CHAPTER 105: DEAD?

Edwin walked into the house with Mona at his side. His steps were heavy, his hand trembling slightly as he held onto the cane.

Outside, Miles sat beside Elena on the garden bench. She was silent, staring at the ground, her face still wet with tears. Miles placed a gentle hand over hers.

"Mom," he said softly, "you don’t have to carry this alone anymore. I’m here."

Elena leaned into him, drawing comfort from her son’s quiet strength.

Inside the house, Edwin stopped at the living room. Daniel stood there, watchful but polite. Hope and Asher peeked out from behind him, their small eyes curious.

Edwin’s lips quivered as he looked at them. He lowered himself slowly to his knees despite Mona’s concern.

Hope tilted her head. "Grandpa? Are you our grandpa?"

Edwin’s throat tightened. His tears slipped free as he nodded. "Yes... yes, my little ones. I am your grandpa."

Asher walked closer, studying him with the unfiltered innocence of a child. "Why are you crying, Grandpa?"

Edwin smiled faintly, brushing his eyes. "Because I am happy to see you. Happier than words can ever say."

Hope reached out and placed her tiny hand on his wrinkled one. "Don’t cry, Grandpa. You can come play with us next time."

Daniel’s expression softened at the scene.

Edwin took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "I will remember that, my dear. Thank you."

He rose slowly with Mona’s support. His eyes lingered on the twins, as if trying to etch their faces into his memory.

"Be happy," he whispered. Then, with one last look, Edwin turned and walked out of the house with Mona at his side.

The door closed behind him, leaving Hope and Asher still curious, and Daniel quietly thoughtful.

Edwin said his goodbyes to Elena and Miles, his voice heavy but soft. Mona supported him as he was led to the car.

Monica walked back toward Elena with a faint smile. "Thank you, Aunt Elena, for at least talking to him today."

Elena’s eyes softened. She stepped forward and pulled Mona into a warm hug. "Come here, child."

Holding her close, Elena asked gently, "Where is your little brother?"

Monica’s face brightened a little. "He’s still in college. I’ll bring him next time. He already admires the boss so much... he’ll be overjoyed when he finds out that the boss is actually our cousin."

Miles raised an eyebrow, a crooked smile forming. "Still calling me boss?"

Monica chuckled. "Let me continue with that. Boss just sounds better."

Miles laughed quietly. "Is there any logic in that?"

Monica tilted her head. "Do you want me to resign from my duties then?"

Miles shook his head with a grin. "How could I? I doubt I’d ever find another you."

Her smile softened. "Boss is fine, but... you could call me big sister."

Miles chuckled and nodded. "Alright, big sister."

Monica glanced at Elena. "I should leave now."

Elena shook her head firmly. "You’re not going anywhere today."

Monica blinked in surprise. "But Aunt, I still have work to do."

Elena’s tone grew playful yet commanding. "It’s an order from your boss’ mother."

Monica looked toward Miles for help.

Miles spread his hands and shrugged. "Well, you heard her."

Monica laughed softly and went inside, leaving Miles and Elena standing together.

Miles turned serious, his voice low. "Mom, I’m sorry for today. I never wanted to make you sad."

Elena touched his shoulder gently. "It’s alright. I hate him, but I don’t hate his grandchildren. I’m glad I met Mona."

She sighed, her eyes distant. "When he abandoned me, I still had your father. And your grandfather... he treated me like his own daughter. I couldn’t have asked for more. Yes, there were struggles, but then you came back to me. You gave us happiness again. You take care of all of us. I don’t need any Crimson Island bloodline or status. I’m content. Thank you for being my son."

Miles’ lips curved into a small smile. "Well, I can at least imagine it—my mother from the Carter Family. That’s... kind of cool."

Elena laughed lightly. "That’s all in the past. Come on, let’s go inside. I’ll make something nice for lunch."

Miles brightened. "How about I cook this time?"

Elena raised an eyebrow. "You can cook?"

Miles puffed his chest slightly. "You bet. I even dreamed about opening a restaurant once."

Elena narrowed her eyes playfully. "You’re joking, right?"

Miles chuckled. "Yes, but I can cook. It won’t ever match your taste, but at least let me try."

Elena sighed, amused. "Fine. Let’s see what you can do."

They both stepped back into the house together.

Somewhere in Citadel City,

Within the grand halls of Kyle Sterling’s private residence, tension filled the air.

The marble floors gleamed beneath the chandelier, but the sharp sound of glass shattering on the tiles echoed like thunder. A crystal tumbler had been hurled at the wall, wine streaking down like blood.

Kyle Sterling, the polished yet venomous man who secretly pulled strings behind ACE Finances, stood by the window. His pale, cold face reflected in the glass as his voice tore through the silence.

"You’re saying he disappeared in Star Harbor? How the hell is this possible?"

The voice on the other end of the phone was nervous, trembling. "Boss, I think he’s dead by now. All of our men who went after Miles Sterling... were found dead as well."

There was a pause. Then a sharp click. The call ended.

Kyle’s fist clenched tight, knuckles turning white. His lips twisted into a thin cruel smile.

"Miles Sterling... bad blood of those abandoned... you dare crawl back into our world?" He let out a bitter chuckle, his eyes burning with greed and pride. "I’ll see you later. But first, I will take over this world."

His reflection smirked back at him in the window, the face of a man plotting in shadows.

In the different corner

Silvey Sterling’s apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of her gaming computer, colorful lights flickering across her face as she tapped away at the keyboard.

Her phone buzzed. The screen lit up with a familiar number. She pulled her headset down and answered.

"What have you got?" Silvey asked casually, though her eyes narrowed with curiosity.

The voice on the other end was calm, deliberate. "Silvey, I dug as deep as I could. Here’s what I found. Timothy Sterling was the one who originally started Sterling Enterprises. Later, his young son Edward married his school lover Elena right after finishing school. She was already pregnant at the time."

Silvey’s fingers froze on the keyboard.

The voice continued, "She gave birth to a boy named Miles. Soon after, your grandfather Timothy suddenly disappeared from Star Harbor. With him gone, Edward became the sole man in charge of the Sterling Empire. But not long after, he died in what was officially declared an accident. Recent information suggests it was actually murder... someone wanted his company."

Silvey’s brows furrowed as she leaned back in her chair.

"Only the widow Elena and her son Miles were left behind. Then Miles was kidnapped... and declared dead by the police. After that, no trace of him. For years, silence."

Silvey’s heart thumped as she whispered, "But..."

The voice cut in, "But recently, word from Star Harbor suggests the rumors are true—Miles Sterling is alive, and he’s the one behind the new Sterling Enterprises. The strange part is, there’s no digital or written trail on him. Nothing. It’s as if he’s a ghost."

A pause. Then, the voice added, "One more thing. Timothy Sterling was last spotted in Citadel City the same year he disappeared. That’s the last known trace of him. That’s everything I could find. Goodbye, Silvey. Take care."

The line went dead.

Silvey placed her phone down slowly, her game still running in the background. Her reflection stared back at her from the darkened monitor.

"Miles Sterling..." she whispered, eyes narrowing, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "Why so mysterious?"

The Pearl Villa, Star Harbor.

The house smelled of warmth, spices, and home. Miles stood proudly in the kitchen as plates were carried to the dining table.

Hope and Asher dug in first. Their tiny voices overlapped in excitement."Big broo, this is delicious!""You’re so cool!"

Miles laughed, ruffling their hair as he sat down.

Elena smiled softly, taking a bite. "Indeed. This is wonderful."

Daniel raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Genetics, I suppose."

The table was filled with laughter, comfort, and the taste of family.

Later, as the dishes were cleared, Miles stood by the tall windows in his study, the sunlight breaking through the maple trees outside. Monica walked in, a file in her hand.

"Boss," she said firmly, "the old master had regular connections with ACE Finances."

Miles’ gaze darkened. "Then let’s finish what we started. What about Joker Finances?"

Monica gave a thin smile. "It’s still there. We’ve received some legal notices, but our legal team has tackled them all."

Miles’ eyes narrowed, his voice low and resolute. "Make Joker Finances real. Add working staff, expand it. We’re taking down ACE Finances first."

Monica’s smile widened, a spark of respect in her eyes. "Copy that, boss."

The air grew heavier, charged with the promise of conflict.

The war had just begun.