The tension in the grand hall was thick — no music, no chatter. All eyes were on the confrontation unfolding like a scene out of a high-stakes drama.
Darren stood tall, his cold gaze locked onto the man who gave him life but never once lived up to the name father.
The silence broke when the man — Richard Hayes — finally spoke.
"You've made a lot of noise for someone who came from nothing," he said, voice low but laced with contempt. "But don't confuse fleeting success with real power, Darren."
"The Hayes are still the Hayes."
Darren's jaw clenched, his voice a calm storm.
"You're right. The Hayes are still the Hayes."
"Arrogant, cruel, and empty."
He took a slow step forward, each word deliberate.
"You think you're powerful?" Darren asked, ice dripping from his voice.
He raised his hand, snapping his fingers once. Instantly, several LED screens lit up around the room — each displaying headlines, news clips, and stats.
[Kairos Group acquires another startup.]
[Young mogul shakes up local tech scene.]
[Net worth estimated over 80 million and climbing.]
The room whispered.
Darren turned back to Richard Hayes and the silent, stiff family behind him.
"Give me six months — or less."
"I'll bring the Hayes to their knees."
"I'll make every single one of you less than nothing."
"Not because I want revenge…"
His voice dropped to a chilling softness.
"…but because I can."
System Notification
Suddenly, in the corner of Darren's vision, the system interface appeared — clean, gold-rimmed and pulsing with energy.
[Main Mission Activated: Downfall of the Hayes]
Objective: Crush the Hayes Conglomerate in wealth, influence, and reputation.
Time Limit: 6 Months
Reward: Unknown (Heaven-Tier System Upgrade Pending)
Darren's lips curled into a subtle smile.
Perfect.
Shaken But Silent
Richard Hayes looked stunned for a heartbeat, as did the rest of the family. This wasn't the scared boy they threw away. This was a king in the making.
With nothing left to say — and clearly outmatched in presence — the Hayes turned and left, tension clinging to their steps like a defeated army.
A Roar of Applause
The guests, stunned and speechless, suddenly burst into applause.
Not because of the confrontation — but because they saw something undeniable.
A new power had arrived.
And his name was Darren Kairos.