Chapter 90: Price For Power

The next morning, Richard woke up with a pounding migraine. He groaned, pressing his hand to his forehead as he slowly swung his legs over the side of the bed. The events of the previous night were a blur, muddled by the alcohol he had consumed. He vaguely remembered shouting something about Jayden, his step-brother, and claiming the company as his own. Now, with the daylight streaming in through the curtains, he regretted his drunken outburst. He forced himself to stand, wincing as the room spun slightly. A hot shower would help clear his head. He dragged himself into the bathroom, turned on the water, and stepped under the stream, letting the heat wash over him. The water pounded against his sore muscles, and he closed his eyes, allowing himself to momentarily escape from the chaos of his life. After bathing and brushing his teeth, Richard dressed in a casual shirt and trousers, feeling somewhat more human as he descended the grand staircase to the dining room. The butler was alrea