The grand entry hall of the King ancestral mansion was steeped in history and authority. Every detail, from the high vaulted ceilings to the glimmering chandeliers, bore the weight of the King family legacy. Alex, confident and smug, stepped inside, his sharp suit and calculated demeanor masking the turmoil that brewed within him.

The slap came so fast, he barely had time to process it. His cheek burned as he staggered back, his hand instinctively rising to touch the reddened skin.

“Grandpa!” Alex growled, glaring at Orion King, the family patriarch. “What the hell was that for?”

“Changing your identity doesn’t change your blood, Alex,” Orion said, his booming voice cutting through the air. His piercing eyes bore into Alex with a mix of disappointment and fury.

“Whatever,” Alex muttered, trying to maintain his composure. “I just hate him.”

Orion scoffed and crossed his arms. “Hate him all you want, but Andrew is still your brother. This petty revenge nonsense is beneath the King name.”

Alex stiffened, but before he could retort, Jennifer King, the elegant matriarch of the family, entered the room. Her presence exuded calm authority, softening the tense atmosphere.

“Alex,” Jennifer said gently, approaching him. “It’s been so long.”

“Grandma…” Alex’s voice cracked as he let his defenses fall, rushing into her arms. Tears streamed down his face as she held him, her embrace warm and maternal.

Jennifer pulled back slightly, brushing the tears from Alex’s cheeks. “My dear boy, you’ve been running from the truth for too long.”

“I couldn’t stay,” Alex said, his voice trembling. “He—Andrew—called me useless. Said I didn’t live up to the King name.”

“That’s because he wanted to push you to see the truth behind your choices,” Orion said firmly. “You loved music, Alex. He didn’t want you to waste your potential in a world where you’d be vulnerable. His words were harsh, but his intentions were protective.”

Alex clenched his fists, the sting of Andrew’s words replaying in his mind. “I left my music career to seek revenge,” he admitted. “And look, I’ve established myself. Without the King name.”

Orion’s stern expression softened. “And we’re proud of you for that, Alex. But this path you’re on—this revenge—it has to end.”

Jennifer stepped in again, her voice tender but resolute. “Your grandfather is right. You’re not Alex Roberts; you’re Alex King. Pretending to be someone else won’t fill the void inside you. It’s time to come home.”

Alex hesitated, his emotions warring within him. “But—”

“No buts,” Jennifer interrupted. “Revenge has cost you too much already. It’s time to let it go.”

For a moment, silence enveloped the room as Alex processed her words. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. I’ll stop this. I’ll reclaim my name.”

Jennifer smiled warmly, pulling him into another embrace. “That’s my boy.”

The moment of familial peace was shattered by Jessica’s shrill voice echoing from outside. “Alex! Where are you?”

Alex groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Her again.”

Jennifer frowned. “She’s trouble, Alex. You know what needs to be done.”

“Yes, Grandma,” Alex replied, his voice laced with determination. He turned on his heel and exited the house, spotting Jessica wandering aimlessly on the grounds.

“Jessica!” he barked, his tone icy.

She spun around, her face lighting up when she saw him. “There you are! Why did you leave me in the car?”

Alex grabbed her arm and dragged her toward the vehicle. “Didn’t I tell you to stay put?”

“Let go of me!” Jessica hissed, yanking her arm from his grasp. Inside, her hatred for Alex boiled. How dare he treat me like this?

Alex ignored her complaints and signaled to the guards standing by the car. “Get in.”

Jessica reluctantly obeyed, glaring daggers at him as she slid into the backseat. She glanced at the guards and narrowed her eyes. “Who are they? I don’t recognize them.”

“I don’t owe you any explanations,” Alex replied coolly, his gaze fixed out the window as the car began to move.

Jessica silently fumed, her mind racing with curses and plans. Alex, however, remained calm, his thoughts already on the next steps.

As the car sped toward Andrew’s base, Alex’s resolve hardened. Jessica’s antics had gone too far, and it was time to put an end to her games. His grandmother’s words echoed in his mind: “You know what needs to be done.”

Jessica, oblivious to the storm brewing within him, continued to sulk. She still harbored delusions of getting Andrew back, still clinging to the fantasy of ruining Eva. But Alex knew better.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. You think you’re clever, Jessica, he thought. But your game is over. Your fate is no longer in your hands.

As the car neared its destination, Alex leaned back, his cold demeanor unshaken. He had a plan, and this time, there would be no room for mistakes.