Adrian Volkov Lancaster.
Who would dare go against his will? Even the airport's most trusted personnel bent to assist him at the slightest command. He was the man who revived a business on the verge of collapse—a company his father had abandoned after losing the strength to handle it. Still in his college years then, Adrian had made the impossible possible, driven by his natural brilliance and sheer determination to prove he was a deserving heir.
Now, he was the youngest titan in the corporate world—strict, disciplined, and a perfectionist where work ethic was a non-negotiable rule. Admired not only for his sharp mind but also for his presence, Adrian Lancaster was the kind of man who could make anyone submit with nothing but a look.
To the world, he was the face of Titan International—brilliant CEO, ruthless businessman, and the most desired bachelor alive. But to those who laid eyes on him now, he was something more. Almost divine. A figure as though crafted by the gods themselves.
Blond hair swayed sharply in the wind, ruining the perfectly styled work of his personal stylist. Yet, his faint scowl at the disturbance only heightened his appeal.
Whispers remained unspoken, but the gazes around him betrayed every thought:
How can someone be so blessed with beauty?
Even his displeasure looks admirable.
If this is my last day alive, thank God I saw a man like this.
Women swooned. Men questioned themselves. Such was the effect of Adrian Lancaster—inescapable, undeniable.
Trailing behind him was a man balancing a tablet in one hand, glasses slipping down his nose as he scrolled rapidly. Morris Stelle, Adrian's secretary since his intern days, knew his employer better than anyone—his schedule, his habits, even his moods.
"Sir Lancaster, here is today's executive briefing." Morris spoke briskly as they walked. "Negotiations with Helios Energy Group remain ongoing. They expect your decision by the end of the week."
"Set another meeting tomorrow afternoon," Adrian answered, voice low but commanding.
"Noted." Morris tapped quickly. "Also, media outlets continue highlighting your status as the country's most eligible bachelor. The *Daily Herald* reported on your mother's involvement in arranging a potential partner." He hesitated before adding, "She called this morning, requesting your attendance at the charity gala."
Adrian's jaw tightened, though he said nothing. His mother—once a world-renowned supermodel and socialite—never stopped scheming about his future. And while he had little patience for such things, he could never fault her persistence.
"Lastly, security reported increased paparazzi activity in Seoul and London. They recommend stricter discretion in your schedule."
By the time Morris finished, the two men reached the arrival pick-up zone where a sleek black luxury car awaited. Morris opened the door, waiting for his employer to step in.
"Shall I confirm your attendance at the gala, sir?"
Adrian slid into the leather seat, pausing only briefly before replying.
"The gala is two months away. Tell them they'll have my answer in one."
"Yes, sir." Morris bowed slightly as the car pulled away.
Employees lined the driveway of the Lancaster estate, bowing as though a king had returned to his palace. For them, it wasn't just their CEO coming home after seven years abroad—it was a sovereign reclaiming his throne.
Inside the mansion, a woman stood waiting. Natalia Orlova Lancaster. Time had barely touched her beauty. Once a supermodel who captivated the world, she had stolen the heart of Peter Lancaster, Adrian's father. Together, they raised two children—Adrian, the eldest, and Titiana, the fragile but spirited daughter who remained the light of the family.
Adrian stepped inside, his cold demeanor cracking as Natalia enveloped him in her arms. For the world, he was an untouchable figure. But for his mother—he was simply her son.
"I missed you, my boy," Natalia whispered, cupping his face before pinching his cheeks with a playful pout. "Why do you look so thin? Haven't you been eating properly?"
A rare smile curved Adrian's lips. "I missed you too, Mother."
Dragged almost immediately to the dining room, Adrian found a warm dinner prepared.
"It's nothing grand," Natalia said cheerfully, "just a small welcome dinner. I thought the house staff deserved to celebrate with us tonight."
The helpers, touched by her kindness, glowed with gratitude. In this household, they weren't treated as servants, but as people who mattered. Adrian noticed their joy and, inwardly, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the mother who kept compassion alive in this cold world.
She never forgets to care for others… How lucky am I to have her?
"Well, well! Is this truly my brother finally home after years in Russia?"
A cheerful voice rang out before Titiana Lancaster bounded into the room, throwing her arms around him from behind. "I missed you so much, brother!"
Adrian chuckled softly, caught off guard by her energy. "Titiana, you'll choke me."
Unlike him, his sister rarely ventured outside. Born with weak health, she had doctors and nurses attending to her regularly. Despite her condition, she radiated warmth and positivity, enough to brighten even his stern heart.
That night, surrounded by family and loyal staff, Adrian allowed himself a rare moment of peace.
For the world, he belonged to Titan International. But here—in the embrace of his mother and sister—he was just Adrian.