Chereads / Empire of Vengeance / Chapter 16 - Chapter 14: "Claiming the Crown"

Chapter 16 - Chapter 14: "Claiming the Crown"

The office was still quiet after the storm that had passed. William stood in the center of the room, the freshly signed documents in hand, the weight of his first acquisition settling over him. The receptionist and Daniel remained frozen in place, their previous arrogance replaced by fear and submission.

Reginald, ever composed, straightened his suit and turned to William. "Master William, the agency's portfolio includes some of the finest properties in the city. As you've now acquired it, it would be wise to claim one for yourself."

William glanced around, his thoughts already racing. His original intention had been to buy a villa for himself, a statement of his independence. But now, things had escalated far beyond his initial plan. He wasn't just a buyer anymore—he was the owner. He had the power to claim the best property available, and he would.

He turned to Daniel, whose face was still pale. "What's the most expensive and exclusive property this agency holds?"

Daniel swallowed hard, his voice trembling. "T-The Crown Estate. It's a mansion in the King's District. The largest one in the portfolio. It's valued at... 180 million."

The receptionist's eyes widened at the mention of the property, and even Reginald raised an eyebrow slightly, though he remained silent. The Crown Estate was well known, not just for its size and opulence, but for its legacy—few had ever set foot on the grounds, let alone dared to think of purchasing it.

William's eyes gleamed with interest. "Arrange the paperwork for it."

Daniel blinked, stunned. "You... You want to buy the Crown Estate?"

"No," William said, his voice calm but commanding. "I'm taking it."

Daniel looked at Reginald, as if seeking some kind of confirmation, but Reginald's expression remained unreadable. The bodyguards who had brought the briefcases of cash earlier stood like statues, waiting for William's next move.

"I... I'll get the documents ready right away," Daniel stammered, hurrying over to his desk.

The receptionist, her arrogance now shattered, hurried to assist him, fumbling with papers as her hands shook. The two of them worked feverishly, too terrified to even glance at William directly.

While they worked, Reginald approached William. "Master William, the Crown Estate is not just a property—it's a symbol of power. Securing it would place you at the very pinnacle of this city's elite. But it also comes with a great deal of attention."

William's gaze didn't waver. "I'm ready for the attention. It's time people understand who I am."

Reginald nodded, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Very well. The property will serve as a fitting foundation for your future endeavors."

Minutes later, Daniel approached with the completed paperwork, still trembling as he handed it over to William. "I-I've prepared the transfer documents. As soon as you sign, the Crown Estate will be yours."

William took the pen from Daniel's hand and, without hesitation, signed his name. Each stroke of the pen felt like another step toward his inevitable rise. When he was done, he handed the papers back to Daniel.

"It's done," William said, his voice steady.

Daniel glanced down at the papers, his hands still shaking. He had just witnessed something extraordinary—William had not only taken control of the agency but had claimed the most exclusive property in the city without so much as a second thought.

"The keys," William said, his gaze sharp.

Daniel scrambled to retrieve the keys from a drawer, handing them over with trembling hands. "Here, sir. The keys to the Crown Estate."

William took the keys, his grip firm. "I'll be moving in immediately."

The receptionist and Daniel exchanged glances, still trying to process everything that had happened in such a short time. The once-mighty agency was now in the hands of someone they had underestimated, and the Crown Estate—an unattainable symbol of power—was now his.

Reginald stepped forward, addressing William with a nod. "I'll have the staff ready the estate for your arrival. Shall we head there now?"

William nodded. "Yes. It's time to see my new home."

As William turned to leave, Daniel and the receptionist stood frozen, watching him in awe and fear. The man they had mocked and humiliated just hours earlier was now their boss—and the owner of the most powerful estate in the city.

The fleet of luxury cars still waited outside. William stepped into the lead car, Reginald by his side, as the rest of the bodyguards followed suit. The engines roared to life, and the convoy of sleek, black vehicles made their way toward the Crown Estate.