Chapter 2

"Hand them over!"

Andrew's anger boiled inside him.

The guard flinched at the icy aura rolling off him and didn't dare hesitate. He stumbled across the room, practically crawling, and dug through a dusty old cabinet in the corner.

From it, he pulled out a wooden box, square and small, coated in a thick layer of dust that showed no one had touched it in years. Hugging it tightly, he rushed back and held it out with his head bowed.

"It's all in here."

Andrew snatched the box and slammed it down on the table.

He flipped the lid open, revealing a stack of crumpled letters, each one pressed flat but worn with age. His fingers shook as he reached for the first envelope.

The handwriting on the front was strong and steady—it was his grandfather's, Sebastian Pierce.

Andrew drew in a long breath, carefully unfolded the letter, and stared at the familiar words that spilled across the page.

[Andrew, I hope you're doing well. A lot has happened at home—so much I can barely even put into words. The Pierces have hit some really hard times, almost falling apart. You're the only one left—the last of our bloodline.

[The company's barely holding on. Enemies are circling like wolves, waiting for us to collapse. I don't think it'll last much longer. When you come back, you have to restore the Pierce name and make sure our family isn't shamed.

[Your three brothers' wives have been keeping everything together all these years, holding the family up almost by themselves. We owe them everything. When you get back, you have to honor their loyalty. Don't let them down."

Andrew's eyes locked on every word. His hands trembled harder until he could barely breathe.

He dug frantically through the stack and found a letter from three years ago. Inside was a newspaper clipping, its front-page headline screaming at him in bold black letters.

[Tragedy Strikes! Hestonia Loses Three Young War Heroes! George, Travis, and Lucas Pierce Killed in Northern Battle!]

The article stated that their bodies were missing, and they were aged 28, 27, and 26, respectively. The entire nation grieved their death.

The words were like knives stabbing into Andrew's eyes.

Below the headline was a photo of his three brothers in uniform. They looked strong and fearless, their smiles bright, as if they were still alive and standing right in front of him.

Andrew felt the blood rush to his head. His vision went dark, and his knees almost gave out.

"My brothers… My brothers…"

This happened three years ago—his second year in prison. It was at the same time he was daydreaming that if he just endured a little longer, he could walk free and marry Hillary, then live happily ever after.

He never imagined that while he was clinging to his dreams, his brothers had already given their lives on the battlefield, with not even their bodies returned home.

"Why…why did this happen…"

Andrew slammed his fist against the table. Wood chips scattered with a sharp crack. His eyes were bloodshot, his body drained of all strength as he collapsed into a chair.

Diana stood quietly nearby, watching.

After a long silence, Andrew slowly lifted his head. His voice was hoarse.

"Diana… Is what you said true?"

Diana's eyes reddened.

"They gave their lives for the country. They were heroes. But the Pierces suffered a blow like never before. All those so-called friends and relatives who once praised us now avoid us like the plague, afraid of being dragged down. Your grandfather worked himself to exhaustion trying to hold it together. He collapsed from illness, and now… He doesn't have much time left. His only wish is to see you one last time."

Andrew inhaled deeply and stood up. "Thank you. I understand. Once I take care of things, I'll make sure you're repaid."

Diana frowned, her voice tired but firm. "I don't need repayment. I help the Pierces because your family once helped me. This is my choice—it has nothing to do with you."

In her heart, she sighed. She couldn't bring herself to feel sympathy for a man who had assaulted another, no matter that he was her brother-in-law in name.

"Andrew, I hope you realize this. When you leave here, you don't just represent yourself. You represent the entire Pierce family. I don't care what kind of man you were inside this prison. Once you're out, you need to control yourself. Don't cause more trouble and embarrass us further."

To her surprise, Andrew didn't argue back.

He lowered his head slightly and said quietly, "Don't worry. I know what to do."

She blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Could it be that five years behind bars had actually changed him? If so, maybe there was still some hope.

However, her thoughts were shattered by what he did next.

Andrew turned toward the guard, who was still trembling in the corner. His voice was cold as ice. "When I'm gone, the rules stay the same. If anyone dares to break them or step out of line, punishment will be swift and harsh."

The guard shook all over, nodding desperately. "G-Got it, Mr. Pierce! Don't worry. We'll follow your orders exactly. I swear on my life!"

Diana's brows knit tight again. Whatever hope she'd just felt dissolved instantly. She should've known. A man like Andrew couldn't truly change.

After ruling over others in prison and throwing his weight around for years, that ruthlessness was already carved into his bones.

People don't change their nature.

"Enough wasting time. Let's go."

Her voice was cold as she turned away, not even glancing at him again. She didn't want to stay here with him a second longer.

Andrew hesitated, wanting to say more to the guard, but when he saw Diana already walking off, he had no choice but to follow quickly.

The car sped down the road, leaving behind the bleak northern frontier and racing toward the bustling heart of Crestbrooke.

Hours later, they pulled into a gated neighborhood filled with upscale villas before stopping in front of a three-story house.

This was Cloudstream Valley, one of Crestbrooke's most exclusive communities.

Andrew stepped out, staring at the elegant villa before him, which was way smaller than the one he remembered.

Confused, he asked, "Did we take a wrong turn? Our family house is in Janacia Bay, isn't it?"

Diana sighed as she got out. "The villa at Janacia Bay was sold three years ago. This one's mine. I lent it to Grandpa to live in."

Andrew froze. He knew the Pierces had fallen, but he hadn't expected things to be this bad. They had even lost the mansion they had lived in for decades.

He looked at Diana, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you for everything you've done all these years—"

"No need to thank me," she cut him off, her tone flat. "I did it for your brother. It has nothing to do with you."