As we approached the entrance, I took in the massive gate that swung open automatically. Intricate metalwork curled into vines and flowers across its surface.
This wasn't just an entrance—it shouted wealth, power, and a long family history.
The SUV rolled forward, tires rumbling over the smooth stone driveway, stopping before a large, two-story white mansion.
Arched windows framed by delicate woodwork looked down upon us, while a grand balcony overhung above the front entrance.
A bodyguard opened the door. The moment my foot hit the ground, a line of maids and male servants stood waiting, perfectly still.
"Welcome, young master." They bowed in unison.
I nodded once, remembering Axel never mingled with the staff. Better play along—at least until this whole house was dancing to my tune.
One step inside, and the air of wealth wrapped around me...literally.
The centralized air conditioning brushing over my skin. Just thinking about the electric bill made my cheap-ass heart squeeze tight.
Looking down, I found marble stretching beneath me, polished enough to catch my reflection.
My shoes tapped against it, the sound fading in the huge space until I reached a staircase that split in two—because nothing says rich like owning two of the exact same thing that does the exact same job.
"Axel, your father's waiting for you in the study." Ellie stated.
"Thanks,"
Following the path etched into my mind, I moved through a series of long hallways until I reached a pair of heavy oak doors.
Pausing mid-step, a prick of annoyance settled in my chest—mixed with the leftover resentment of Axel Johnson. I met plenty of bastards before, but his father? Easily top tier. Didn't visit a single time.
If he turned out worse than I thought, then whatever came next was on him.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the doors and stepped into the study.
The room was vast, lined with towering bookshelves that stretched nearly two stories high, each one packed with leather-bound tomes and antiques.
At the far end, behind an enormous mahogany desk that looked like it belonged in a private museum, sat my father, Daniel Johnson.
Unlike me, he had jet-black hair, and eyes to match.
He looked up from his paperwork, his face as blank as ever.
DING!
[Mission: Fool Daniel Johnson into believing you're the real Axel]
[Reward: 50 PP]
My new objective popped into view. Compared to the others, this one was a breeze.
With the mission in mind, I kept my lips tight—knowing Daniel always preferred to speak first.
He looked me over from head to toe, not a sign of happiness at seeing his only son again.
"I heard you've awakened your powers."
"Yes, Father. I was lucky, and I've fully recovered."
Daniel didn't answer right away. He set his pen down with a soft click, stacked the papers in front of him into a neat pile, then leaned back in his chair.
His eyes drifted over me again, slower this time, as if measuring something I couldn't see.
A faint sigh escaped him. He gestured toward the chair opposite his desk. "Sit."
The cold leather pressed against my back as I sank into the chair. For a few seconds, all I heard was the faint hum of the air conditioner and the distant ticking of a clock.
"You've… grown...And… something about you feels different. Off."
"Maybe it's everything I went through. Three years stuck, unable to move… that's more than enough to change a person."
He gave a small nod. "What's your plan now?"
Not the question I was expecting, but best to play it safe.
"I'm not sure yet… perhaps just enjoy life for a while."
I watched him tapped his fingers on the desk before sliding a hand into the drawer.
A long envelope came out, its edges scraping the wood as he pushed it toward me.
"Open it."
I slid a finger under the flap, peeling it open slow enough to hear the faint tear of paper.
Inside was a single document.
My eyes caught the number before anything else.
"Zero percent?"
The words slipped out before I could stop them. It didn't take a genius to figure it out.
"I'm not your real father, Axel. Your mother… was unfaithful." His face held no rage, only indifference.
My mouth opened, but no words came. No wonder I didn't look a damn thing like him.
But that wasn't even the worst part.
Losing my inheritance would hit me hard if he decided to cut me out.
"You're taking it better than I expected," Daniel broke the silence.
I placed the paper down calmly. This wasn't a lost cause yet.
"There's nothing I can do about it. My mother cheated on you, and I feel bad. But you're still the man I've looked up to since I was a kid. Knowing we're not blood-related doesn't change how I see you."
I triggered my ability, hoping to lean on his sentimental side.
Nothing happened. He just kept tapping his desk, lost in thought.
From what I understood, this wasn't public knowledge yet. He wanted to protect his reputation, and I could use that to my advantage.