The Tycoon's Odyssey

As Evan and his men entered the mansion, Barret's guards scrambled to regroup, forming a defensive line on the staircase and open firing. But once again it was turned ineffective as Evan's plasma shield activated, deflecting the onslaught of the bullets effortlessly as his men advanced, shielding him with an unyielding wall of bodies, ensuring his path remained unobstructed.

Two of Evan's men broke through the first line of defense, dragging their rivals down the steps with brutal efficiency. One slammed a guard against the bannister with a bone-jarring force, while another struck with such force that his opponent crumpled without a sound.

A few of the guards fell like dominoes, shouting orders and retreating to the hallways in hopes of slowing Evan's progress.

However, they were met by another wave of Evan's guards who had already flanked them, blocking every escape route. Panic was etched across their faces as they realized they were cornered. One of the guards, in a last-ditch effort, tried to fire a final shot at Evan, but a guard beside Evan stepped forward, intercepting the bullet with the plasma shield before delivering a swift, bone-crunching blow that left the assailant incapacitated.

BOOM!

A thunderous shockwave reverberated through the room as Evan's punch blasted away many in their path. The force was like an erupting thunder boom that startled everyone, its sheer impact leaving them trembling in its wake.

[You are enjoying this, aren't you?] Aurora's teasing voice echoed in Evan's ear.

A faint smirk curled at the corner of Evan's lips, "Of course I like it. What man doesn't like to show off…" His tone amused, his gaze cold. "It's just that I lacked a cool entrance. It would have been better if this entire place had been ravaged and burnt in flames. A proper dramatic entrance." Evan's words made Aurora let out a sigh and wonder about men and their fantasies.

Evan then resumed his slow stride while being further accompanied by his guards.

The deeper they ventured into the mansion, the more desperate the resistance became. The Barret's guards who remained were relentless, unleashing volley after volley of gunfire and launching every defensive tactic they knew in desperation. But for every attempt they made, there was an unrelenting counter from Evan's men who acted in precision. Evan had barely slowed, moving through the bloodied corridors and strewn bodies with an unsettling calm, as if he were untouchable amidst the violence.

Aurora's voice chimed in his ear, almost teasing.

[The Barret's guards seem quite loyal, wouldn't you agree, sir?]

Evan's lip curled slightly in response, his gaze fixed ahead.

[Loyalty…Yeah, they are quite loyal to someone who hasn't become a head yet.]

As if to punctuate his words, one of the guards lunged forward at him from the shadows, attempting to take Evan by surprise. However, in a flash, one of Evan's men intercepted him, twisting the attacker's arm behind his back and subduing him with brutal efficiency, giving him no time to struggle. The rest of Evan's team moved through the corridors like phantoms, guided by Aurora's tactical guidance. The Barret guards didn't stand a chance; each was neutralized before they could even react to mount a proper defense.

At last, the final group of Barret's security tried to hold their position outside Nathaniel's study, aiming their rifles at the approaching squad, their faces grim and determined.

Evan's men wasted no time. Smoke grenades erupted, shrouding the area in a thick veil and obscuring the guards' vision before sweeping forward in coordinated silence. Soon, muffled sounds of struggle filled the air as the remaining guards were dispatched one by one, left sprawled and unconscious along the floor, marking the end of the skirmish.

Then, as the smoke cleared, Evan stepped forward without hesitation, his strides powerful and unyielding. He surged past his own guards, delivering a swift, devastating blow to the last two men blocking his path, sending them sprawling aside. His expression remained cold and composed as he continued his advance.

At last, Evan reached the heavy wooden doors of Nathaniel's study. The once-fearsome resistance shown by the guards now lay scattered in his wake, the Barret mansion completely falling silent. Without hesitation, he pushed the doors open and stepped inside.

Nathaniel was seated behind his desk, his face betraying a mixture of shock and simmering anger. But Evan met his gaze with an icy, unwavering stare, his expression a mask of ruthless calm.

He paused, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he broke the heavy silence. "Is this how you greet your beloved son-in-law?"

_____

The silence in Nathaniel Barret's grand study was so thick it felt like it could smother any sound that dared to break it. Nathaniel had his eyes narrowed, finally taking in the man now seated before him. He had reviewed files, images, and reports on this young man but seeing him in person was an entirely different matter.

Evan's presence was overpowering, even daunting, far beyond anything a photograph could capture.

But beneath his sharp gaze, Nathaniel's irritation grew. He understood now, perhaps too well, why his beloved daughter, Suri, might have fallen for this man. His striking features, undeniable charm, and quiet confidence exuded the kind of appeal that undeniably few could resist.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened as his thoughts twisted with a cynical edge. 'Of course, this handsome bastard must have seduced her with that face,' he thought, almost begrudgingly admiring this enemy.

Once his annoyance subsided, he leaned forward, his voice icy as he challenged Evan. "So, tell me, what are you doing here? Just because Suri loves and protects you, do you think you can fight your way through my home? Who exactly do you think you are?"

Evan let out a dry chuckle, then glanced at the man standing at his side. With a quick nod, his assistant handed him a tablet, his demeanor cold and unwavering. Evan clicked through several files, then wordlessly passed the tablet to Nathaniel.

"Watch," Evan commanded, his voice calm but sharp, leaving no room for protest.

Nathaniel hesitated, suspicion flickering across his face, but his curiosity won. He took the tablet and began watching.

The instant he saw the headlines, his breath caught. The images, the accusations, the implications—it was all there, laid out in ruthless detail.

The screen blared out accusations and cruel gossip that painted his daughter in the worst possible light. His hands trembled as anger coursed through him, veins bulging across his forehead.

"You sit here comfortably," Evan's voice broke in, mocking and deadly serious, "while your daughter is thrown to the wolves. Ignorance doesn't suit you, Mr. Barret." He clapped slowly, his voice dripping with mockery. "What a wonderful father you are."

The words cut deep, stinging Nathaniel's pride. His gaze shot toward his secretary, Arnold, who had been standing quietly by his side, watching the scene unfold with growing dread.

Nathaniel's rage sharpened, his voice a growl. "Arnold! What is the meaning of this? How is it that I was unaware of any of this? You know we have an entire team tracking Suri's movements, yet you failed to inform me of this mess."

Arnold's face turned pale, and he stepped back, looking as if he wished he could melt into the shadows. "Sir… I… I apologize, truly. I've been busy with scheduling and other tasks. I didn't know—"

"Busy? So busy you ignored direct orders to report everything concerning my daughter?" Nathaniel's anger flared as he cut Arnold off.

"Sir, I'm deeply sorry—"

Before Arnold could stammer out another excuse, Evan's voice sliced through the air, cool and sharp. "Enough with the pitiful excuses."
Your journey continues with M-V-L

His gaze was fixed on Arnold with an unblinking stare, as though seeing through the man's every lie. "Speak the truth."

Arnold swallowed, his panicked eyes darting between Evan and Nathaniel. "The truth…?" he mumbled, his voice wavering.

Evan leaned forward, his gaze never leaving Arnold. "The truth about how you knew everything but chose not to relay it."

Arnold flinched visibly, his hands clenching as he fought to regain his composure. "I… I swear, I didn't know! I would never withhold anything that could harm Miss Suri's reputation."

Evan's brow arched, his voice dangerously low. "Would you like me to show Mr. Barret just how often you 'didn't know'?"

Arnold's face turned ghostly white as the weight of Evan's threat settled over him. He stood frozen, unable to speak.