The grand drawing room of the Star family estate was filled with the muted murmur of uneasy voices. Rich tapestries lined the walls, and heavy velvet curtains draped the tall windows that overlooked the sprawling grounds. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow, illuminating the faces of the family elders—men and women who bore the weight of generations in their stern expressions. At the center of the room stood a long mahogany table, polished to a mirror sheen, around which the family had gathered for what was undoubtedly one of the most critical meetings in recent memory.
The Star family was known for their pride, power but were far beneath the other families in New York like the Grandle Family, Muke, Roster families, and unyielding adherence to tradition. But today, that tradition was being tested.
Adrian and Lissa entered together, their presence drawing attention. Whispers spread quickly—of the useless son-in law Adrian was seen as a loser by everyone in the family and in the shadows he was untouchable having all the power in his hands. The matriarch, Lady Star, sat at the head of the table, her sharp eyes narrowing as she look at Lissa and Adrian. The oldest granddaughter, Nomatter, sat confidently beside her, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She was the favored one—the daughter of Lady Star's firstborn son Mark, raised and groomed for leadership. Nomatter's disdain for Lissa was no secret, and the tension between them filled the room like electricity.
The meeting began with a heavy silence, and Nomatter said sharply, " Why bring this unworthy loser," pointing at Adrian who was calm and having suffered alot of disdain from every corner of the city and him being know as a coward, poor and useless.
Lissa spoke for Adrian, " he is my husband," Nomatter said ," Useless pierce if trash"
The hostility was evident as it was broken only when Mr. Ressler entered the room, Adrian's trusted advisor and strategist. His posture was calm, having strong men following him, his voice steady, as he said ," Members of the Star family," cutting through the thick atmosphere.
Ressler began, his gaze sweeping the room. "The financial reality you face cannot be ignored. The debts have grown to an unsustainable level. Your current course is untenable, and without decisive action, the family's legacy and assets are at severe risk."
Murmurs of agreement and concern echoed softly, but the tension remained palpable.
"However," Ressler continued, "there is an opportunity before you. Vale Techno, the mega-trillionaire corporation led by the Vale family, has extended an offer of substantial backing—a fifty million dollar investment to fund a major new project under Vale Technologies."
All eyes turned toward Nomatter's boyfriend Luke
"But," Ressler's voice grew firmer, "there is a condition. This project's leadership must be entrusted to Lissa."
The room erupted into a chorus of shocked whispers. Lady Star's eyes darkened, her lips tightening into a thin line. Nomatter's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl.
Lady Star's voice was cold but commanding. "Lissa? The youngest granddaughter? She lacks the experience and the pedigree for such a responsibility. Nomatter has been groomed for leadership since birth. It is she who should be entrusted with this project."
Nomatter leaned forward, her tone dripping with condescension. "Mother is right. This is a dangerous gamble. Putting so much power in Lissa's hands threatens the stability we have worked so hard to maintain."
Lissa met their gazes steadily, her voice clear and unwavering. "I am aware of the challenges, but I also bring a vision and determination shaped by real struggle. This project is not about lineage; it is about securing the family's future through innovation and strength."
Lady Star's eyes narrowed. "Vision is meaningless without the foundation of tradition and experience. Nomatter's leadership is proven. This family respects order."
Adrian's voice cut through the rising tension. "Respect is earned, not inherited. The debts we face demand more than tradition—they demand results. Lissa's leadership represents a new path forward, one that can restore our fortune and reputation."
The room was divided. Some family members nodded thoughtfully, while others exchanged worried glances. The matriarch's expression was unreadable, but the weight of her decision was evident.
Ressler pressed on, "The debts are not just numbers on a ledger—they threaten the very survival of the Star family. Vale Techno's backing is the lifeline you need several families in New York will respect you, but it comes with this stipulation. We must choose between clinging to tradition and embracing the future."
Lady Star's voice was steady but reluctant. "I have always supported Nomatter, as the eldest granddaughter and heir of my firstborn. But the debts and the power behind this offer cannot be ignored. Though it pains me, I must consider this proposal seriously."
Nomatter's face twisted with anger. "You would betray me, Grandmother? After all I have done for this family?"
Lady Star's gaze was unyielding. "This is about the family's survival, Nomatter—not personal ambition."
The room fell into a heavy silence. The battle lines were drawn, and the fragile unity of the Star family was cracking.
Adrian and Lissa shared a glance—this victory was hard-won, but the fight was only beginning.
As the meeting adjourned, whispers of dissent and reluctant acceptance filled the halls. The Vale Techno-backed project was approved, but the true challenge lay ahead: navigating the treacherous waters of family politics and securing the future they had fought so hard to claim.
Outside the estate, the night air was cool and sharp. Adrian's mind churned with plans and possibilities. The Star family's fate hung in the balance, but with determination, strategy, and the unexpected power of the Vale empire behind them, he was ready to show the world how powerful he is.
As Adrian was about to leave Luke said ," you trash why aren't you home cooking for your in-laws." Everyone in the room broke into a laughter.
Luke was from a family which hold less power but more than the Star family in the city which was into technologies and had tenders with the Vale Techno. Luke said," l will talk with Mr Ressler to consider Nomatter for the leadership of the project." To Luke's surprise Adrian just took a cigarette and puffed as he left the room.
Adrian was outside and Lissa followed
''Do not take their despise of you to heart" said Lissa
Adrian smiled and said l am okay. They went back home and Adrian went into the kitchen to cook and Lissa's mother shouted as the aroma filled her noise, " Be quick l am hungry."
They sat at the dinner table and Lissa asked ,"Adrian have you found any job to do." Adrian said l will look for job tomorrow. Ruth spoke harshly, " you useless, who would want to hire you."
''Mother mother that's enough", Lissa said to her mother.
Adrian went to the kitchen as they finish their meal and cleaned the plates and in his mind thinking how to destroy the five families who have been giving him trouble.