Chapter 1

In the prestigious halls of Western State Medical School, an institution claiming a spot among the top three worldwide, Stacey Leon emerged as an exemplar of academic brilliance. Graduating with the highest honors and adorned with numerous accolades, the 22-year-old prodigy had earned the title of the century's genius. Her special day, attended by her dearest mother, Sarah Leon, became a celebration of relentless dedication.

Simultaneously, in the competitive realm of corporate power plays, a 24-year-old dynamo named Ryan Leon orchestrated the strategic takeover of three global juggernauts. These companies, each with a net worth in the billions and a legacy spanning three decades, now found their once-mighty owners humbled before the youthful CEO of Aeztech Corp – a four-year-old enterprise disrupting the established order.

Within the cozy confines of the Leon family's modest apartment, a man with a stern countenance and a voice that resonated authority addressed the gathering. "First and foremost, Stacey, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations. As your father, witnessing your outstanding achievements fills me with immense pride.", declared Aron Leon, the family patriarch and breadwinner. Stacey responded with a bashful smile, playfully acknowledging her father's pride. "Th-thanks, Dad… hehe," she stammered, a shy smile playing on her lips, adding a touch of bashfulness to her gratitude.

Shifting his discerning gaze toward Ryan, Aron addressed the burgeoning tycoon. "And you, Mr. Ryan Leon," he began. Ryan, caught off guard, stammered, "Ye-yes dad??", Aron continued, "I've come across an article featuring a young and ruthless tycoon. Strangely enough, he bears an uncanny resemblance to you." The skepticism in Aron's eyes unsettled Ryan, prompting a nervous chuckle and an attempt to downplay his accomplishments. "Th-that's probably someone else. I-I'm just running, um, a really, really small and completely legitimate business. Y-yeah, definitely… ha ha ha," he chuckled nervously, the awkwardness of his words hanging in the air.

Before the tension could escalate, Sarah intervened with warmth and humor. "Gosh! What your father is trying to say is that he's very grateful to have the two of you. Your father's a bit shy, you know. HAHA." Aron responds with a bashful tone, "De-dear?", later he sighed, for his desire of a more serious tone apparent.

Undeterred, Aron presented a carefully prepared feast. "A-Anyways, I've prepared these dishes myself to celebrate. I've even made your favorite dishes. And this is for you, dear." Amid the shared laughter and familial bonds, he surprised Sarah with a thoughtful anniversary gift – a beautiful necklace, a testament to their enduring love, "Its been an eventful day, but I will never forget, happy anniversary dear.", Said Aron as he wears it on Sarah. The mood began to shift, and tears welled up in Sarah's eyes. "Oh, dear!" she exclaimed, embracing Aron with unrestrained affection.

As the family basked in the warmth of the moment, a sudden intrusion shattered the tranquility. The front door burst open, and three masked assailants stormed in, their malevolent intent palpable. The Leon family quickly shifted their gaze, in a blink of an eye, gunfire echoed through the once joyous home. Ryan, adrenaline coursing through his veins, shot up from his seat. His eyes widened in horror as he beheld the lifeless body of his father, Aron, with blood slowly seeping from his head. Before he could process the agony, another gunshot echoed, and Stacey crumpled to the floor, a gaping hole in her chest, "Br-bro.. er?". Sarah, in the throes of agony, questioned the senseless brutality, "W-why are you doing this to us?!", before being shot at again, for a consecutive time.

The masked assailant, unmasking himself with a malevolent smirk, pointed a gun at Ryan, delivering a chilling message. "A little message from my employer, he said that he'll gladly receive Aeztech Corp. so please, rest quietly forever." The cold resonance of the gunshot marked the harrowing conclusion.

*Bang!