Marcus’s POV

My life has descended into absolute chaos! I had to flee Port Serenity after those whores filed complaints about our private sessions. My contacts in the organization informed me that both federal agents and rival family enforcers had tracked down my location. Time was running dangerously short.

I expected that ungrateful boy Dominic to smooth my transition and provide the resources I demanded. Europe called to me as sanctuary—several countries there maintain no extradition treaties and ignore American judicial orders. However, European exile requires substantial capital, demanding significantly more funds than I currently possessed. I also needed immediate access to the family’s private aircraft should emergency departure become necessary. But the insolent whelp chose to play hardball instead, refusing every reasonable request. That worthless Nadia offered no assistance whatsoever.

As if my situation wasn’t precarious enough, two women filed reports against me here after all this time, claiming they never signed our mutual agreements. I spent an extended period locked in a fetid cell at some decrepit police station, treated like common street trash rather than Thorne family blood.

Fortunately, I maintain connections with an exceptional criminal defense attorney, Kellen Curtis. Upon contacting him immediately, he leveraged his considerable influence and secured my temporary release. However, he warned me bluntly that circumstances were deteriorating rapidly, and he couldn’t guarantee my freedom much longer without significant legal fees.

I confronted that pathetic fool Philip, but he merely laughed dismissively at my predicament. Approaching that ridiculous Bee proved impossible with her constant entourage of armed security personnel surrounding her. That left Dominic’s spoiled brat as my only viable option for family assistance. To compound my humiliation further, he completely ceased depositing my monthly allowance without warning.

Who does this arrogant child think he is, defying his own father? I was forced to borrow emergency funds from Kellen Curtis, who aided me once again—the most degrading experience of my entire existence. All because Dominic’s offspring deliberately withheld my rightful inheritance and openly defied my direct orders. When exactly did he stop desperately seeking my approval? This pathetic rebellion won’t stand, boy. It absolutely will not stand.

I resolved to remain positioned outside this corporate building until Dominic’s fool emerged, and he better appear carrying substantial cash. If he continued refusing my reasonable demands, I would target that worthless Nadia. I maintained my concealed position since the brat had me barred from entering the company headquarters—the very building that once belonged to my father.

Some time passed without any sign of him appearing. Likely he wouldn’t emerge until the lunch hour arrived. Finally, there he appeared, walking without apparent concern through the plaza. Sometimes I seriously contemplated ending his miserable life permanently. With no legitimate heirs, half his considerable estate would rightfully become mine as his surviving parent—I remained the legal inheritor alongside that ridiculous Bee. His personal wealth had expanded dramatically following his maternal grandfather’s recent death. Perhaps I should genuinely consider that permanent solution. After all, I gave him life; I certainly possessed the right to reclaim it. The thought brought genuine pleasure to my face—indeed, such a satisfying possibility deserved serious consideration.

I observed him entering an upscale restaurant—my perfect opportunity to approach privately. I strode purposefully inside the establishment. The venue was adequate, though hardly exceptional by Thorne family standards. Spotting him seated alone at a secluded back table, I approached directly. He remained so thoroughly engrossed in his phone that he only registered my unwelcome presence when I seated myself confidently opposite him. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"What are you doing here, Marcus?" His eyes immediately flashed with unmistakable anger. I’ve always delighted in provoking this weak child since his earliest years. Previously, he demonstrated an almost pathetic desperation to earn my grudging approval.

"Well, I came to enjoy lunch with my beloved son," I responded with a calculated smile and raised my hand authoritatively. "Waiter, bring your finest bottle of wine immediately, and for appetizers, the salmon and gruyere bruschetta, followed by fresh cod with cream sauce. I’ll select appropriate dessert later."

"He won’t be having anything," Dominic stated coldly to the approaching server. "He’s leaving right now."

"Ah, Dominic, cease this childish behavior immediately! It’s merely lunch between family, and we desperately need to discuss business," I replied, feeling mounting irritation at his continued defiance.

"I have absolutely nothing to discuss with you," Dominic addressed the confused waiter directly. "This gentleman won’t be dining with us. I’ll summon you when needed," he commanded with natural authority. "What exactly do you want, Marcus?"

"Son, we must reach a reasonable understanding immediately. I’m experiencing serious difficulties and require immediate assistance from you and your mother. Additionally, you’ve completely suspended my financial support without explanation," I stated directly, dispensing with pleasantries.

"You’re having problems," he chuckled with obvious sarcasm. "Your personal problems aren’t my concern, nor my mother’s responsibility."

"Listen here carefully, boy—I’m still your father!"

"How conveniently selective! Marcus, we’ve already established you were merely the sperm donor, so don’t pretend familial significance now."

"If that’s your disrespectful attitude..." I regarded the ungrateful fool across from me with pure disgust. He embodied nothing but weakness, always had, burdened with those ridiculous principles his mother foolishly instilled. "Here’s the current situation, sonny. I need substantial money and guaranteed access to the family aircraft. You’ll courteously fulfill my reasonable requests and finally be rid of me permanently."

"I won’t provide either resource, Marcus. It’s past time you faced the consequences of your consistently despicable behavior."

"You should demonstrate considerably more gratitude, boy. Without me, you’d have no family company to manage."

"Actually, the company belonged entirely to your father originally. You merely occupied valuable space while exploiting female employees for personal pleasure. You never actually worked, Marcus—you merely pretended while indulging in constant parties and women."

"Show proper respect, you insolent brat!" My patience was rapidly diminishing, yet he maintained perfect composure, radiating uncharacteristic superiority. This was completely unprecedented; typically I could provoke him effortlessly, but today he displayed remarkable confidence I’d never witnessed.

"You never earned genuine respect from anyone. But tell me honestly, why this desperate insistence on having the aircraft at your immediate disposal?"

"That’s absolutely none of your concern! What matters is you’ll comply with my demands immediately. Otherwise, I’ll target that attractive piece you’re seriously involved with, Gemma. I’ll take her completely from you, and when I’m finished with her, she’ll be unrecognizably broken. And naturally, I’ll also pursue your precious little sister and further shatter her already fragile mind." I held two powerful advantages over him; he would yield eventually, I remained absolutely certain.

"Don’t even attempt approaching either of them!" Genuine anger flashed dangerously in his eyes. "I’ll destroy you completely before you touch them!"

Dominic stood abruptly, preparing to exit the restaurant entirely. He remained completely unyielding, which genuinely baffled me; never before had convincing him to acquiesce proven so impossibly challenging. As he deliberately distanced himself from our table, I raised my voice to ensure he heard clearly.

"Don’t delay too long making your decision, sonny. My patience with your continued defiance grows dangerously thin."