Chapter 4 THE STORM WITHIN THE FAMILY

Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Mercedes estate dining hall, but instead of warmth, the room was filled with tension thick enough to choke.

The family had gathered in haste. Elders, cousins and uncles all sat rigid, voices buzzing like angry wasps.

At the head of the table, Harold tapped his cane against the floor, silencing the noise. His face was unreadable, but his sharp eyes roved from face to face.

Marcus wasted no time. He slammed his palm on the table, voice sharp as a whip. "This is outrageous! Armed men break into our home in the dead of night, endanger us all, and we're supposed to sit here quietly? No! I demand an explanation!"

Vivienne leaned forward, her eyes narrow and accusing. "There's only one explanation. Cole Ambers. Trouble follows him like a shadow. He's humiliated this family for years, and now he's dragging us into his messes. Falcon Holdings or not, he's a liability."

Murmurs rippled across the table. Several relatives nodded in agreement.

Cole sat near the end, calm as ever, his face unreadable. He didn't bother defending himself yet.

Andriana, seated beside him, gripped the edge of her chair. The memory of masked men breaking through her window still haunted her. She had barely slept, and yet she couldn't stay silent.

"It wasn't his fault," she said suddenly, her voice clear, steady.

The murmurs died instantly. Dozens of eyes turned to her, stunned.

Marcus arched a brow. "Oh? You were there, weren't you, Andriana? Did you not see those men calling for him? Did they not say his name?"

Andriana straightened. Her hands trembled slightly, but her voice did not falter. "Yes, they came for him. But if he hadn't been there, I wouldn't be sitting here this morning."

Gasps fluttered across the table.

Vivienne scoffed. "So now he's your savior? Don't be naïve. If not for him, no one would've come at all."

Andriana's jaw tightened. She glanced at Cole, who remained silent, then back at the room. "Believe what you want. But I know what I saw. Those men were dangerous. Cole faced them head-on. He protected me, he protected this house. None of you would have."

Her words cut sharper than any blade. The room shifted uncomfortably. Even the elders, who rarely spoke, exchanged looks.

Marcus's face darkened. "So now you're defending him? Against your own family?"

"I'm defending the truth," she snapped back, surprising even herself with the force of her voice.

For a moment, silence reigned.

Harold finally spoke, his voice calm but carrying weight. "Enough. Andriana's testimony cannot be ignored. The fact remains that,enemies have appeared at our doorstep. Whether they seek Cole or not, this family is now involved. We must tread carefully."

He turned his gaze toward Cole, his expression unreadable. "Tell me, Cole. Who were they? Why did they come?"

The room held its breath.Cole met Harold's eyes, steady, unflinching. "They were mercenaries. Hired men. Their employer... is someone from my past."

Murmurs erupted again.

Marcus seized the opening. "There! He admits it himself. He's dragged some enemy into our lives. This is exactly why he doesn't belong here."

Vivienne chimed in, venom in her tone. "Father, can't you see? Falcon Holdings will see this chaos and abandon us. The longer we keep him, the more we risk everything we've built."

Harold tapped his cane again, silencing them. He studied Cole for a long moment, as if measuring a man he had overlooked for years.

"You claim this enemy is from your past," Harold said. "Then I expect you to ensure it does not touch us again. Protect this family, Cole. Or leave it."

The weight of the words hung heavy.Cole inclined his head slightly. "Understood Father."

After the meeting, the family dispersed in whispers. Marcus lingered, his eyes filled with barely concealed rage.Vivienne joined him, her lips curled. "Father may be soft on him, but we won't be. He won't last long."

Marcus smirked. "No. Especially not once Damien and I come to an understanding."

Vivienne's eyes glinted. "You'd deal with Damien Kross? He's poison."

Marcus leaned close. "Poison kills slowly. That's what I want. Let Cole choke on his secrets until he can't breathe."

They shared a cruel smile before slipping away.Outside, Cole and Andriana walked side by side in silence.

Finally, she spoke, her voice soft but firm. "Why didn't you tell them the whole truth? Why keep hiding?"

Cole's gaze remained forward. "Because the truth would destroy them. And you're not ready for it yet."

Her steps faltered. "Not ready? Cole, last night I saw you fight like... like no ordinary man. Who are you really?"

He stopped, turning to face her. His eyes softened for a fleeting moment. "One day, I'll tell you everything. For now... trust me."

Her heart twisted. Torn between doubt and belief, she nodded slowly.

But as they walked on, Cole's thoughts were far darker. Damien Kross had declared war. Marcus was sharpening his knives behind the scenes. And the family that mocked him would soon have no choice but to depend on him.The dragon's wings were spreading.

By noon, the city already buzzed with whispers.

The break-in at the Mercedes estate had not been contained. Servants talked, neighbors gossiped, and before long,the story spread through business circles like fire across dry grass.

In coffee houses, men in suits chuckled behind their newspapers.

"Did you hear? The mighty Mercedes family couldn't even protect their daughter-in-law from a few masked thugs. Their son-in-law attracts enemies like flies."

At a jewelry store downtown, two women laughed as they tried on necklaces.

"They say the intruders were after him, not her. Imagine that! A useless son-in-law so hated that criminals break into the Mercedes estate just to get him."

The family name that once commanded respect was being dragged through the mud.

At Falcon Holdings headquarters, however, the reaction was different.The director who had signed the contract with Cole read the morning reports with a faint smile. "So the storm begins." He picked up the phone. "Release a statement. Subtle but firm. Say Falcon Holdings recognizes the Mercedes partnership and stands by our commitments. That should quiet some of the jackals."

His assistant hesitated. "Sir... do we mention Mr. Ambers by name?"

The director's smile sharpened. "Not yet. Let him carve his own path first. When the time is right, the world will know who he truly is."

Back at the estate, Andriana scrolled through her phone. Each headline cut deeper than the last.

"Mercedes Daughter Saved By Husband... Or Endangered By Him?"

"Masked Intruders Demand Son-In-Law Cole Ambers."

"Falcon Holdings Silent Amid Mercedes Chaos."

Her grip tightened. She wanted to hurl the phone across the room.

"This isn't fair," she muttered.

Cole entered, carrying two cups of tea. He set one beside her and took the other. "The world is rarely fair."

She looked at him, frustration and worry twisting inside her. "They're mocking you. Mocking us. Doesn't it bother you?"

He sipped calmly. "Let them laugh. When wolves bare their teeth, it only proves they fear what they don't understand."

Andriana stared at him. For so long she had seen him as passive, enduring humiliation with a bowed head. But the way he spoke now... there was a quiet power beneath it. A certainty that unsettled her and strangely steadied her at the same time.

Still, she pressed. "But what if they're right? What if Father starts doubting Falcon's commitment because of these rumors? What if?"

Cole placed his cup down gently. His eyes, calm yet sharp, met hers. "Then I'll show them all why Falcon stands by me. And why those who mock me will regret it."

That afternoon, Harold summoned the family again, though this time only the inner circle.He sat at the head of a smaller chamber table, flanked by Marcus and Vivienne. Cole and Andriana arrived together, drawing immediate glares from the siblings.

Harold folded his hands, "The city talks. Rumors spread like rot, if we do not act, our name weakens."

Marcus leaned forward eagerly. "Exactly why we must cut out the source of the rot. Cast him out now, before Falcon Holdings severs ties with us."

Vivienne nodded sharply. "Father, the sooner we rid ourselves of this burden, the sooner we can rebuild our image."

Andriana's voice rose, firm despite the fear in her chest. "That would be a mistake. The rumors will not vanish just because you exile him. People will think we're weak and that we abandoned our own under pressure. And Falcon Holdings has already reaffirmed their commitment."

Harold's gaze flickered. "So they have."

Marcus's face twisted. "A meaningless statement! You can't truly believe Falcon Holdings would risk their reputation for him."

Cole finally spoke, his tone calm but carrying steel beneath. "If Falcon Holdings had no faith, they would not have signed with us in the first place. Their support will only grow stronger... provided this family stops acting like frightened children at the first howl of a wolf."

The words hit the room like a hammer.Marcus slammed his fist on the table, half rising. "You dare call me a child?"

Cole's eyes didn't waver. "If the shoe fits."

The chamber went silent.Even Harold raised his brows, faint amusement glinting in his eyes. He had never seen Cole so direct and so unflinching.

Andriana's lips parted slightly. She wasn't sure whether to be terrified or proud.

Vivienne hissed. "Arrogant bastard."

But Harold's cane tapped against the floor, ending the exchange. "Enough. The family cannot afford public weakness. Tomorrow, Cole, you will attend the city's commerce luncheon in our name. Show them we are not broken. Show them we stand tall."

Marcus spun toward his father, furious. "You'd let him represent us? You'd parade our shame before every business leader?"

Harold's tone hardened. "You will obey."

Marcus swallowed his rage, though his eyes burned holes into Cole's back.

Later, as they left the chamber, Andriana tugged Cole's arm, her voice hushed. "The commerce luncheon... all of Father's rivals will be there. They'll ridicule you."

Cole gave a small, knowing smile. "Let them. Tomorrow, they'll laugh less. Soon, they won't laugh at all."

Her chest tightened. He said it so calmly, as though certain of a victory no one else could see.

That night, Marcus retreated to his office, fury simmering. He poured himself a drink, staring into the amber liquid.

A knock sounded.

"Come in," he barked.

A shadow slipped inside. A man in a tailored black suit, his eyes sharp, his expression cold.

Marcus smirked. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd show."

The man spoke with a faint accent. "Mr. Kross sends his regards. He heard of your... family troubles."

Marcus raised his glass. "Then tell Damien I'm ready to listen. If Cole Ambers wants war, he won't fight only enemies from his past. He'll fight from within these walls, too."

The emissary's lips curved in a thin smile. "Excellent. The boss will be pleased."

The Grand Orion Hotel gleamed with chandeliers and polished marble, the perfect setting for the city's commerce luncheon. Every seat was filled with merchants, CEOs, politicians and the powerbrokers of Eastvale.

Servers drifted between tables carrying champagne flutes, but beneath the polite laughter and clinking glasses lay sharpened smiles and whispered rivalries.

At the center table sat Harold Mercedes, Andriana, Marcus, Vivienne and Cole Ambers.

The moment Cole entered, murmurs spread like wildfire.

"That's him, isn't it?"

"The infamous son-in-law. The one thugs tried to kill."

"And Falcon Holdings signed a deal with that?"

Laughter rolled through the hall, barely concealed behind raised glasses.

Marcus leaned close to Vivienne, his lips curling in a satisfied smirk. "Look at them. By the end of this luncheon, he'll be a bigger disgrace than ever."

Vivienne sipped her wine, eyes glinting. "And Father will finally see sense."

At the podium, the host welcomed everyone before inviting attendees to mingle. Groups formed quickly, with rivals circling like sharks.

One of them, Richard Voss, a shipping magnate with a sharp tongue, approached the Mercedes table. His voice dripped with mock sympathy.

"Ah, Harold. You honor us with your presence. And this must be your famous son-in-law."

He extended a hand to Cole, but his smirk betrayed the insult. "Tell me, Mr. Ambers, how does it feel to be the talk of the city? I hear your name more in gossip columns than in business reports."

Snickers followed.Marcus fought to hide his grin. This was exactly the humiliation he wanted.

Cole rose slowly, accepting the handshake with calm steadiness. His grip tightened, iron beneath velvet. Richard's smirk faltered as he tried to pull away.

Cole's eyes, cold and unreadable, locked on his. "Better to be the subject of gossip than forgotten entirely. At least they remember my name."

Richard stiffened, caught off guard. The nearby onlookers chuckled uneasily, their laughter no longer at Cole's expense.

Cole released him smoothly, retaking his seat as if nothing had happened.But the wolves weren't done.

Another rival, Mrs. Caldwell, leaned across with a mocking smile. "Mr. Ambers, I must ask... what exactly do you do? Aside from scaring off investors and attracting mercenaries to your in-laws' doorstep."

A ripple of laughter followed. Even Marcus chuckled under his breath.

Cole didn't flinch. He met her gaze calmly. "What I do, Mrs. Caldwell, is ensure threats are handled before they touch those under my care. You may laugh, but when the storm comes, just like it always does,you'll wish you had someone like me at your table."

The words landed like a blade. The laughter faltered.

Harold's lips twitched upward in the faintest smile. Marcus, however, nearly choked on his drink, seething.

Andriana watched silently, her heart racing. She had expected ridicule, humiliation. Instead, she was watching a different Cole,a man who held his ground with quiet authority, who turned barbs into weapons. For the first time, she saw others unsure how to handle him.

This wasn't the meek son-in-law anymore. This was someone far more dangerous.Then came the blow that shifted the entire luncheon.

As the meal was served, a representative from Falcon Holdings strode into the hall. His tailored suit, polished shoes, and the golden Falcon pin on his lapel commanded instant respect.

Whispers erupted.

"Falcon Holdings sent someone here?"

"They never waste time on luncheons like this."

The representative scanned the hall before approaching Harold's table. He inclined his head respectfully not to Harold, not to Marcus, but directly to Cole.

"Mr. Ambers. The director asked me to extend his regards. Falcon Holdings looks forward to strengthening our cooperation."

Gasps rang out.

Marcus nearly dropped his fork. Vivienne's face drained of color. Harold's eyes narrowed, studying Cole more intently.

Cole inclined his head with a calm smile. "Tell the director his trust will not be misplaced."

The representative bowed slightly before leaving, his message delivered.And just like that, the whispers in the hall changed tune.

"Did you see that?"

"He addressed Ambers directly..."

"Maybe there's more to him than we thought."

Respect,cautious, uncertain, but undeniable began to replace ridicule.

Marcus could barely contain his fury. He leaned toward Vivienne, whispering harshly. "This changes nothing. It's smoke and mirrors. Damien will crush him before Falcon lifts a finger."

Vivienne's jaw tightened. "Then we'd better make sure Damien strikes first."

After the luncheon, as the family left the hall, Andriana stayed close to Cole.

"You didn't just survive that," she whispered. "You owned it."

Cole gave her a faint smile, but his eyes remained sharp. "This was only the beginning. The true battles lie ahead."

Behind them, Marcus watched with cold hatred.And far across the hall, a man in a dark suit observed quietly, phone pressed to his ear. His words were brief, his tone respectful.

"Yes, Mr. Kross. He showed strength today. You were right, he's not ordinary. But don't worry... he won't see your next move coming."

That night, the Mercedes estate was quiet, but beneath the calm, storms brewed.

Cole sat in the garden, the moonlight catching the sharp lines of his face. He had played his part at the luncheon not too strong, not too weak, just enough to shift the whispers. But he knew this was only the opening move.

Enemies were circling closer.

Inside, Marcus paced his study like a caged beast. The glow of his desk lamp threw his shadow long across the walls. Vivienne lounged in a chair, swirling wine in her glass.

"He humiliated you," she said flatly. "Falcon Holdings bowing to him, not to Father, not to you... it was a slap in the face."

Marcus slammed his fist on the desk. "I won't let him steal the spotlight. He's a parasite and a stray dog that got lucky. But dogs can be put down."

The phone on his desk buzzed. Marcus snatched it up.

A smooth, mocking voice flowed through the speaker. "Still fuming, Marcus? I hear your little luncheon didn't go as planned."

Marcus's expression soured. "Damien. If you called to gloat then..."

Damien chuckled darkly. "Relax. I didn't call to laugh at you. I called to offer a solution. You want Cole Ambers destroyed. I want him crushed beneath my heel. Our goals align."

Vivienne leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "And what do you propose?"

Damien's voice hardened ,"A public trap, so, humiliating and irreversible. I'll provide the stage, you provide the bait. Together, we'll make him wish he never set foot in Eastvale."

Marcus's lips curved into a cruel smile. "Good. Tell me what you need."

Meanwhile, Harold summoned Cole to his private study. The old man sat behind a heavy oak desk, his cane resting across his lap.

"You handled yourself well today," Harold said, his tone neutral. "Better than I expected."

Cole inclined his head. "I did only what was necessary."

Harold studied him carefully, eyes sharp. "You carry yourself like a man who has led armies, not one who has been mocked in my household for years. Tell me, Cole... who exactly are you?"

The air grew thick.

Cole met Harold's gaze evenly. "I am your grandson-in-law. And the man who will ensure this family survives what is coming."

Harold tapped his cane once, twice. His lips twitched into something that almost resembled a smile. "Bold words. Let us see if you can match them with action."

He dismissed Cole with a wave, but as Cole left, Harold's thoughts churned.He is no ordinary man. Perhaps... he is the weapon this family desperately needs.

Later that night, Andriana found Cole still awake, standing at the window of their room. His posture was tense, his hands clasped behind his back.

"You didn't tell Father the truth," she said softly. "Not really. You gave him just enough to keep him guessing."

Cole didn't turn. "Some truths are more dangerous than lies. If your family knew everything, they would fear me more than they fear Damien."

Her chest tightened. "You talk as though you've fought wars. As if you've lived ten lives before this one."

Finally, he looked at her, eyes dark with unspoken history. "I've lived enough to know that,loyalty is rare, betrayal is common, and power decides who eats and who starves."

Andriana shivered, but she didn't look away. Instead, she stepped closer, her hand brushing his. "Then promise me one thing, Cole. Whatever secrets you carry... don't let them consume you. Don't let them take you away from me."

For a moment, his mask cracked. He squeezed her hand gently. "I promise."

Across town, in a warehouse lit by a single overhead bulb, Damien Kross stood before his men. His scarred face gleamed in the dim light, his grin feral.

"Cole Ambers thinks Falcon's protection will save him. He thinks the Mercedes family is his shield. Fools. I'll break his shield, and then I'll break him."

He gestured, and crates were opened, revealing weapons, forged documents, and bags of cash.

"We'll ruin him in front of the entire city. Marcus has agreed to play his part. Soon, Ambers will walk into our trap with his head held high... and leave crawling."

The men roared their approval.Damien's grin widened. "Let the game begin."

Back at the Mercedes estate, Cole finally lay down beside Andriana. She drifted to sleep quickly, exhaustion pulling her under. But Cole's eyes stayed open, watching the shadows.

He knew Damien wouldn't wait long. And Marcus had already shown his hand.

The storm was coming.And when it broke, the dragon would rise.