Alexander Velmonte woke up at his usual time, his body conditioned to the routine. He pushed back his silk sheets and sat up, running a hand through his already neat black hair. His sharp gaze shifted to the massive window covering nearly an entire wall on his room. Rising to his feet, he walked over and parted the heavy curtains, allowing the golden morning sunlight to flood in. The brightness made him squint for a second before his eyes adjusted. The warmth against his skin did little to soften his ever present cold demeanor.
A quiet knock sounded at the door before his maid entered, carrying a porcelain cup on a silver tray. She bowed slightly before placing the cup on the glass table beside him.
" Your tea, sir."
Alexander took the cup, bringing it to his lips for a slow sip. The rich, bitter taste spread through his senses, sharp and awakening. He set the cup down and moved towards the large armchair near the fireplace, picking up the folded newspaper,though his mind was already occupied with thought of the day ahead.
After a moment he stood, heading toward the bathroom. He freshened up with a precise efficiency, each step of his morning routine practices and calculated. By the time he emerged, he was dressed in a crisp, tailored suit - charcoal grey with a deep black tie. His shoes gleamed, polished to perfection, reflecting the soft glow of the morning light. A final touch of his cologne, the scent bold yet refined and he was ready.
Stepping outside, his car was already waiting. He slid into the back seat, the quiet hum of the engine filling the silence as he drove through the city, leaving the towering buildings behind as he made his way to Hidden town.
Mrs Rose Velmonte's estate was grand yet elegant, surrounded by a carefully maintained garden bursting with colors. Tall iron gates stood at the entrance, their intricate design almost delicate. Beyond them, rows of lilies swayed gently in the breeze, their fragrance carrying through the air.
In the middle of the garden, a woman sat with a book in her hand. Her silver hair, styled neatly, gave her an air of quiet sophistication. As if sensing his presence, she turned, her warm brown eyes settling on him.
" Oh, Alexander, my boy," she said with a gentle smile. "How are you doing?"
Alexander walked closer
"I'm fine, mother," he said, his voice flat. " Why have you called me out here? I had to make space in my busy schedule."
Mrs Rose Velmonte sighed, closing her book and setting it aside.
"Why do you always have to be like this?" She asked, standing up. " Have you had anything to eat for breakfast?"
"No mother, "Alexander replied.
"It's nearly half past seven. Breakfast is ready." She gave him a pointed look before gesturing towards the mansion. "Oh please, join me inside. Let's spend some time together."
He didn't argue. He simply nodded, following her towards the grand entrance.
The mansion was a masterpiece of timeless elegance. The front doors alone were an artwork - polished wood with intricate carvings so precise, they looked almost divine. As Mrs Velmonte pushed them open, they revealed a space as breathtaking as the exterior. Towering ceilings, crystal chandeliers and tastefully arranged antique furniture filled the grand hall, but none of it seemed to impress Alexander.
They moved to the dinning room, where a magnificent table stretched before them, adorned with assortment of carefully prepared dishes. Every plate was a work of culinary perfection, each meal an offering fit for royalty.
"What would you like to have, Alexander?" His mother asked, taking her seat.
"I'll choose from the table," he replied, his tone as indifferent as ever.
Silence settled between them as they ate. Mrs Velmonte watched him for a moment, then asked, "How is work going?"
Alexander barely lifted his gaze. "It's fine," he said simply.
She sighed again, but didn't press further.
After finishing their meal, Alexander and his mother stepped out into the lush garden behind the mansion. The morning sun illuminated the well - manicured hedges and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh lilies and roses.
Mrs Velmonte studied her son carefully. "Alexander," she started, "what's happening with you?"
Before Alexander could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them. He already knew who it was before even turning around.
Jude and Jason.
His elder twin brothers entered the garden, radiating their usual warmth and ease. They were always more sociable, more open - always smiling.
At the sight of them, Alexander exhaled slowly, already feeling exhausted. He turned slightly towards his mother. "Why are they here, mother?" His tone was flat, but the irritation was unmistakable.
Mrs Velmonte arched a brow, giving him a knowing look. "Why shouldn't they be here? Aren't they my sons too?"
Jude and Jason walked briskly towards them, their grins wide.
"Hey bro! What's up?" Jude greeted, slapping Alexander lightly on the shoulder.
Alexander didn't bother responding immediately. He simply looked at them, then gave a faint, forced smile and nodded. "I'm good. How are you guys?"
"We're great," Jason replied cheerfully.
Jude and Jason sank into the plush garden chairs, their postures relaxed. A maid approached, offering tea and biscuits, ready to take their orders.
The twins exchanged mischievous glances before Jason smirked. "We'd love to have Jeff Mitchell in the mansion."
Jude chucked and their mother joined in, shaking her head at their antics. The light hearted atmosphere was almost infectious.
Alexander,however remained silent his expression unreadable. He simply watched them, his fingers resting idly on the armrest, his presence as cold and rigid as ever.
Jude turned to him, his usual playful grin still in place. " You know, bro you should really try loosening up a bit."
Alexander's gaze flickered to him, " I have."
Jason scoffed. " Yeah?" Doesn't look like it. You're carrying all of father's weight on your shoulders. You really need to calm down, man. Look at us - we don't even have to work."
Alexander's jaw tightened. His voice was sharp, cutting through their light heartedness like a knife. "That's because I work for the money you two spend."
That shut them up.
Silence stretched among them. Then, without another word, Alexander rose from his seat. He pulled out his phone and called his driver.
"Bring the car around," he ordered.
With that, he turned on his heel and strode off, leaving his brothers and mother behind.
Minutes later, his sleek black car pulled up at the entrance. Alexander slid inside.
"To the club," he ordered.
The club was alive with energy - pulsing lights, pounding music and bodies movies sync with the rhythm. The scent of expensive liquor and cigarette smoke lingered in the air. Women, drawn like moths, to a flame, turned as Alexander Velmonte stepped inside. Some reached out, their sultry gazes lingering, hoping for a glance, a touch - anything.
But Alexander walked past them without a second look.
He took a private elevator down - a world away from the chaos above. The doors slid open, revealing a grand lounge draped in shadows and luxury. The scent of cigars and aged whiskey filled the air.
At the center of the room, seated like a king on his throne, was his father. The man exuded authority, his massive ring glinting under the dim lighting.
Alexander stepped forward. "Father."
The older man looked up, a smirk playing at his lips. "Ah, Alexander. Where have you been all day?"
"I was with mother."
His father scoffed light, shifting in his seat as he waved off the two women draped around him. They pouted but obeyed, and stepped aside.
Alexander exhaled slowly, his fingers flexing at his side.
"The players are here, " his father said smoothly, gesturing towards the round table ahead. Men suited, powerful, dangerous gathered around, their eyes sharp and eager. It was time.
The casino table was already set.
Alexander took his seat and leaned back in his chair. His sharp eyes scanned the table as the dealer expertly shuffled the deck. Whiskey glasses clinked against the polished wood, low murmurs filled the air.
Tonight's game: High stakes Blackjack
The dealer slid the guest set of cards across the table, the smooth sound of paper against felt filling the room. Alexander barely looked at his hand before pushing forward his bet - a sum large enough to make some men sweat.
The game progressed. The players called, hit or stood each decision carrying weight. Some folded, their confidence faltering. The stakes grew higher.
A flicker, a shift in movement too subtle for most to catch.
One of the players, a man named Ricardo had been slipping an extra chip onto his stack when the dealer wasn't looking. Not just once - thrice. Alexander's jaw tensed, but he said nothing. He let the man believe he was getting away it.
The final hand was dealt. The table watched in silence as Alexander stared at his two cards. A king and an Ace - Blackjack.
A perfect hand.
Ricardo smirked, still confident in his deceit. He flipped his cards. His eyes darted around, his finger twitching.
Alexander slowly placed his cards down. "Blackjack."
Silence.
The room tensed.
Ricardo's face fell, but before he could utter a word, Alexander leaned forward, his voice cold and calm. "Next time you try to cheat at my table….." His fingers tapped the surface, slow and deliberate. "Make sure you don't get caught."
The other players shifted uncomfortably as Ricardo stiffened, his face paling.
The dealer collected the chips, sliding the winning toward Alexander. He didn't even glance at them. Money was never the reward - the dominance was.
With a quiet smirk, he leaned back, sipping his whiskey. The game was over and Alexander Velmonte, as always remained undefeated.
The room was still thick with the tension of the game when his father, Mr Lucian Velmonte leaned forward in his chair. A slow, satisfied smirk stretched across his face as he observed his son, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and amusement.
"Yes," Lucian drawled, lifting his heavy glass of whiskey. "That's my son."
Then, his smirk faded. His gaze slid to Ricardo - this man dared to cheat at his table.
"But this fool….."
Before anyone could react, Lucian reached inside his tailored coat and pulled out a sleek, silver pistol. The click of the safety disengaging was the only warning before - BANG.
A single shot.
Ricardo's body slumped to the floor, a crimson pool spreading beneath him. The room fell into a suffocating silence. The players remained frozen, their expressions blank, but their hands tightened around their glasses. The two women who had been draped around Lucian gasped softly, their bodies stiffening in barely restrained terror.
Lucian exhaled and placed the gun down on the table with a soft thud. His fingers drummed against the wood. Then, with the same casual ease as if he merely swatted a fly, he turned back to his drink.
"Come on babies," he said, beckoning the women closer. They hesitated before sliding back to his side . Their smiles forced, but they know better than to deny him.
Alexander, who had remained motionless, finally exhaled. He clenched his jaw. He had witnessed his father's ruthlessness too many times to be surprised - but the sheer indifference with which Lucian discarded lives still twisted something in his gut.
"I'll be on my way now, father," Alexander said.
Lucian swirled his whiskey, not even looking up. "Yes , go now keep handling my business well."
Alexander nodded, as he turned to leave, Lucian's voice called out behind him, almost teasing.
"Are you sure you don't want any of these ladies, son?"
Alexander barely paused. "No," he said flatly. "I don't want any of them."
Lucian chuckled, shaking his head. "Suit yourself."
Alexander grabbed his glass from the table, downed the last sip whiskey and strode towards the exit. Outside the cool night air hit him as he slid into the backseat of his car. He leaned against the headrest and shut his eyes for a moment.
The night wasn't over yet.
To my facility, he said coolly.
The driver turned the wheel and maneuvered the car through the darkened streets, heading towards a more secluded part of the city.
The car rolled to a stop at a nondescript warehouse, its exterior blending into the industrial district. Alexander stepped out, walking towards a heavily secured entrance. A small red light scanned his face, followed by a metallic voice:
"Access granted. Welcome, Alexander Velmonte."
With a soft hiss, the doors slid open, revealing the hidden world beneath.
The underground facility stretched far below the surface, illuminated by cold, artificial lights. It was not a mere warehouse - it was an entire network of research, surveillance and control. This was Alexander's domain, the place where his personal operations took form.
Inside, a team of experts worked silently, reviewing documents, testing technologies and analyzing data.
A man in a lab coat approached. "Sir, we've complied the latest reports regarding the missing artifact."
Alexander took the tablet from him, scrolling through the details.
The artifact stolen from his house….: It wasn't just an expensive piece. It contained something most people wouldn't even begin to comprehend.
His fingers tapped against the glass of the tablet. "Have we traced any unusual activity around the time of the theft?"
"Yes, sir," the man nodded. "There were disruptions in our security feeds, but no clear footage of the thief. However, there were traces of digital interference - someone either skilled or very lucky."
Alexander's eyes darkened slightly.
He turned, walking towards a massive screen displaying different figures of the company and key locations. His fingers glided over a control panel, switching between encrypted files.
He would find the person responsible.
And when he did…
They wouldn't even see him coming.