Even though the corpse had been in the grave for almost two weeks, there was no smell of rotting flesh. No insects or worms had swarmed the dead body. It was preserved fresh as if frozen in time.However, Victor's corpse looked despicable, with ugly black veins running all over it. Cracks had developed all over the limbs and torso, exposing his flesh and organs.The two shovelers looked away. "I can't believe Mr. Damone actually died. I thought he was immortal," one of them said, wincing."You want us to carry the dead body to the NWO laboratory, sir? To conduct tests?""Do you know the mythological story of Thanatos and Alceste?" Atticus asked, ignoring the question.The two exchanged confused glances, finding the out-of-context question strange. Was the Tribunal delivering a farewell speech to Victor Damone?"No, sir," they replied in unison, keeping their thoughts to themselves.Atticus looked up at the stars and began. "Then let me tell you the story. In Greek mythology, Thanatos
Springfield's beautiful town square was packed with elite and ordinary citizens. It was decorated with a patriotic tone, and the mood was generally not high.Among the elites, top billionaires, merchants, bureaucrats, artists, and civil society were present. The military was also in attendance. Everyone's eyes were on the ten-foot-tall monument at the town center, shrouded by a curtain.General Lance Baker approached the podium and addressed the crowd and the media cameras."A good morning to all citizens of Springfield. I am General Baker, appointed by the federal government for this transition period of the city."There was light applause from the audience. Even though Lance was a familiar face by now, the presence of the military made people anxious."I welcome you to a new day in Springfield's history. I will concede, of course, that the past year has been horrendous in terms of human lives lost and displaced. Several terrorist attacks almost shook the city's foundation and brought
Carol woke up in her new mansion in Prince County and finished her chores quickly. She was supposed to register as a candidate for the Mayor position at noon. However, the beauty stayed awake all night thinking about it.Ever since Victor’s will reading turned into a dramatic affair, Carol’s depression born from losing Victor dissipated. Now, she had fresh issues to deal with.Sophia Baker, the cardiac surgeon who treated Edgar, was back. She returned with a one-year-old she claimed to be Victor’s son. While it was received with widespread disbelief, Sophia submitted her son, Niklaus, to a paternity test.To everyone’s shock, the test came out positive. Since both the Atelier and Baker families claimed to have Victor’s successor, it was an odd situation. The executor of the will, Elsa Madison, deferred the will’s execution until it could be confirmed that the child in Carol’s womb was Victor’s.Meanwhile, Carol accepted the mansion, cars, and millions of dollars Victor left behind for
Victor was in the Mayor's office going over the fortification plans of Springfield. [Victor Cromwell, Lieutenant Mayor] was embossed on his glass door.The civilian town was set on the path of transformation into a military-industrial city. In the near future, it would produce its own arms and armaments and train its own soldiers.However, the first step was to build defenses around and within its borders. It was Victor's priority right now."Border patrol won't be enough to stop sudden military incursions," he said, tapping on a detailed map of Springfield. "We need more drastic measures in place.""What do you suggest?" General Lance Baker asked, seated opposite the newly appointed Interim Mayor. "We have to build over a hundred secret bunkers at strategic places," Victor replied, sliding the edited map across the table. Lance pored over the markings and whistled. Numerous locations were cross-marked around and within the city. "You appear to be an expert at military strategy for a
"Hello, Mr. Mayor, sir!" Daphne exclaimed jovially. To seduce the new Mayor, she had decided to be adventurous by going braless."We're here for the secretary positions."The red tube top that covered Daphne's upper body; she had pulled it down so low it barely covered her nipples. The cloth was so shamelessly thin that it left little to the imagination."Mr. Cromwell, I am a big fan!" Chloe followed up, pressing her shoulders together and leaning on the table. She thrust her cleavage out in public display."I hope you found our resumes interesting," she added with a wink.Victor almost visibly blanched at the girls. There was nothing natural about their faces or bodies. They were likely enhanced too many times with plastic surgery.Even though such silicon-stuffed women were attractive to ordinary men, Victor was disgusted by their appearances. The thick layer of makeup and the slutty display of their chests annoyed him."I went through the credentials in your applications," Victor s
Victor raised an eyebrow but retained his composure. "Is that so? I was not aware women could lie like that, and people would still believe them.""It seems you have finally come to your senses!" Chloe said, banging on the desk. "With a single accusation, we can ruin your career! You will be fired from the Mayor's position, and the Cromwell family's reputation will be in the dust!"Victor nodded again. "It makes sense. What do you seek to achieve from such a fraud?"Daphne grinned from ear to ear. "If you don't want us to accuse you… Quickly type out our letters of joining as secretaries with double salaries. Moreover, we want a check for fifty thousand dollars each right now!""Oh, this sounds like blackmail," Victor said slowly. "And extortion. Which are both crimes."Chloe waved a dismissive hand. "Do you have any other option? Consider the money and job as compensation for us preserving your reputation and career. Fulfilling our demands would be better than going to prison, wouldn
What was Eva Atelier doing in the Mayor’s office? Why did she want to apply for the secretary position? Did she suspect anything?However, Eva’s body language and words did nothing to suggest she knew Victor’s real identity. He had to treat her like any other candidate and eventually get rid of her.“Take a seat.”“Thanks, sir.”“Your application says you are a fresh graduate from Carmine University. But you are a citizen of Springfield? Why did you go out of state to complete your education? Aren’t universities here not good enough?”Eva exuded confidence. “My parents shifted to Carmine City for business reasons, so I was bound to move with them. I had no choice but to enroll in a private university there. However, my heart was always in Springfield, and it always will be…”Something was left unsaid in her words. Was she referring to the late Victor Damone?“Alright. But it appears you are a fresher with no experience. Why should I hire you for a work profile that demands knowledge o
Victor paused for an extended moment before giving in. “You know… One day, my enemies are going to abduct you and use you as a radar to find me.”Eva wiped her tears on his coat and giggled like a child. “If your enemies exploit me to find you, they will be very successful!”She punched him repeatedly in the chest. “Do you know what I went through after hearing about your death? The world means nothing to me without you!”Victor chuckled and pried the girl off himself. “Alright. Alright. Now that I am back… Tell me… How did you realize I am Victor Damone and not Victor Cromwell? I need to know to prevent others from figuring out my identity.”Eva bit her lip and rolled her eyes, pretending to go into reflection.“Hmph. Are we going to completely ignore the fact that you possess the supernatural ability to change your appearance? It’s definitely not plastic surgery or any medical technology or theatrics. It’s something out of an urban fantasy novel! First, tell me how you are alive. I