Ch-189 new encounter and family quarrel

The convoy moved through the heart of Vintressa, the city's golden rooftops and towering marble structures gleaming under the midday sun. The streets were filled with merchants, nobles, and travelers, but beneath the surface, I could feel the tension. Eyes followed us from the alleys, whispers trailed behind our passing vehicles, and hidden figures watched from the rooftops.

Lao Shandong leaned back in her seat, her amber eyes flickering with amusement. "This whole city feels like a coiled snake."

"Because it is," Olivia said, staring out the window. "Fang Hua's power runs through every stone, every street. If we misstep, we'll be swallowed whole."

Qian Yan's fingers traced the hilt of her sword. "Then we step carefully."

Fang Lei, seated in the front, remained silent, her gaze focused on the road ahead.

The Crimson Moon Palace came into view—a massive structure carved from blood-red stone, its high walls adorned with intricate golden designs. The palace was an architectural masterpiece, but beneath its beauty, it radiated an unmistakable aura of control.

The convoy came to a halt before the grand entrance. Rows of elite guards in dark crimson armor flanked the staircase leading inside. At the top stood Fang Hua herself.

Tall, regal, and utterly unreadable, she watched us with sharp crimson eyes. Dressed in flowing black robes embroidered with silver serpents, she exuded an air of absolute authority.

I stepped out of the car, locking eyes with her.

"Raghav Ye King," she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. "It has been a long time."

I gave her a slow smile. "Not long enough."

A flicker of amusement passed through her gaze before she turned and gestured toward the palace doors. "Come inside. We have much to discuss."

Lao Shandong cracked her knuckles. "Let's hope it's not a short conversation."

Fang Hua's lips curled slightly. "That depends on how cooperative you are."

I walked forward, my wives following close behind. The palace doors swung open, revealing the darkened halls beyond.

The game had truly begun.

On the other side of the city, deep within the Wine God's estate, chaos was already brewing.

In a grand hall lined with rows of ancient wine casks and golden banners, Ethan Valtieri, the only son of the late Wine God, stood with his back to the towering windows. His sharp black suit contrasted with his tousled dark hair and piercing amber eyes. His jaw was tense, his fists clenched at his sides as the voices of his three stepsisters echoed through the hall.

"You're not the rightful heir!" snapped Seraphina Valtieri, the eldest of the three. Dressed in an elegant crimson gown, her dark eyes flashed with anger. "Father entrusted the legacy of the Wine God to all of us—not just you!"

Ethan's gaze darkened. "Father named me his successor. That makes me the head of the Valtieri family."

"And yet, you've done nothing to protect this family's legacy!" Seraphina shot back. "Do you even understand the position you're in?"

"You think you can control the Valtieri name through force?" cut in Luna Valtieri, the middle sister. She wore a black and silver dress, her long silver hair cascading over her shoulders. Her cold blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "Father's death left a power vacuum—and the whole city knows it."

"Enough," Ethan's voice sharpened, the authority in his tone cutting through the tension. He stepped toward them, his gaze hard. "Father trusted me for a reason."

"Oh?" The youngest of the three, Selene Valtieri, stood near the edge of the room. Unlike her sisters, she was dressed simply in dark silk robes. Her violet eyes glittered with quiet amusement. "And what reason would that be?"

Ethan's gaze hardened. "Because I understand what's at stake. Father's death wasn't an accident."

Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "And you think you know who's responsible?"

"I know," Ethan said darkly. "But I need time to prove it."

"Time you don't have," Luna said sharply. "The merchants are already pulling out of our contracts. The Fang family is circling like wolves. You think they'll sit back and let you take control?"

"I don't care what the Fang family does," Ethan said coldly. "This is our house—our legacy. I'll protect it."

Seraphina stepped toward him, her expression fierce. "Then start acting like a leader. Father wouldn't have hesitated."

"You think I'm hesitating?" Ethan's voice dropped dangerously. "Try me."

Selene's soft laugh echoed through the hall. "Careful, brother. If you break something, you'll have to pay for it."

Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "If I break something, it's because it deserved to be broken."

Just then, the massive oak doors of the hall swung open. A tall figure dressed in dark robes stepped inside—a servant of the house.

"Master Ethan," the servant said with a bow. "A guest has arrived."

"Who?" Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"A representative of the Fang family."

The air in the room tightened.

Seraphina's gaze sharpened. "Fang Hua is already making her move."

Ethan's expression darkened as he turned toward the doors. "Good. Let her come."

As the doors closed behind him, his stepsisters exchanged dark glances.

"You think he's ready for this?" Luna asked.

Selene's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Let's hope so. Because if he's not…"

"…we'll lose everything," Seraphina finished.

Outside the estate, a sleek black carriage marked with the Fang family's sigil rolled to a stop.

Fang Hua's envoy had arrived.

And the game was no longer just about inheritance.

It was about survival.