CHAPTER 101: CHAPTER 101: VERBALLY TORN APART BY PEOPLE SO CLEARLY TOXIC

"The Vukasin line ended for me the day you branded me as a liability.." Meical said. "There is nothing for me to continue."

Aleksandr clicked his tongue. "Pathetic."

Min-jae didn’t spare him even a glance.

"You speak like heirs matter.." he said. "Your family barely managed the three of you. Imagine the chaos if you multiplied."

Andrey finally turned his glare onto Min-jae fully.

"You think this is a joke? Your marriage is an insult. A stain. No kingdom, no standing, no crown can fix that."

"Is that so?" Min-jae replied. "Then allow me to remind you of one thing."

He stepped forward, not approaching Andrey, but standing directly in front of Meical with a clarity that made Andrey unconsciously step back.

"You’re here because we allowed it, because I allowed it.." Min-jae said. "If Meical tells the guards at the borders, that you’re no longer unwelcome, you will not step foot in Aldoria again. Not for business. Not for trade. Not even to breathe the air."

Andrey stiffened, the threat hitting harder than he expected.

"You wouldn’t dare.." he said.

Min-jae smiled, but it wasn’t warm.

"Try me.."

Tatiana slammed her hand on the table.

"Enough! Enough of this madness! You think a position, some governor’s seat, gives him authority over us?! We are his parents!"

"You were never my parents.." Meical said. "You made sure of that."

Andrey rose slowly, as though preparing the final strike.

"You will choose.." he said. "Your family or this... disgrace."

"I already chose.." Meical answered. "Ten years ago. Anything but this family.."

-_-

Andrey’s anger spiked, this whole issue stemmed from Tatiana’s incapability.

"You threaten your own bloodline, your family?"

"You threatened him first.." Min-jae said. "You raised your hand at my husband, at your son, he’s also your family, are you the only one with the right to threaten?"

The room felt suffocating, air thick with tension, hatred, and the sudden realization that the son they had dismissed was no longer the one standing in front of them.

This one had power.

This one had a husband who would kill for him.

Aleksandr pushed back from his chair with an irritated huff.

"So what now? You throw tantrums until we clap for your disgusting marriage?"

Tatiana added sharply, "We’re your parents. We deserve respect."

Meical let out a slow exhale, the final thread of patience snapping.

"You deserve nothing from me."

He stood straighter, gaze cutting through each of them one by one.

"This conversation is over. The only reason you’re still standing in this estate is because I allowed it. Whether you stay or leave will depend entirely on whether you can follow my rules."

Tatiana scoffed. "Rules? From a child.."

"From the governor of Aldoria’s Southside.." Meical corrected. "From the man who owns this estate. From the man who has no interest in tolerating your disrespect any longer."

Andrey’s nostrils flared, but he didn’t interrupt.

Meical continued, his voice calm but unyielding.

"In a moment, my maid will bring breakfast to your temporary quarters. After you eat, you may rest. Rooms will be prepared for you."

Aleksandr muttered, "How generous."

Meical ignored him, he would address his case very soon.

"But hear me clearly.." he said, expression hardening. "You will not...under any circumstance, insult my wife again. You will not speak down to him, question him, touch him, or look at him with contempt."

Min-jae shifted beside Meical, sending Tatiana a smug smile that screamed "we’re not on the same level bitch!"

"And you will not speak down to my servants.." Meical added, voice dropping lower. "Not a raised voice. Not a cruel word. Not even a glance that suggests disrespect."

Tatiana opened her mouth to argue, but Meical cut her off with a cold glare.

"One violation..." he said, "just one... and I will have every guard in this estate escort you out of Aldoria before you can blink. I can abuse my power very now and then.."

Andrey smacked his cane on the ground "This is preposterous, how dare you say such a thing. Do you know who you’re speaking to? I am your father..."

Meical stepped closer, close enough until he was face to face with Andrey.

10 years ago he wouldn’t have dared to look at his father in the eyes but now, now he had the status to back his stance.

"And you are guests in my home. On my land. Under my authority. Either you behave accordingly or leave."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "There will be no second chances."

Andrey clenched his cane, jaw ticking, but said nothing.

Tatiana bristled, offended down to her bones, but helpless.

Aleksandr looked as though he’d swallowed something poisonous.

Sanya sighed, this was a waste of time. And the moment she tried to say something, she would be shut down completely.

Meical straightened his cuffs as though brushing the entire exchange off his shoulders.

"Breakfast will arrive shortly," he finished coolly. "Until then, I suggest you reflect on the kind of behavior you want to display while you’re here."

He turned to Min-jae.

"Come.." he said softly. "We’re done here."

Min-jae locked eyes with the Vukasin family one last time, his expression cold, victorious, and merciless, before following his husband out.

For the first time since arriving, the Vukasins realized they were no longer in control of anything.

As they left the room, Tatiana stomped her foot, shouting in frustration:

"Goddammit! What a total mess, this arrogant son of who-knows-what! Damn it, I can’t stand this!"

Her anger was clear, every word dripping with annoyance as they made their way out.

Outside the tea room, Min-jae let out a long, slow breath.

Fuck, he thought, this was way more mentally draining than he expected. Every word, every glare, every bit of entitlement from Meical’s family had been like a test and not one he wanted to pass.

He glanced at Meical, who walked calmly beside him, mask perfectly in place, like nothing had happened. That calm exterior made Min-jae both admire and envy him.

How could someone keep so composed while being verbally torn apart by people so clearly toxic?