Avaldos City had always been a place where wealth and power intertwined, and at the very heart of it stood the Kimberly family. For generations, they had commanded respect and influence, their construction and estate empire shaping skylines and fortunes alike. The patriarch, Mr. Asienwegher Kimberly, though officially retired, remained the true force behind the family's vast holdings. His grandson, Bryan Kimberly, now held the title of CEO, but everyone knew that the old man's word was law.
The Kimberly estate itself was a symbol of their dominance. Perched atop a private hill spanning more than five hundred acres, the family's castle loomed like a fortress of legacy. The iron gates at the base of the hill were massive and unyielding, opening only for those deemed worthy. On this particular day, a sleek Maybach Exelero glided to the entrance. As the gates rolled aside with mechanical precision, the car began its ascent, passing rows of grand villas—each one a testament to the Kimberly family's wealth.
The ride up the hill took nearly fifteen minutes, winding through manicured landscapes and architectural marvels, before the Maybach finally halted before the castle. Though centuries old, the castle was impeccably maintained, its stone walls polished by time and care.
From the car stepped a tall, slim young man, strikingly handsome, with straight legs, a tailored grey suit, and lips so vividly red they seemed sculpted to captivate. His demeanor was elegant, his movements deliberate, the kind of presence that commanded attention without effort. This was Bryan Kimberly, a twenty-five years old, heir to the Kimberly dynasty. Adjusting his suit, he strode toward the castle's entrance.
Inside the reception hall, Bryan immediately noticed two men seated with his grandfather. One of them, in his late twenties, exuded authority and confidence, while the other, clearly his assistant, remained quietly attentive. Bryan frowned slightly, recognizing the faces but unable to place them. His thoughts were interrupted when the younger man rose, prompting even old Mr. Kimberly to stand—a rare gesture of respect from the patriarch.
Though Old Mr. Kimberly was already in his late sixties, his well-maintained health made him appear closer to his fifties.
The visitor looked intently into the patriarch's eyes, his voice was calm yet commanding. "Think carefully about my proposal, Mr. Kimberly. I expect your feedback within twenty-four hours." He adjusted his suit, his tone shifting into something between advice and warning. "I hope you will think wisely." With that, he turned and walked out majestically, his assistant following in perfect step.
Bryan's memory clicked into place. That man was none other than the CEO of Russell Holdings, the fastest-growing company in Avaldos. In just three to five years, Russell Holdings had established a branch in the city and expanded with astonishing speed. Bryan's eyes narrowed as he turned to his grandfather.
"Grandpa," he asked cautiously, "what proposal did Mr. Russell make?"
Old Mr. Kimberly cleared his throat, his face unreadable. "He wants me to join forces with him—to overthrow Morgan Jerome from the presidency."
Bryan's eyes widened in shock. "The presidency?" He leaned forward, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Asienwegher Kimberly sighed heavily, his gaze distant. "Yes. He proposed that I should be the next president."
Bryan's mind raced. He knew his grandfather well enough to understand the depth of this ambition. Though Asienwegher had never openly declared it, Bryan had long sensed his yearning for political power. "And why didn't you accept immediately?" Bryan pressed. "Our family has given so much to this country. Who could be more suitable for that title than us?"
The old man burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the hall. "Bryan, do you know how long the Kimberly family has longed for this office? Of course I want it. But I cannot appear desperate. If I accept too quickly, Russell may see my eagerness and demand more than I am willing to give."
Bryan frowned. "So you think he wants something in return?"
Asienwegher shook his head slowly. "He claimed he needs nothing." Then his lips curled into a sneer. "But tell me, Bryan, how is it possible for a tycoon to go through all this trouble for nothing? He is a master of the business world, just as I am. There is always a price." He waved his hand dismissively. "Enough of this for now. Let us speak of other matters."
His sharp eyes turned to Bryan with expectation. "How goes the search?"
Bryan inhaled deeply, setting his briefcase on the table. With deliberate care, he withdrew a large brown envelope and placed it before his grandfather. "This is everything we were able to find."
Old Mr. Kimberly snatched the envelope, flipping through the documents with urgency. Suddenly, his hands trembled, his chest tightening as he gasped. "Lonnie… oh, Lonnie… how did this happen?" His voice cracked with anguish.
Bryan's own heart grew heavy. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, sighing with disappointment. "After Lonnie left the Kimberly family, he settled in Los Angeles with Hailey Vuitton. Together, they started a computer software company. They had a daughter—just a year and four months old."
He paused, his voice thickening. "They came back to celebrate Christmas and New Year with Hailey's twin sister, Pamela Vuitton. But on their way home, tragedy struck. A fatal accident. They both died instantly."
The old man trembled violently, collapsing against the backrest of his chair. Silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating.
After what felt like an eternity, Asienwegher spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "And the daughter?"
Bryan shook his head. "Pamela took her niece in. But she died a year and two months ago, from a sudden heart attack. Since then, Lilian has vanished. No one knows where she is. I've ordered our men to search for her, wherever she may be."
Old Mr. Kimberly nodded impressively at his grandson. Yes, he is fortunate to have such an extraordinary and understanding grandson.
If it weren't for his stubborn son Lonnie, the Kimberly family would already hold the presidency. We had planned to join alliance by marriage with the Wesley family. Lonnie was supposed to marry Bianca Wesley. With the Wesley family's support, we would surely have won the election.
Old Mr. Kimberly thought silently in regrets.