Soon, they were surrounded, the air thick with brutal, murderous intent.


    They were in the underground parking garage of the Abernathy Hotel—their own family''s property, built brick by brick by their grandfather. It was one of the most reputable five-star hotels in Elmsworth. For Chad to orchestrate a bloodbath here on the day of a major press conference, with no regard for the hotel''s reputation, was proof that he was aplete and utter madman.


    "Ten for you, ten for me?" Cassius nudged Thaddeus with his elbow, his dark eyes narrowing. “The press conference starts in ten minutes. Can we finish in time?"


    A wild, fierce light entered Thaddeus''s usually somber eyes. "Fifteen for me. You can take five."


    "Why do I get so few?"


    "You''re the older brother. I''m the junior, so I should do more," Thaddeus said tly.


    Cassius''s eyes softened, and he managed a smile even in the face of danger. "I may be the older brother, but you''re not exactly young yourself, Mr. Thaddeus. Don''t try to act like a kid."


    Thaddeus''s expression grew serious again. "Ultimately, this is between me and Chad. It''s Abernathy family business. I am deeply sorry for dragging you all into this. It was never my intention."


    Cassius stared straight ahead, his gaze dark and steady. "We''re family. Don''t talk like strangers."


    Thaddeus''s heart pounded. He looked at the man''s strong, unyielding profile, an indescribable emotion welling up inside him.


    "Thad! I''m here!"


    A shout cut through the tense air, followed by the deafening roar of a sports car engine. A multi-million-dor supercar flew toward them, sending three or four thugs flying before executing a perfect drift and stopping right in front of Thaddeus and Cassius.


    The door swung open, and Jareth stepped out, an aura of swagger around him. He tilted his head and rolled his shoulders, looking every bit the part of a king ready to discipline his unruly subjects.


    "Jareth..." Thaddeus stared in disbelief, his eyes growing warm.


    "Tsk. What would this family do without me?" Jareth grinned, a sh of his youthful arrogance showing. "Am I right, Thad?"


    It was time.


    The press conference was about to begin.


    In the backstage lounge, Chad sat calmly on the sofa, his eyes closed in meditation. Alexia handed him a cup of tea. He took it, inhaled its fragrance, and took a leisurely sip.


    "That damn Elvis, injuring you like this. Your debut could have been perfect," Alexia muttered, her voice filled with resentment.


    "It doesn''t matter. Sometimes,


    imperfection is its own kind of perfection. Chad idly stirred the tea leaves floating on the surface. " gave them so much time, yet they sulf havent arrived I''m starting to think I overestimated Thaddeus."


    Alexia sneered "What abilities? Any ability he has was a gift from you! If you hadn''t stepped aside and given him the CEO position, he would have without ever knowing what it Pelt fike to be in charge. He should be grateful to you!"


    die


    Chad frowned slightly. "Alexia, you''re too crude."


    "Sir, the words may be coarse, but the meaning is true."


    “Heh, I suppose you''re right."


    Just then, Alexia''s phone rang. She answered, and her face instantly changed. "Sir bad news! Thaddeus, Cassius, and Jare have fought their way into the hotel parking garage!"


    Chad''s gaze turned sinister, like a snake''s. “Stop them. Use any means necessary."


    Ashbourne Hospital.


    The light above the operating room went out, and the doors opened. A doctor emerged, removing his mask.


    Suri rushed forward, her eyes filled with anxiety. “Doctor, how is the boy?!"


    "Suri, you brought him in just in time. Another ten minutes, and we might not have been able to save him."