Elias Malavant lowered his head, speaking with cold determination. "Lyria is bidding for the Port Square property to develop a mid-range residential district. If we block her and prevent her from winning the bid, it will render another Denvair estate piece worthless."
The Denvair family owned a significant plot of land in the port district, originally purchased by the late patriarch for industrial development. However, years of stalled plans had left it idle for over a decade. If Lyria acquired the Port Square property, combining the two plots would transform them into a grand residential project—a move that could catapult the Denvair family back to prominence.
Years ago, Victor Silvervein had deliberately propped up the Malavant family to suppress the Denvairs, ensuring their downfall. Elias knew this was no time to falter.
"You have one last chance," snapped the young man standing before him, a mere secretary but carrying the weight of Victor Silvervein's authority. "If you fail to secure the property, the young master will no longer tolerate delays. And make no mistake—Lyria won't remain out of his grasp for long."
Elias swallowed his pride and nodded obediently. "Please assure the young master this task will be completed. Soon, Lyria will be begging at his feet."
Once the secretary left, Elias slumped in his chair, momentarily relieved. Yet resentment simmered beneath the surface. How had his family fallen so low that even a mere secretary could treat him like dirt?
As he sat surrounded by stacks of reports, his mind replayed recent failures. Despite targeting Lyria's company, the Denvairs had not only weathered the storm but even managed to repay debts that should have crippled them. How had they pulled off such a feat?
Suddenly, a voice broke his thoughts. "I hear you're bidding for the Port Square property."
Cedric Malavant, the family patriarch, stood in the doorway. His once-commanding presence had withered; white hair outnumbered black, and his back seemed permanently stooped under the weight of grief.
Elias hesitated before nodding.
The air between father and son grew heavy with unspoken tensions. Cedric had forbidden further confrontations with Kael Renforth, yet how could Elias let go of the man responsible for the deaths of his brother and nephew? Revenge was the only path forward, not just for justice but to appease Silvervein's growing dissatisfaction.
"Elias," Cedric began cautiously, "if we win this bid, it will drain most of our remaining funds. The situation in Port Avallon is unstable. A misstep could ruin us."
Elias met his father's gaze, his own eyes a mix of defiance and resolve. "Father, you're out of touch. Enoc and I followed your every instruction—our education, our careers—but look where it's gotten us. Now, Kael Renforth tramples us into the dirt. This feud must end with his destruction!"
Cedric visibly flinched at the vehemence in Elias's voice. Memories of Kael Renforth's mysterious connections and the powerful figure who had bowed respectfully to him flashed through Cedric's mind.
"We can't match his resources," Cedric whispered. "If we provoke him further, he won't stop until we're finished."
Elias smirked, confident in his plan. "You're too cautious. Yes, Kael Renforth has power, but don't forget—Victor Silvervein is on our side. This isn't just about revenge; it's about fulfilling Silvervein's ambitions. As long as we deliver Lyria to him, we'll have nothing to fear."
Cedric looked unconvinced, but Elias pressed on.
"Kael is just a soldier who learned a few tricks during his service. He's a brute, not a strategist. This time, I'll outmaneuver him. I'll crush the Denvairs, strip him of everything he values, and leave him broken. He'll watch as his precious wife is taken away, powerless to stop it."
Elias's voice dripped with venom as he leaned back, a sinister grin on his face. "Silvervein's influence stretches to the royal family itself. With his backing, Kael Renforth won't stand a chance. The Malavant family will rise again, and I'll finally get my revenge."
Cedric remained silent, weighed down by doubt and fear. He had spent his life building the Malavant family into a respected name, but this reckless path Elias had chosen felt like a prelude to disaster.
Yet as his son's burning hatred filled the room, Cedric realized there was no dissuading him.
Elias Malavant was prepared to gamble everything—family, fortune, and his very soul—for vengeance. The question was not whether he would succeed, but whether the price of victory would destroy him.