Uncle
The next game held was gamble, a lot of men tried but almost of them was so unlucky that even the sum of bet became larger.
The Cassagandra's black market was in underground and you must pass a lot of identity and security check with a contract and some entrance fee stuffs.
I was suddenly nodding while picking some dice then threw it in mid air until it fall into the vast table. "Bet I won one hundred thousand" I said then the dealer handed me a card that has the reward.
"Devillione, its been three years after you disappear and now...dont be selfish" a guy told me as he grabbed my arm.
I jerk my head then grabbed his left arm as I kicked his abdomen that went him flying through the next table.
His bodyguard tried to stop me but my men stopped them beforehand. "Don't ever try to touch me....we doesn't have the same level, so know your place" he was down as his head started bleeding.
I frowned. "Where is the heiress?" I asked to her brother Zhion.
"Do I look like I'm looking for that girl? I don't know!" her brother said, then stormed off. That's when I started losing my patience.
Because of the contract with Hera, I won't push things for now, and while nothing's happening, there's no transaction to process.
My right hand man called me for an emergency, I must go back to Voughanville Castle for I had an unexpected visitor and the worst part is... I had to leave whether I like it or not.
"Damn it!" I snorted, I had to stood my butt up and face my goddamn uncle.
I gripped the steering wheel of my Rolls Royce tighter, the leather creaking beneath my fingers. The sports car's engine roared as I pushed it to its limits, the speedometer needle quivering at 150, then 160, 170 km/h. The castle's stone walls blurred into a gray-green haze as I tore through the winding road, the tires screeching in protest.
My uncle's words echoed in my mind, fueling my anger. "You're not a real descendant of Voughanville bloodline" His voice was a constant presence, one I'd never be able to shake.
I shifted gears, the car's transmission responding smoothly, and accelerated harder, the speedometer climbing higher. The wind whipped through my hair, a fierce rush that did little to cool my temper.
I was a bullet, a missile hurtling towards my destination, and nothing could stop me. Not even my uncle's cold, calculating gaze.
The car's tires squealed as I took a sharp turn, the castle's towers looming ahead. I was almost there. Almost ready to face the devil himself.
I slammed on the brakes, the car skidding to a stop in front of the castle's entrance. I killed the engine, the sudden silence deafening.
Time to face the music. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and stepped out of the car. The cool mountain air hit me like a slap, a stark contrast to the fire burning inside.
My uncle stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. "You're late," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.
I smiled, a cold, hard smile. "Traffic was a bitch."
My uncle's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned and walked back into the castle, expecting me to follow.
I took a deep breath and trailed after him, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. We walked through the grand foyer, past the portraits of my ancestors, and into his study.
He settled behind his desk, steepling his fingers. "I've found a suitable match for you," he said, his voice dripping with an air of finality.
I raised an eyebrow. "A match?"
"A marriage, young man" he clarified, his expression impatient. "You're already thirty four now. It's time you settled down and have an heir to succeed you."
I laughed, the sound bitter. "And who is the lucky girl? Besides, I am untouchable and irreplaceable so I don't need a woman just to accompany me"
His expression didn't change, but I saw a flicker of calculation in his eyes. "Rhian Alejandro,Her family's been seeking an alliance with us for years."
I felt a cold dread creeping up my spine. Isabella was a porcelain doll, beautiful but fragile. And ruthless. I'd seen her at parties, heard the whispers about her family's dealings.
"No," I said, the word out before I could stop it.
My uncle's eyes narrowed. "This isn't a request, young man. This is your duty."
I leaned forward, my voice low. "I'd rather die. If I need an heir then I would just get some women then kill them after they gave birth"
The room went silent. My uncle's face turned a deep shade of red, and for a moment, I thought he'd explode.
Instead, he smiled. A slow, cruel smile. "We'll see about that."
He leaned back in his chair, a calculating glare in his eyes. "You're thinking you're in love with someone else, aren't you?" he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I heard you bet a five billion just for a night? And it was Hera"
My gut twisted. How did he know? "Since the news reached you, I wont tell no lie" I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
He laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Hera won't let that. She was untouched untill now"
I felt a surge of curiosity, but I kept my cool. "She just....hah! Nevermind, this isn't your business to medle with."
He leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "I'll give you a year to bare a child cause if you wont....Isagani would take charge"
I smiled, a cold, hard smile spreading across my face. "Or what? You should know your place uncle, you.are.just.my.fathers.cousin. You aren't brother and you dare act like this is your household? Just a family reminder, you are overstepping so much and you won't like it if I will ruin or worst...erase your name into the Voughanville bloodline"
He leaned back, a smirk on his face. His face gone pale and in disbelief.
The air seemed to vibrate with tension. I knew that look. It was the look he got when he was about to play a game, and I was just a pawn.