Chapter 68: Time to get to work !!

Though the grand succession contest had ended and the title of Clan Supreme had been passed, the vacation was far from over. With a few days still left in the mountains, the family immersed themselves in the quiet joy of nature and simple pleasures.

The mornings started with fresh mountain air and soft sunlight streaming across the tiled rooftops of the Phoenix Clan’s residence. Miles often took Hope and Asher for early morning jogs through the forest trails, showing them how to listen for animals, track footprints, and breathe like a martial artist.

One afternoon, they went adventure training with Clarissa and a few clan members. It was more of a guided trek through forested paths than an actual training session, but to the twins, it felt like a scene out of a movie. They climbed low cliffs with ropes, crossed wooden bridges suspended over shallow gorges, and laughed together while sliding down grassy slopes.

Hope tried to mimic Clarissa’s stances every time she demonstrated a move, while Asher kept asking Miles, “Big broo, can I fight bandits too?” Miles simply ruffled his hair and said, “Only if I’m your backup.”

Later, they spent an entire afternoon camping by a lakeside, where wooden tents were pitched, and the clan staff prepared a rustic meal over a firepit. Daniel taught the twins how to roast vegetables, while Elena laughed watching Miles try to start a fire using sticks the traditional way.

That night, under a clear starry sky, Clarissa brought out a koto, an old string instrument passed down through the clan. She played a gentle, melodic tune that seemed to make the wind pause. The fire crackled softly as Hope and Asher fell asleep in their blankets, huddled beside Elena.

Another day was reserved for fishing. They took small wooden boats into the crystal-clear lake surrounded by pine trees. Daniel surprisingly turned out to be an excellent fisherman, catching three fish while Miles caught one. “Skill over luck, son,” Daniel teased with a rare grin. Asher accidentally dropped his fishing rod into the lake and declared himself the “spotter” instead.

Evenings were peaceful — filled with warm herbal teas, laughter, and the hum of clan life continuing around them. Clarissa often joined them for dinner, and the bond between her and the family grew stronger with each shared meal.

By the time the final morning arrived, the entire household had shifted from being strangers in a sacred place to something much closer—an extended family wrapped in warmth, respect, and a sense of home.

Golden sunlight filtered through the embroidered curtains of the mountain residence as the final day of the vacation dawned. The once quiet household was now bustling with energy. Suitcases were laid open. Clothes, toys, and souvenirs were being carefully folded and packed. The air was filled with a strange mix of excitement and reluctance.

Elena stood by the living room table, zipping up a bag. “Miles, did you pack your stuff?”

Miles walked in, towel draped around his neck from a morning shower. “Don’t worry, Mom. It’s already done.”

Hope and Asher were running around, making sure they hadn’t left behind their sketchbooks or plushies. Asher held a small phoenix feather keychain like it was a treasure.

Just then, the front door opened.

Clarissa stepped in, dressed in casual clan robes, a soft smile lighting up her face. “Ready to go?” she asked, her eyes subtly searching Miles’s.

“Yup,” Miles replied, his tone calm but a little weight behind his voice.

Clarissa hesitated for a moment. “Why don’t you all stay for a few more days?”

Elena smiled warmly and walked toward her. “Dear, we cannot stay here forever. But you have no idea how much we’ve enjoyed it—thanks to you. You’ve been a wonderful host.”

She placed a hand gently on Clarissa’s shoulder. “You’re welcome at our home anytime.”

Clarissa softened. “Thank you, Aunt Elena.”

Hope and Asher ran up to her, hugging her legs tightly. “We’ll miss you, big sister Clarissa…” they said, voices small.

Clarissa knelt, hugging them both close. “I’ll miss you too, little warriors.”

Hope reached into her backpack and pulled out a neatly wrapped gift bag. “Here. This is for you.”

Clarissa’s eyes widened slightly as she accepted it. “For me? Thank you… you two are the best.”

She ruffled their hair, blinking a few times to hide the mist building in her eyes.

Clarissa then turned to Daniel. “Uncle, I hope we meet again.”

Daniel gave a warm nod. “Thank you, dear, for the best hospitality. It’s been a peaceful break from the world.”

Finally, she faced Miles. Her voice turned gentle, low enough just for him to hear.”I know you’ve got so much waiting for you back in your world. But I’ll wait for you here. Whenever you need peace—or family—you’ll find it here.”

She smiled. “Don’t forget, you’re our future patriarch. You’re not just a guest , Miles. You’re one of us. And if you ever need anything—anything at all—you just have to ask.”

Miles gave a half-smile, folding his arms. “Thanks, Clan Supreme. I’ll remember your kind words.”

Everyone chuckled softly. Clarissa shook her head, laughing quietly, “Don’t call me that when you’re teasing.”

She walked them out. Outside, the elders were already assembled to see the family off.

One by one, the elders gave respectful nods and brief farewells to Elena, Daniel, and the children. It was rare for the elders to show such warm formality to outsiders.

With heartfelt waves, the family boarded the sleek private jet waiting on the mountain-top runway.

Later – Star Harbor Airport

The landing was smooth. The city skyline glimmered in the distance as the jet taxied to a halt. The door opened to reveal a familiar figure waiting by the terminal.

“Big sister June!” Hope exclaimed, spotting her instantly.

“Welcome back, everyone!” June greeted with a big smile. Her eyes briefly flicked to Miles with a knowing look. “Boss, I thought you were going to bring back a bride.”

Daniel and Elena exchanged a chuckle. Hope and Asher giggled.

Miles sighed with a small smirk. “Let’s not start this again…”

They all climbed into the sleek black SUV, June already holding the door open. As the vehicle pulled away from the airport, the scenery of the Star Harbor cityscape unfolded outside the windows.

Their unforgettable mountain vacation had come to an end.

The sky outside was deepening into shades of midnight blue, the city lights flickering awake one by one. Miles stepped onto the balcony, the cool breeze brushing against his face. He pulled out his phone and dialed Monica.

The call connected in just two rings.

“Hey boss,” Monica’s voice came through, clear and slightly upbeat, “How was that vacation?”

Miles exhaled, leaning against the railing. “It was good. Peaceful. But now I’m back to business. What’s the current status?”

Monica’s tone shifted, becoming professional. “Boss, we couldn’t get any lead on Old Master. Our sources in the city, and even some deep contacts in the government, turned up nothing. It’s like he never contacted Gibson and Elfric after all these years. Seventeen years of silence. No digital trail. No chatter.”

Miles’s jaw tightened slightly. “He’s cautious… He knew this day would come. But he won’t be hidden forever.”

“There’s some good news though,” Monica added.

Miles straightened. “What?”

“The antidote for that dormant drug—the one we recovered from the Paradise Club—is now in the testing phase. Preliminary trials show it might actually work. If all goes well, we’ll have it ready soon.”

Miles’s eyes lit up. “That’s great. Whatever they’re building behind the curtains… we’ll crush it before it takes shape.”

Monica agreed, her voice sharp with confidence. “Yes boss. The best part? They have no idea we even recovered the formula. They don’t know we’re this close. We made sure to keep it under wraps—sealed labs, only trusted people.”

“And what about our trail?” Miles asked, already anticipating the answer.

“We cleaned it all. No one tracked your route to the airport,” Monica confirmed. “As far as the enemy is concerned, Mr. Daniel is dead. The Paradise Club takedown is a mystery to them. They might be looking for scapegoats, but they’re looking in the wrong direction.”

Miles nodded slowly, a grim smile forming. “Good. Let them chase ghosts.”

“We’ll stay two steps ahead, boss,” Monica promised.

Miles’s voice turned cold, resolute. “Right now, our priority is clear. Find Old Master.”

“I’ll mobilize every channel we have,” she replied.

“Good,” Miles said, his tone final. “Call me when there’s anything.”

The call ended.

Miles slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked out over the glowing city skyline. The peaceful days were over.

“Time to get to work,” he muttered to himself, turning away from the balcony and stepping back into the shadows of his home.

In the span of just a few days, the tides in the city shifted—swiftly, quietly, and with undeniable force.

The Sterling Empire, long dormant since Edward Sterling’s fall, was no longer a buried legacy. Under Miles, it was reborn—not with noise, not with parades—but like a silent storm spreading across the skyline. Tower cranes, armored vans, corporate meetings behind closed doors… the city hadn’t noticed until it was already too late.

Yet, strangely, no face adorned the headlines.

Miles Sterling remained a ghost to the public. Anonymous, almost mythical. Only a few had seen him—those lucky enough to be called friends… or unlucky enough to be his enemies.

Behind the scenes, Sterling had acquired the prized Wraithbourne Weapons and Arms Division. Old contracts were protected. New deals inked under veiled terms.

Meanwhile, Sterling Construction, a resurrected titan, had inherited the Reaper Project. And unlike the Stones, Miles didn’t make mistakes.

Word spread.

From high-rises to shadowy clubs, whispers carried the same name: Sterling.

Some businesses scrambled to align themselves. Others panicked, distancing their brands and deleting past affiliations with Gibson Winstone or Elfric Willise. But no one could pretend the shift wasn’t happening.

Some admired the sudden rise. Others feared it.

Because in a city where empires rose through decades of struggle, Sterling had done it in mere days… and the man behind it?

Still undefeated.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep