I Became Rich With My System

Chapter 8

I watched as they lifted Hwarthorne’s broken body from the club floor. He was still breathing—barely—but by the time they loaded him into the ambulance, I could already read it in their faces: he wasn’t going to last.

They shoved me into the back of a police vehicle. They bound my wrists tight behind my back. The siren wailed as we drove, but my mind was silent. Silent, except for Liam’s face burning inside me.

When we reached the station, they didn’t even lead me to an interrogation room. They locked me at the counter, like some common criminal they were proud to display. The fluorescent lights above hummed, throwing pale shadows across the tiled floor.

One officer spat his words at me, voice sharp with disgust.

“How the hell were you causing a rift like that in a public club? You think this city belongs to you?”

Another leaned against the counter, sneering as he folded his arms.

“Don’t you recognize him? That’s Kael. The same Kael who killed his own comrade during that secret mission years back. The same man who rotted in prison for six years.”

A third officer chuckled bitterly, shaking his head.

“And now he’s here again—trying to stir more chaos. Doesn’t learn, does he?”

Their words cut deep, but I didn’t flinch. Let them talk. They only saw pieces of my story, never the whole.

Just then, the sound of heels clicking against the station floor broke through the noise. The rhythm was sharp, steady, commanding—drawing every eye toward the entrance.

She appeared under the dim light, and even the smoke-stained ceiling couldn’t dull her presence. She was beautiful, striking in a way that made silence fall like a weight in the room. Her hair framed her face perfectly, her eyes sharp as blades. Every man in the station turned to look.

Jessica.

She didn’t waste time. In less than a breath, she crossed the floor and slid onto the edge of the desk, her presence like a storm pressing down on everyone.

One officer—bold, or maybe just foolish—grinned at her, leaning forward on the counter.

“Well, well,” he said slyly, his voice dripping false charm. “What’s a beautiful woman like you doing at the station at such an ungodly hour? Surely you’re not in any trouble…”

Jessica’s gaze cut to him, ice cold. She reached into her coat slowly, and without a word, pulled out an ID card. She held it up just enough for the light to catch the symbol etched on it.

Black Spire.

The change in the room was instant. The officer’s smirk drained from his face as though slapped away. He froze, his eyes widening with recognition, his hands suddenly unsure of where to rest. He pushed himself back, standing straight, his body rigid with unease.

Jessica rose from the desk, her heels striking the floor again as she stepped closer. The officer’s bravado shattered—he bowed his head slightly, his voice dropping to something almost. respectful.

“M-Miss Jessica,” he stammered, then forced himself into calm. “Forgive me… I didn’t realize. What exactly brings you here at this hour? I—I doubt a woman like you has any trouble. Not here.”

His words hung in the air, the tension so sharp you could feel it cut through the room. All eyes flicked between Jessica and me, waiting to see what storm she had brought into their midst.

Jessica’s eyes locked on mine for a long, unflinching second. Then, without hesitation, she turned to the officers.

“I was sent here to release that man,” she said coolly, pointing straight at me.

The room stiffened. One of the officers, the same one who had been running his mouth earlier, immediately stepped forward, his face flushed with anger and uncertainty.

“Miss Jessica—this man caused destruction at a public club,” he blurted out. “He nearly killed Hwarthorne in front of dozens of witnesses. He’s a danger, a repeat convict—he shouldn’t just walk free because—”

Jessica cut him off, her head tilting slightly as her eyes dropped to his uniform. Her gaze lingered on the badge pinned neatly above his chest.

“Officer Ramirez,” she said slowly, her voice cutting like glass. “Do you like crossing Dr. Milton Carroway?”

The name hit like a gunshot. The station went dead silent. You could feel the shift, the fear that settled into their bones. Milton’s shadow stretched across this city heavier than law, heavier than government itself. His influence was unending, his power whispered to rival even the President’s.

Ramirez’s throat bobbed. His face paled instantly, sweat breaking across his brow.

“I—I’ll have him released right now.” His voice cracked, all authority gone. He fumbled with the keys, hands shaking, and rushed to the holding door. The lock clicked, and the iron barrier swung open.

I stepped out, my wrists raw from the cuffs, my gaze never leaving Jessica.

She turned to me, her face softer now, guilt flickering in her eyes. “I’m sorry I arrived late.”

I studied her carefully, my chest still heavy from everything. “What are you doing here, Jessica?”

“Follow me,” she said simply, her tone allowing no argument.

And so I did. My steps fell behind hers, the echo of her heels leading me out of the suffocating station.

Just as we neared the exit, Ramirez called after her, voice forced into something polite, almost begging.

“Miss Jessica! Please—don’t forget to mention me to Dr. Milton. Just… just put in a good word.”

Jessica didn’t even glance back. She waved her hand dismissively, a single flick that told him he was nothing but dust beneath her heel.

Outside, the cold night wrapped around us again. I exhaled, the city air sharp in my lungs.

“Tell me,” I said, my voice low. “Was it truly Milton who sent you? Even after I beat his right hand into a pulp?”

Jessica stopped, her body stiffening before she turned her face toward me, her eyes blazing.

“You’re a fool, Kael.”

I blinked, my jaw clenching at her tone. “Careful how you—”

“I’ll say it again,” she cut me sharply, stepping closer, her voice rising like fire. “You are a fool, Kael.”

The words cut deeper than any blade. She shook her head, disappointment thick in her eyes.

“Did you really think beating Hwarthorne solved anything?” she hissed. “That breaking his face will make Milton account for his sins? Will it make him apologize for the lives he’s destroyed? You’re so blinded by your rage you don’t even see where the real monster is standing.”

Her words hit me like a fist to the gut. I stood frozen, caught off guard, as she went on.

“The truth is,” she whispered, her voice lowering, trembling with venom, “you and I are not so different. You carry the same rage I do against Milton.”

My brows furrowed, my chest tightening. “What are you talking about, Jessica?”

Her eyes hardened, her voice breaking through the night like a confession carved in stone.

“Dr. Milton Carroway is a monster in human skin. He was the one who killed my parents, Kael. I’ve stayed beside him all these years, swallowing my hate, biding my time—waiting for the moment I can tear him down.”

The words shook the air between us. My blood ran cold.

She stepped closer, her gaze locked on mine, her tone dead serious.

“So if you suddenly decide to go up against Milton… tell me, Kael—are you enough to take him down?”

Jessica’s eyes were steady, sharp as steel when she spoke.

“Listen, Kael. You’re not the only one who has unfinished business with Milton.” Her voice dropped lower, a weight carried in every word. “The day after tomorrow. 9 p.m. sharp. Be ready—and come with me. There’s somewhere I need to take you.”

Before I could press her for answers, she turned on her heels, her coat swaying lightly as she walked away. She slid into a sleek black car waiting at the curb. Within seconds, the vehicle vanished into the night.

I stood there, rooted, my was mind spinning. Jessica’s confession still rang in my ears. Milton killed her parents. She’s been waiting… waiting all this time.

I barely noticed the street around me until I heard it—my name.

“Kael!”

I turned sharply. My chest tightened as two familiar figures emerged from the shadows under the streetlight.

Mia. And Miss Seraphina.

“Mia?” My voice cracked with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

She rushed forward, worry etched in every line of her face. “I was informed by Miss Seraphina about what happened to Liam. I… I had to come. But you—are you okay?”

I forced a small nod. “Yes. I’m good.”

Seraphina stepped closer, her sharp gaze flicking toward the street Jessica had disappeared into. Her lips pressed thin. “That woman who just left… was she not Jessica? Milton’s personal assistant?”

I exhaled, heavy, my jaw tightening. “Yeah. That was her.”

Her brow furrowed, suspicion glinting in her eyes. “And what was she doing here?”

“She bailed me out,” I said bluntly.

Seraphina’s eyes narrowed further. “By Milton’s order?”

I shook my head. “No. She came alone. By herself. No one sent her.”

For a moment, silence stretched between us, broken only by the passing hum of a distant car. Then Seraphina drew in a slow breath.

“What happened to Hwarthorne?” I asked, my voice flat, cautious.

Her gaze met mine, but she didn’t answer directly. Instead, her voice carried a warning tone. “Kael, be careful of Jessica. She might’ve acted on her own tonight, but don’t forget—she belongs to Milton. His assistant, his shadow. Men like him don’t keep people close without reason. Be wary of her.”

I nodded once, firm. “I’ve heard.”

Mia took a step closer to me, her eyes soft, her voice trembling with worry. “Kael… are you really okay?”

I forced a faint smile, though it felt hollow. “I’m fine, Mia. Don’t worry about me.”

But my mind was already elsewhere—back to Liam, lying in that hospital bed. I let out a heavy sigh. “I have to return to the hospital.”

Seraphina gave a slow nod, her tone calm. “Then go. Focus on Liam. Don’t worry about me right now.”

I held her gaze, then gave a small bow of gratitude. “Thank you, Seraphina.”

Turning from them, I hailed the nearest taxi. The car stopped, its brakes squealing lightly against the wet road. I climbed in, gave the driver the hospital’s address, and leaned back in the seat as the city lights blurred past.

But even as the cab carried me away, Jessica’s words lingered like an echo in my chest.

9 p.m. sharp. In two days, I will know everything about Milton.

When I returned to the hospital, the night was quiet—too quiet. The soft hum of the machines in Liam’s room was the only sound that filled the air.

Aria was there, curled up on the couch, asleep. Her head rested against the armrest, her hair scattered across her face. Liam lay still on the bed, his little chest rising and falling gently.

I stood there watching them—my wife, my son. The two people I should have protected most. The sight hit me like a blade to the chest. They looked so peaceful in their sleep, but I knew the reality that hovered around us was nothing but chaos, pain, and fear.

Because of me, I thought bitterly. Because of who I am, they have been branded. My wife… called the wife of a killer. My son… ostracized, mocked, labeled as the child of a murderer. None of this was their fault, yet they bear the weight of my sins.

Daniel’s words came back to me, sharp and pressing. Relocate. Take them abroad. Give them safety while you fight your war.

He was right. If I truly wanted to go up against Milton—if I wanted to tear down that monster—then I needed to secure my family first. Without that, I was nothing. Without them, I’d lose myself.

A soft rustle pulled me from my thoughts. Aria stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She yawned, brushing her hair back, her voice faint.

“You’re back?”

I stepped closer. “Aria…” I said her name softly.

She looked at me, puzzled. “What is it?”

I hesitated before speaking, then finally let it out. “Would you… would you consider leaving the country for a while?”

Her brows furrowed instantly.

“Please,” I pressed, my voice heavy, almost breaking. “Think of this as the best solution I have right now. Ever since I was released, they’ve been after me. First a sniper, then an assassin. They even twisted the truth, making the world believe I killed my comrades when I never did. And now… with what happened to Liam—” My voice caught, and I had to swallow hard before finishing. “I’m afraid of what they’ll try next.”

She just stared at me, silent, her eyes searching mine.

I reached for her hand, holding it tightly, almost desperately. “Aria… please. Do this for me. For Liam. For us. I can’t fight this war with one eye on Milton and the other constantly fearing for your lives.”

Her lips trembled, but then she shook her head. Her voice was low, steady. “Kael… I never hated you. Not once. I always believed you. I always trusted you. But…” she sighed deeply, her voice cracking, “I don’t want to leave. I’m so tired of running, Kael. Tired of hiding. The first time they caught you at the border and threw you into prison, people spat on me, on Liam. They ostracized us. But I stayed. I waited.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “If I had run then, if I had traveled, how would you have ever known Liam? How would he have met his father?”

Her hand squeezed mine. “Liam needs his father, Kael. And I will stay. No matter what comes.”

“Aria…” I whispered, my chest tightening. “Please reconsider. I know you’re strong, but strength has limits. I can’t lose you both. If anything happens—” I broke off, shaking my head, my voice desperate. “I’d rather die than see you and Liam suffer because of me. Just this once, let me protect you by sending you away. Let me fight without fearing I’ll come back to nothing.”

She pulled her hand free, shaking her head firmly. “No, Kael. You protect us by being here. You protect us by not disappearing again. We’ll face this, together. I won’t leave. Liam won’t leave. That’s final.”

Her voice carried such certainty that I felt my chest clench.

And then—

A soft sound came from the bed. We both turned sharply.

Liam was stirring. Slowly, he pushed himself up into a sitting position.

“Liam!” I rushed to him, calling his name. Aria hurried to his side as well, holding his shoulders gently.

But when he looked at us—his eyes, blank and confused—I felt my heart stop.

“Who…” Liam’s voice was weak, fragile. “Who are you?”

The words shattered me.