Location: Damien's Private Estate, Tavara
The early morning sun filtered through the wide glass panes of Damien's study, casting long rays over the thick mahogany desk. Damien stood at the center of the room, his fingers wrapped around a vintage letter—its seal unmistakable: his father's.
Nora entered quietly, dressed in a fitted cream blazer. "You didn't come to bed," she said, her voice still soft with sleep. "Something wrong?"
He looked up. "This letter was delivered by a courier. No sender, but... the handwriting is his."
Nora moved closer, reading the first few lines over his shoulder. Her eyes widened. "It's your father's will?"
Damien nodded, tension gripping his frame. "It's not the official version filed through the family lawyers. This one… this one was kept secret. Hidden."
The contents hinted at more than inheritance. His father had left detailed accounts of assets that were never disclosed—offshore accounts, coded operations, and... names. Allies. Enemies. A network bigger than Damien had ever imagined.
"This changes everything," he murmured.
Nora touched his arm gently. "Why would he hide this from everyone? Even from you?"
He set the letter down and leaned back. "Because he knew the family board. Knew what they'd do. He was protecting me from the same vultures who now pretend to support my rise."
A knock came at the door.
It was Caleb, his head of internal security. "Sir, there's movement in the Northern Villa. One of your uncles—Ronald—arrived unannounced with two lawyers and demanded to see the archives."
Damien's eyes darkened. "They know. Or at least suspect."
Caleb nodded. "Want me to tighten the perimeter?"
"No," Damien said. "Let them think they have the upper hand. For now."
He turned to Nora. "We have to be ten steps ahead. My father's will—his true will—just became our greatest weapon. But it also painted a target on my back."
She met his eyes with calm determination. "Then let's move smart. We'll decode every asset, every hidden ally. If they want war, we'll give them a calculated storm."
Outside, the estate remained silent. But within, Damien's empire had just shifted. And now, the true game was beginning.