Alfred cleared his throat softly.
"There are a few matters you should be informed of, Young Master."
Nicholas turned slightly.
Alfred reached into his inner coat pocket and produced a sleek black box. He opened it carefully and handed the item inside to Nicholas.
It was a mobile phone, but not an ordinary one.
The design was impossibly thin, forged from a matte metallic alloy that felt cool and expensive to the touch. The screen stretched edge to edge without a visible bezel. Even powered off, it radiated sophistication.
"This device has not yet been released to the public," Alfred explained respectfully.
"It is a prototype model. Only a handful exist in the world."
Nicholas raised a brow.
"It is manufactured by the world's leading technology corporation," Alfred continued. "One of the Brown Family's core properties."
Nicholas glanced at him.
"Even the ordinary elite do not have access to it. It is reserved strictly for the most influential."
Nicholas turned the phone over in his hand once before slipping it into his pocket.
"Activate it," he said calmly.
"It has already been configured with encrypted lines, Young Master."
Nicholas gave a slight nod.
Alfred then added, "I have also instructed the kitchen to prepare your meal."
Nicholas did not respond.
Alfred continued carefully, "May I know your preference? The chefs are on standby."
Nicholas paused for half a second.
Food? After everything that had happened today, food felt trivial.
"Anything," he said dismissively.
"It doesn't matter."
Alfred inclined his head.
"As you wish."
Only then did he gesture toward the staircase.
"Allow me to show you to your room."
They ascended to the third floor.
Alfred stopped before a pair of tall double doors carved from dark walnut wood and pushed them open.
"This is the Master Suite."
Nicholas stepped inside.
The room was massive; larger than three times Evelyn's room in the Coopers' villa.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the estate grounds. Sheer curtains drifted lightly with the evening breeze.
A king-sized bed sat at the center, framed by a custom-built headboard of polished oak and leather.
A private lounge area rested near the window. A marble fireplace. A walk-in wardrobe the size of a boutique.
On the bed lay rows of perfectly arranged suits; Italian cuts, British tailoring, French design.
Nicholas stared at them. A faint headache formed at his temples.
He pressed his fingers lightly against his forehead.
"Am I expected to wear a suit for the rest of my life?" he asked dryly.
Alfred paused.
"If that is your preference…"
"It isn't."
Nicholas waved a hand dismissively.
"Remove them. Replace them with casual clothing."
"Yes, Young Master."
"And find a seamster."
"A seamster?"
"I will not wear standard sizes," Nicholas said coolly. "If I must wear suits, they will be made to measure."
Alfred bowed slightly.
"I will arrange for the finest tailor available."
Nicholas turned away, walking toward the window.
"Also," he added.
"Yes, Young Master?"
"The second-largest room in this villa."
Alfred waited attentively.
"Decorate it entirely in pink. Make it excessively girly. Barbie. Hello Kitty. Everything."
Alfred blinked once.
"…Understood."
"That room is for Neveah."
There was no warmth in Nicholas' tone, yet the meaning was unmistakable.
"It will be completed before she arrives," Alfred assured him with a bow.
He then hesitated slightly.
"There is one more matter."
Nicholas did not turn around.
"Speak."
"There will be a banquet held in three days by the Lancaster Family."
Nicholas' gaze shifted subtly.
"They are currently the top family in the country. The invitation was received months ago."
"Now that the Brown Family has decided to re-enter the domestic market, it would be appropriate for you to attend."
At the mention of the Lancaster name, the golden mark on Nicholas' hand flared.
[Notable entity detected.]
[Secret Archive Access available.]
"Activate."
The world dimmed once more.
Data streamed across his vision at terrifying speed.
ENTITY: Lancaster Family
Status: Current No. 1 Family with Domestic Influence
Hidden Crimes: Market manipulation, illegal acquisitions, political bribery, financial sabotage, orchestrated hostile takeovers
Direct Involvement: Contributed to the collapse of the Brown Family through coordinated asset freezing and information manipulation. Deeper connections remain undetected.
Estimated Undisclosed Offenses: 1,284 documented violations
Confirmed Fatal Consequences Linked: 17
Nicholas' jaw tightened.
A million heinous crimes.
And they dared host a banquet.
His voice turned glacial.
"Does anyone know that Whitmore Holdings is under the Brown Family?"
Alfred shook his head immediately.
"No, Young Master. It remains completely independent on the surface."
"Good."
Nicholas turned.
"Bring me a book and a pen."
Alfred obeyed at once.
Nicholas sat at the desk near the window. His expression was unreadable as he began writing rapidly.
When he finished, he handed the notebook back.
"Investigate every name written there."
Alfred glanced down briefly.
His face lost color.
"Young Master… this…"
"Leak what must be leaked," Nicholas said calmly. "Expose what will cause maximum disruption."
Alfred swallowed.
"The banquet," Nicholas continued, "must not be a success."
Silence filled the room.
"Create a commotion large enough that their dignity shatters publicly."
Alfred slowly lowered his head.
"…As you command."
Alfred felt something close to fear. Truly, the Brown Family's blood ran in his veins.
The Young Master had awakened.
And the entire country had no idea what was coming.
***
Alfred was just about to step out when he suddenly paused, as though remembering something important.
He turned back immediately.
"Young Master."
Nicholas, who had already taken a seat by the window, glanced at him indifferently.
Alfred reached into his inner pocket once more and withdrew a sleek black card.
It was matte, with no visible numbers printed on the surface. Only a subtle embossed crest rested at the corner; the Brown insignia.
He walked forward respectfully and presented it with both hands.
"This is a global black card," Alfred explained. "There is no spending limit. It operates across all international financial systems and does not require manual approval."
Nicholas took it between his fingers, examining it briefly.
"Unlimited?" he asked flatly.
"Yes, Young Master. It is essential that you carry it. Your status demands convenience and authority. Certain transactions cannot be delayed."
Nicholas slipped the card into his pocket without ceremony.
"Fine."
Alfred exhaled subtly in relief.
But Nicholas' voice came again.
"Create another one."
Alfred blinked. "Another, Young Master?"
"An empty one."
"A card with no direct ties. No crest. No traceable connection to the Brown Family or any of its subsidiaries."
Alfred's expression sharpened instantly.
"You require an independent financial channel."
Nicholas' gaze shifted back toward the city lights beyond the glass.
"The sooner the better."
Alfred bowed deeply.
"It will be done immediately."
He turned to leave once more.
Behind him, Nicholas stared into the distance, fingers lightly brushing over the golden mark on his hand.
Unlimited wealth meant power.
But hidden wealth…
That was leverage.
Nicholas gazed at his reflection in the glass. Brushing his fingers across the injury on his face, he smiled thoughtfully.
"Evelyn Cooper and the rest of you… even without Whitmore Holdings, you still won't stand a chance against KIPS. And now, with an even stronger backer, prepare yourselves."
His eyes darkened.
"Your doom is coming."