Chapter 1
985 Words
"Hey, where's Simon's bastard girl?"
The woman in black sneered at the old man with gray hair in front of Simon Gibson's grave. She ruthlessly struck him with a baseball bat, forcing him to crouch down in a pool of blood.
"Talk! Don't think your silence will protect her!" The hatred in her eyes intensified when he remained silent, and she smashed his kneecap with the bat.
"Ah!" screamed the old man, drawing disgusted looks from the people around him.
The video was cut off abruptly. Zach Gibson, in military uniform, watched in disbelief, feeling the blows as if they were aimed at him. His whole body trembled.
Despite the grainy footage, Zach recognized the old man as his own father. Simon was his brother!
Rohan Day, standing nearby, was stunned to see tears welling in Zach's eyes.
The revered five-star general of Apria, known as the god of soldiers, was shedding tears!
Zach fought to contain his anger and continued watching the video.
The old man, dragging his injured leg, crawled towards the woman in black. He clutched her pants with bloodied hands and pleaded softly, "Alana, please let us go. Remember, you almost married Simon and joined our Gibson family. Please, let us go!"
Alana Fox kicked him away in disgust, sneering down at him. "Let you go? Ha! You and Simon can rot in hell together. Let me set the record straight—I killed Simon. I fabricated those scandals to destroy him to take over the Gibson family's company and assets."
The old man struggled to stand, pointing a shaking finger at Alana. "You vile snake, you'll meet a gruesome end!"
"How dare you insult my sister! I'll kill you!" A man in a black suit kicked the old man down and began pummeling him.
Bang!
The video was cut off again. Unable to restrain himself any longer, Zach roared in fury and smashed the TV with a single punch.
Rohan handed over a crumpled stack of newspapers.
"Botoza's wealthiest man, Simon Gibson, embroiled in rape scandal. Billions at stake."
"Chairman of Gibson Group's fiancée, Alana Fox, exposes his illegal activities."
"Simon Gibson commits suicide to evade justice. Alana inherits everything."
Each headline centered around Simon.
Rohan handed Zach a letter and a list. "Marshal Gibson, this letter came a month ago. It was delivered on behalf of Simon. The list contains evidence I've gathered regarding those responsible for Simon's death. Please review."
Zach glanced at the list, closing his eyes tightly to regain his composure. "Why am I seeing this now?"
Rohan lowered his gaze. "Marshal Gibson, you made it clear that personal matters were not to interfere with military operations..."
Zach's heart ached, and memories of Simon protecting him flooded back from their childhood. He steeled himself, his hands trembling as he opened the letter:
[Zach, my dear brother, I'm going to die. Alana forced me to kill myself by threatening your niece's life. After my death, Zach, remember, don't seek revenge for me! Behind this conspiracy, there are even more terrifying forces.]
[Seven years ago, I sent you off to join the Stenlan army. I know you must have faced many challenges. Please don't blame me for that. As your older brother, how could I not want you to succeed? I have failed you and our parents in this life. I'm leaving Mom and Dad in your care. Sadly, I will never see you again.]
[By Simon, in his final testament.]
A murderous rage erupted within Zach, palpable to all around him.
Even battle-hardened soldiers, who had fought countless battles with Zach, trembled in fear.
"All troops, listen up! Follow me to hunt down the traitors and avenge Simon!" Zach's voice thundered across the room.
"Marshal Gibson, please calm down! Leaving the military district without royal orders could lead to repercussions." Rohan gathered his courage, attempting to reason with Zach.
"Calm down? I've been defending our borders on the front lines, while that b***h, Alana, murdered Simon! How can I calm down? Prepare a plane. I need to return immediately. I'll make the Fox family pay for it!"
***
"Simon, I'm sorry for being late. Alana murdered you and seized our Gibson family legacy. I swear, this vengeance will be repaid tenfold!" Zach placed a bouquet gently at Simon's grave.
Two black-clad bodyguards approached, wielding hammers.
"Who are you? How dare you visit Simon's grave? Do you want to die?" The bodyguards asked, looking at Zach and Rohan as if they were already dead.
Rohan's eyes were cold. In the army, no one dared speak to Zach this way!
"The Fox family forced him to kill himself, seized his assets, tarnished his name, and destroyed everything he worked for. Isn't that enough? Couldn't you at least leave him a peaceful resting place? The Fox family members, especially Alana, are truly ruthless and venomous!" Zach stood up slowly, his face darkening.
He closed his eyes. "Rohan, I don't want to see them again."
"Understood!" Rohan looked furious.
"We're from the Fox family! How dare you!" Before the bodyguards could finish, Rohan seized them both, ready to crush their heads, but one of their phones rang.
"Hold on." Zach's voice was cold as he took the phone, his expression chilling.
"Yes?" Zach's indifferent tone belied the seething anger beneath.
"Didn't I tell you to desecrate Simon's grave? The banquet's starting soon. Why aren't you back?" Josh Fox's voice dripped with irritation.
"Did you send them to desecrate Simon's grave?" Zach's voice dropped dangerously low, barely containing his murderous intent.
"Who the hell are you? How dare you speak to me like that? Do you want to die..."
Zach didn't say another word, his grip tightening around the phone until it nearly crumbled in his hand. He swung open the car door and climbed inside. "Rohan, prepare a top-notch coffin. We're going to pay a special visit to the Fox family!"
- Writer
