Chapter 5
The Price of Resolve"
Victor’s eyes were sharp as he stared at Maria. “You’ve got no right to touch her. Not now, not ever.”
Maria’s smirk slipped for a moment, surprise flashed briefly across her face. But she quickly masked it with an indifferent shrug. “Oh? And who’s going to stop me?”
Before Victor could answer, Emma's phone rang loudly. Her hands were shaking as she answered, her face turning ashen with each word she heard.
"Hello?" Emma's voice was shaky.
"Emma?" The voice on the other end was relentless.
"We need to discuss your daughter’s surgery. Without the necessary funds, we’ll have to remove her oxygen mask."
Emma's breath caught in her throat. "No, please"
"Time is running out. If you don’t come up with the money immediately, her condition will worsen."
Emma’s heart pounded as she looked at Victor, who watched her with growing concern. Her voice was barely a whisper. "They’re threatening to take her off the oxygen."
Victor stepped closer, his face hardening. "Emma, what’s going on?"
The voice on the phone continued, unaffected by Emma’s distress. "You have 24 hours. After that, we cannot guarantee her survival."
Emma’s hands shook uncontrollably as she hung up. Her face was ashen, the weight of the threat sinking in. Victor reached out, trying to steady her.
Victor’s expression softened with determination. "We’ll figure something out. We have to.”
Emma's voice wavered as she turned to Grandpa Ben. “I’ll do anything. Anything you want. Just please, help me save my daughter. I’m ready to spend the night with the manager if that’s what it takes to get an invitation for my family, but I need the money.”
Grandpa Ben’s eyes were cold, dismissive. “Is this some kind of pathetic act? Do you think you can buy sympathy from us? We’re not interested in your theatrics.”
Victor cut in sharply, his voice edged with steel. “Enough. You don’t need to beg. I’ll handle this.”
He pulled out his phone with a determined flick and dialed his secretary. “Get to the hospital right now,” Victor ordered, not waiting for a greeting. “Make sure Emma's daughter gets the surgery she needs. I want the best doctors, no excuses.”
The secretary didn’t hesitate, sensing the urgency in Victor’s tone. “Understood, sir. I’ll handle it immediately.”
Victor wasn’t done. He gripped the phone tighter, his eyes narrowing as he thought quickly. “And one more thing,” he continued, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. “Bring back a special invitation to the warlord's party with Emma’s name on it. Make sure it’s flawless, she’s not going as some bystander. She’s coming as my guest, and everyone there needs to know it.”
The secretary hesitated for a split second, recognizing the weight of what was being asked. “Yes, sir. I’ll make sure it’s done exactly as you’ve instructed.”
Victor’s jaw clenched, his tone brooking no argument. “Do it quickly. I don’t want any delays. Emma’s already been through enough, and I’m not letting anyone stand in the way of what needs to be done.”
“Yes, sir,” the secretary replied, his voice steady. “I’ll report back as soon as everything’s in place.”
Victor ended the call abruptly, shoving the phone back into his pocket. He could feel the tension coiling in his chest, the gravity of his decisions weighing on him. But there was no time for second-guessing, no room for doubt. He had made his choice, and now he was going to see it through.
Grandpa Ben snorted, his face twisted in scorn. “You think a phone call is going to fix this mess? Don’t waste our time with your grandstanding. We don’t need your charity.”
Victor ’s gaze hardened. “You think you can make demands of me? You’ve underestimated my resolve.”
Grandpa Ben’s voice grew more menacing. “If you’re trying to play games, you’ve picked the wrong people. Leave now before we have to escort you out.”
The guards moved in, their eyes cold and unwavering. Victor ’s own gaze was just as icy, as he locked eyes with Grandpa Ben. “If my secretary manages to get this done, then Emma is free to leave with me. No more games.”
Emma's voice was a desperate whisper, clutching at Victor ’s arm with both hands. “Please, just save her. I’ll do anything. I’ll”
Victor cut her off with a sharp glance. “I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing. And because I can.”
Grandpa Ben’s sneer deepened. “You think you’re some kind of hero? Just a man with too much money and not enough sense.”
Victor ’s face was a mask of calm, his voice low and firm. “Maybe. But I know what’s right. And I know how to get it done.”
The room was filled with a tense, heavy silence. Emma stood in the middle of the storm, her heart racing, her mind spinning with a mix of fear and hope. Her eyes darted between Victor and Grandpa Ben, trying to gauge the outcome of this high-stakes confrontation.
As Victor walked towards the door, he threw one last, resolute glance back at Grandpa Ben. “If you think you can intimidate me or play me for a fool, you’re mistaken. I’m not the one you want to mess with.”
Grandpa Ben’s lips curled into a snarl. “You’re making a big mistake, Victor . This isn’t over.”
Victor ’s voice was a low growl. “It is for now. I suggest you take your threats elsewhere.”
With that, Victor strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. The tension that had filled the space now seemed to follow him, a lingering reminder of the standoff.
Emma stood frozen, her mind still racing with the hope that Victor would come through. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him leave, She felt the heavy burden of her daughter’s fate.
Grandpa Ben’s expression was a mix of anger and contempt. “You’ve made a powerful enemy today, Emma. Don’t think this is over.”
Emma's eyes were resolute, despite the fear and exhaustion. “I don’t care about enemies right now. I care about my daughter.”
Grandpa Ben snorted dismissively. “You’re naive if you think this will end well for you.”
The guards stood silently, their presence a clear reminder of the power dynamics at play. Emma could feel their eyes on her, and judgment felt like a heavy weight.
As Victor ’s car sped through the city streets, he was silent, his mind focused on the task at hand. The seriousness of his promise felt like a heavy weight, but he was determined to keep it.
He knew that failure was not an option, not for Emma, and not for himself.
The Grand Revelation:The secretary hurried into the crisp evening air, he made his way to the hospital with immediate effect. He settled the hospital bill, he made sure that everything was in order before he even stepped out of the building. The surgery for Emma's daughter was fully paid for, and the best doctors were on the case. The secretary didn’t linger; he had more pressing matters to attend to, by securing the invitation card for Emma. He glanced back at the hospital, satisfied that everything was in order. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number.“It’s done,” he said into the receiver, his voice calm and measured. “The surgery is covered, and the girl will receive the best care.”A pause, then the voice on the other end responded, cool and authoritative. “Good. And the invitation?”The secretary smiled slightly, reaching into his coat pocket to retrieve the envelope. He traced the gold-embossed lettering with his thumb. “Secured. Everything’s in place for tomorrow night.”
Preparation for the PartyThe grand department store gleamed with luxury as Victor and Emma stepped through the revolving doors. Emma’s eyes widened at the sparkling displays of elegant gowns and shimmering jewelry. She was used to simpler things, and the opulence before her was almost overwhelming.“Come on,” Victor said, gently but firmly taking Emma’s arm. “You deserve this. Let’s find something perfect for you.”Emma hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the soft fabric of a nearby dress. “I don’t know. This seems… too much.”Victor turned to her, his gaze intense yet warm. “You belong here, and you deserve every bit of it. You’ve given me more than you know. Let me give you something in return.”Emma’s eyes softened, but a shadow of doubt lingered. “Why are you so determined to help me? After everything…”Victor gave her a reassuring smile. “Because you deserve respect and kindness, “You saved my life. It’s the least I can do to make you feel special. And I want to make things
The Grand PartyThe night of the party arrived, and as Victor and Emma entered the grand ballroom, they immediately drew everyone’s attention. Heads turned, and murmurs spread through the crowd. Emma felt the weight of her past on her shoulders. She’d been through so much, and now, as she stood in the middle of attraction, draped in a stunning, emerald-green gown, sleek shoes, matching emerald-green, and her bag, a delicate silver clutch chosen by Victor, She felt a small sense of self-worth she hadn’t experienced in years.“Wow, look at them!” someone whispered. “Who are they?”Emma, radiant in her stunning dress, walked with newfound confidence. Her transformation was striking, and many guests were surprised.Maria, spotting Emma from across the room, leaned toward her grandfather. “Who is that woman with him? She looks incredible.”Grandpa Ben squinted, trying to get a better look. “I don’t know, but she certainly stands out. And that dress”.Victor, noticing their reaction, gave E
The ConfrontationThe room was full of tension, and Mark couldn’t stay quiet anymore. His voice cut through the air, desperate and trembling. "Stop this, right now!" He stepped forward, trying to shield Maria with his body, but Victor's cold, unwavering eyes locked onto him."Stop this madness!" He continued, his voice shaking. "Maria had nothing to do with this! She’s innocent!”Victor's gaze shifted to Mark, cold and piercing. "Innocent?" he repeated, his voice dripping with disdain. "Is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night, Mark? Or is it just another lie, like the ones you’ve been telling Maria?"Mark flinched but forced himself to stand firm. "Maria had nothing to do with this! I’m the one you want!"The crowd fell silent, watching closely. Mark's face went pale as Victor kept speaking, his words hitting hard.Victor laughed, a sound that sent chills through the crowd. "You? You're nothing but a coward hiding behind lies. But since you’re so eager to take the blame, let’
Rising ShadowsVictor and Emma stepped out of the grand hall, leaving behind the ruins of Maria’s family. The night was cool, the stars above them bright and clear, but the air between them was thick with unspoken tension. Victor glanced at Emma, her face a mixture of relief and uncertainty.“You did well in there,” Victor said, his voice low and smooth, breaking the silence. He watched her closely, noting the way her chest rose and fell as she tried to calm herself.Emma looked up at him, her eyes searching his. “I’m still shaking. I never thought… I never thought it would end like this.”Victor took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. “It had to end this way, Emma. They would have destroyed you. I couldn’t let that happen.”She bit her lip, a gesture that sent a flash of heat through him. “I don’t know what happens next, Victor. My life, my daughter… everything feels like it’s falling apart.”His hand reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. The touch was ele
The Rival Warlord’s ChallengeThe sun hadn’t fully risen when the news arrived, a formal challenge from General Kaito. The message was delivered in a crisp envelope, the paper thick and expensive, as if Kaito wanted to flaunt his power even in something as simple as a letter. Victor read the message, his jaw tightening as he took in the words.“Victor,” Eric called out, stepping into the room with a worried expression. “Word’s spreading like wildfire. Kaito’s challenge is on everyone’s lips.”Victor glanced up from the letter, his eyes cold and calculating. “He’s trying to force me out. He thinks a duel will be enough to get rid of me.”Eric shook his head, disbelief etched on his face. “He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. You can take him.”Victor’s eyes flickered with determination. “I don’t intend to lose, Eric. This city is mine, and I’m not leaving.”---By midday, the whole city was buzzing about the upcoming duel. Word of Victor's return spread, sparking hope in some and fea
The DuelThe crowd gathered at dawn, filled with anticipation. The duel between Victor and General Kaito was the only thing anyone could talk about. As Victor stepped into the arena, the tension was clear. He glanced around at the sea of faces, some hopeful, others fearful, but all of them were waiting to see the outcome of this deadly confrontation.Kaito was already there, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure against the early morning light. He sneered as Victor approached. “You should’ve stayed in exile, Victor. This city isn’t big enough for both of us.”Victor’s jaw tightened. “I’m not going anywhere, Kaito. This city is mine, and I’m here to take back what belongs to me.”Kaito laughed, a harsh, grating sound. “You think you can win? I’ve been ruling this city in your absence. You’re nothing but a ghost of the past.”Victor’s eyes narrowed, his voice cold. “We’ll see about that.”The duel began with a flurry of movement, both men testing each other’s strengths and weaknesse
The Betrayal The early morning was ripped apart by chaos. Victor’s stronghold was under full assault. The sky was streaked with smoke and fire as explosions rocked the compound. Gunfire echoed through the hallways, each shot a sharp reminder of the deadly siege.Victor raced through the corridors, his face set in a grim line. “Get to the defenses!” he roared, his voice barely audible over the roar of combat. “They’re breaking through the outer walls! We need to hold them off!”Hiscbvwbmen scrambled into action, rushing to their posts. Barricades were hastily reinforced, and weapons were readied. The sound of boots pounding on concrete mingled with the distant cries of wounded soldiers.Victor stormed into the control room, where maps and radio equipment were strewn across a table. “Report!” he demanded, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene. Eric burst in, face ashen. “Victor, we’ve been betrayed. One of our own has sold us out to Kaito.”Victor’s eyes flared with rage. “Who? Who’s th