The Forgotten Heir

Chapter 1: The Boy Everyone Mocked

The autumn sun hung low over Westbridge University, bathing the sprawling campus in warm golden light. Students crossed the stone pathways in groups, laughing, chatting, and hurrying to their next lectures. Luxury cars lined the parking lot outside the business school, each one more expensive than the last.

Among the crowd walked a young man whose appearance stood in sharp contrast to everyone around him.

Ren Chen.

His white shirt had faded from years of washing, and the sleeves had been carefully stitched where they had begun to tear. His black sneakers had lost their shine long ago, but they were clean. He carried an old backpack that had been repaired so many times it looked as though it was being held together by determination alone.

As he walked, his stomach growled.

He reached into his pocket and emptied its contents into his hand.

Two small bills.

A few coins.

He counted them twice.

"If I buy lunch," he murmured to himself, "I'll have to walk home."

The bus fare would have to wait.

His phone vibrated.

Manager Li

Ren answered immediately.

"Hello, Manager."

"You'd better not be late tonight," the rough voice barked. "We have a private banquet. If you're late again, don't bother coming."

"I won't be late."

"You said that last week."

"The traffic—"

"I don't care about excuses."

The call ended.

Ren slipped the phone back into his pocket.

That restaurant job was his third part-time job.

In the mornings he delivered newspapers.

During the afternoon he attended lectures.

At night he worked as a waiter until nearly midnight.

Then he studied until two in the morning.

It was exhausting.

But tuition had to be paid.

Rent had to be paid.

Life didn't pause simply because he was tired.

He took a deep breath before entering the university cafeteria.

The aroma of fried chicken, noodles, and freshly baked bread filled the air.

Students laughed as they piled expensive meals onto their trays without checking the prices.

Ren walked to the cheapest counter.

"One serving of plain rice," he said quietly.

The cafeteria worker looked at him sympathetically.

"No vegetables today?"

Ren forced a smile.

"Maybe tomorrow."

The woman sighed and served the rice.

"Take care of yourself, son."

"Thank you."

Balancing the tray carefully, Ren turned to find an empty table.

That was when the whispers began.

"Look who's here."

"The campus beggar."

"I heard he sleeps only four hours a day because he works all night."

"My dog eats better than that."

Ren pretended not to hear them.

He had heard worse.

Much worse.

Halfway across the cafeteria—

Crash!

His body lurched forward.

The tray flew from his hands.

Rice scattered across the polished floor.

The entire cafeteria erupted in laughter.

Ren looked down at the mess before slowly lifting his eyes.

Standing in front of him was Victor Hale.

Tall.

Confident.

Dressed in an Italian suit jacket worth more than Ren's yearly rent.

On his wrist gleamed a luxury watch.

Victor smiled as if nothing had happened.

"Oh."

"My foot slipped."

The laughter grew louder.

Ren knew the truth.

Victor had deliberately tripped him.

Without saying a word, Ren knelt and began gathering the scattered rice into a napkin.

Someone pulled out a phone.

"Record this."

"This is hilarious."

Victor crossed his arms.

"I told you all."

"People like him don't belong at Westbridge."

One student laughed.

"Maybe he got in by accident."

Another added,

"No."

"He probably begged the admissions office."

The crowd roared again.

Ren kept cleaning.

His face remained calm.

Inside...

His heart burned.

He remembered his mother's words when he was very young.

"Never let anger decide your future."

Those words had carried him through years of hardship.

They carried him now.

Suddenly—

"Enough."

The voice rang through the cafeteria.

Everyone turned.

Sarah Lin stood near the entrance.

She wore a simple blue dress beneath her university blazer.

Unlike many wealthy students, Sarah never dressed to impress.

She walked straight toward Ren.

Then she looked directly at Victor.

"You tripped him."

Victor shrugged lazily.

"Can you prove it?"

Several of his friends laughed.

Sarah's hands clenched into fists.

"You humiliate him every chance you get."

"And?"

Victor stepped closer.

"What's it to you?"

Sarah stared him in the eye.

"You should apologize."

Victor burst into laughter.

"Apologize?"

He reached into his designer wallet.

Several crisp banknotes appeared between his fingers.

He tossed them onto the floor.

"There."

"That should cover the rice."

The money landed beside Ren's shoes.

Students whispered excitedly.

"That's more money than Ren probably earns in a week."

Victor smiled smugly.

"Go ahead."

"Pick it up."

"For someone like you..."

"...money matters more than dignity."

The cafeteria fell silent.

Every eye turned toward Ren.

Slowly...

Ren stood.

He looked at the money.

Then at Victor.

Finally...

He bent down.

Victor smirked.

"I knew—"

Instead of picking up the money, Ren picked up his old backpack.

He slung it over his shoulder.

Then he spoke calmly.

"I may be poor."

He paused.

"But I'm not for sale."

The smile disappeared from Victor's face.

The silence inside the cafeteria became almost uncomfortable.

Ren walked away without looking back.

Behind him...

Victor's expression turned ice cold.

"This isn't over."

Outside the cafeteria, cool wind swept across the campus gardens.

Ren sat alone on a wooden bench beneath a large maple tree.

His stomach ached with hunger.

A moment later, footsteps approached.

Sarah sat beside him.

Without saying anything, she handed him a neatly wrapped sandwich.

"I bought an extra one."

Ren smiled faintly.

"You always do."

"You haven't eaten."

"I've gotten used to it."

Sarah frowned.

"No one should get used to being hungry."

For several moments neither of them spoke.

Students passed by without paying attention.

Finally Sarah asked softly,

"Why don't you tell them to stop?"

Ren looked at the clouds drifting across the blue sky.

"People only bully those they think won't fight back."

"So fight back."

"I can't."

"Why?"

He smiled sadly.

"Because I have something more important to protect."

"My future."

"If I get expelled..."

"...everything I've worked for disappears."

Sarah looked at him with admiration.

She had known Ren for three years.

Despite everything life had thrown at him...

He had never become bitter.

He still smiled.

He still helped classmates with assignments.

He still believed tomorrow could be better.

She wished more people saw the man she saw.

Ren's phone vibrated.

Both of them looked down.

The screen displayed:

UNKNOWN NUMBER

Ren frowned.

"I don't usually answer unknown numbers."

Sarah shrugged.

"What if it's your employer?"

He nodded and pressed the answer button.

"Hello?"

A calm elderly voice replied,

"Good afternoon."

"Am I speaking with Mr. Ren Chen?"

"Yes."

"My name is Richard Cole."

"I was the personal lawyer to Chairman Han."

Ren blinked.

"I'm sorry..."

"I think you've called the wrong number."

"No."

"I've spent twenty-two years searching for you."

Ren felt a strange chill run through his body.

The old man continued.

"You are the only surviving heir to the Han family."

Ren laughed awkwardly.

"Sir..."

"I think this is some kind of joke."

"I assure you..."

"...it is not."

The lawyer paused before saying words that would change Ren's life forever.

"I'll arrive at Westbridge University in exactly ten minutes."

"Please don't leave."

"Your inheritance belongs to you."

The call ended.

Ren stared silently at the dark phone screen.

Sarah tilted her head.

"What happened?"

Before Ren could answer...

Three black Rolls-Royces slowly entered the university through the main gate.

Every student nearby stopped walking.

Whispers spread across the campus.

"Who's that?"

"Those cars belong to the Han Corporation..."

"And why are they coming here?"

The three black Rolls-Royces rolled to a smooth stop in front of Westbridge University's administration building.

For a moment, the entire campus fell silent.

Students who had been chatting moments earlier froze where they stood. Others quickly pulled out their phones, recording the expensive convoy.

"That's the Han Corporation's emblem," someone whispered.

"Why would one of the richest companies in the country come here?"

"Maybe they're donating a new building."

"No... look! Someone is getting out."

The rear door of the middle car opened.

An elderly man in a perfectly tailored black suit stepped onto the pavement. Though his hair was silver, his posture was straight, and every movement reflected years of discipline.

Two bodyguards followed him.

The old man adjusted his glasses and slowly looked around the campus before his eyes settled on one person.

Ren Chen.

Without hesitation, he walked toward him.

The crowd parted automatically.

Victor Hale, who had just left the cafeteria with his friends, frowned.

"Who's that old man?"

"No idea," one of his friends replied. "But those bodyguards don't look ordinary."

Sarah stood beside Ren, her heartbeat quickening.

"Ren..."

"I think he's coming to you."

Ren swallowed hard.

"This has to be a mistake."

The elderly man stopped only a few steps away.

He bowed respectfully.

"Mr. Ren Chen."

"My name is Richard Cole."

"I served Chairman Han for thirty-eight years."

"It is an honor to finally meet you."

Ren stared in disbelief.

"You... know me?"

"I have searched for you for twenty-two years."

The surrounding students gasped.

Victor laughed loudly.

"Ren, what kind of joke is this?"

Richard ignored him.

He reached into a leather briefcase and carefully removed a thick envelope sealed with dark blue wax.

"This contains Chairman Han's final will."

"He instructed me to deliver it only into your hands."

Ren hesitated.

"I don't understand."

"My parents died when I was six."

"I grew up in an orphanage."

"I don't know any Chairman Han."

Richard's expression softened.

"That is because the truth was hidden from you."

"The late Chairman Han..."

"...was your grandfather."

Ren felt the ground disappear beneath his feet.

"My... grandfather?"

"Impossible."

Richard nodded slowly.

"He spent years searching for you after your parents vanished."

"When he finally discovered the truth..."

"...it was already too late."

Sarah covered her mouth in shock.

Victor folded his arms.

"This is ridiculous."

He stepped forward.

"Old man, are you sure you've got the right person?"

Richard calmly looked at him.

"I have verified Mr. Ren Chen's identity through DNA records, hospital files, and legal documents."

"There is no mistake."

"He is the only legal heir to the Han family."

The crowd exploded with whispers.

"The campus beggar... is an heir?"

"No way!"

"This can't be real."

Victor forced a laugh.

"Then show us the proof."

Richard nodded toward one of the bodyguards.

The man opened another case and produced several official documents.

Each carried government seals and the signature of Chairman Han.

Richard handed the first page to Ren.

"My grandfather..."

Ren whispered the words as tears gathered in his eyes.

For the first time in years...

He saw a photograph of the elderly man smiling beside a little boy.

The little boy was him.

His hands began to shake.

"I don't remember..."

"You were too young."

Richard's voice was gentle.

"After the accident, your memories faded."

"The Chairman never stopped looking for you."

"He regretted every day you spent suffering."

Ren lowered his head.

"So..."

"All these years..."

"I wasn't abandoned?"

"No."

Richard answered firmly.

"You were stolen from your family."

Before Ren could ask another question—

Bang!

A loud explosion echoed from the university parking lot.

Students screamed.

Smoke filled the air.

One of the bodyguards instantly stepped in front of Ren.

"Protect Mr. Ren!"

Another bodyguard scanned the rooftops.

Richard's calm expression vanished.

"They've found him."

Ren looked around in confusion.

"Who?"

Richard's face turned grim.

"The people who murdered your parents."

"They know you're alive."

The bodyguards quickly surrounded Ren.

Richard spoke in a low voice.

"Mr. Ren..."

"From this moment onward..."

"Your life is in danger."

Across the street, hidden inside a parked van, a man lowered a pair of binoculars.

He pressed a button on his earpiece.

"The target has been confirmed."

"The heir is alive."

A cold voice replied through the speaker.

"Then eliminate him..."

"...before he reaches the Han mansion."

The smoke slowly drifted across the university parking lot.

Students screamed and ran in every direction.

Some hid behind cars while others pulled out their phones to record the chaos.

Ren Chen stood frozen.

His mind wasn't on the explosion.

It was on the old man standing before him.

"My grandfather..."

He whispered the words as if saying them aloud would somehow make them easier to believe.

Richard Cole gave a respectful nod.

"Yes, Mr. Ren."

"The late Chairman Han was your grandfather."

Ren shook his head.

"No."

"This has to be some kind of mistake."

"I grew up in an orphanage."

"I don't have a family."

"You do."

Richard carefully opened the leather briefcase again.

Inside were several old photographs.

He handed one to Ren.

The picture had faded with age.

It showed a smiling little boy sitting on an elderly man's lap in a beautiful garden.

The old man's arm rested protectively around the child.

Ren stared at the photograph.

His breathing became uneven.

"I..."

"I remember this tree."

Sarah looked over his shoulder.

"The little boy..."

"That's you."

Ren nodded slowly.

"I think so."

His fingers trembled as flashes of forgotten memories crossed his mind.

A large house.

A warm laugh.

Someone lifting him onto their shoulders.

Then...

Screeching tires.

A blinding light.

Silence.

His head suddenly throbbed with pain.

He grabbed his forehead.

Richard immediately stepped forward.

"Mr. Ren!"

"I'm fine."

Ren took a deep breath until the pain eased.

He looked back at the photograph.

"If he was really my grandfather..."

"Why didn't he find me?"

Richard lowered his eyes.

"He spent twenty-two years trying."

"Every private investigator."

"Every government record."

"Every orphanage."

"He never stopped searching."

"When we finally found you..."

Richard's voice became heavy.

"...the Chairman had only three weeks left to live."

Ren felt his chest tighten.

"He knew your name."

"He knew what university you attended."

"He wanted to meet you himself."

"But his illness worsened before he could travel."

"He left one final instruction."

Richard reached into the briefcase and removed a sealed envelope.

"The Chairman asked me to place this in your hands after his death."

Ren accepted it carefully.

His name was written across the front in elegant handwriting.

To My Grandson, Ren Chen.

His eyes became moist.

"I've never received a letter from family before."

Before he could open it, one of the bodyguards hurried over.

"Sir."

"The police have secured the parking lot."

"The explosion came from an abandoned vehicle."

"No injuries."

Richard nodded.

"Good."

He turned back to Ren.

"We must leave."

Victor Hale suddenly pushed through the crowd.

"Hold on!"

His face was filled with disbelief.

"So all of this is real?"

He looked at the expensive cars.

The bodyguards.

The documents.

Then at Ren.

"The poor loser..."

"...is actually rich?"

Richard answered calmly.

"Mr. Ren Chen is the legal heir to the Han Group."

Victor forced a smile.

"Ren..."

"We've been classmates for years."

"I think we've had a few misunderstandings."

Sarah couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Only minutes ago, Victor had humiliated Ren in front of the entire cafeteria.

Now his attitude had changed completely.

Ren looked directly into Victor's eyes.

"You called me a beggar."

"You laughed when I couldn't afford lunch."

"You threw money on the floor."

Victor laughed awkwardly.

"It was only a joke."

"A joke?"

Ren asked quietly.

"I wasn't laughing."

Victor's smile faded.

Neither of them spoke for several seconds.

Finally, Ren turned away.

"I have nothing else to say."

Richard gestured toward the waiting Rolls-Royce.

"Mr. Ren."

"The Han family mansion is waiting for you."

Ren looked once more at the campus.

The old classroom.

The cafeteria.

The bench where he had eaten Sarah's sandwich.

Everything suddenly felt different.

He turned to Sarah.

"Will you... come with me?"

Sarah smiled warmly.

"If you want me there..."

"I'll come."

As they walked toward the luxury car, dozens of students silently watched.

Some looked shocked.

Some looked jealous.

Some looked afraid.

But hidden among them...

A man wearing a black baseball cap quietly lowered his phone after taking several photographs of Ren.

He typed a short message.

The heir has accepted the inheritance.

Within seconds, a reply appeared.

Follow him.

Do not let him reach the mansion alive.

The stranger smiled coldly.

"The hunt begins."

The rear door of the black Rolls-Royce opened quietly.

Richard Cole stepped aside and bowed slightly.

"Mr. Ren, please."

Ren stood still for a moment, staring at the luxurious interior. The seats were covered in soft black leather, polished wood decorated the doors, and the faint scent of expensive perfume filled the cabin.

He had never ridden in a luxury car before.

His entire life had been spent on crowded buses, walking long distances, or borrowing old bicycles from classmates.

"This... is for me?" he asked softly.

Richard smiled.

"It belongs to the Chairman's family."

"Now, it belongs to you."

Ren remained silent.

Those words still felt unreal.

Only an hour ago, he had been counting coins to buy a plate of plain rice.

Now he was being told he owned one of the largest business empires in the country.

Sarah gently touched his arm.

"Go."

"I'll be right beside you."

Ren nodded.

Together, they entered the car.

The door closed with a quiet click.

Outside, hundreds of students watched in disbelief.

Victor Hale stood frozen near the cafeteria entrance.

His fists tightened.

"This can't be happening..."

One of his friends swallowed nervously.

"Victor..."

"If Ren really owns Han Group..."

"...then we may have made a terrible mistake."

Victor didn't answer.

His eyes never left the convoy.

---

Inside the car, silence filled the cabin.

Ren looked out of the tinted window as the university gates slowly disappeared behind them.

Everything he had known was fading into the distance.

Richard sat opposite him.

He removed another envelope from his briefcase.

"The Chairman instructed me to give you these after you agreed to come with us."

Ren accepted the envelope carefully.

Inside were several documents.

His birth certificate.

Old family photographs.

Hospital records.

A gold-colored key.

And a handwritten note.

Ren unfolded the note with trembling fingers.

The handwriting was elegant but slightly shaky.

«My dear grandson,»

«If you are reading this, it means I have already left this world.»

«For twenty-two years, I searched for you.»

«Not a single day passed without regretting the mistakes that tore our family apart.»

«If heaven grants me one wish, it is that you will forgive an old man who failed to protect the people he loved.»

«Everything I built now belongs to you.»

«But be careful.»

«There are people inside our own family who will never accept you.»

«Trust your heart... but trust no one too quickly.»

«—Your Grandfather, Han Wei.»

Ren finished reading.

His vision blurred.

A single tear rolled down his cheek.

He quickly wiped it away before anyone noticed.

Richard noticed anyway.

"The Chairman loved you very much."

Ren stared at the letter.

"I never even had the chance to call him Grandpa."

"No."

Richard sighed.

"That is something he regretted until his final breath."

Sarah quietly placed a comforting hand on Ren's shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

Ren smiled weakly.

"I spent years wondering if anyone in this world cared whether I existed."

"And now..."

"I learn someone spent twenty-two years searching for me."

He closed his eyes.

"I don't know how to feel."

Richard nodded with understanding.

"Take your time."

"No one expects you to accept everything today."

The convoy continued down the highway.

Outside, the city's skyscrapers reflected the afternoon sun.

For the first time in his life, Ren wasn't thinking about tuition fees...

Or unpaid rent...

Or whether he could afford dinner.

Instead...

He was wondering who wanted him dead.

---

Several kilometers behind the convoy...

A black SUV maintained a careful distance.

Inside sat the man wearing the black baseball cap.

He lowered a pair of binoculars.

"They've left the university."

He spoke quietly into an earpiece.

"The target is heading toward Han Mansion."

A cold voice answered.

"Any problems?"

"No."

"The heir suspects nothing."

"Good."

The voice paused.

"Do not attack until he reaches the mountain road."

"There will be fewer witnesses."

The call ended.

The man smiled.

He reached beneath his seat and opened a long black case.

Inside lay a high-powered rifle.

He checked the weapon carefully before closing the lid.

"It won't be long now..."

---

Back inside the Rolls-Royce...

Richard suddenly looked toward the driver.

"Take Route Seven."

The driver hesitated.

"Sir?"

"Our usual route passes through East Ridge."

Richard's expression became serious.

"Exactly."

"I don't want anyone predicting our movements."

"Understood."

The convoy immediately changed direction.

Behind them...

The black SUV slowed.

The driver frowned.

"They changed routes."

The man in the baseball cap narrowed his eyes.

"So..."

"They know we're following them."

He smiled.

"This just became interesting."

---

Ren looked out the window again.

The city buildings gradually disappeared.

Green hills stretched across the horizon.

Large iron gates could be seen in the distance.

Beyond them stood a magnificent estate surrounded by forests and lakes.

Richard followed Ren's gaze.

"Welcome..."

"...to Han Mansion."

Ren could barely breathe.

The estate looked less like a home...

...and more like a royal palace.

Little did he know...

Someone inside that mansion was already waiting for him.

And not everyone planned to welcome the forgotten heir.

The rear door of the black Rolls-Royce opened quietly.

Richard Cole stepped aside and bowed slightly.

"Mr. Ren, please."

Ren stood still for a moment, staring at the luxurious interior. The seats were covered in soft black leather, polished wood decorated the doors, and the faint scent of expensive perfume filled the cabin.

He had never ridden in a luxury car before.

His entire life had been spent on crowded buses, walking long distances, or borrowing old bicycles from classmates.

"This... is for me?" he asked softly.

Richard smiled.

"It belongs to the Chairman's family."

"Now, it belongs to you."

Ren remained silent.

Those words still felt unreal.

Only an hour ago, he had been counting coins to buy a plate of plain rice.

Now he was being told he owned one of the largest business empires in the country.

Sarah gently touched his arm.

"Go."

"I'll be right beside you."

Ren nodded.

Together, they entered the car.

The door closed with a quiet click.

Outside, hundreds of students watched in disbelief.

Victor Hale stood frozen near the cafeteria entrance.

His fists tightened.

"This can't be happening..."

One of his friends swallowed nervously.

"Victor..."

"If Ren really owns Han Group..."

"...then we may have made a terrible mistake."

Victor didn't answer.

His eyes never left the convoy.

---

Inside the car, silence filled the cabin.

Ren looked out of the tinted window as the university gates slowly disappeared behind them.

Everything he had known was fading into the distance.

Richard sat opposite him.

He removed another envelope from his briefcase.

"The Chairman instructed me to give you these after you agreed to come with us."

Ren accepted the envelope carefully.

Inside were several documents.

His birth certificate.

Old family photographs.

Hospital records.

A gold-colored key.

And a handwritten note.

Ren unfolded the note with trembling fingers.

The handwriting was elegant but slightly shaky.

«My dear grandson,»

«If you are reading this, it means I have already left this world.»

«For twenty-two years, I searched for you.»

«Not a single day passed without regretting the mistakes that tore our family apart.»

«If heaven grants me one wish, it is that you will forgive an old man who failed to protect the people he loved.»

«Everything I built now belongs to you.»

«But be careful.»

«There are people inside our own family who will never accept you.»

«Trust your heart... but trust no one too quickly.»

«—Your Grandfather, Han Wei.»

Ren finished reading.

His vision blurred.

A single tear rolled down his cheek.

He quickly wiped it away before anyone noticed.

Richard noticed anyway.

"The Chairman loved you very much."

Ren stared at the letter.

"I never even had the chance to call him Grandpa."

"No."

Richard sighed.

"That is something he regretted until his final breath."

Sarah quietly placed a comforting hand on Ren's shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

Ren smiled weakly.

"I spent years wondering if anyone in this world cared whether I existed."

"And now..."

"I learn someone spent twenty-two years searching for me."

He closed his eyes.

"I don't know how to feel."

Richard nodded with understanding.

"Take your time."

"No one expects you to accept everything today."

The convoy continued down the highway.

Outside, the city's skyscrapers reflected the afternoon sun.

For the first time in his life, Ren wasn't thinking about tuition fees...

Or unpaid rent...

Or whether he could afford dinner.

Instead...

He was wondering who wanted him dead.

---

Several kilometers behind the convoy...

A black SUV maintained a careful distance.

Inside sat the man wearing the black baseball cap.

He lowered a pair of binoculars.

"They've left the university."

He spoke quietly into an earpiece.

"The target is heading toward Han Mansion."

A cold voice answered.

"Any problems?"

"No."

"The heir suspects nothing."

"Good."

The voice paused.

"Do not attack until he reaches the mountain road."

"There will be fewer witnesses."

The call ended.

The man smiled.

He reached beneath his seat and opened a long black case.

Inside lay a high-powered rifle.

He checked the weapon carefully before closing the lid.

"It won't be long now..."

---

Back inside the Rolls-Royce...

Richard suddenly looked toward the driver.

"Take Route Seven."

The driver hesitated.

"Sir?"

"Our usual route passes through East Ridge."

Richard's expression became serious.

"Exactly."

"I don't want anyone predicting our movements."

"Understood."

The convoy immediately changed direction.

Behind them...

The black SUV slowed.

The driver frowned.

"They changed routes."

The man in the baseball cap narrowed his eyes.

"So..."

"They know we're following them."

He smiled.

"This just became interesting."

---

Ren looked out the window again.

The city buildings gradually disappeared.

Green hills stretched across the horizon.

Large iron gates could be seen in the distance.

Beyond them stood a magnificent estate surrounded by forests and lakes.

Richard followed Ren's gaze.

"Welcome..."

"...to Han Mansion."

Ren could barely breathe.

The estate looked less like a home...

...and more like a royal palace.

Little did he know...

Someone inside that mansion was already waiting for him.

And not everyone planned to welcome the forgotten heir.

The shrill sound of the security alarm echoed through every corridor of Han Mansion.

Red warning lights flashed across the ceiling.

Servants stopped in their tracks.

Security guards rushed toward the east wing, speaking urgently into their radios.

Ren stood frozen, his heart pounding against his chest.

Only a few hours ago, he had been worried about buying lunch.

Now...

Someone had come to kill him.

Richard Cole closed the velvet ring box and slipped it into the desk drawer.

"Stay behind me."

His calm voice carried authority.

The head of security entered the study.

He was a tall man in his forties with sharp eyes and a military posture.

His black suit barely concealed the pistol holstered beneath his jacket.

"Mr. Cole."

Richard nodded.

"Report."

"We intercepted an armed man attempting to enter through the eastern security fence."

"Was he alone?"

"So far... yes."

"So far?"

The security chief hesitated.

"We're still searching the surrounding forest."

Richard's expression darkened.

"Good."

"No one enters or leaves the estate."

"Seal every gate."

"Yes, sir."

The guard hurried away.

Richard turned to Ren.

"I wanted your first day here to be peaceful."

Ren managed a weak smile.

"It doesn't seem that's possible."

Sarah folded her arms.

"Who would want to kill someone they've never even met?"

Richard looked toward the window.

"I'm afraid..."

"They've known about Ren for much longer than we have."

Silence filled the room.

Finally, Ren spoke.

"Can I see him?"

Richard looked surprised.

"The intruder."

"I want to know why he came."

Richard studied Ren for a long moment.

"You've only just arrived."

"This world is far more dangerous than the life you've known."

Ren nodded.

"I understand."

"But if someone is hunting me..."

"I need to know why."

A faint smile crossed Richard's face.

The Chairman had once worn the same determined expression.

"Very well."

"Come with me."

---

Deep beneath Han Mansion...

A reinforced steel elevator descended into the estate's underground security level.

Ren had never imagined such a place existed beneath a private home.

The doors opened.

Bright white lights illuminated a secure corridor lined with cameras and armed guards.

At the end of the hallway stood a thick steel door.

The head of security unlocked it.

Inside...

A man sat handcuffed to a metal chair.

His black clothes were covered in dirt.

A small cut marked the side of his face.

Despite being captured...

He smiled.

Richard stepped inside first.

"You've caused quite a disturbance."

The prisoner laughed quietly.

"You should have let me finish my job."

Ren felt a chill.

The man slowly lifted his eyes.

"So..."

"You're the forgotten heir."

For several seconds...

Neither man spoke.

Then the prisoner laughed again.

"I expected someone stronger."

Ren stepped forward.

"Who sent you?"

The man tilted his head.

"No one."

"I work for myself."

Richard sighed.

"That's a lie."

The prisoner's smile widened.

"Can you prove it?"

Richard nodded toward the security chief.

The guard placed several items onto the interrogation table.

A sniper rifle.

A silenced pistol.

A satellite phone.

And a photograph.

Ren picked it up.

It was a picture of him leaving the university cafeteria.

Someone had taken it only hours earlier.

His heartbeat quickened.

The prisoner noticed.

"You look frightened."

"You should be."

"Because I'm not the only one."

Ren looked into the assassin's eyes.

"How many are there?"

The smile disappeared.

"Enough."

"Enough to make sure you never become Chairman."

Richard stepped closer.

"What organization do you work for?"

Silence.

The prisoner.