It was already 8 in the morning and the operating light was still red. Nicholas decided to quickly grab breakfast with the last cash he had left on him.
He had barely taken three steps past the hospital doors when a firm grip closed around his wrist.
He reacted instantly.
His body twisted, ready to strike.
But the man holding him quickly let go, allowing Nicholas to steady himself.
The man was old. His hair was silver, combed neatly back. His suit was tailored, expensive, and understated. The kind of wealth that did not even need to shout.
The man's fingers trembled.
Then, to Nicholas' shock, the older man bowed.
"Young master," the man said, voice thick with emotion. "I finally found you."
Nicholas stared at him.
"…Excuse me?"
The golden mark at the back of his hand burned faintly.
[Unknown individual detected.]
[Would you like to activate Secret Archive Access?]
"Yes."
The world dimmed for a fraction of a second.
Lines of data flooded his vision.
TARGET: Alfred Whitmore
Age: 63
Occupation: Chief Steward, Whitmore Holdings
Loyalty Index: 98 percent
Hidden Status: Head of the Brown Family's Legacy Trust
Mission: Locate the sole surviving heir of Alexander Brown
Nicholas' heartbeat skipped.
Brown Family's Legacy Trust?
Alexander Brown?
His father's name.
His father, who died bankrupt.
His father, who died disgraced.
His father, who was mocked as a failure.
The old man slowly straightened, eyes glassy.
"For eight years," Alfred Whitmore continued, "I have searched across three continents. We were told you perished with the rest of the family members and fortune."
Nicholas' throat went dry.
"…What are you talking about?"
Alfred studied his face carefully.
"You look exactly like him," the old man whispered. "The same eyes."
A sleek black car rolled to a stop at the curb behind them. The engine purred quietly.
Nicholas glanced at it, then back at the man.
"You have the wrong person."
Alfred shook his head immediately.
"No, young master. The bloodline recognition was confirmed the moment you stepped within range."
The golden interface flickered.
[Genetic signature resonance detected.]
[Confirmation probability: 99.87 percent.]
Nicholas felt the ground shift beneath him.
"You are the sole heir to Whitmore Holdings," Alfred said carefully. "And to the original Brown International assets."
Nicholas laughed once.
"You must be mistaken. The Brown family went bankrupt. We lost everything… Everyone fucking perished and left Neveah and I to suffer. Funny enough, I never heard the Brown family having any business overseas."
Alfred's expression hardened.
"No."
A pause.
"The startup was just founded when calamity struck. Perhaps that is why you never knew. The company didn't completely perish, Young Master. Not under my watch."
Silence.
The hospital doors slid open and shut behind them as people moved in and out. But Nicholas' world had just tilted.
Alfred lowered his voice.
"The collapse of the Brown family was orchestrated. Funds were siphoned. Evidence was fabricated. Your father refused to sign control of certain offshore assets. Three weeks later, the scandal broke. And the Brown family was wiped out. News about you and the young mistress also disappeared. We couldn't locate you until two hours ago."
Nicholas' hands curled into fists.
"That's impossible."
"It is, Master. You're no longer young. You should already understand the complexity of the rich elites."
The words fell like a hammer.
"The Cooper family," Nicholas finished quietly.
The golden mark burned hotter.
[Host emotional surge detected.]
[Revenge pathway probability increasing.]
Nicholas' breathing slowed.
"The Coopers are indeed involved, but they aren't powerful enough to cause such a devastating downfall to the Browns. I have been secretly investigating it."
Alfred bowed once more, though not as deeply this time.
"The board has been waiting for you. We could not move without the true heir."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small velvet case.
Inside was a signet ring. It was gold and looked heavy. Engraved with the Brown crest. Nicholas remembered his grandfather passing the ring to his Dad.
The thought of them left a cold sensation in his heart.
"Young master," Alfred said softly, "your empire has been waiting."
Nicholas made no move to accept it.
"Young Master, please understand that it is important for you to return and reclaim what belongs to you. Whitmore Holdings already controls 70 percent of overseas diamond dealing and 90 percent of real estate development. We are about to move into the domestic market, and it's the best time for you to take over your empire."
"Besides, you will have to continue to investigate what happened eight years ago and bring glory back to your deceased family. I'm almost 65. It's about time I retire to enjoy my old age."
The golden interface shimmered faintly.
[New main quest unlocked.]
[Reclaim the Throne.]
Nicholas reached out and closed the velvet box slowly.
"Thank you so much, Steward. I don't know how to express my gratitude for all you've done so far."
His gaze turned cold.
"It is my responsibility, sir," he said.
"Please come with me. I've already contacted the hospital director to ensure the young mistress is in the best condition."
The black car door opened in front of him.
Nicholas looked down at the teardrop that was shimmering faintly, as if urging him to accept.
This time, he did not hesitate.
****
"Have someone properly oversee Neveah's surgery. I don't trust those people," Nicholas requested. His gaze was on the window as he stared at each building they passed by.
The city lights reflected against the glass, stretching into long streaks as the car moved smoothly through traffic.
"I have already made preparations… Wait, the surgery is already in progress?" Alfred looked surprised for a moment.
"Yes."
"That's strange…" Alfred's brows furrowed together as he scrolled across the screen of the tablet he was holding.
"Once it's complete, you sure must have the ability to move her out of the hospital, right?"
"Of course."
"Good. I want her out of that hospital. Possibly move her overseas. Also look into Henry Harrison. You have a pen and a book?"
Alfred immediately reached toward the front compartment and retrieved a leather bound notebook along with a fountain pen. He handed them over respectfully.
Nicholas took them without looking at him.
The golden interface flickered faintly.
[Suggestion: Utilize Secret Archive Access for comprehensive exposure strategy.]
Nicholas ignored it.
He already had enough today.
After scribbling something, his handwriting sharp and elegant, he tore the page neatly and handed it back to Alfred.
"Here. Find physical evidence of each of his crimes and make it go viral. The more the damage, the better."
Alfred glanced down at the list.
Offshore account details.
Settlement dates.
Pharmaceutical bribery case ID.
Full timelines.
He couldn't help taking another glance at Nicholas.
"Consider it done, sir."
Nicholas leaned back against the seat.
The car interior was silent except for the low hum of the engine.
"Young Master, your face… you should consider getting it tested so it doesn't inflame and get infected."
Nicholas raised a hand and lightly brushed the dried blood at the corner of his jaw.
"It's fine."
"But…"
"It's nothing."
Alfred hesitated and sighed.
Nicholas finally turned his head away from the window and looked at him properly for the first time.
"You know," he said calmly, "you haven't introduced yourself. Who are you?"
Alfred blinked once, then straightened his back instinctively.
"My name is Alfred Whitmore."
"I was your father's most trusted steward."