CHAPTER 91: ARE YOU JEALOUS?

The morning sun spilled golden light through the maple leaves, painting the forest floor with a mosaic of warm colors. Miles was halfway through his workout when his phone buzzed.

He picked it up, and Monica’s message lit the screen—a photo. Miles opened it and, the moment he saw it, laughter slipped out.

The picture showed two skyscrapers standing side by side. The shorter one bore the name ACE Finances, proud but suddenly overshadowed. The taller tower beside it had massive gleaming letters across its facade: Joken Finances.

The mockery was crystal clear. The internet thought so too—millions of views, countless laughing emojis, and sarcastic jabs filled the comment section.

Miles scrolled through the chaos, his smile lingering.

"I didn’t expect something like this would happen," he muttered under his breath.

He typed back to Monica. Whatever happens, don’t change a thing. Keep the Joker Finance there.

Her reply came instantly. Of course, boss. Let’s see who dares to take it down.

Shaking his head in quiet amusement, Miles finished his exercises, the crisp forest air filling his lungs. Back at the villa, steam curled from the shower as he washed away the sweat, swapping his training clothes for something more relaxed.

Downstairs, the sound of small feet echoed—Hope and Asher were darting through the living room, their laughter ringing like tiny bells as they played with the new toys Miles had brought home yesterday.

Elena’s voice rose gently from the dining area.

"Asher, Hope, breakfast. Go call your dad."

"Yes, Mom!" they chimed together, scampering off toward the garden where Daniel was tending to the plants.

Elena watched them go, then glanced at Miles with a smile.

"Their summer vacation ends in a few days."

"Oof," Miles chuckled. "I forgot. I’ll take care of their school stuff. I’ll have someone find the best school in the city for them."

Her gaze softened.

"You know, son, you’re a very good big brother. Even though they’re your step-siblings—"

"Step-siblings?" Miles cut in with a light grin. "They’re your children, and you’re my mother. That makes them my siblings, and my responsibility."

A touch of guilt crossed her eyes.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that."

"Don’t worry about it, Mom. I’ll always take care of them."

She tilted her head, her expression shifting to something more playful.

"You know what? You should also find the love of your life. I know you’d be a caring husband and father."

Miles nearly choked on his tea.

"I... haven’t thought about that yet. I’ve never dated, to be honest."

Her eyes widened.

"What? Really?"

"Yes, Mom," he said with a shy laugh.

Before she could press the subject further, the twins burst back inside with Daniel in tow. The room filled with the hum of voices, clinking dishes, and warm laughter as the family settled down for breakfast, sunlight pooling gently over the table.

The clinking of dishes faded as breakfast came to an end. Miles settled into the living room, the soft hum of the television filling the space as the morning news rolled across the screen.

Daniel walked in, a mug of coffee in hand, and eased himself into the armchair opposite.

"No office today, son?"

"Not really, Father," Miles said with a faint smile. "June made it very clear I’m not to set foot in the office today. She wants me to rest."

Daniel chuckled under his breath.

"She’s a good girl. Talented, too. Does she live with her family?"

Miles shook his head.

"Unfortunately, no. She lives alone."

Daniel’s brow lifted slightly.

"Then she’s a strong one."

"Indeed," Miles agreed. "She’s the one keeping Miles Enterprises running right now."

Daniel glanced around the room. Elena was busy in the kitchen, and the twins were on the floor, deep in a battle of toy cars. His voice dropped a little.

"Miles... what happened with that drug matter? Were you able to find the real culprit?"

Miles’ eyes hardened, his tone losing its warmth.

"Father, we know exactly who’s behind it. We destroyed the Paradise Club. The recent drug bust in Star Harbor—the factory was his, too. And now... now we know where he lives."

Daniel studied his face, sensing the steel behind the words.

"Do you really have to go against him?"

Miles’ gaze was sharp, unyielding.

"Well, what do you know, Father? That man is also responsible for my dad’s death. So this isn’t just business—it’s a blood feud."

Daniel’s grip on his coffee tightened.

"You mean there’s more to your father’s death? More people involved?"

"Yes," Miles said quietly. "And one of them is still walking free in this world. Freedom is what he doesn’t deserve."

Daniel understood. In that moment, it was no longer a father speaking to a son—it was one man acknowledging another.

Miles’ phone rang, breaking the heavy silence. The screen showed an unfamiliar number. He answered.

"Hello."

A voice on the other end spoke with ease.

"Hello, Ghost. Can I meet you now?"

Miles smiled faintly.

"You’re already in the city, Dion?"

"Just arrived," Dion replied. "Came straight after finishing Commander Ray’s punishment."

"You deserved it," Miles teased. "Anyway, where are you now?"

"I just got to Star Harbor. Graveyard let me go."

"I knew the Commander would release you," Miles said, a knowing edge in his tone.

"I’m guessing you had something to do with his decision. Thank you... Miles. I’ll have to get used to calling you that."

"I’m sending you my address. Come to my home and meet me."

"Alright."

"I’ll arrange a car for you. Where are you exactly?"

"No need. I’ve got my bike with me."

Miles smirked.

"Still a bike lover."

"You know it. I’m on my way."

The line went dead.

Elena stepped out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel.

"So, who’s coming?"

Daniel glanced over, equally curious.

"A friend of yours?"

Miles leaned back, a trace of nostalgia in his smile.

"More than a friend. He’s like a brother to me. We grew up together."

Elena’s eyes brightened.

"Really? Then I’d love to meet him."

Miles smiled wider, the warmth returning to his face.

Somewhere in the country, the air inside a sleek glass-walled conference room felt unnaturally cold. The hum of the air conditioner was the only sound until a sharp click echoed—Baxter Sterling, a young man in his twenties with a sharp jawline and eyes that could slice through stone, tossed a printed post across the table.

"What is this?" His tone was calm, but the edge in it could cut steel.

Wayne, the CEO of ACE Finances, glanced down at the paper. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, eyes flicking nervously between the post and Baxter’s face. "It just... popped up from nowhere," he said, forcing a chuckle that didn’t land. "We were supposed to rent that building next month, but... it was sold. Gone in a single day."

Baxter leaned back in his chair, his gaze narrowing. "Who is going against the ACE Group?"

Wayne hesitated. "We... couldn’t find out, boss. But it’s just a mockery. No real business is running there. Whoever did it, they did it on purpose—deliberately."

The young Sterling’s lips curved into something between a smirk and a warning. "Then find out. I don’t care if you take the legal way... or the illegal way. I want that name in front of me, and I want it gone from my sight."

"Yes, boss." Wayne was already halfway out of his seat, sweat prickling the back of his neck.

"Do it fast," Baxter added, his tone dropping to a dangerous low. "Or my father will be... very angry."

Wayne didn’t need telling twice—he hurried out of the room, footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Left alone, Baxter leaned forward, elbows on the polished table, the faint glow of the city skyline behind him. His fingers drummed against the glass surface as a slow grin crept across his face.

"Let me see," he murmured to himself, eyes glinting. "Who the hell dares go against the ACE?"

Back at the Pearl Villa in Star Harbor

The deep roar of a motorcycle rolled through the compound, bouncing off the villa’s stone walls.

Hope and Asher, ever curious, darted out of the front door, their small feet pattering across the driveway. The bike came to a stop, its engine cutting off with a sharp click. The rider swung one leg over, pulled off his helmet, and set it neatly on the handlebar.

Dion took a moment to glance around, his eyes widening at the sheer size of the property. "Well... this is something," he muttered under his breath.

Two small figures stood in front of him, staring with wide, curious eyes. He tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "So... who are you little cuties?"

"I’m Asher," the boy said proudly.

"I’m Hope," the girl added with a grin.

"Such good names you have," Dion said warmly.

Before the moment could linger, the front door opened again. Miles stepped out, a familiar grin spreading across his face. "You’re finally here."

Dion’s eyes flicked between Miles and the children. His brows shot up. "So... what am I seeing here? You have kids already? Are you married now?"

Miles laughed, shaking his head. "Are you crazy? They’re my siblings."

Dion’s expression softened instantly. "I’m so jealous... I always wanted little siblings like that."

"Come on, my little soldiers," Miles said, motioning the twins over. "Let me introduce you to Big Brother Dion."

Hope and Asher stood straight, their voices chiming together. "Hello, Big Brother Dion. Nice to meet you."

The mercenary’s tough exterior cracked completely. Unable to resist their charm, Dion scooped them both up, settling them comfortably on his shoulders. "They’re so cute," he said with a smile that looked almost foreign on him.

Miles gave him a mock sigh. "I can’t believe this is you."

Dion shot him a look. "What? I’m human too. And... what is this property? You’re super rich now."

Miles smirked. "Are you jealous?"

"Of course I am."

Miles laughed, clapping him on the back. "Come on in. Let me introduce you to my other family members."

Inside, Dion’s gaze swept over the villa’s grand interior. It was a world far removed from anything he’d known.

Elena emerged from the hallway, her eyes softening when she saw the young man carrying Hope and Asher with ease.

"This is my mom," Miles said.

"Hello, Dion. Nice to meet you," Elena greeted warmly.

"Hello, Aunty," Dion replied with a small nod.

"This is my father, Daniel."

"Hello, Uncle," Dion said, still balancing the twins with ease.

For a moment, the hardened mercenary looked almost out of place—like a lone wolf who had stumbled into the warmth of a pack he never thought he’d have.

The conversation stretched on, stories weaving between introductions.

"You’re staying here," Miles said eventually. "We’re meeting Flora in the evening."

Dion raised an eyebrow. "Evening?"

"She said she needs to be prepared."

"I don’t understand."

"You will," Miles replied. "For now, you’re staying here."

"Fine," Dion said with a shrug.

"Big Brother Dion, come and play with us!" Hope called from the living room.

"I’m coming!" Dion grinned, hurrying after them.

Miles shook his head, a smal

l laugh escaping him. "Is he a kid now? I’ve never seen him like that."