CHAPTER 121: MR. CARTER

Early Morning – Star Harbor International Airport

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the glass roof of the airport as passengers spilled out of the arrival gate. Among them walked four young figures, their laughter mixing with the rush of rolling suitcases and announcements over the intercom.

They were in their late teens, just shy of twenty, faces fresh with excitement at the promise of a trip away from campus life.

At the front was Chase Carter—Monica’s younger brother, the sole heir of the Carter family from Crimson Island. His stride was confident, but his grin boyish, his excitement hard to hide. A few years ago, when the Carter family faced ruin, it was Miles who saved him and Monica. And only recently, Chase learned that Miles wasn’t just his savior—he was family. His real cousin. The long-lost aunt’s son. The revelation had left Chase overjoyed, and ever since, he spoke of "Brother Miles" with reverence and pride.

Beside him was Cole, his roommate and closest friend. Tall, broad-shouldered, with messy brown hair that never seemed to stay in place, Cole carried himself with a laid-back air. His eyes were sharp with mischief, though, and his humor was never far behind.

Walking hand-in-hand with Cole was Isabelle, his girlfriend. Petite, fashionable, her hair tied in a sleek ponytail, Isabelle had the sharp gaze of someone who noticed everything and a playful confidence that matched Cole’s energy. She was the kind to laugh loud, tease harder, but also step between Cole and trouble when needed.

Lastly was Sophia, one of Chase’s closest friends from college. She had an elegance about her—long dark hair that framed her face, soft brown eyes that carried a quiet intelligence. Where Isabelle was bold, Sophia was thoughtful, but her smile lit just as brightly. She had always been the voice of reason in their circle, though tonight, even she couldn’t hide her anticipation.

As they walked, Cole stretched with a yawn and rolled his shoulders.

"Man, that was some good sleep. I still can’t believe your sister got us into business class, Chase. Felt like royalty up there."

Isabelle laughed, squeezing his hand. "A great adventure after good sleep. So, Chase—you said we’re staying at your brother’s place, right?"

"Brother Miles," Sophia added quickly, her smile playful. "You talk about him all the time. Even in the flight. Finally, we’ll get to meet him in person."

Cole snorted, nudging Chase with his elbow. "Don’t tell me. He probably dreams about him too. All I hear in our dorm is ’Brother Miles this, Brother Miles that.’"

Chase flushed a little but grinned proudly.

"He is amazing. You’ll see."

Cole glanced around, tugging his suitcase behind him.

"So, what now? Should I book a taxi or something?"

Chase shook his head, pulling his phone from his pocket.

"No need. I already texted him. He said he’s sending someone to pick us up."

Just then, a voice cut through the crowd.

"Mr. Carter."

The four froze mid-step.

A man in a sleek black suit stood before them, posture razor-straight, his presence sharp enough to slice through the airport noise. His black tie was neat, his shoes gleamed, and his eyes were hidden behind tinted glasses.

"My name is Grant," he said with practiced composure. "I am an agent at Sterling Security. Boss sent me to pick you up. Welcome to Star Harbor."

Chase straightened instinctively, his tone polite.

"Hello."

Cole, Isabelle, and Sophia exchanged quick glances, their eyes wide. Agent? Boss? Sterling Security? The words carried more weight than they’d expected.

Grant inclined his head slightly, gesturing with his hand.

"The car is parked outside. Please follow me."

As they trailed behind him, Isabelle leaned toward Sophia, whispering with a grin, "Mr. Carter, how are you?"

Sophia giggled, covering her mouth. Cole joined in with a smirk, "Yeah, Mr. Carter, you didn’t tell us you were this important."

Chase rolled his eyes, but the corners of his lips tugged into a smile. He didn’t mind the teasing. In fact, he was proud.

When they stepped out of the terminal, the morning sun caught on polished metal. Parked by the curb was a sleek black car, its frame imposing, tinted windows reflecting the city skyline.

Grant moved ahead smoothly, opening the doors with precision.

"Please," he said, voice clipped, professional.

Chase slid into the passenger seat without hesitation, the familiarity of Sterling Security’s presence giving him quiet confidence. His friends clambered into the back, still buzzing with whispers.

Grant shut the door firmly, circled the hood, and climbed into the driver’s seat.

The engine purred to life, smooth and powerful.

The car pulled away from the curb, Star Harbor’s roads opening ahead of them.

The adventure had begun.

Flashback – Africa, Private Coal Mines

The sun was sinking low over the red earth of the African highlands, the horizon painted in hues of fire. Dust hung thick in the air, stirred by the distant rumble of machinery chewing at the veins of the coal mine. The sound of metal striking stone echoed faintly across the land.

Inside a dim office built into the mining compound, two men sat facing each other across a broad wooden table. The room was plain—bare walls, maps of mining sites pinned neatly, and the faint scent of coal clinging to everything.

At the head of the table sat Kenan, a man in his late forties, broad-shouldered, with a presence that carried the authority of both a businessman and a leader. His crisp white shirt was rolled at the sleeves, his dark skin gleaming with the heat of the day, and his sharp eyes studied the figure opposite him with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.

Opposite him sat Ghost.

He was younger than Kenan expected. Dressed in black, posture calm but unshakably firm, his eyes carried the weight of someone who had lived far beyond his years. His mere presence filled the room, silent yet suffocating, as though the air bent itself around him.

Kenan broke the silence first, leaning back with his fingers steepled.

"So tell me," he said with measured skepticism, "why does the underworld’s infamous Ghost of the Graveyard come all the way here... to meet a normal businessman?"

Ghost’s lips curved faintly, though his voice was steady and cold.

"A normal businessman? Kenan, you may keep a decent public image with your people. Righteous, protective, even admired." His gaze sharpened. "But I know what you hide in these mines. That doesn’t make you a normal businessman."

Kenan’s expression tightened, though he held Ghost’s gaze without flinching.

"So, what does Graveyard want from me? You’re young. Far younger than I expected, given your reputation."

Ghost leaned forward slightly, his tone flat but carrying weight.

"We know about the ruins, Kenan."

For the first time, Kenan’s composure faltered. His eyes flickered with surprise.

"The ruins? How... how do you know of them?"

Ghost reached into his coat and placed a folded document on the table, sliding it across.

"The ruins existed long before you leased this land for mining. And I have a detailed map of them. Every corridor. Every chamber."

Kenan picked up the papers, scanning them quickly, his brows furrowing deeper with each line. He tried to mask his concern, but a flicker of worry tugged at his features.

Ghost’s voice cut through the silence again.

"Don’t worry. I am not here to cause you trouble. Graveyard doesn’t want the ruins, nor anything hidden within them... except one thing."

Kenan raised his head slowly, suspicion lacing his tone.

"And what would that be?"

"A body," Ghost said simply, his gaze unwavering. "Our client’s father visited those ruins years ago and never returned. The son wants only to recover his remains. To give him a proper funeral. Nothing more."

Kenan exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"A dead body. That’s it?" He chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "I was worried for nothing, then. Fine. I’ll allow it."

He paused, then leaned forward with his elbows on the table.

"But I will be needing that map... And there is one more thing. I want to be a client of Graveyard as well."

Ghost’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable.

"I’m listening."

Kenan’s jaw tightened as he explained.

"Someone has set their eyes on these mines. They’re trying to take this land from me. And I won’t allow it. This land belongs to my people—not to some foreigner chasing personal profits."

Ghost’s voice was calm, but there was a glint of sharpness in his gaze.

"The name?"

Kenan’s lip curled.

"Antonio VK."

The reaction was subtle, but Ghost’s smirk deepened just slightly.

"Him? No issues. We’ll handle it."

Kenan leaned back, nodding with conviction.

"I know Graveyard can handle anyone. That’s why I’m making this deal. You’ll get your body. I’ll keep my mines safe."

For the first time, Ghost smiled—a cold, thin smile that made the room’s air even heavier.

"Deal."

The coal mine outside roared on, but inside the office, a silent pact had been made—one that would echo far beyond the dust and stone.

Present – Pearl Villa

The sleek black car rolled up the tree-lined drive. The wrought-iron gates of Pearl Villa opened silently, revealing the sprawling estate within. Manicured gardens framed the path, maple trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the villa itself stood proud—modern yet warm, glass windows reflecting the morning sun like polished gems.

The car came to a smooth stop. Grant stepped out first, opening the doors with military precision.

Chase climbed out, his chest swelling with pride. Behind him, Cole, Isabelle, and Sophia followed, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of the residence.

"Holy—" Cole muttered under his breath, dragging his suitcase onto the gravel. "This is a villa? Bro, this looks like something out of a movie."

Isabelle turned slowly, her gaze tracing the tall windows and wide balconies draped with vines. "This isn’t just a villa. This is a dream."

Sophia clasped her hands together, her voice soft but filled with awe. "It feels so... alive here. Peaceful, but also... grand."

Staff members emerged from the villa, bowing respectfully before moving to collect their luggage. The efficiency and discipline of Sterling Security blended seamlessly with the warmth of household attendants—it was unlike anything they had seen before.

Cole elbowed Chase with a grin. "No wonder you never shut up about him. ’Brother Miles this, Brother Miles that.’ Man, now I get it. He lives like a king."

Chase chuckled, his pride evident. "It’s not about how he lives—it’s who he is. You’ll see soon enough."

Isabelle smirked. "You talk like you’re introducing us to some kind of superhero."

"Close enough," Chase replied, lips curving faintly.

Just then, Sophia tilted her head, her eyes catching movement beyond the gardens. "Wait... is that—"

From the maple forest path, a figure emerged.

Miles walked with measured steps, dressed in simple tracks and a light sheen of sweat across his forehead, a towel draped over his shoulder. His presence was calm yet commanding, each stride carrying quiet authority. He looked less like a businessman and more like a soldier returning from training—power wrapped in restraint.

Chase’s eyes lit up instantly. His heart leapt as he called out, voice ringing with warmth and respect.

"Brother Miles...!"