Chapter 2

“What? The war legate is coming?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide upon hearing the news. “Wilfred, who is this war legate? Was he the one…” Leonard was in awe. There was only one person who held that title in all of Navia—the leader of the Blood Corps. There was no other like him. The entire city of Swallowston had to accommodate the man’s every move today. “Who else? Of course, it’s the Bellum Legate who had a ten thousand soldier-strong blockade today.” “Heavens, he’s coming to our home?” “Grandfather is so famous that even the legate is coming to see him?” The legate was well-known among the citizens, but few had ever seen him. “The gods are smiling upon our family.” Harold raised his hands. “Ever since Henry’s death, our family has been blessed with wave after wave of prosperity. Even the legate is coming to celebrate my birthday!” Everyone present was excited. What had they done to deserve attention from the legate? The Xanders were overjoyed. *** “Father, the legate is almost here. We need to prepare for his arrival. Should we kick this pair out so that he doesn’t see the shame of the family?” Cecelia said that as she looked toward Rue and Adaline. Leonard chimed in, “Cecelia is right. The legate is coming, and we have to welcome him properly. Rue, please take your daughter and leave at once. Don’t bring shame upon us. If the legate gets angry, our family might not survive. This isn’t a joke.” Rue stood there, stunned. She just wanted to borrow some money. But instead of getting any, she was humiliated. When Adaline heard them, she said, “Mother, let’s go. We’re not welcome here.” Rue’s face was covered in tears because she felt devastated and helpless. She had two children. She failed to protect her eldest, Adrian, and his whereabouts were unknown. Her daughter, on the other hand, managed to get into university, but she had no money for the tuition. “I’m sorry, Henry. I’ve let the children down,” Rue cried. She shuddered, remembering her husband’s dying wish. “Why are you still crying here? You’re disgusting. Leave. Now!” When Leonard saw her crying, his anger rose. Though the legate was not there yet, how could she be crying at their father’s birthday party? He walked forward to shove the mother and daughter. *** But at that moment, before Leonard could shove her, someone rushed over and threw a mean punch to his face. “Argh!” The fist connected with Leonard’s face and a few teeth went flying. Before the Xanders realized what was happening, a man was standing before Rue and Adaline. The man was tall, brawny, and had a fierce demeanor. “Who are you?!” Wilfred, Harold’s second son, yelled. “Take a good look and you’ll know.” The young man turned around and walked toward the Xanders. Everyone took a good look and was overcome with anxiety because they recognized him. “A-Adrian?” Everyone was shocked. They never imagined that Adrian would show up and hit Leonard in the face. Adrian ignored them and turned to face Rue and Adaline. The three looked at each other and Rue was stunned. Why did this tall, muscular man look so much like her son who went missing seven years ago? No, it was not just a lookalike, it was really him! “Adrian!” Rue exclaimed as she started tearing up. She spread her arms wide and ran over to him, locking him into a tight hug. Adrian hugged her back as his heart warmed. “I’m home, Mother,” Adrian said, “I’m sorry you had to wait for so long.” “You’re alive? You’re actually alive?” Rue caressed Adrian’s face. There was a long ongoing war at the border and Adrian had gone missing. She tried to look for him at Wellborough over the years, but no one knew where he went. She thought that he had died. “I’m alive,” Adrian replied. “You’re so much taller and stronger now,” Rue said. Adrian nodded. After letting go of his mother, he spread his arms as he walked over to his sister. “Adaline, your brother is back.” He wanted to give her a warm hug, but what he got instead was a slap to the face. Adaline scolded him, “You ungrateful prick! How dare you return! Do you know how much Mother has suffered through the years?! Where were you when everything happened?!” Rue said, “Adaline, stop that. Your brother must have his reasons.” Adrian’s heart ached. He knew that his sister would not forgive him. *** Adrian did not say anything more to Rue and Adaline. He turned around to face the Xanders once more. Then, he smirked. Leonard nursed his face as he got up from the floor and yelled, “Adrian, how could you hit me?! I’m your uncle!” “Why not?” Adrian raised his hand and gave Leonard a slap. That threw Leonard back to the floor again. Everyone was stunned, including Rue and Adaline. They never thought that Adrian was such a ruthless man. Leonard stood up again and took a step back, not daring the step forward anymore. Adrian scoffed. “Grandfather, you keep coddling your two older sons and even gave them what your third son built. They’ve enjoyed it for years, so I think it’s time I take everything back.” Harold frowned. Though he was not sure how Adrian had survived, he was furious at Adrian’s accusational tone. Harold said coldly, “Adrian, don’t you have any respect for your grandfather? How could you hit your uncle? Tell me, what have you achieved after these seven years?” Leonard was still covering his face. “Father, there’s no need to talk to him. The war legate will be here at any moment. We need to kick them out.” Harold suddenly remembered this, and it was clear that the legate was his top priority. He immediately said, “Take your mother and sister with you and leave. We have to attend to an important person. We have no time for you.” Adrian looked at them. “Seeing as you’re my grandfather, I’ll give you a month to prepare. “After that, you shall return to me the Paraiso Group that belonged to my father, or I will tear down the Xanders. Remember. One month.”