"If not for me, would the Malavant family ever achieve what it has today?"
"If not for me, how would the millions in Port Avallon even know your name?"
"If not for me, Malavant would be nothing!"
Elias Malavant's voice roared through the room, his fury boiling over. The indignities he'd endured moments ago had ignited a storm within him, and now it poured forth unrestrained.
"You're old. You fear death. You cower before Kael Renforth. But I don't!"
His words cut like daggers, the fire in his eyes mirroring the hatred that consumed him. Kael Renforth had taken his brother, his son—stripped him of his pride and left the Malavant family name in tatters.
If vengeance wasn't served, the family's place in Port Avallon would be irreparably tarnished. Elias couldn't allow that. He wouldn't.
He had spent a lifetime conquering markets and outmaneuvering competitors. He wouldn't become a laughingstock now.
Across the room, Cedric Malavant stood frozen, despair etched deep into his withered features.
The image of Kael Renforth mercilessly ending his grandson's life still haunted him. He knew, with chilling certainty, that Renforth was not a foe they could contend with.
"Elias…" Cedric's voice trembled. "The Silvervein family is just using us as pawns in their game."
But Elias didn't respond. His jaw was set; his resolve was iron.
Cedric let out a hollow laugh, filled with hopelessness. "The heavens themselves are set on destroying the Malavant family!"
His words hung in the air as he turned and shuffled toward the door. His steps were slow, heavy with sorrow. The once-proud patriarch of the Malavant family was now nothing more than a broken man retreating into shadow.
At that same moment, a sleek, black stretch Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the grand gates of the Denvair house
Inside the house, Lady Denvair froze when she heard the rumble of the approaching vehicle.
Who could it be?
The Denvair family, once a shining beacon of Port Avallon's elite, had long since faded into relative obscurity. For years, no figure of true prominence had graced their home.
The sight of the luxury car brought back memories of the family's former glory.
Stepping outside, Lady Denvair's eyes widened in astonishment as she recognized the visitor.
"Dr. Chou?!"
The renowned physician—one of the most respected medical minds in the world—stood before her, accompanied by his aides.
"Lady Denvair," Dr. Chou said politely, inclining his head.
"I… I didn't expect…" Lady Denvair stammered, struggling to compose herself. "What an honor to have you here!"
Dr. Chou's presence alone felt like a miracle. For him to personally visit their home—it was unimaginable. Even during the Denvair family's peak, they had never been favored by someone of such international renown.
"Dr. Chou, to what do we owe this visit?"
"I've come to invite Mr. Renforth and his wife to attend the charity auction later this evening."
Lady Denvair's heart swelled with pride.
The charity auction was a prestigious event attended by the most powerful families in Lumirest. For Kael Renforth to receive a personal invitation from someone like Dr. Chou—it was unprecedented.
"Of course, of course! Please, come in. I'll let them know right away."
Dr. Chou nodded politely and followed her into the house.
When he entered the living room, Kael Renforth rose to meet him.
"Mr. Renforth," Dr. Chou greeted with a deep bow.
Kael gave a subtle nod. "Take a seat."
Despite Kael's nonchalant tone, Dr. Chou obeyed without hesitation, perching himself cautiously on the edge of a chair. His demeanor was one of utmost respect, bordering on reverence.
Lady Denvair watched the exchange in stunned silence.
Dr. Chou, the legendary physician whose name was spoken with awe across continents, sat before Kael Renforth as though he were a humble servant awaiting instructions.
And Kael, as composed as ever, treated the esteemed doctor with almost casual indifference.
"Would you like some tea, Dr. Chou?" Lady Denvair offered, still trying to process the scene before her.
"That won't be necessary," Dr. Chou replied with a smile. "I'm happy to wait right here."
Lady Denvair excused herself and hurried upstairs to fetch her daughter.
"Lyria!" in Lyria's Room.
"Mother?" Lyria Denvair glanced up from the mirror where she had been fastening her earrings.
She had been carefully preparing for the evening's charity auction, ensuring every detail of her appearance exuded elegance and poise. Representing the Denvair family at such an event was no small responsibility.
"Dr. Chou is here!" Lady Denvair exclaimed.
Lyria arched an eyebrow. "What?"
Lady Denvair rushed to her side, clutching her hands. "Why would someone like Dr. Chou personally invite you and Kael to the auction?"
Lyria hesitated, turning her attention back to the mirror. "Perhaps Kael knows him," she replied vaguely, adjusting the clasp of her necklace.
Her mother frowned. "Knows him? That doesn't explain why he's treating Kael with such… reverence. Lyria, is there something Kael isn't telling you?"
Lyria's hands stilled. For a moment, she said nothing.
"There's no need to overthink it, Mother," she said finally, her voice calm. "Kael handles things in his own way. That's all."
But as Lyria finished preparing, a flicker of doubt lingered in her eyes.
Just who was Kael Renforth?
And what secrets was he hiding?