Chapter 10: A Change In The Air

Words : 2613 Updated : Dec 20th, 2023

Everyone's eyes instinctively turned to the keys on the table, and for a moment, they were all stunned. Especially Faela, who suddenly felt a pang of guilt. These were, after all, a gift from Fanix, but they were tossed into the trash. "Fanix, why didn't you say something earlier?" Faela felt hopeful. She mused, "Could it be that Fanix had been doing quite well these past few years? Had they misunderstood him?" She wanted Fanix to prove himself to everyone because, since childhood, he had always been her role model. "It's nothing big. If you, Mom and Dad are okay with it, you can move to the Norston Tower tomorrow." Fanix's expression remained calm and composed as if this matter was unimportant. His foster mother, Keira, was dumbfounded. She immediately picked up the keys to inspect them. "Is this real? There are so many keys. Does that mean we each get a place?" "Yes, Mom. It's a small gesture of appreciation. You and Dad have worked hard over the years, and everything happened to you guys because of me. I hope I can make it up to you..." "Pfft! Keep up the act, will you? Fanix, do you think we're all ignorant? Do you think you can fool us with a few lousy keys? They might not know, but do you think I haven't seen the key before?" Frenetos felt a surge of resentment after Fanix stole his limelight. He didn't believe that Fanix had such capabilities. After all, Fanix was just released from prison, and the properties at Norston Tower were not something that even the Dean family could simply afford. He quickly reached his conclusion. "It's fake. Mrs. Edwards, take a closer look at these keys. Aren't they just ordinary keys? Let me tell you, I have a friend living in Norston Tower, and their security doors are high-grade safety doors that don't require keys. They use fingerprint locks and other advanced security systems." "So, Fanix here is just trying to fool you. It's not wrong to want to preserve some pride, but don't play tricks, Fanix. We're all family; it's just not right." Frenetos' parents chuckled with disdain as Frenetos' mom sighed. "Are young people so dishonest nowadays? What kind of upbringing does your family have? I'm seriously worried that Faela might turn out like her brother. What if she marries into the Dean family and deceives us too?" Faela felt both humiliated and speechless by what she heard. She had briefly felt a glimmer of hope, only to have it shattered upon reflection. The woman mused, "Right, an apartment worth more than a million—how could Fanix possibly afford it?" "Please don't say that. Faela would never be like that foolish Fanix. She's smart, kind, and very virtuous. Faela, you should quickly reassure your father-in-law and mother-in-law." Keira, growing increasingly anxious, nudged Faela. Faela had no choice but to explain herself, albeit reluctantly. However, Frenetos' parents completely ignored her, showing no interest in what she said. "Get out of here! Stop embarrassing us! Do you want to ruin your sister's marriage? Stop pretending to care and leave." Keira angrily threw the keys to the ground. "What are you doing? The boy hasn't even eaten yet." Verruckt quickly picked up the keys. "How can he still have the desire to eat? Can't he show some decency? I'm really sorry, in-laws. Don't let this bother you; I'll have him leave right away." Keira scowled and glared at Fanix. Fanix had nothing more to say. He had come to determine the Dean family's attitude, but now he was thoroughly disappointed. He didn't even want to stay for dinner. He said his goodbyes and turned to leave. Verruckt immediately followed him out, pressing the keys back into Fanix's hand. "Son, don't stoop to their level. I can't stand their attitude, either. I'm just worried your sister will be mistreated if she marries into that family. But your mother wants Faela to marry well so that she'll have an easier life." "It's fine, Dad. You keep the keys. When you have time, go check out the apartments in Norston Tower. The room numbers are on them. By the way, take this as well." Fanix handed Verruckt a credit card. Verruckt gently pushed it away while also passing the keys back to Fanix. "Son, everyone else may not believe you, but I see things clearly. No one knows you better than I do. I've always believed you were wrongfully accused and knew you'd be released eventually. I trust everything you've done." "Let's keep a low profile from now on. It doesn't matter what others think as long as you know what you're doing." "Thank you, Dad. Take care of yourself. I'll visit again soon." Fanix straightened up and saluted Verruckt. "Alright, I know you're busy. Are you an officer now? Where are you living, and what are you up to?" Verruckt asked. "I found Brisa, and I've seen our daughter." Mentioning this comforted Fanix, and a faint smile appeared on his otherwise calm face. "Really? Ah, just thinking about them makes me feel guilty. I've wanted to see them, but Brisa is so stubborn—she doesn't want anything to do with us because of what happened with you. Has she really agreed to see you now?" Verruckt was genuinely happy, even a bit emotional, as he patted Fanix on the shoulder. "Yes, don't worry. I'll bring my wife and daughter back home soon." Fanix saluted Verruckt once more. "Whoa, Fanix, what's all this about? Why are you being so formal? Is this what they taught you in prison?" Frenetos stepped out, wanting to ask Verruckt to dinner. He couldn't help but sneer when he saw what Fanix was doing. "Dad, you go ahead and eat. I need to have a word with my brother-in-law," Fanix said, his sharp gaze cutting into Frenetos like a knife. The look in his eyes made Frenetos nervous. "Alright, son, come home whenever you can." Verruckt ignored Frenetos entirely and returned to the private room. "Why are you looking at me like that, Fanix? What's there to talk about?" Frenetos couldn't help but take a step back. Fanix grabbed him like a helpless chick and dragged him into a corner. His sharp gaze and the intense aura he exuded created an overwhelming pressure. Frenetos found himself unable to meet Fanix's eyes and began to tremble uncontrollably. "W-What are you doing?" "You're about to marry Faela. I hope you treat her well. Don't think you're above everyone else just because you are rich. Once you're married, you're equals. You must take good care of her, okay?" Fanix tightened his grip, nearly tearing Frenetos's clothes. "Fanix, do you really think I need you to worry about that? You should focus on your own issues." Frenetos, irritated, tried to push Fanix away, but Fanix remained unmoved, like an unyielding mountain. "I'm not here to argue. But if you ever mistreat her or bully her, I will make sure you and your family become a thing of the past." Fanix's voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable threat. The ever-proud Frenetos, to his surprise, felt a surge of fear he couldn't control. It was bizarre and unsettling. "I-I won't." Frenetos hadn't expected to respond that way. "You better remember that." Fanix released him, adjusted his collar, and walked away with confident, determined strides. It wasn't until Faela came out to call Frenetos that he snapped out of it. "What's wrong? You look pale," Faela asked, puzzled. "Do I?" Frenetos was baffled by what had just happened. Why had he been afraid of Fanix? After all, Fanix was just someone with a stained past, someone as lowly as the rest of the Edwards family. It must have been some illusion, he thought. Yes, that had to be it. With that thought, Frenetos regained his arrogance. "Honey, your brother just threatened me, even wanted to hit me. He told me to treat you well. Do you think I could treat you poorly?" "What nonsense is he up to now? Are you hurt?" Faela wasn't one to look down on others for their financial status. In fact, with Fanix gone these past years, their family had been looked down upon by their relatives. In many ways, it was Frenetos who had helped them get by. "What a joke. What could he do to me? If it weren't for the fact that he's your brother, I would've taught him a lesson already. Come on, let's eat." Frenetos sneered. So what if he did something to betray Faela? Fanix was trying to threaten him. He wasn't scared of him. It wouldn't matter even if the entire Edwards family turned against him. "If something like that does happen, please be kind to my brother, alright?" Faela was nervous. "Don't worry, I won't do anything to him as long as he stays out of trouble," Frenetos said, but he had other thoughts in mind. He would definitely teach Fanix a lesson if he pulled that stunt again. Fanix spotted a military-green SUV parked nearby after he left the hotel. He walked over to it. Aila immediately got out, opened the door for him, and saluted. "At ease. There's no need for that when no one else is around. What's the matter?" Fanix squinted slightly and lit a cigarette. "Mr. Edwards, there's a grand event at the Dyson residence tonight. Do you plan to attend personally? I believe such a small matter is something I can handle. You should spend time with your wife and daughter." Aila maintained her respectful demeanor. To her, these formalities were essential, and serving such a legendary man was an honor. "No, I've waited years for this moment. They've had it too easy for too long. It's time they paid for what they've done." Fanix smiled faintly. Aila was stunned. Having been by Fanix's side for so long, she knew what that smile meant. It was the same smile he wore before every bloody battle. Outside the car window, the leaves on the trees lining the street suddenly rustled. What had been a sunny day quickly turned into one covered with dark clouds, and a fierce wind began to blow. Deafeningly loud thunder rumbled across the city. Pedestrians hurriedly sought shelter as they sensed the coming storm. A change was in the air. Aila glanced at Fanix. Despite the oppressive August heat, a sudden chill filled the air. Flashes of lightning reflected in his eyes; moments later, a torrential downpour engulfed the city.

Chapter 10: A Change In The Air

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