CHAPTER 239: READY TO MOVE [ 3 ]

A murmur rippled through the chamber, reminiscent of distant thunder rolling across a stormy sky.

Each member of the Osborn Family sat in stunned silence, grappling with the weight of Arthur’s earlier revelation: Varenya, a nation once engulfed in chaos and war, was now under his control and poised to become the new heart of their empire.

At the head of the table, Arthur stood tall, his eyes shimmering under the soft glow of chamber lights, ready to unveil his next bold move.

He straightened his collar and released a steadying breath before declaring, "What I’m about to share will shape the future of the Osborn legacy."

The room fell into an expectant hush.

"We’re not merely relocating as a family; this transition will encompass the very core of our empire."

He paused, surveying those around him. His voice sharpened like a finely honed blade. "All sixteen industries will be moved to Varenya."

That single statement hit like a meteor crashing to Earth.

Eyes widened, chairs creaked as people shifted in disbelief; gasps broke through the stunned silence along with instinctive questions.

Emily leaned forward eagerly. "You mean... all divisions? Every single one?"

"Yes," Arthur confirmed with unwavering certainty. "Osborn Media and Entertainment Group, Osborn Transportation Group, Osborn Technology... you name it,every branch will find its new home in Varenya."

Julian interjected sharply, "You’ve already started building it?"

Arthur nodded with a faint smile. "Not just started, it’s ready."

With a flick of his fingers, the central holographic projector sprang to life.

A sprawling 3D layout materialized before them, a colossal industrial complex stretching across valleys crisscrossed by maglev lines and energy grids.

High-tech fabrication plants pulsed with plasma energy while autonomous distribution towers hummed along elevated lanes. Surveillance sentinels patrolled aerial sectors like vigilant hawks.

In the center stood ’The Spire’—a magnificent 150-story skyscraper adorned with obsidian and gold bearing the Osborn insignia, surrounded by sixteen other towering structures arranged in an intricate star pattern.

Gasps filled the room as awe lit up their faces.

"This," Arthur declared, gesturing toward the hologram with an air of excitement, "is the Osborn Industrial Megapark! Just forty miles outside the Varenyan capital, this will be our new base of operations."

Philip’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Arthur, when did you even build this?"

"Last year," Arthur replied nonchalantly. "While other families are scrambling for a foothold in Aurelia, I’ve been laying down our foundation somewhere far more promising."

George looked visibly unsettled. "But moving everything don’t you think that’s risky?"

Arthur met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "What’s truly risky is staying here while they monitor our every move. Aurelia is nothing more than a gilded cage, rewarding obedience and punishing ambition. You know that as well as I do."

William crossed his arms, skepticism etched on his face. "So, Aurelia becomes just another branch zone?"

"Exactly," Arthur affirmed. "All departments currently operating in Aurelia will be downgraded to regional branches. Varenya will house our master servers, capital vaults, R&D labs, think tanks... everything we need to thrive."

A moment of silence hung in the air before Arthur’s tone softened yet remained authoritative.

"Now," he said, clasping his hands behind his back, "this isn’t merely a structural transition; it’s deeply personal."

The screen flickered again to reveal a list of personnel divisions.

"To ensure a smooth relocation," he continued, "all key figures, department heads, executive managers, senior project leaders, and essential engineers, will receive generous relocation packages.

These include one of three options: executive villas, luxury mansions, or elite apartments in the capital district based on rank and seniority."

A stunning diagram showcasing housing units appeared next, a vision of elegance nestled among serene lakes and majestic cliffs surrounding the megapark.

"Top-tier managers will also have access to personal transport convoys," Arthur added smoothly.

"Helicraft for emergency deployments, armored vehicles for ground travel... and sleek private sedans for daily use."

Ashley raised her hand playfully like a schoolgirl eager to answer a question. "Will the cars be as stylish as yours, big brother? Or are we stuck with clunkers?"

Laughter rippled through the room.

Arthur raised an eyebrow teasingly. "That depends on your division’s output margin! But knowing you, Ashley... your mouth might just outrun your numbers."

The laughter grew louder this time; even Billy couldn’t suppress a faint smile.

Charlotte leaned forward thoughtfully, the most strategic thinker among them all. "So essentially we’re building a sovereign economic nation within Varenya? A country once ravaged by war now rising as our sanctuary?"

Arthur nodded approvingly at her insight. "Precisely."

"But what about General Dravik?" Margaret interjected with her usual concern. "Isn’t he likely to betray us?"

Arthur met his aunt’s gaze with unwavering confidence. "No, he won’t dare to do that. General Dravik, the so-called president? He’s nothing more than our puppet. I built his campaign, funded his army, and used Aegis-7, the private military company I created, to wipe his enemies off the map. And now?"

He turned toward the center of the table, placing both hands down slowly as if anchoring himself in the weight of his words. "Now, he owes me his throne."

A chill rippled through the room like a sudden gust of wind. Margaret finally exhaled, breaking the tension. "And what about the public?"

Arthur smiled faintly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "They see Dravik as the savior who ended a thirty-year war. They’ll build statues of him in the capital, grand monuments to a hero! But behind every golden statue... will be the shadow of the true king."

Billy stared at Arthur for what felt like an eternity.

The man who had once walked into his study and revealed haunting truths about power, blood, and sacrifice was now laying bare an audacious vision not just to build a powerful family but to control a nation and rewrite its future.

Arthur continued, "We’re not just aiming for influence; we’re here to create a world where the Osborn name isn’t merely whispered among financial circles, it will be etched into history itself."

He looked around at everyone gathered in that room and declared, "Apart from this grand plan, we’ll also be building schools, from kindergartens all the way up to universities! The Osborn Foundation will be established to oversee our charitable works and Billy will lead it."

"Me?" Billy pointed at himself in disbelief.

"Yes, you! You can handle it! Varenya is currently rebuilding after being devastated by war for far too long; its education system is in shambles. Dravik is just a warlord with no real foundation in governance, I had to give him a strong team to stabilize things, and I want you to take charge of education!" Arthur explained softly.

Billy paused for a moment before nodding slowly. "Okay."

"Don’t worry," Arthur reassured him with an encouraging smile. "This position is only temporary; you’ll be assigned something more suitable later on."

Bella hesitated before speaking up: "What about us? I mean... those who don’t want to relocate to Varenya?"

Arthur remained unfazed. "You are Osborns! I would never force anyone’s hand but those who choose to stay in Aurelia must understand that the center of gravity is shifting. Promotions, resources, growth... it’ll all be centralized in Varenya. This isn’t abandonment; it’s evolution."

"And listen closely, everyone," Arthur began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "A major shift will occur in the family, one that could shape your futures in ways you might not expect, especially you guys. If you don’t want this opportunity, then it’s fine by me if you want to stay here."

His gaze pierced through the room, landing on each of his cousins with a seriousness that demanded attention.

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as silence enveloped them; everyone exchanged puzzled glances, trying to decipher Arthur’s cryptic message.

But he held back, leaving them hanging in suspense.

Finally, Nathaniel’s deep voice cut through the tension. "This isn’t just about expansion."

Arthur nodded slowly and turned toward the holoscreen displaying vibrant images of possibilities.

"Exactly. This is just the beginning, a fresh start none of us were fortunate enough to experience back in Aurelia."