out of a police vehicle, Chief Ethan by his side.

They’d arrived at the foot of Tezcatlipoca's Crest, a rugged mountain near the chaotic frontier.

The air felt tense, but the silence was unexpected.

Typically, the region pulsed with bursts of gunfire, activity from smugglers, and the steady thud of helicopters patrolling the border. Yet tonight, it was eerily quiet.

Ethan glanced around, his brow furrowing.

“It’s strange,” he muttered, his hand resting on his holstered weapon. “This place is usually anything but calm.”

Joshua nodded, scanning the surroundings thoughtfully.

That night, Ethan lay in bed, feeling quite puzzled in his heart.

He had heard everyone say that this place was chaotic, with the sounds of gunfire and artillery often heard at night.

Yet, the night here was surprisingly quiet, with no sign of danger at all.

By dawn, Joshua was up and ready, stretching as the first rays of sunlight struck the mountain’s peak.

He glanced back at Ethan, who sat nearby, watching him with a blend of respect and worry. “You’re not planning to climb alone, are you?” Ethan asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Joshua’s lips curled in a faint smile. “I work best on my own, Ethan,” he replied, a touch of humor in his eyes.

Ethan shook his head, undeterred. “Well, not today,” he said firmly. “This place is too unpredictable. If you’re going up, I’m coming with you.”

Joshua exhaled but didn’t argue. He picked up his pack, but before heading out, he went into a small shop in the hotel, emerging with a dusty bottle of local whiskey.

Ethan arched a brow, and Joshua just shrugged, flashing a half-smile.

Ethan followed Joshua out of the hotel, only to find that the entire street was eerily quiet as soon as they reached the entrance.

Ethan took a close look and gasped on the spot.

The usually bustling street was filled with all kinds of cars!

And next to each car stood two or three people dressed in formal attire, standing straight.

Everyone was dressed in suits, with ties and sunglasses, making the scene quite intimidating.

Ethan inwardly exclaimed that this was bad; so many people must have come for Joshua!

Ethan and his several police officers instinctively reached for their handguns at their waists.