Chapter 5: Homecoming
Words : 1631
Updated : Aug 7th, 2025
Dominic Simpson nodded. "I do know someone, but getting this Grandmaster to step in would cost us a lot. If the four major families join forces, we should be able to come up with the money. So, I need everyone's answer-do we give up and pay back what we gained ten times over, or do we fight to the end?"
"Fight to the end!"
"Fight to the end!"
...
At the best hospital in Chiville, screams echoed from one of the rooms.
"Doctor, how is my son? Didn't you give him medication? Why is he still suffering so much?" Idris Morgan demanded, his eyes bloodshot as he questioned a middle-aged doctor.
"Mr. Morgan, we're not sure!" the doctor replied, looking bewildered. "We've stabilized his limbs to relieve the pain and given him medication to stop the itching. But we can't figure out what's causing his pain and itching! The medication isn't helping at all! And with Mr. Morgan's injuries, even if he recovers, his arms and legs are done for!"
"What are you saying? Are you saying his arms and legs are completely destroyed?" Idris and several members of the Morgan family turned pale.
The doctor nodded solemnly. "The assailant was ruthless. Mr. Morgan's bones in all four limbs were crushed to powder-there's no way to fix them."
"Damn it!" Idris slammed his fist against the wall, his voice hoarse with a low growl. "Whatever it takes, just make the itching and pain stop for my son first! We'll worry about his arms and legs later!"
"Don't worry, Mr. Morgan. We've contacted a top specialist from Eglurmont who's an expert in pain and itching. He's already on his way and should be here by morning. He should be able to help your son!"
"Thank you, doctor!" Idris looked at the still-screaming Alberto, his heart bleeding. "Alberto, don't worry, your father will get revenge for you! Evan Gates-I'll make him wish he were dead!"
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The next day.
"Commander Evan."
Inside the business van, Rose held some files and respectfully spoke to Evan Gates. "Back then, the Simpson family teamed up with the Bell family and managed to steal their core business secrets."
"The Simpsons!" Evan's eyes went cold as he muttered the name.
Over a decade ago in Chiville, the Simpson family barely existed!
The current head of the Simpson family, Dominic Simpson, was once a butler for the Bell family. Later, he gained the trust of the Bell patriarch, who invested in him to start a company. With the Bell family's support, the Simpsons rose quickly and became a significant family in Chiville.
But in the end, the Simpsons turned their backs on the Bells, using their close ties and inside knowledge to team up with the Morgans and other families, dragging the Bells down!
"Who would've thought the Bells raised a bunch of ungrateful wolves!" Evan's voice dripped with icy coldness.
"After we released the information, the Morgans and Collins, besides spending heavily to recruit martial artists as bodyguards, are also quickly ramping up their business collaborations. Meanwhile, they're digging into your identity, Commander. The military already let me know that the Morgans and Collins are pulling out all the stops to find out your background. But because of your special status, they won't get anywhere."
At that, Rose couldn't help but give a knowing smile. "I can't wait to see their faces when those families find out who you really are, Commander!"
"What about the Simpsons and the other families involved? Are they willing to pay back the Bells ten times what they took and apologize on their knees?" Evan asked.
"No," Rose shook her head. "Yesterday, the Simpsons and seven other big families met in secret and decided to fight to the end! They're also recruiting martial artists, and word is, they might even bring in a Grandmaster."
"A Grandmaster?" Evan was a bit surprised-he hadn't expected such a figure to be in Chiville.
Even though he was way beyond Grandmaster level, a Grandmaster was still a big deal here-someone who could lead a decent-sized army.
"Perfect," Evan suddenly chuckled, though his smile was laced with chilling playfulness. "Let's not rush. Let them prepare. Since they're so confident these Grandmasters can protect them, let them feel safe for a few days. Then I'll tear down their confidence, bit by bit!"
"Yes!"
"Let's go. After ten years away, it's about time I went home."
A kind, gentle face popped into Evan's mind.
Fifteen years ago, Evan had wandered from Eglurmont to Chiville and was taken in by an ordinary family. Without them, he might have starved on the streets.
The luxury car pulled up on a rundown street.
"I'll go in alone. You handle the tasks I gave you. Pick me up in an hour," Evan instructed, then grabbed a bag of gifts and walked onto the worn street.
Evan approached an old small building, where he could faintly hear voices inside.
He knocked softly on the door.
"Who is it?" A middle-aged woman opened the door. Her eyes widened in surprise, then broke into a joyful smile. "Is it... Evan? You're back from the army?"
"Mom, I'm home." Seeing her, Evan finally let a soft smile he hadn't shown in years appear on his face.
"Nathan, come quick! Look who's back!" the woman shouted into the house.
"Who is it? Why so happy?" A middle-aged man with a flushed face came over. When he saw Evan, he trembled a little, his voice shaking, "Evan?"
"Dad, drink less alcohol-it's not good for your health." Evan's eyes grew red. No matter how many battles he'd fought or enemies he'd faced, seeing his family again after seven years still got to him.
"It's good that you're back, it's good!" Nathan's voice was filled with age and experience. He lifted his hand to pat Evan's shoulder, only to find Evan was no longer the ragged little boy he once was.
He'd grown up, standing tall and proud, as straight as a pine and as steady as a mountain.
His hand paused in mid-air, not knowing what to do, before he awkwardly pulled it back behind him.
Evan noticed and felt a stab of guilt.
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