Chapter 1 - The Unseen Empire
The heavy silence in the room was suddenly broken by a slow, mocking clap coming from the shadows.
A tall man in a perfectly tailored black suit stepped out from the private viewing area of the jewelry store.
His sharp eyes locked onto the father in the grey hoodie.
The saleswoman instantly stepped back, her posture turning rigid with fear and respect.
"Arthur, you are too dramatic," the man said with a cruel smirk.
The older man in the blue suit, Arthur, did not flinch, keeping his protective stance next to the father and the little girl.
"Mr. Marcus," Arthur replied coldly.
The father finally let go of his daughter's hand for just a moment to gently push her behind him.
"What are you doing here, Marcus?" the father asked, his voice low and dangerous.
The saleswoman looked horrified, finally realizing that the man she had just insulted was not some random beggar.
He was Elias Thorne, the true owner of the entire luxury brand, returning after a three-year disappearance.
Marcus laughed smoothly, adjusting his expensive silk tie.
"I am just here to check on my new property, Elias," Marcus said.
Elias narrowed his eyes, his worn hoodie suddenly looking like a king's armor as he stood his ground.
"My family owns this brand, and we always will," Elias stated firmly.
Marcus pulled a crisp white document from his jacket pocket and tossed it onto the glass display case.
The diamonds underneath the glass seemed to lose their sparkle as the heavy paper landed.
"Not anymore," Marcus smiled viciously.
Arthur leaned in to read the document, and his face instantly turned pale.
"Sir, the board of directors held an emergency vote this morning while we were off the grid," Arthur whispered.
Elias clenched his fists, realizing his own brother had betrayed him to sell the company.
"Security, please escort this trespassing civilian out of my store," Marcus announced loudly.
Three massive guards in dark uniforms immediately stepped out from the back hallway, blocking the exit.
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The little girl gripped her white plush toy, her tiny hands shaking as the men approached.
Elias looked at the guards, realizing he was completely surrounded with no way out.
