CHAPTER 2: THE TRAINER

Recap

Wren arrived at the Book mansion, revealing his true identity as the biological son. He faced hostility from Mark, but stood his ground. As Wren settled in, he reflected on his past and prepared for the challenges ahead, including the heir assessment and rivalry with Mark.

The Next Day

Wren jogged around the compound for some time before heading back to his room to take a bath.

"Young Master Wren, it's time for breakfast," a maid announced as she entered his room.

"Did you knock?" Wren asked, already dressed.

"Yes, sir," she lied.

"But I didn't hear any sound." Wren locked eyes with her.

"Sir, I knocked… maybe you didn't hear it," she replied hesitantly.

"So I'm lying?" Wren's expression darkened.

"I don't know, sir," she murmured, looking down.

"Good, excellent. I think there's a CCTV camera in the corridor. I'll ask Butler More to check the footage."

"No, sir! Please don't deduct my salary," she pleaded.

"You already decided your punishment before I even mentioned one. I was just going to let it slide," Wren said coldly.

"No, sir, I'm sorry! Please, I don't want to lose my job. My family depends on my salary to survive."

Wren raised an eyebrow. "You're just a maid. Are you trying to emotionally blackmail me?"

"No, sir… I—"

"Wait. How are we related? Am I part of your family? Why should I care about your survival?" Wren interrupted.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Good. Now, I want you to understand something—your source of livelihood lies in my hands. So, you will do exactly as I say."

"Yes, sir," she said in a trembling voice.

"You will be my eyes and ears in this house. I want to know everything that happens. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir."

Wren walked toward the door, then paused. Turning back to the maid, he smiled—half amusement, half warning.

"I know Mark set you up to disrespect me, to make me feel insignificant. I also know you only have a grandmother, not a full family."

The maid's face paled.

"If I can find out that much, imagine what else I can uncover. Be careful—because I can do anything I want. I'll be watching you. Your grandmother's safety depends on your loyalty."

Without another word, Wren left, while the maid stood frozen in shock.

As he walked down the hallway toward the dining room, he stopped and glanced around, ensuring no one was around.

"Geez… Zack always says eavesdropping is bad, but for once, I think it's useful," he muttered.

He exhaled sharply. "I think I was quite intimidating back there. She's not going to notice I was just acting. After this competition, I should get into showbiz."

With that, he continued on his way.

At the Dining Room

Wren entered and saw Zoe and Cam seated. Beside them sat a young man in his early twenties—tall, slim, and strikingly handsome. His beauty was almost divine, his aura commanding.

Wren froze for a moment, stunned. He was the most attractive man he had ever seen in his life.

"Wren," Cam called, breaking him out of his trance. Wren quickly masked his reaction and casually took his seat.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Morning," Cam and Zoe responded, but the handsome stranger remained silent, continuing to eat as if he had heard nothing.

The dining hall fell into a heavy silence as they ate.

Suddenly, Mark stormed in, dressed in a crop top and tight jeans, his face heavily made up. He approached the handsome man with a coquettish smile.

"Young Master Dee," Mark purred seductively.

"No talking while eating," Dee responded flatly, not even sparing him a glance.

Mark pouted but obeyed. "Okay, Brother Dee."

The room returned to silence.

After Breakfast

"I'm Dee from the Van family, and I will be your trainer for the heir competition," the handsome man announced, his tone emotionless. "In two days, a casual banquet will be held for socializing before training begins."

He continued, "The designer will be here this afternoon to customize your suits. I will be staying with the Book family for the next few months."

With that, he strode out of the dining room, Mark scrambling to keep up with him but failing.

"So… who is that man?" Wren asked Zoe and Cam.

"I never knew you were this gossipy," Cam teased.

"Oh, so you're not curious?" Wren shot back.

Cam smirked. "Fine, I'll spill. He's the sole heir to the Van family. The Vans are the wealthiest family in the country, involved in almost every major industry. They even have government backing."

"Damn," Wren muttered.

Cam nodded. "Young Master Dee is a prodigy. He started his own jewelry company, Jewel, at the age of fifteen—without any help from his father's money or influence."

Wren's eyes widened. "That's insane."

Zoe chimed in, "Compared to the Vans, our family is nothing. If they wanted, they could buy the entire Book family business a hundred times over."

"Then why did he agree to come here?" Wren asked.

"It's rumored that he owes Papa a favor," Zoe said. "I wonder what kind of favor it is."

"Me too," Cam agreed.

Wren sighed. "One more thing…"

"What?"

"He's rumored to have never had a partner—not male or female. Some say he's gay."

"That's good to know," Wren muttered.

Cam raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing." Wren stood up and left, leaving Cam and Zoe exchanging glances.

Cam stretched. "I think I'll hit the club."

Zoe frowned. "At this hour?"

"Yep. See you later."

"Why do you always go to the club?"

"That's none of your business, Zoe."

"I was just asking."

"Yeah, yeah." Cam waved him off and left.

Zoe watched him go, deep in thought. I need to find out what he's up to.

Precap:

Wren confronts Mark, and the family prepares for the banquet. Zoe investigates Cam's mysterious club visits. Will Wren's bold move pay off, or ignite conflict?