As the scene unfolded at Richard's house, far away in the hidden Mason estate, a room cloaked in shadows stirred to life. On a wall, an ancient clock with intricate carvings made its first move in eighteen years. This clock was embedded so deeply into the wall that it seemed part of the wallpaper itself, a silent sentry that had counted down each day since the disappearance of Rita Mason with her unborn child. The clock had always read "3:00 PM"—until this very moment, when it clicked forward to "3:01 PM."
In the dim light of the room, Daisy, the daughter of Rita's old butler, Butler Lane, stirred from her meditation. She had waited, trained, and prepared all her life for this moment. Daisy had been just a toddler when Rita vanished, but her mission was clear from a young age: protect the heiress and her unborn child, find her at any cost, and reunite the family. She walked slowly to the clock, her eyes gleaming as she confirmed the time had shifted.
Daisy stretched, her body emitting small pops as her muscles relaxed from her vigil. Eighteen years had passed, and today was the day. She would fulfill her vow. She would never lose track of her heiress again nor of her heir.
Her heart raced, her face remaining calm and stoic. She reached for her phone and composed a single message: "The heiress is alive. Trace her."
Daisy's phone buzzed, the name on the screen flashing, and she connected it immediately, her voice sharp and direct.
"Red Rose here. Report."
A nervous voice responded on the other end, stumbling over the words. "W-We traced the signal using the IP address. We located the house it originated from, but then… the IP address suddenly started pinging from locations all over the world. It wiped itself clean, no trace left, and the laptop—nothing remains on it either."
Daisy's expression hardened. "You talk too much," she cut in, her tone icy. "I need answers, not problems. Get me every detail about that first address. I want the names of every inhabitant, their data—everything. And I need it in ten minutes." She paused, letting her words sink in. "If you can't manage that, you know what to do."
Without another word, she hung up.
Daisy Lane, known to her associates as 'Red Rose,' was a woman of precision and ruthlessness. She left a single red rose as her signature—a final mark for her victims, the last thing they would ever see. Decisive, fast, and calculated, she commanded an army of over three thousand trained assassins, each one planted strategically across all walks of life. Nothing escaped her grasp, and no mission was too complex for her to execute with swift, unerring precision.
Back at Richard's house, the atmosphere had shifted from heavy tension to a subdued calm. Jack sat at the desk, his fingers moving with silent speed across the laptop's keyboard. His face was focused, his gaze sharp—this was a side of Jack only Grace knew, hidden behind his quiet demeanor. He was not just the heir to a hidden family; he was also the world's best hacker, operating under the alias "REGERA." Only Grandma Grace knew the full extent of his skill.
As his fingers danced over the keys, he quickly changed the password to the newly activated account, ensuring no one else would be able to access it. But just as he finished, a red alert flashed on the screen. Jack's instincts sharpened—his IP address was being tracked. Someone was already watching the account.
He paused for a split second, then his fingers resumed their rapid motion. Within moments, he erased all traces of the account activation, hiding his digital presence with precision.
"Someone was tracking us," he murmured, eyes narrowed. He looked up at Grandma Grace, who nodded with a knowing glance.
"Be cautious, Jack," she warned softly. "The path we walk is full of eyes. Not everyone will be as loyal as those in this room."
Jack nodded, his gaze steely, his heart resolute. The journey ahead was dangerous, but he wasn't alone. The hidden blood of the Mason family flowed in his veins, and he was determined to claim his destiny—whatever challenges lay in wait. Unknown to him Daisy had nailed his address, she was faster than he thought. But it was for his good. She couldn't allow him to be in danger anymore
Ten minutes later, all the details of the people living in Richard's house arrived on Daisy Lane's monitors, including photos of everyone, both old residents and new. When she saw the picture of Jack Mason, her whole body froze.
"My King… you are alive. But where is the heiress?" she whispered, her heart pounding.
Without wasting a moment, Daisy picked up her phone and made a call. The moment it connected, she spoke with cold authority.
"Get me every detail about the young man with Victoria. I want to know the color of his hair, his eyes, his height, his blood type, his dental records, his DNA—everything. If he's a student, I want his acceptance letter. Wherever he is, there I will be. Where he goes, I go. Use a new alias for me… 'Selena Robert.' Make it clean."
She hung up, her voice echoing in the silence of the room.
An hour later, Daisy received the full report. She sat on her bed, reading every piece of information, and tears filled her eyes.
"My King… what kind of life have you been forced to live? Where is the heiress"
The birthday celebration ended in joy, filling Jack's once-empty heart with warmth and laughter. From having no family to suddenly being surrounded by people who cared deeply for him, Jack felt like he was living a dream. Aunt Grace now revealed as someone far more important, had decided to stay in the city with him. Racoon Village held no more ties for her. In just three days, Jack had gone from a nobody to the King of the most feared, respected, and wealthiest family in the world. Yet, looking at him now, he was still the same humble, unassuming teenager who blended in with everyone else on the streets of Q Country.
That night, Jack and Victoria stayed up, organizing his new walk-in wardrobe and admiring the things Richard had bought him. Jack marveled at the designer clothes, clothes he'd never even seen up close, let alone owned. His excitement was almost childlike, and it filled Victoria's heart to see him this way.
"So, Jack," Victoria said gently, sitting on the sofa in his room, watching him with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "How do you feel about your new status, now that we know you're the real heir of the Mason family?" Her gaze softened, taking in Jack's calm composure. Something in her view of him had changed—she saw him now with an admiration she couldn't quite explain. The prestige surrounding him was overwhelming, and though she was close to him, she felt like her place was small beside his.
Jack laughed, breaking her serious thoughts. "Honestly, I'm still just going to be me. I'll focus on my studies, make Mum and Grandma Grace proud. Maybe, if I get the chance, I'll try to meet my dad." His response was simple, but it left Victoria stunned. Here he was, with all this newfound wealth and power, yet his dreams were as modest as any other teenager's.
In that moment, Victoria felt her heart warm toward him. Was it his humility, or the way he stayed grounded despite everything? She wasn't sure, but she knew she was beginning to like Jack. Only a year separated them, and with Richard having playfully offered to adopt Jack as a younger brother during their shopping trip, she wondered how Jack saw her now—sister, friend, or perhaps…something more?
Jack, standing in front of the mirror, admired the new designer shirt and jeans he'd just put on. Turning around, he noticed Victoria lost in thought, and a mischievous grin crossed his face. "A penny for your thoughts, Vic."
"Huh?" She blinked, realizing he was now standing right in front of her, looking expectant.
"I caught you daydreaming. What's on that tiny mind of yours?" he teased, his smile making her heart skip.
Victoria's face turned pink. "Nothing, Jack," she replied, glancing up and taking in his handsome features, more striking in the new clothes. "You look…amazing. Are you going somewhere this late?"
Jack chuckled. "Nah, just wanted to try it on and see what you think. I've never worn clothes like these before, and tomorrow's back to school. Think you can help me pick out outfits since we're at the same school?"
A bright smile lit up Victoria's face. She jumped up, practically bouncing. "Your Highness, it's an honor to be your personal wardrobe assistant!" she teased with an exaggerated bow.
Jack blushed, laughing awkwardly. "Oh, come on, Victoria. I'm serious! I really need your help with this. I mean, I've seen how good you are at putting outfits together. Besides, you picked these for me, so…"
"Alright, alright," she laughed, unable to hide her excitement. "But promise me one thing—no one else gets to help with your wardrobe. It'll be my job, and mine alone, to get you ready every day."
Jack, amused by her enthusiasm, nodded. "Only you, Victoria. I promise."
Before he could react, Victoria leaped toward him, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. She froze, realizing what she'd just done, and quickly backed away, cheeks red. She hurried into the wardrobe, trying to act casual as she began sorting clothes for the week.
"Let's see… This one for Monday, this one for Tuesday, this for Wednesday…" she continued, pairing each outfit with shoes and accessories for him. Jack watched in awe as she worked her way through two whole weeks of combinations, her attention to detail making him feel truly special.
Victoria's actions were simple, yet they were filled with a warmth Jack hadn't felt in a long time. Each day's outfit seemed to be a small token of her care, and Jack smiled, realizing that, in his newfound world of royalty and power, he had something even more precious: the loyalty of those who loved him for who he was.
The morning sun cast a soft glow on the sleek black car as Jack stepped out of the house, ready for his first day back at school with his new identity. Waiting by the car was Victoria, looking effortlessly stunning in her white Hugo T-shirt and black skinny jeans, matched with a pair of sleek black heels. Her long, dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, highlighting her delicate features and calm confidence. She looked up as Jack approached, a smile spreading across her face.
"Morning, Vic," Jack greeted, trying to keep his tone casual, though he couldn't help but notice how graceful she looked.
"Good morning, Jack," she replied with a slight bow, still playfully maintaining her formal air. "Nice outfit. You'll be turning heads today."
Jack glanced down at his black jacket and jeans, paired with a white T-shirt and white Nike sneakers. "You think? Well, maybe I'll blend in a bit more than usual," he laughed softly. "Looks like we match."
Victoria nodded, amused. "Maybe we should've coordinated on purpose. Now people will think we did anyway."
As they settled into the car, Victoria pulled a sleek gold card from her purse and handed it to him. "This is from Richard. He said you might need it. It's loaded with two billion, and the password is your birthday."
Jack's eyes widened, looking from the card to Victoria in surprise. "Two billion? That's—"
"Consider it a welcome gift," she interrupted, laughing at his expression. "And a reminder that you have resources now."
Jack tucked the card away, still processing the gesture. Before he could speak, she continued, "Oh, and one more thing. In the car behind us, there's a new student who'll be joining your class today. His name is Thomas, and he's your new best friend." She winked, her tone playful.
"New best friend?" Jack raised an eyebrow, not quite sure what to make of it.
"Richard arranged it. Thomas is… well, let's just say he's there to keep an eye on you. Francis Mason knows about your return, and rumor has it he'll be waiting for you at school today. So… Thomas is your sentinel bodyguard. Just in case." She giggled, the sound light and almost reassuring.
Jack chuckled. "Guess I have to get used to all this. Bodyguards, secret best friends, billions... it's a lot, Vic."
Victoria shrugged. "It's your life now, Jack. Just don't forget to enjoy it, alright?"
With two cars of bodyguards trailing them, they made their way to the school, and Jack found himself bracing for his new reality. Upon arrival, he and Thomas entered the classroom together. The atmosphere shifted immediately; whispers and curious glances filled the room as students took in Jack's transformed appearance.
"Hey, who's that with him?" one of the girls murmured, nudging her friend.
"Is that really Jack Mason? He looks… different," another whispered, eyes wide with surprise.
Meanwhile, Francis sat near the back, his expression twisting with contempt when he saw Jack looking confident and polished. His plan to humiliate Jack had already crumbled, and he was seething. As Jack made his way to his usual seat, Francis saw his opportunity to strike and nonchalantly placed his bag on Jack's chair, pretending to be absorbed in his phone.
Jack stopped, noticing the bag, and glanced around. Without a word, he picked it up and set it gently on the empty chair beside him. He took his seat, unaffected, while Thomas casually sat right next to him, throwing Francis a steady, almost challenging look.
One of the other students, trying to break the tension, leaned over and greeted Jack. "Hey, Jack! Haven't seen you in days and you come back looking so fly. New look, huh?"
Jack nodded, smiling easily. "Yeah, thought I'd try something different."
The student laughed, nodding approvingly. "Well, it suits you. Looking sharp."
As Jack settled in behind Ruben and Sam as usual, Francis couldn't hold back. He stood up abruptly, crossing the room and glaring down at Jack. "Think you're something special now, don't you?"
Jack looked up, calm and unfazed. "Just trying to get through the day, Francis."
Francis scoffed, his tone mocking. "With your new fake designer trash clothes? Don't kid yourself, Mason. You're still nobody, still a trash and a waste. An impersonator. Today I will teach you a lesson, Someone from the real family will show up and deal with you. You either drop that name and take another or you join your ancestors, looser."
Francis stuck out his tongue at Jack
Thomas leaned forward, voice steady but filled with an unmistakable warning. "If you have a problem with Jack, you'll have to go through me first."
The room went silent as Francis blinked, taken aback by Thomas's firm stare. He opened his mouth to retort but then closed it, clearly realizing he was outmatched. He stormed back to his seat, muttering under his breath. The teacher soon walked in. David Derek. The class fell silent. He scanned the class with his eyes making sure all the students were available then proceeded to start his lectures for the day
Victoria, who had slipped in quietly, caught Jack's eye from across the room, giving him a subtle thumbs-up, her smile proud. Jack nodded back, feeling a new sense of confidence. He was no longer alone in facing his challenges. For the first time, he had friends, support, and—whether he fully understood it or not—the power of the Mason family behind him.
The lecture had just ended, and the students began streaming out when Professor Derek's voice called out, clear and unhurried.
"Jack," he said, his gaze calm yet direct, "I'd like to see you in my office in thirty minutes."
Jack turned, catching Derek's brief glance at his watch before he strode down the hall. Behind him, Francis let out a snide laugh, stepping closer with his usual sneer.
"Well, well, Jack," he taunted, voice low yet laced with mockery, "looks like you're being summoned in all your counterfeit glory. Expulsion would suit you, don't you think?" He paused, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just another fraud, I'm sure."
Jack offered no response, merely holding Francis's gaze for a split second before turning away. Rueben, Sam, and Thomas fell in step beside him as they made their way toward Derek's office.
At the door, Jack nodded to his friends, who stayed outside while he entered alone. The office was quiet, its atmosphere serene, the scent of old books lingering faintly in the air. Behind the desk, Professor Derek's eyes were already on a stack of papers.
"These are assignments for the class." Derek gestured to the pile. "Please distribute them."
"Yes, sir," Jack replied, stepping forward to gather them.
As he was about to leave, Derek gestured toward a girl sitting quietly across from him. She stood up, bowing slightly in Jack's direction.
"Jack, this is Selena Roberts," Derek continued. "She's new to the school and in your class. Please show her around."
"Of course." Jack turned to her and offered a polite nod. "Hello, Selena. I'm Jack."
Selena met his gaze with a small smile, her eyes calm and focused. "Thank you, Jack," she replied softly, her voice carrying a respect that felt, to Jack, somehow familiar. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something almost knowing in her look. To Selena it was the greatest moment of her life, Looking at him, he was a replica of his mother Rita Mason, the lost heiress to the hidden family. This is her King.
As they left the office, he introduced her to his friends outside. "Rueben, Sam, Thomas—this is Selena. She's just joined us today."
Each of the boys nodded, giving her a polite welcome. Together, they made their way back to the classroom.
They had hardly stepped inside when Francis spotted them, his eyes lighting up with a fresh round of mockery.
"Back already, Jack?" Francis said, feigning surprise. "What, you managed to sweet-talk your way out of trouble this time?" He turned to the other students with a smug expression. "Class, listen up!" he called out, pointing at Jack. "This guy here is nothing but an imposter, desperate for attention. Uses the name 'Mason' like it's a badge of honor. But trash is trash," he said, reaching toward Jack's shoulder. "And his clothes? Just more fakes—probably got this jacket at some—"
But before he could finish, Selena's hand shot out, striking his cheek with a swift, decisive slap. Francis staggered back, his expression frozen in shock as he stumbled, colliding with the desks and chairs behind him.
A hush fell over the classroom as students looked from Selena to Francis, mouths agape. Jack's friends exchanged glances, while Francis rubbed his reddening cheek, struggling to process what had just happened.
Selena's gaze remained steady. "It's unwise to dishonor others," she said softly, her voice calm but unyielding. "Your words reveal far more about yourself than they do about Jack."
Francis stumbled back to his feet, his face flushing with embarrassment and rage. "Oh, so Jack's got himself a defender now?" he scoffed, voice trembling. "I don't need advice from—"
Selena cut him off with a single look, her expression calm yet powerful. "Then consider it wisdom shared freely," she replied.
The class erupted in murmurs, students whispering in awe.
"Did you see that?"
"She's quick…"
"She must be… trained?"