Chapter 77: Bribe??

The warm morning sunlight poured through the windows, casting golden streaks across the breakfast table. The smell of toasted bread, scrambled eggs, and Elena’s special cinnamon pancakes filled the air. Hope was humming as she drizzled too much syrup on her pancakes, and Asher was focused on stacking his toast like a tower. Daniel, still in his home robe, stirred his tea, while Elena wiped Asher’s mouth and took her seat beside him.

Miles sat across the table, dressed in a black T-shirt and loose joggers, casual for once, though his posture still carried the quiet discipline of someone who had lived in war zones. He was watching his family—really watching—absorbing every second.

Then he spoke, his voice gentle yet purposeful. “Mom… have you ever thought about getting a new house?”

The question made the air shift slightly. Elena’s hand paused mid-reach toward the butter, and Daniel set down his spoon. Their eyes met—briefly, a silent exchange of memories, regrets, and once-shelved dreams.

Miles immediately caught it. “Is there something? You can tell me,” he said, setting down his glass of water.

Elena gave a soft sigh and offered a fragile smile. “After Hope and Asher were born, we… we did start saving up. For a bigger place. Not that there’s anything wrong with this house,” she said, her fingers gently brushing Hope’s hair. “But you know… kids grow up. We just thought, maybe a little more space… a little garden, maybe a room for each of them. That sort of thing.”

Daniel took over where she left off. “But then I fell sick… And all of it, every rupee we saved, went into treatments, hospital bills. We never said anything because…”He hesitated, then smiled faintly. “We didn’t want the kids to feel like they were missing out.”

Miles looked at both of them. Something stirred in his chest—a blend of guilt and resolve. “It’s okay, Mom. Father. Don’t think about any of that now.”

Elena looked up, blinking. “Miles—”

“No,” he cut in softly. “I’m here now. With you. Let me do something for this family.”

Elena’s eyes welled up slightly. “You really don’t have to—”

“What are you talking about, Mom?” he said, his tone suddenly firm but still warm. “It’s my responsibility. You took care of me when I was small. Now it’s my turn to take care of you. Of all of you.”

Hope’s fork paused mid-air. “Are we really moving to a new house?” she asked, eyes wide with wonder.

“Can I have my own room?” Asher followed up quickly, looking hopeful.

Daniel leaned forward. “Son, I appreciate what you’re trying to do… but this isn’t your responsibility to carry alone.”

Miles gave a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “Father, you’ve already done enough for this family. You raised Hope and Asher with love, supported Mom through everything. I know I can never make up for the seventeen years I was gone. But let me do what I can. Let me give you all the little things I missed—the comfort, the space, the peace you deserve.”

Elena’s voice cracked slightly. “But… son…”

Miles looked her directly in the eye. “Am I a stranger, Mom?”

“Don’t say such things,” she whispered, her fingers reaching across the table to hold his hand. “You’re my son. You always were. Always will be.”

Miles gave her a soft smile and gently squeezed her hand. “Then let me do little things to make my family happy. That’s all I ask.”

Hope, now hugging her half-eaten pancake plate, blinked up at them. “Big bro… are you fighting with Mama?”

Elena chuckled, wiping her eyes quickly with a tissue. “No, sweetheart. Big bro is just very mature now. He’s grown into someone so responsible. Someday, you two will have to be just like him.”

“I will always take care of my family,” Asher declared boldly, puffing out his tiny chest.

Miles couldn’t resist smiling—wide and genuine. He reached over and ruffled Asher’s hair.”Of course you will, my little brother.”

And for a moment, the heaviness lifted—replaced by something beautiful. Something warm , laughter, and love.

The soft hum of the air conditioning filled the room as Miles sat in the high-backed leather chair, eyes calmly scanning the file before him. His expression was unreadable—cold, calculating, and stern. The man who once held a gun more often than a pen now wore a tailored suit, but the fire in his eyes had never dulled.

A knock tapped twice against the door.

Miles didn’t look up.”Come in.”

The door creaked open and a man in his mid-40s stepped in. His once-black hair had receded to a shiny bald dome, and what remained around the sides was graying and thin. He wore an expensive suit that didn’t quite hide the nervous sweat under his arms. This was Phil Garrison, property manager of Cinder Square.

“Good morning, Chairman,” he said, offering a half-hearted smile. “You wanted to see me?”

Miles gestured to the chair across from his desk.”Have a seat, Mr. Phil.”

Phil sat slowly, carefully gauging Miles’s demeanor. He had heard rumors—but seeing Miles Sterling in person, now as chairman, gave him a chill he hadn’t felt in years.

Miles set the file down gently.”Mr. Phil, do you know why the property managers in Cinder Square are among the highest-paid employees in our company?”

Phil straightened his back with pride. “Yes, Mr. Chairman. It’s because we’re the ones who directly settle the property deals with clients. Our work is critical to the leasing process and maintaining the reputation of Cinder Square.”

Miles nodded slowly. “Indeed. But tell me—does Cinder Square need to go looking for clients?”

Phil blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Well… no, sir. In fact, demand always exceeds supply. People line up for months to get a spot there.”

Miles’s voice dropped, calm but laced with steel.”Exactly. Which means your position isn’t about finding clients—it’s about fairness, transparency, and integrity.”

Phil gave a nervous chuckle. “Yes, sir, of course. I’ve always appreciated the benefits this company provides. I’m very thankful.”

Miles tilted his head. “More than enough?”

Phil nodded eagerly. “Yes, Chairman. More than enough.”

Miles’s eyes sharpened.”Then why take bribes?”

Phil froze. His hands gripped the armrest of his chair as the blood drained from his face. “Chairman, I—I think there’s some misunderstanding. I’ve never taken a bribe. I swear.”

Miles stared at him silently, then said in a low voice, “So Alec is lying?”

Phil blinked. “Who—?”

Miles pressed a button on his desk.

The door opened, and June entered first, carrying a folder. Behind her walked Alec, head slightly bowed. The young man’s face flushed red with embarrassment—he had just learned that the aloof, the man who helped him and who he was calling brother was the chairman himself. Now, that man sat before him, commanding the very company Alec once thought was too high to reach.

Phil’s expression shifted the moment he saw Alec. He didn’t need an explanation. He understood. Alec was the whistleblower.

“Mr. Phil,” Miles said evenly, “before you open your mouth again, read what’s on that table.”

Phil looked down. The folder June placed was thick. Inside, it contained complete documentation of every illegal deal he had signed. There were testimonies from families overcharged or threatened. Email records. Hidden cash trails. .

Phil’s mouth opened, then closed. His fingers trembled as he flipped the first few pages. His denial crumbled with every line he read. Finally, he looked up.

“Chairman, please… I’ve made mistakes. But I’ve served this company for many years. I have a family… I can make things right. Give me another chance. Please.”

Miles’s gaze didn’t waver. “You weren’t desperate, Phil. You were greedy.”

“I… I’m sorry. I truly am. I’ll return everything—every cent. Please don’t do this.”

Miles leaned forward, folding his hands. His voice was calm, almost quiet.”You made families suffer. You made our name dirty. You took from the people who trusted us. I don’t forgive men like you, Mr. Phil.”

Phil’s lips quivered. “But—Chairman—”

“You’re fired.” Miles stood up, towering above him. “You are to leave this building in the next ten minutes. June will escort you. If I find any trace of company data with you, I’ll personally make sure you don’t get another job in this city.”

Phil tried to plead again, but Miles had already turned away, heading toward the window.

“June,” Miles called without looking back.

“Yes, sir.”

“Escort him out.”

Phil stood shakily, his dignity shattered. June stepped beside him, cold and professional.

As he passed Alec on the way out, Phil paused. He didn’t say a word. Alec didn’t either. But Phil knew. His game was over.

The door shut.

Silence.

Miles stood alone at the window, looking out at the city skyline. The same skyline he once watched through a sniper’s scope.

The war never really ends.Only the battlefield changes.

“Alec Please have Seat” said Miles .

“I’m sorry, Chairman Miles,” Alec began, his voice tinged with guilt and anxiety. “I didn’t know you were the chairman. Last night… I was drunk and… I called the boss of Sterling a bad name. I swear I didn’t mean it like that.”

Miles leaned back in his chair, calm as ever, his gaze steady. There was no trace of anger in his expression.

“What are you apologizing for?” Miles said with quiet conviction. “You told the truth. And because of that, I was able to find the real culprit. You helped more than you realize.”

He reached to the side and handed Alec a file—papers neatly clipped inside.

“Here. These are the papers. The two stores you wanted on Tech Complex—they’re rented to you now.”

Alec’s eyes widened as he took the file. A mix of disbelief and joy spread across his face. He had just seen how Miles had ruthlessly confronted and exposed a corrupt employee, a man twice his age who had trembled like a child under his presence. And yet, here he was—being rewarded for honesty.

“Thank you, brother Miles—” he caught himself, chuckling nervously, “I mean, Chairman.”

Miles gave a faint smile. “It’s okay.”

Alec stood up, holding the file like it was a treasure. “Please, when the setup is done, come by my store. I want you to see it.”

“I will,” Miles said.

Alec gave a small bow of respect, then exited the room, nearly tripping over his own feet in excitement.

June, who had been silently watching from the side, stepped forward with a curious expression.

“He’s quite an interesting person,” she said softly.

“Indeed,” Miles replied, still staring at the door Alec had disappeared through. There was something refreshing about that man’s raw energy and honesty.

June cleared her throat, stepping beside him. “Boss, I’ve done some digging. Found a few good properties that match what you asked for. Want to take a look?”

She handed over a sleek tablet, and images of various real estate listings began to scroll. Villas, mansions, estates—each one more impressive than the last.

Miles scrolled slowly, occasionally pausing to inspect the details.

Until his eyes stopped at one. A quiet house, tucked into a scenic spot just outside the city. Spacious, sunlit, surrounded by greenery. Something about it felt… right.

“This one,” Miles said, tapping the screen gently.

June smiled. “I thought you’d pick that one.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep