Chapter 39: Cinder Square

The morning sun spilled golden light across the Keller household, painting the walls in a soft, warm hue. Miles returned from his early run, towel draped over his shoulders, hair damp with sweat. The house was already lively—Elena busy in the kitchen, the scent of freshly toasted bread and brewed coffee lingering in the air, while Hope and Asher giggled and chased each other around the dining table.

Miles sat down just as Daniel folded the morning newspaper and said casually, “I’ve been thinking… maybe I should get a job now.”

Miles paused, lifting a brow. “Why don’t you rest a bit more, Father? Let me handle everything for now.”

Elena chimed in gently, placing a plate in front of Daniel. “He’s right. You’ve just recovered, you shouldn’t push yourself.”

Daniel chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “I know, I know… but I can’t just sit around all day either.”

Miles poured himself a glass of water, then looked up thoughtfully. “If you ask me… why don’t you all go on a vacation? You, Mom, and the twins.”

The moment the word “vacation” left his lips, Hope and Asher froze mid-bite—then burst into a flurry of excitement.

“Vacation!?” Hope squealed, practically bouncing on the chair. “Are we going to the beach!? With sandcastles and ice cream!?” Asher added, eyes sparkling.

Elena looked over at Miles, both amused and touched. “That’s a lovely idea. But why not you come with us too?”

Miles smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. “Vacation’s not really my cup of tea, Mom. I get bored doing nothing.” He ruffled Hope’s hair playfully. “But don’t worry. You go and enjoy, and I’ll make sure there’s a surprise waiting for you all there.”

Hope tugged on his sleeve, pouting. “Big broooo, pleeeaase come with us…”

Miles bent down slightly and kissed her forehead. “Next time, promise. But this one—you enjoy for both of us.”

Daniel looked between them, then said with a smile, “Then how about this—we all go together, a few weeks later. As a family. Full vacation mode.”

Miles nodded. “Okay then. That sounds good.”

As breakfast continued, the laughter of the twins filled the room again.

Miles’s phone buzzed on the table, vibrating softly beside his coffee cup. He picked it up and answered calmly.

“Hello?”

A crisp, respectful voice came through. “Good morning, Mr. Miles. I’m Mac, the manager of Cinder Square. I just wanted to confirm—when will you be coming in for the handover procedure?”

Miles glanced at the clock on the wall. “Good morning, Manager Mac. I’ll be there by 3 o’clock this afternoon. Please have all the paperwork ready by then.”

“Yes, sir. Absolutely. Everything will be prepared,” Mac replied promptly before hanging up.

Daniel looked over from his seat, brow raised in curiosity. “What was that about, Miles?”

Miles set the phone down and leaned back slightly in his chair. His expression softened, yet carried a quiet determination.

“Well… I suppose it’s time to tell you anyway,” he said. “I’m starting a new business.”

Elena, who had just poured herself some tea, paused mid-motion. “What kind of business, dear?”

Miles looked at both of them and replied steadily, “An enterprise. I’m calling it Sterling Enterprises. I want to revive the Sterling business empire—the one people have long forgotten.”

For a moment, silence lingered in the room, heavy with meaning.

Elena slowly sat down, her eyes misting with memory. “Son… if your father were alive, he would be so proud of you.”

Miles gave a small smile, his voice quieter. “I hope to build something worthy of his name… of everything he once stood for.”

Daniel nodded with a warm expression. “Then you won’t be doing it alone. We’re with you, Miles. Always.”

And as the sunlight streamed through the windows, touching the edges of their breakfast table, it felt like something greater was just beginning—more than a business, more than a revival.

A legacy reborn.

Cinder Square—the very name carried weight in the city’s economy. A jewel of urban development, it was more than just a business district. It was the beating heart of Star Harbor’s commerce, culture, and influence.

Spanning several blocks and wrapped in gleaming glass facades, Cinder Square was home to elite corporate offices, luxury fashion houses, high-end restaurants, entertainment giants, and flagship malls. The roads that curved through it were pristine, flanked by well-kept trees and digital banners displaying the latest from global brands and tech conferences.

By day, it buzzed with professionals in tailored suits, delivery drones zipping overhead, media vans parked for interviews and coverage. By night, it transformed into a spectacle—lights from towers reflected in the polished marble walkways, music and laughter spilling from rooftop lounges and open-air cinemas.

At the center of it all was the Cinder Tower—an iconic high-rise that once belonged to a multinational tech firm, now being quietly transferred to a new name. Around it, buildings bore names etched in gold: Crimson Finance, Paradox Studios, Crownbridge Law, Wraithbourne PR. Every inch of Cinder Square was monetized, influential, and highly guarded.

Billions flowed through it every quarter. It wasn’t just a business location—it was a symbol of status. Anyone who owned a square inch of it was considered a power player.

So if the news would break that Miles Sterling was now taking over an entire Cinder Square, it would send ripples through every sector in the city.

Because Cinder Square didn’t just belong to the rich. It belonged to the ruthless, the visionaries, and the untouchables.

And now… it belonged to him.

As Miles pulled into the college parking lot in his sleek black SUV, students turned to look—some with curiosity, others with recognition. The vehicle alone commanded attention, but it was the man stepping out, calm and composed in a fitted black shirt and casual slate-gray slacks, that made people pause mid-sentence.

Near the entrance gate, Celina stood waiting, her hair loose and glimmering in the sunlight, a simple yet elegant college outfit hugging her form. She smiled the moment she saw him, and Miles returned it with a subtle nod as he approached.

“Good morning,” he said smoothly.

Celina arched a brow playfully. “Look at you, showing up like a scene from a drama.”

Before Miles could respond, Becky

and Rose popped up beside her.

“You two…” Rose began with a wide grin, arms folded. “You’re literally trending in all the private group chats of rich kids this morning.”

Becky leaned in, smirking. “There’s even a slowed-down video of your dance last night. You looked like some kind of long-lost… lovey-dovey power couple from a romance film.”

Celina’s cheeks flushed instantly. “W-What? No way, you’re exaggerating.”

“Oh no, no exaggeration,” Becky teased. “You were gazing into his eyes like he was the only man left in the world.”

Miles glanced at Celina, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I don’t remember you looking that dramatic,” he said, clearly enjoying this.

Celina shot him a look, flustered. “Stop encouraging them!”

Rose laughed. “Too late. You guys are already the unofficial king and queen of last night’s gala.”

Celina buried her face in her hands while the others chuckled. Miles just stood there, cool as ever, the corner of his mouth tugging into a rare, satisfied smirk.

Becky stretched her arms and turned to Celina. “So, what’s your plan this afternoon? Let’s go somewhere fun.”

Rose chimed in eagerly, “Yes! I need something to distract me from the oncoming doom that is next week’s exam.”

Celina hesitated for a second, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “Actually… my dad wants me to help him with something related to work.”

Rose blinked. “Already? You’re not even out of college yet. What’s the rush?”

Celina sighed lightly. “One of our PR divisions has an office in Cinder Square. And… well, we just got news that the entire Cinder Square was acquired recently.”

Miles glanced toward her quietly, lips curving into the faintest smile, but he said nothing.

Celina continued, “My dad wants me to meet the new owner—start making connections and talk about some rent related things. He says it’s time I begin stepping into the business world.”

Becky’s eyes widened. “Wait, Cinder Square? That’s like, huge. Whoever bought that place must be insanely rich… That’s like owning half the city.”

“Exactly,” Celina nodded. “So I guess it’s kind of important.”

“Let’s head in,” Miles said casually, shifting the conversation as they reached the classroom.

A couple of hours later

The lecture ended and the group trickled out of the building, meeting up again near the campus gates.

Becky groaned dramatically.”Ughhh, exam dates are out. Starting next week. So close.”

Rose gasped. “No! I’m not prepared at all!”

Celina smirked. “Well, maybe you two should’ve studied instead of watching videos of me and Miles dancing on loop.”

Becky grinned. “Touché.”

She turned toward Miles. “What about you, Mr. Mysterious? Are you ready for the exams?”

Miles shrugged lightly. “I could use a little help.”

Celina perked up. “I can help! You haven’t been here long enough to go through the whole syllabus—makes sense you’d need some catching up.”

Becky arched a brow. “Aha… home visits already?”

Rose snickered. “Study sessions or study dates?”

Celina blushed slightly. “It’s not like that! I’m just being helpful. He did join late, after all.”

Rose raised a brow. “Wait, didn’t you transfer from another university, Miles?”

Miles and Celina exchanged a brief glance.

Then Miles said calmly, “Actually… no. I didn’t transfer. This is my first time joining any university.”

The air grew still for a moment.

Becky blinked. “Wait, what?”

Rose frowned. “But… you’re so well-spoken, and you handle people like you’ve been through corporate meetings already.”

Miles just smiled, letting the mystery hang in the air.

Celina checked her phone. “I have to head home. Got some prep to do before meeting that new owner of Cinder Square.”

Miles nodded. “And I’ve got to pick up my siblings.”

They waved goodbye, splitting up near the college gates.

Later, at the school gates, the black SUV rolled to a smooth stop.

The bell rang as Hope and Asher came skipping down the school steps. The moment they spotted the car, their faces lit up.

“Big brooo!” they shouted in unison.

Miles stepped out, his smile softening. He knelt as they ran into his arms, wrapping around his legs like tiny whirlwinds of joy.

He ruffled their hair gently. “Did you two have fun today?”

Hope proudly showed him a drawing of a purple fairy .Asher raised a half-melted candy bar in victory.

Miles chuckled. “Looks like a successful day.”

The three of them got into the car, the engine humming softly as they pulled away—just another quiet moment in the storm of identities, secrets, and empires waiting on the horizon.

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