CHAPTER 275: THE FIRST DAY OF FOREVER [ 1 ]

The doors clicked shut behind Arthur, sealing off the world outside with a soft but definitive sound.

An oppressive silence enveloped the room, heavier than before, as if the air itself was thick with unspoken tension.

Billy sank back into the sofa, arms draped lazily over the backrest, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if it held answers to questions he hadn’t yet formed.

"Well... that was something," he muttered, breaking the stillness.

Eva was quick to respond, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward with intent.

Her elbows rested firmly on her knees.

"Something? That was big bro handing each of us keys to our own kingdoms! If we mess this up, it’s game over."

Charlotte remained silent for a moment longer, her eyes still glued to the closed doors as though she could will Arthur’s figure to reappear.

When she finally spoke, her voice was steady but tinged with concern. "He didn’t even ask if we wanted these roles."

Eva shot her a sharp look. "Ask? This is the Osborn Family! You don’t get to choose your place; you prove you’re worthy of what’s handed to you."

Billy let out a short laugh that echoed in the quiet room. "Spoken like someone who just got appointed head of a global legal empire."

Eva narrowed her eyes at him. "And you think your role is any less significant? The Osborn Foundation is how the public will perceive us. Mess that up, and every good deed we do will be overshadowed by headlines screaming corruption or incompetence."

Billy rolled his shoulders uncomfortably under that weight. "I’m not saying it’s trivial; I’m just saying... he picked me for kids and schools? That’s not exactly my forte."

Charlotte turned sharply toward him, her expression fierce. "It’s not about what you think you’re good at; it’s about what he believes you can become."

Billy frowned at that but chose silence instead of argument.

Eva leaned back again and crossed her legs defiantly. "Why are you so shocked? Arthur has always been two steps ahead of everyone else. You really think these choices were made today? He probably mapped this out a year ago!"

Charlotte’s gaze fell to the floor for a moment before she looked back at them with uncertainty in her eyes.

"He said I’ll be working at PWC... in the International Court." She hesitated before asking, "Do either of you know what that actually means?"

Billy shrugged nonchalantly. "A bunch of people in suits deciding countries’ fates?"

Eva’s lips curved into a knowing smile. "It means you’ll be sitting in rooms where wars are either prevented or sanctioned, surrounded by people who’d sell their souls for influence! If Arthur’s putting you there, it’s not just to observe; it’s so you’ll learn,and be seen."

Charlotte didn’t reply, but the slight tightening of her jaw spoke volumes,she understood the weight of their situation.

Billy let out a deep breath, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration. "You know what I think? This isn’t just about assignments. It’s... tests."

Eva raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tests?"

"Yeah," Billy leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Look at everyone else. Every task he hands out pushes us just outside our comfort zones. Ashley’s art dreams? On hold. Oscar’s need for speed? Now it’s all about industrial projects,he’s making us grow whether we like it or not."

Charlotte mulled that over for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Or maybe he’s shaping us into exactly what he needs."

Eva couldn’t help but smirk again. "Same difference."

The trio fell silent, each lost in their own whirlwind of thoughts as the soft hum of the palace’s automated systems mingled with the gentle breeze wafting through the balcony doors.

Finally, Charlotte broke the silence, her voice softer now. "Do you think we’ll succeed?"

Billy hesitated before answering, glancing from her to Eva and then away toward the towering bookshelves filled with knowledge and expectation. "I think... failure isn’t an option here,not in this family."

Eva nodded firmly, determination etched on her face. "Then we better start preparing now."

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Arthur stepped out of the lounge, the heavy door sealing shut with a soft click that echoed in the stillness.

Instantly, the cooler air of the corridor wrapped around him like a gentle embrace, offering a stark contrast to the warmth he had just left behind.

For a fleeting moment, his steps faltered as a hint of amusement danced at the corners of his lips,an acknowledgment of something intriguing on the horizon.

"These three,"he murmured under his breath, his voice low enough to be swallowed by the grandeur of the hallway.

"They seem to be guessing what I want them to become. Quite clever."

The polished marble beneath his feet gleamed under the golden glow of ceiling sconces, casting playful shadows that flickered as he moved forward.

Ahead lay the corridor leading into the inner wing of the MainPalace, where towering windows framed breathtaking views of Varenya’s skyline,jewels scattered across an inky canvas.

"You heard all of it," Arthur said without glancing back.

Evolon’s holographic projection shimmered beside him,a subtle distortion that solidified into its familiar calm visage.

"Every word," it replied, its voice steady yet tinged with analytical precision. "Your suspicions were correct. They’re thinking ahead, but their motivations diverge."

Arthur kept his gaze fixed on the window. "Tell me."

Evolon matched his pace with uncanny synchronicity as they walked side by side. "Eva is already drafting blueprints for your law firm before you’ve even settled on its name.

Her focus lies in control through legitimacy,contracts and jurisdiction are her tools. She understands that power is easier to wield when you command the rules themselves."

A glint flickered in Arthur’s eyes, though his expression remained unchanged. "And Billy?"

"A blend of skepticism and ambition," Evolon explained. "He sees replacing every school in Varenya as an overwhelming task,but he’s already identifying people he can trust from before he returned to family ties. He’ll prioritize loyalty over competence initially; that will be his Achilles’ heel."

Arthur exhaled slowly,not out of frustration but deep contemplation."Loyalty can be reforged; competence can be taught. My greater concern lies within the roots of his idealism."

Evolon tilted its head slightly. "Roots can either anchor a tree... or choke it."

They walked in silence for several paces, their reflections trailing along glass panes beside them.

"And Charlotte?" Arthur finally asked.

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Hello guys thanks for supporting my novem all this while and I apologise for not uploading today.

Five bonus Chapters will be uploaded during the weekend.

As promised earlier.

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