In a luxurious jet flying calmly through the clouds sat the nation's prized possession. With the mere flick of a finger, he could make the economy come crashing.
Kelvin Kings sat with his eyes closed. He had just finished a meeting and was now flying back home.
His grandfather, Owen Kings, had called for an immediate family meeting. Kelvin already knew it had something to do with the fight he had with his brother, Michael. Though he had subtly dealt with his brother for touching something he shouldn't have, it hadn't escaped his grandfather's sharp eyes—the patriarch of the Kings family, a man who always ensured everyone was placed in their rightful position.
The plane came to a smooth landing at City Z Airport. The moment it stopped, Kelvin's assistant carefully moved to wake his boss, only to be met with a glare.
"We've arrived, sir," he said cautiously, knowing full well his boss was in a foul mood.
Kelvin rubbed his face and stood up, descending the stairs toward the black car waiting below, with his assistant Finn following closely behind.
"Sir, there's unusual movement on your brother's side," Finn said as Kelvin closed his eyes again the moment he got into the car.
"Hm," Kelvin hummed lazily. Opening his eyes, he asked, "What's the idiot up to this time?"
"He was seen having lunch with Julia Roberts, the Aurexx heiress," Finn added when he noticed his boss's frown in the mirror.
A flicker of interest crossed Kelvin's eyes before disappearing just as quickly. Clicking his tongue, he scoffed.
"I expected better from him. What's he planning now—to become the son-in-law of the Aurexx Group?" He huffed. "Find out what he's planning and sabotage it."
"Yes, sir," Finn answered immediately.
A part of him already knew what would follow. His boss and his brother had never gotten along. Despite Kelvin having the upper hand—having taken over the family business and secretly building a powerful empire of his own—he never allowed Michael enough breathing space, tormenting him at every turn. Though Michael had become one of the most successful doctors in the country, winning hearts with his approachability, Kelvin remained an iceberg. Most people who knew of their conflict saw Kelvin as the villain, yet still stuck by him simply because he was powerful. But their close family knew it was more than brotherly rivalry.
"Have you prepared what I asked you to do?" Kelvin asked.
"Yes, sir. Everything is ready," Finn replied.
Today was the late Mrs. Kings' remembrance. It was a common ritual for his boss to visit her on this day, bringing her favorite flowers—red roses. Kelvin was always in a foul mood whenever this day arrived, so Finn remained careful.
Michael's car came to a stop in front of the large hospital with the word KINGS boldly written on it. Moving quickly to the other side of the car, he reached for the door, only to find Julia had already opened it.
Putting on her sunglasses, she said emotionlessly, "Lead the way."
Michael shook his head with a slight smile at her attitude.
Truthfully, he had expected her to be smitten with him like most girls, but just like before, she remained unapproachable.
Julia, on her part, was lost in her thoughts as she followed him toward the mortuary. A part of her felt scared of what she was about to find—her body lying cold while she was still alive.
"This room," Michael said as he moved to open the door. He paused and turned to look at her.
Even with the sunglasses on, he could tell she had gone paler. She seemed hesitant, which made him wonder why she had insisted on seeing the body herself.
He swallowed the words meant to discourage her. He already knew how stubborn she was; he wouldn't be able to change her mind.
"Are we standing here forever?" Julia asked flatly.
"I thought you'd need some time to prepare," he replied.
Taking a deep breath, she said, "Thank you." She had been a bit harsh on him.
Since her rebirth, she had been in a bad mood, as though a furious fire was constantly burning inside her.
"Let's proceed. I'm fine—I can handle it," she reassured him, her tone gentler.
"Okay," Michael said. "But if you feel uncomfortable, say it and I'll take you out immediately."
Julia gave a small nod.
He opened the door and stepped inside, with her following behind. The room was cold, but her heart was too frozen to feel it.
Walking toward one of the giant freezers, the one with the name Tina Wang written on it, Michael pulled it open.
Julia moved closer. Her eyes took in the body lying there—dead, completely lifeless. Her body trembled softly as tears fell uncontrollably. Though Tina had been made to look presentable, her eyes were missing, a bandage wrapped around her face.
"What happened to her eyes?" Julia asked, her voice a shaky whisper.
Michael could tell she was trying not to break down. It seemed this friend meant a lot to her. He had seen countless people cry over the years, to the point where he had grown numb, yet the girl before him stirred something he thought was long dead, he clutched his hands figting the urge to console her.
"Her eyes were donated," he said. "So were most of her organs. The consent was signed by a man named Alexander—her boyfriend. He claimed to be her relative."
He added, "I did some extra digging."
"Quite generous of him," Julia said sarcastically.
Her hands clenched. Of course Alex would never miss a chance to play the generous saint.
"So what do you plan on doing now?" Michael asked.
"No one will come for her," Julia said, sadness coating her words.
"No one."
She turned to him. "I'll take her from here. All the bills will be on me."
Michael sighed, a troubled look crossing his face. "You'll need to prove you're related in some way before you can take her."
"I trust you can help me take care of that," Julia said softly. "Friends are always there for each other, so I hope you'll be there for me now that we're friends."
Michael blinked in confusion. Taking care of a body was something he could easily do. He had only feigned difficulty, knowing she would eventually use the friend card.
"I'll make arrangements for the funeral," he said.
"I want an autopsy first," Julia added calmly.
"Okey by tomorrow, i get everything ready" he said.
"Michael," Julia called out as she reached for the door," your phone calls are hacked," consider this thank you gift, " she added before turning to go, leaving behind a shocked Micheal.
"Kelvin fuckin kings", Michael hissed out his brother's name, of course he had to be the culprit.