CHAPTER 113: SCHOOL !!

Citadel City

Inside Kyle Sterling’s mansion, the atmosphere reeked of wealth and menace. The grand study was lit dimly by the soft glow of chandeliers, their golden light spilling across shelves of leather-bound books and polished oak furniture. The air was thick with the scent of cigar smoke and old whiskey. The fire crackled in the grand fireplace, casting restless shadows across the marble floor.

Kyle Sterling sat back in his leather armchair, his white-pale face highlighted by the amber liquid swirling in his crystal glass. His suit jacket was unbuttoned, tie loosened, as though he had already had more than a few drinks. Documents lay scattered on the table before him—maps, shipping manifests, coded notes—each pointing to something larger, something dangerous.

He leaned forward, plucked his phone from the table, and dialed. His voice was smooth, cold, and touched with intoxication. "Luna, what’s the status of the triggers?"

Far away, the sound of the sea answered first. On the deck of a large vessel cutting across the dark Pacific, a woman stood under the night sky. Her long coat whipped in the salty wind, boots steady on the steel deck. Luna, sharp-eyed and merciless, gripped the phone with a gloved hand as the crew worked behind her, crates being secured by chains and armed men patrolling the shadows.

Her voice came steady, commanding, with the ocean’s roar beneath it. "Sir, the triggers are shipped. Installation is already in progress."

Kyle swirled the glass slowly, staring into the reflection of the fire. "I don’t want any mess this time, like the Old Master." His tone was venomous, disdain dripping from every word.

A low chuckle came from the other end. "The Old Master was a loser, sir. He couldn’t even take care of a boy. Rest assured, on my watch, operations are smooth. We’re packing up from the Pacific. I will reach the mainland this week."

Kyle leaned back, his pale face lit by the flames. "Good. Don’t leave any proof."

"Copy that," Luna replied firmly, her eyes sharp as blades as she watched the crates vanish below deck. "I will take care of it."

The line clicked dead.

Kyle set the phone down, raised his glass, and smirked into the flames. The ice clinked against the crystal as he whispered to himself, almost savoring the taste of his own schemes.

"Soon... everything will fall into place."

He tipped the glass back, the amber liquid burning his throat, the smile never leaving his face.

The morning sun spilled gently through the wide glass windows of the Pearl Villa, filling the halls with a soft golden warmth. The house was quiet except for the faint clatter of dishes from the kitchen.

Miles, dressed in his track outfit, descended the stairs, stretching his shoulders for the jog he had planned. A faint light flickered from the kitchen, unusual at this hour.

He pushed the door open, smiling as he called out, "Good morning mo—" but his words halted mid-air.

Standing by the counter, ladle in hand, was Daniel.

Miles blinked, confused. "Father? Why are you here? Are you preparing breakfast today? Is Mom taking rest?"

Daniel looked up, smiling softly though his face carried the weight of worry. "Ohh, it’s you, Miles..." He turned back to the stove, stirring the porridge gently. "Actually..."

Miles immediately felt something wrong. His voice tightened. "What is it, Father? Is Mom alright?"

Daniel hesitated a second, then sighed. "Last night she had a fever. She’s resting now."

Miles froze, panic flashing in his eyes. "What? Why didn’t you tell me? How is she now?"

Daniel quickly reassured him. "She’s fine. The fever is down, she took medicine and is just resting. You were busy last night, so Elena said not to disturb you."

Miles ran a hand through his hair and exhaled sharply. "If you just called me..." He stopped himself, then softened. "It’s fine, but next time if anything happens, please call me."

Before Daniel could respond, a gentle voice came from behind them. "Don’t worry, I’m fine."

Miles turned instantly. "Mom..."

Elena stood at the doorway, her hair loosely tied, wrapped in a shawl. She looked pale but carried her usual warmth in her smile.

"Are you alright? How are you feeling?" Miles rushed forward, worry etched on his face. "You should be in bed resting."

Elena chuckled softly, touching his arm. "I’m all fine now, son. Thank you for worrying."

"But—"

"Don’t worry," she interrupted, her smile firm. "I’ll rest more today. I promise."

Miles reluctantly nodded. "Okay..."

Daniel put the ladle down and turned to Elena. "Yes, Elena, you should rest. I’ll go to the school for the parents’ observation day."

Miles frowned. "They have a parents’ observation today?"

Elena nodded gently. "Yes, they invited parents to watch the kids in their classes for the day."

Miles thought for a moment, then looked at his father. "How about this, Father—you stay here and take care of Mom. I’ll go with them."

Elena tilted her head. "But what about work?"

Daniel added, "Right, your work—"

Miles chuckled and waved a hand. "What exactly do I do at work really? June takes care of everything. Don’t worry, I’ll go. It will be fun."

Elena finally gave in with a soft laugh. "Alright, you go with them."

Daniel nodded. "I’ll take care here. You’ll get to experience my cooking for breakfast instead."

Miles grinned, shaking his head. "I’m excited, Father." He turned back to Elena. "Mom, you rest. I’m going for a run first."

As he walked out toward the maple forest, Elena smiled faintly, leaning against the doorway. "He’s so grown up."

Daniel, watching the door where Miles had gone, nodded with quiet pride. "Yes... he is."

The car glided smoothly down the road from the Pearl Villa toward the seaside district of Star Harbor. The morning sun reflected on the windshield, its golden rays dancing across the horizon as the waves of the harbor glittered in the distance.

In the backseat, Hope and Asher sat side by side, buckled in, their tiny legs swinging with excitement. Hope leaned forward eagerly, her hands gripping the edge of Miles’s seat.

"Big broo, you’re staying in our school today, right? I want to show my cool big bro to all my friends!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Asher, not wanting to be left behind, chimed in. "Me too! Everyone will see how amazing our big bro is."

Miles glanced at them in the rearview mirror, his lips curling into a soft smile. "Of course. I want to meet all your friends too. And I’ll be watching your classes and lessons. I’ll see how hardworking you two are."

Asher puffed out his chest, determination glowing in his young eyes. "Yes! I’ll do my best!"

Hope clapped her hands, practically bouncing in her seat.

Soon, the car turned into a broad driveway lined with manicured hedges and cherry blossom trees. The Seaside School came into view—an elegant building overlooking the ocean. Its white stone walls reflected the sunlight, and the tall windows glimmered as if they carried stories of generations of students. A fountain stood proudly at the entrance, its water arching gracefully into the air.

The driveway was bustling. Parents parked their cars and guided their children toward the gates. At the school’s grand entrance, students in neatly pressed uniforms—members of the student council—lined up to welcome families. Their uniforms carried the school emblem: a crest with a wave and a rising sun.

As Miles stepped out of the car, the twins rushed around to his side, grabbing each of his hands proudly as though parading their most prized treasure.

The moment the trio approached the gate, whispers rose among the crowd. Parents and students alike glanced over, unable to hide their curiosity.

"Who is that? He’s so handsome..." one mother whispered, covering her mouth with a hand.

Another murmured, "Is he their father? He looks far too young."

"The twins are adorable! Are they his children? Or maybe siblings?"

The seniors at the gate straightened as Miles approached. A girl with flushed cheeks stepped forward, offering a polite bow. Her voice faltered slightly as she spoke. "W-Welcome to Seaside School."

Her gaze lingered a moment longer than necessary on Miles, her cheeks turning a faint red.

Miles returned the bow with a warm smile. "Good morning. I’m Miles. I’m Hope and Asher’s big brother."

The girl blinked, startled, then nodded quickly. "O-Oh! Yes, of course!" She handed him a paper with instructions.

She bent down toward the twins, her tone softening with familiarity. "Hope, Asher, take your big brother to your classroom."

The twins straightened, saluting playfully. "Yes, senior sister!"

Miles chuckled under his breath and gave the girl a small bow of thanks before allowing the twins to pull him along. Their little hands clung tightly to his fingers as if they were afraid he might vanish in the crowd.

Other parents stood aside, some pretending not to watch while sneaking glances at the tall, striking young man walking hand in hand with two beaming children. More whispers followed.

"He said he’s their brother? Really? He looks more like a young executive."

Conversations buzzed as Miles walked calmly, unfazed, though every step drew more eyes.

The trio crossed the courtyard, climbing the steps to the classroom buildings. Inside, cheerful decorations of colorful charts and artwork lined the walls. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the scent of books.

Hope and Asher tugged their brother into their classroom. Students were already sitting at their desks, chatting nervously with each other about the parents watching from the back. A few heads turned instantly when they saw Hope and Asher walking in proudly with their tall, composed big brother.

Gasps and whispers ran through the class.

"Wow, is that their brother?"

"He looks cooler than anyone I’ve seen before."

"Hope and Asher always talk about their big bro, but... I didn’t think he’d look like this!"

Miles smiled softly at the chatter, guiding the twins to their seats. Then, as instructed, he quietly moved to the back where chairs were arranged for parents.

The atmosphere shifted. Even the parents already seated straightened slightly, sneaking glances at him as he settled into a chair. Miles sat with his usual calm confidence, his presence effortlessly filling the room, as if he belonged there—not as a visitor, but as someone whose aura commanded respect without words.

The class began, students adjusting in their seats while parents watched attentively from the back.

And at the front, the teacher cleared her throat.