Moments later, Zack emerged from the bedroom, his freshly cut hair now short, ending neatly at his neckline and pulled back into a tight ponytail. He retreated into his room and reappeared moments later, dressed in Louis Vuitton linen trousers and a custom cream-white Zara shirt. He headed to his personal arcade, sinking into his gaming chair. With a flick of a switch, the TV screen illuminated, and he began playing Legend of Runeterra.
His phone vibrated in his pocket, interrupting his game. He tossed the joystick aside and retrieved the device. Uriel's name flashed on the screen. A playful smirk touched Zack's lips as he answered the call.
He sighed theatrically. "Hello, Uriel. Good to finally hear from you after your little disappearing act." He tossed the joystick back onto the table.
A frustrated hiss came through the phone. "Something came up, Zack, and it needed my undivided attention," Uriel lied, his tone suggesting he wasn't in the mood for explanations. "I'm craving some booze. Are you free?"
Zack's smile widened, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I'm ready when you are," he replied, moving towards the window. "Did you call Hugo? Is he coming along?"
"Yes, he'll be waiting for us at our usual spot," Uriel answered.
"Okay, I'll be there in the next ten minutes," Zack said, glancing blankly at his watch.
He ended the call and headed towards the door with haste. He encountered Sadiq in the living room, just as he was about to leave. Sadiq held out a black jacket with a knowing nod.
Zack nodded in acknowledgment, slinging the jacket over his shoulder as he walked outside, where a chauffeur stood by his Rolls Royce, holding the door open and presenting the keys. "Sadiq, I'm heading out for drinks with the boys. Make sure you keep a close watch for any Tiger Gang members. I want full security around the perimeter of Jade's Club," he instructed, settling into the luxurious car.
Sadiq bowed his head. "Yes, boss, I will," he replied, watching the door close as the car prepared to depart. He spoke into his radio phone, addressing some guards standing nearby. "Alpha and Beta squads, all hands on deck to survey Jade's Club. The Tiger Gang could be anywhere, so I want full security. Any breach will cost you your life."
His stern threat hung in the air. Several guards mounted their bikes and entered their cars, silently trailing Zack's Rolls Royce before accelerating and disappearing into the traffic.
MEANWHILE AT MEGARA'S HOUSE.
Megara stepped into the dimly lit living room, the darkness a familiar sign that her father wouldn't be home from work until late. She went upstairs, locking her bedroom door behind her. Finally releasing the shopping bags she'd been carrying – gifts Hugo had insisted on buying as a token of their friendship – she began to undress. Her brief moment of nakedness passed as she headed straight for the bathroom.
A few minutes later, she emerged, her golden hair dripping like a wet puppy's fur. Loose strands clung to her face and nape, and water traced delicate paths down her skin, over her collarbones, to the towel wrapped around her chest. After applying lotion, she changed into her pyjamas. From one of the shopping bags, Megara carefully pulled out a beautiful grey hoodie and a black blazer jacket, perfect for wearing over her school uniform. The price tag had been surprisingly high, and despite her initial refusal, Hugo had insisted, even buying an identical set for himself as a symbol of their enduring friendship.
She slipped on the hoodie, turning to admire herself in the mirror. "It's a beautiful hoodie with lovely and intriguing designs," she murmured, her fingers tracing the delicate diamond crystals embedded in the fabric. "I can't believe people would waste their money on buying such clothes that are bound to get soiled or worse."
Frowning slightly, Megara removed the hoodie and began trying on the jacket and the rest of the clothes, including the new Adidas sneakers she had longingly admired during window shopping trips. After her impromptu fashion show, she plopped down at her desk, opening her chemistry book, determined to stay awake in case her father came home and needed any help. As she began to study, the sudden shrill of her phone shattered the quiet peace of the room.
Annoyed, she glanced at the caller ID. The screen seemed slightly smudged on one side, but she could still make out Hugo's name. The phone felt stiff and unresponsive in her hands, and she struggled for a full minute before it finally answered.
She sighed, placing a hand over her chest as she brought the phone to her ear. "Hello, Hugo how are you? she asked, her voice calm and even. "Isn't it a bit too late for calls?
Hugo chuckled softly, the faint sound of background music audible. "I know it's kind of late. I just wanted to know if you made it home alright," he replied.
"Yes, I did. The taxi driver dropped me right at my front door," she answered, rolling her eyes in frustration as she tried to refocus on her textbook.
"Hmm, that's good. I was thinking I could come and pick you up tomorrow, if that's alright with you," Hugo offered, a hopeful note in his voice.
Megara was momentarily stunned. She stared at the phone screen before bringing it back to her ear. "There's really no need for that, Hugo. Tobi usually takes care of that. Besides, my dad doesn't know you, so he wouldn't be too pleased with it," she declined gently, nodding to herself.
"It's okay if you say so, but I can't wait to meet your dad and your mum too," he said, his voice filled with cheerful anticipation.
"Yeah, well, it depends, Hugo. Goodnight," she answered dismissively before ending the call. Megara had always avoided mentioning her mother after the incident, and hearing Hugo say "mum" unexpectedly struck a raw nerve, flooding her with painful memories. She stood up abruptly from her desk, grabbing a brown paper bag and breathing heavily into it.
THE NEXT MORNING
The golden rays of the morning sun streamed into the room, bathing Megara's skin in a warm glow. Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of a car horn from outside. Sleepily, she stretched out her hand, fumbling for the alarm clock. Her eyes widened as she realized it was thirty minutes to eight. She sprang out of bed in a rush, dashing into the bathroom. After a quick wash, she pulled her uniform from the wardrobe and dressed hastily.
Megara burst out of her room, her footsteps echoing through the living room as she ran downstairs. Her father, Mr. Smith, smiled softly, offering her a pancake. "Good morning, princess," he greeted, kissing her forehead, careful not to touch her with his greasy hands. "Looks like someone slept in so much that Tobi had to come over."
Megara gave her father a knowing and teasing look before biting into the pancake. "How nice of you, Dad?! Quite the wake-up call." She smiled pretentiously before gulping down her milk. "Aren't you going to work today?"
He shrugged, flipping the pancakes in the pan. "Well, sweetheart, I don't work for that company anymore, not after how the manager tried to molest me," he revealed, his voice low and firm. "I refused, and he fired me."
Megara felt her world tilt. She blinked at her father, then stared at Tobi, who looked equally shocked. "What?! How could that happen? Did he put his hands on you?" she asked insistently. "Dad, answer me. You need to report them."
"Yes, Mr. Smith, you need to report them," Tobi supported quickly. "They can't just kick you out after everything you've done for them."
Mr. Smith washed his hands, drying them with a towel before placing them on Megara's shoulders. "Listen, princess, they didn't touch me, okay? We'll figure things out one way or another. Besides, I'm not without a job. I'm set to go back to the military in a few weeks," he assured her, but Megara only frowned. "Tobi, could you give us a moment?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll be in the car," Tobi agreed, heading for the entrance and closing the door behind him.
Megara pulled away angrily, her face flushed. "Bullshit, Dad! The military? After the injury you had? Remember? You almost died in Afghanistan after the Taliban attacked and tortured you. You still haven't fully recovered, and here you are, going back to the military?" Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't believe this!"
"I see your pain and struggles each night you wake up from those nightmares, and you'd be joking if you think I don't know that's why you overwork yourself every day," she added, pacing back and forth.
"Babe, I know you're not happy about this, and I never knew you saw those moments I had to struggle after waking up from those nightmares, but I'm not serving as a captain. I'm a high-classified hacker," he replied, his blue eyes locking with hers.
"A hacker? What's the difference? It's still the military," she said, tugging at her hair. "You're planning on leaving me like Mum did, aren't you? Are you tired of me? Answer me, Denver Smith!"
Her father looked at her, his face controlled but his anger evident. He knew Megara had a temper like his, perhaps it was hereditary, but he had never seen her like this before. "No, Meg, I'm not tired of you. Megara, this is about providing food and your necessities, and the military is the best way," he retorted, his voice booming through the room. "You'll be staying with Aunt Milicent and her family, and that's final."
Megara's eyes widened in shock before she quickly recovered. "That's not the only way, Denver! It's just an excuse. I want my Dad back because he'd never send me away to stay with anyone," she said, walking out of the house. The slam of the door reverberated through the quiet house before settling into silence.
Mr. Smith chuckled softly, his voice low and filled with a mix of emotions. "Megara, sometimes you're my strength and my weakness. That's how I feel towards you, but as a father, I can't let you suffer," he whispered, his legs giving way as he sank to the floor, sobbing.
Megara walked to Tobi's car, her face red and tears still streaming down her cheeks. She opened the door and slumped into the seat, buckling her seatbelt. , sensing the storm within her, knew better than to ask any questions. She was like a ticking time bomb.
JEFFERSON MANSION
The morning at Jefferson mansion unfolded with its usual studied tranquility. Maids moved with hushed efficiency, arranging the items young Uriel would need for school. An orchestra played a selection chosen by Catherine, their music a gentle summons for Uriel's awakening. The moment his door opened, the music ceased. With a dismissive wave and a loud, impolite tone, he signaled the musicians to leave, then retreated into his room, the door slamming shut behind him. The players remained impassive; such behavior was routine.
Once bathed, Uriel was attended by his personal fashion designer, who laid out a carefully curated ensemble: a white Hermès T-shirt, Lewis denim jeans, a Rolex watch, and Dior 2615 sunglasses, complemented by a Burberry trench coat and Hermès sneakers. The result was undeniably striking. His hairdresser styled his hair in a sharp, short wolf cut.
He walked directly to the dining room, where his stepmother's face brightened at his arrival. She hurried to him, embracing him tightly, her hand stroking his back before she kissed his forehead.
Looking at him with evident admiration, she patted his shoulder. "You look spectacular, Uriel, truly magnificent," she complimented, gently caressing his cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
He smiled, pecking her cheek in return. "You look thrilling, Catherine. If I were your husband, I'd be utterly obsessed with you," he remarked, moving towards the dining table. "Good morning, Dad."
Mr. Jefferson looked up from his newspaper, his eyes narrowed and sharp. "What is good about this morning if you are dressed like that for school? How can a student be so improper?" he complained, returning his gaze to the newsprint. "Where were you last night? You were out past the curfew I set for this house."
A muscle twitched in Uriel's jaw, his expression hardening. He ignored his father, meticulously slicing his meat with the golden cutlery before placing a piece of beef in his mouth. "Catherine, this food is delicious," he complimented, turning to her briefly before his gaze returned to his father, whose anger was now palpable. "Dad, I went out for a drink, that's all. And the curfew you set is utterly ridiculous. I will return when I choose, and how I choose, because I do not abide by your rules."
Catherine looked from her stepson to her husband, her expression shifting. "Uriel, that's enough. Please remember what we discussed; you promised to respect your father, for my sake," she reminded him, placing her hand over his.
Uriel smiled, his gaze turning predatory and fixed on his father. "I have been respecting him, but all he does is criticize and complain. Look, Dad, I am done trying to please you. I will wear what I want, how I like it, and when I want it," he warned, his voice low and steady. "I will not take over your legacy, but I will build my own from the ground up, and I will be a tech mogul like Catherine."
His father gave a short, harsh chuckle, tilting his head towards his wife. "You want to be one of those lazy tech people like Catherine? What a waste of talent! Hmph! Just get into real estate and make real money instead of sitting around all day doing nothing."
Uriel's patience was clearly fraying with each passing moment, his grip on the fork tightening, but Catherine's hand remained on his, a soothing presence. "We are not 'doing nothing'; we are exceptionally successful, unlike some corrupt estate owners who go around forcibly seizing people's property. You even require my assistance in securing your funds, so don't delude yourself," she retorted, her tone flat before she smiled at Uriel, who returned the smile. "My son has decided to do something meaningful with his life, and I will support him in whatever he chooses."
Mr. Jefferson's nostrils flared, a harsh sound escaping him. "Alright then. If that's the way we're to conduct ourselves in this household, continue with your delusions." He stated, his tone sharp. "I've heard tell of a new student, a Megara Smith, and a national grade transfer from Demetrius High." He concluded his pronouncement, folding the newspaper with a crisp snap and offering it to Magnus, who, with a gesture to a waiting maid, had it discarded.
Uriel turned, his expression a mask of proud defiance. "Indeed. I believe the principal informed you. Why inquire of me when you already possess the information? It's public knowledge; you could simply watch the news. I am not, however, your personal gazette." A faint smile touched his lips as he rose from his seat with an almost imperceptible movement. "Catherine, my dear, do take care. Don't allow this old man to exhaust you."
Mr. Jefferson offered a curt nod, his gaze boring into Uriel's retreating back. "Uriel," he began, his voice gaining volume as he moved towards the younger man, a heavy hand landing on his shoulder. "When I entrusted you with the governance of that school, I granted you authority over its faculty and students, but I did not grant you the prerogative to decide upon the admission of new pupils." He looked up at his father, their eyes locking in a silent, fierce contest. "Your little coterie of misguided boys will lead you nowhere. Only true power holds sway."
Uriel's chuckle was chilling, a sound that caused a ripple of unease amongst those present. They sensed an impending storm. "Hahahaha," he began, the sound devoid of warmth. "Funny, Old Man. You didn't permit me to rule Royal Von High; you witnessed my ascent, my construction of that kingdom, and my coronation as its king." A smug smile played on his lips, revealing a flash of white teeth. "When I want a new student admitted it's non of your concern and when I want her out it doesn't bother you too."
"It strikes me as rather hypocritical," Uriel continued, his gaze fixed on his father, "that you would label the children of your closest companions as delusional. I wonder what the common sentiment would be upon discovering your true nature." He watched as his father's knuckles whitened, a testament to the raw, suppressed fury within. "You're not contemplating a physical altercation, are you?"
Catherine approached Uriel, delivering a light but firm tap to his back. "You are an incorrigible brat," she chided, her tone laced with a hint of exasperation. "It seems my leniency has ill-prepared you for such interactions. I shall rectify that." With a gentle but insistent grip, she tugged on his ear.
Uriel winced, a flush rising on his cheek. "Ouch! Ouch, Catherine, that smarts!" he complained, bending slightly to meet her height.
Catherine continued to guide him out of the room by his ear, the rhythmic clack of her heels echoing in the sudden silence. "Don't address your father in such a manner. He cares for you, even if his methods are… unconventional," she defended. Uriel, however, merely glared at her before gingerly rubbing his ear.
"Catherine, that old man exists solely to torment me, and I shall not endure it," he retorted, his voice sharp with indignation. "You nearly tore my ear off, Cat! What manner of grip was that?
"Where's the helicopter I need to use it today?" He demands staring at his Stepmom who's face held empathy and concern.
"Such a demanding child!" Catherine sighed, her voice softening. "You shall take the car today, my dear. Your father is troubled, and there is nothing to be done, as he has secured all the helicopter keys."
Uriel's fist connected with the car with a dull thud. "Nonsense, Catherine! I shall acquire a new aircraft this very day, Catherine, for if I do not, I fear I shall be unwell." He punctuated his statement with a slam of the car door.
Catherine offered a warm smile and a wave to the departing vehicle before turning towards the house. Her husband stood silhouetted in the doorway, his face a mask of displeasure.
"You have treated the boy harshly since his infancy, and now you expect his respect? You may deem him a mistake, but I do not. That boy pulled me from the depths of despair, Jefferson. If you cannot offer him acceptance, then refrain from your criticisms. What he needs is your approval," she stated firmly, brushing past him.
Mr. Jefferson scoffed. "My approval?! Catherine, he is a spoiled child, and you only exacerbate the situation!" he retorted, following after her, their voices fading into a murmur.