Clark Family Estate…
Inside his room, Tony leaned back lazily on his couch. His attention fully locked onto the glowing screen hovering before him. The golden orb pulsed faintly, projecting a fast-paced battle game. His fingers moved with sharp precision, eyes narrowing as he cornered his opponent.
"Pathetic… you call this skill?" Tony muttered, lips curling as his character crushed the enemy in a final blow.
Victory!
A smug smile spread across his face.
"Too easy."
Just as he was about to start another round, the door opened quietly. "Young Master…" Mary's voice slipped in, soft but urgent.
Tony didn't look up immediately. "What is it?"
Mary stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Madam is calling for you. You are missing from Young Master Leo's birthday gathering."
"Tch… already started?" he sighed, clearly annoyed. With a flick of his wrist, he dismissed the game and casually tossed the golden orb into his bamboo bag.
"Fine. Let's go entertain the circus." He stood up slowly, stretching his shoulders before walking toward the dressing area.
Mary was already prepared. A neatly arranged designer outfit waited for him, red with subtle golden linings that reflected quiet luxury.
Tony slipped into the clothes without hurry. Mary stepped closer and began fastening the buttons of his coat carefully, her fingers steady despite the faint tension in her expression.
Tony glanced at the mirror.
Sharp jawline. Calm but dangerous eyes. Refined posture. The impurities from earlier were completely gone, leaving behind a body that looked sculpted rather than trained.
He smirked. "Handsome… composed… dangerous… A perfect third-rate villain."
Mary lowered her gaze, unsure whether to respond.
Tony chuckled lightly and flicked the edge of his collar.
"Let's go."
***
The moment he stepped out, the atmosphere shifted.
The Clark Family Estate was glowing like a star. Expensive suits, dazzling gowns, and controlled smiles filled the space.
Tony's lips curved.
"To outsiders… just another rich family controlling Mumbai's business world… But to those who know… we control something far more valuable- Martial resources."
Power beyond money. The true currency of this world.
As he walked forward, people began noticing him.
"Young Master Tony…"
"Good evening, Young Master…"
"Looking sharp as always…"
Voices greeted him politely, heads bowing just enough to show respect. Tony nodded lazily, acknowledging them like a king accepting routine tribute.
But behind those smiles…
Whispers. Faint. Careful. Almost suffocating.
"Keep your voice down…"
"He's here…"
"Don't let him hear…"
Even the powerful guests, people who could shake cities with their influence, spoke like frightened conspirators.
Because they all knew one thing… If Tony heard them speaking ill… He wouldn't react immediately. He would remember. And someday… Their entire family would pay the price.
Meanwhile, the servants moved like shadows.
The moment Tony's gaze drifted in their direction, they subtly stepped back, hiding behind guests, lowering their heads, avoiding even accidental eye contact. Like prey avoiding a predator.
Tony noticed… Of course he noticed. His smile deepened.
At the front rows of the gathering sat the true elites.
The 3rd Elder, 7th Elder and several influential figures.
The moment their eyes landed on Tony- A faint scoff escaped. "Hmph."
Their expressions carried clear disdain. "No talent… yet walking like he owns the world."
But even they couldn't deny it… Tony walked like the next head of the Clark family. Not through strength… But through presence.
Tony didn't spare them a glance. His eyes were already fixed elsewhere. At the center of the gathering his younger brother stood like a star. Leo.
Surrounded by attention, admiration and pride.
Sixteen and Already at the Grand Master stage. Just steps away from receiving the World Tree Blessing.
A monster of talent!
Tony watched silently. For a brief moment, the noise of the hall faded.
"I never saw that look…" he thought while watching his father who stood beside Leo.
The look of pride was apparent. But Tony never saw that look when his father was close to him.
The reason is obvious. Because Tony is quite the opposite of his brother.
"Don't worry father, I won't let our family fall. No heaven blessed will trample on us while I am standing here." Tony muttered as he remembered the system status.
Just as he was lost in thought, staring at his parents and younger brother, the enemies began moving their pawns from behind.
The third elder immediately signaled the Clay family members and servants.
As per the plan, the Clay family head went to meet the old patriarch of the Clark family, along with his daughter Elsa and son Elwynn.
They directly complained to the old patriarch about what Tony Clark did in the herb garden.
"Yes… Old Patriarch Jim… we clearly saw it with our own eyes. Not only that, the Young Master made us clean all the underground sewer canals for a silly reason. Please do justice."
The servants of the 3rd and 7th elders supported the claim of the Clay family.
Just then, as per the plan, the third and seventh elders approached the old patriarch.
"Great Grandfather Jim… our family's future is definitely in the wrong hands. That fellow Tony doesn't deserve the title of Prince. Even after all these years, he is still stuck at the 12th class disciple stage. He's a disgrace. I beg you to remove him as the Prince and place someone capable and worthy. Then only our younger generation will feel motivated by seeing the leading youth."
The seventh elder said in a pleading tone, as if he was really suffering to see Tony in the place of Prince.
Prince is not just a title… it is a right to get better resources.
Old Patriarch Jim is an eccentric person with authority. Even though the entire family was controlled by Tony's father, Rion Clark... the old patriarch Jim still has a say in important matters.
As expected, the old patriarch immediately got angry after hearing the complaints. The irritation was clearly visible on his face as he couldn't bear to see servants complaining about the family prince.
"Tony… where are you?!" Jim Clark shouted loudly, completely ignoring the party situation happening and the presence of many esteemed guests.
A slight grin appeared on Tony's right side cheek as he stared at wine glass in hand.
TONY...!