Chapter 7

Dressed into the fine young man that he had always pictured himself as, John was made to think of how his life was going to play out from that moment. He sighed a deal with the devil, now he would have to dance to the devil's tune.

Right when the butler was putting on the finishing touches, M.. Sebastian walked into John's room but wait… with a mask?

John's face suddenly went into a frown. He understood that whatever his father had planned wouldn't be a nice one that he would be comfortable with. But at the same time, he also acknowledged the fact that this was all done in his favor. Anything this father was doing now, it was all done to preserve their family's treasures.

"What's that in your hand?" John asked while secretly praying that his reasoning was wrong.

"You heard the last time, it's gonna be a masked gathering. With our kind of business, we should be careful especially when it comes to exposing our faces to the public. That's why I deliberately called for a masked gathering."

John could only sigh. His father was still damn serious about the underground business, the same business that took the lives of many of their partners. Maybe, this should never come as a shocker. His father was a monger for money, it was close to impossible to let go of a great and reliable source.

Abruptly, John snatched it from his father's hand. It was a plain white face mask that would expose little or no detail about his face.

Hell, the smirk on John's father's face had no words to describe it. Finally, this was the moment of his comeback. Seeing John wear that mask brought back some sort of beautiful feeling.

His underground business which was at the edge of collapsing would now be restored all thanks to his mastermind son and in return, he gives John anything he could possibly ask for– fame, money, women, properties, anything, as long as they rule the business world of Europe.

If only John hadn't let his emotions get the best of him which made him run away from the glory, maybe, they probably would have extended their business to other parts of the world, which would bring nothing but more money.

More money means power. Power, in turn, also attracts more money. To Mr. Sebastian, money and power are the two most important things that could ever bless a man's happiness.

"We need to leave now, we wouldn't want to be late." With those words, Mr. Sebastian gestured for his son to walk with him. This was how things were supposed to be, father and son, walking hand in hand to rule over people below them.

John's gaze came in contact with that of Luke's when they got to the living room.

It was no shock to see Luke still dwelling in such anger and gritting his teeth over the loss of his father's wealth.

This explained why John was more than determined to do as his father has said. This young lad seems to have another plan for The Sebastians' Legacy if by any chance he inherits it. That would mean John's late mother's effort will all be a waste– No! He couldn't let that happen.

Same as John, Mr. Sebastian didn't care about the reaction Luke had displayed but he was not going to leave without delivering his last message. "Luke…" he called, only for the angered son to direct a deadly stare at his father but who cares? Just like his stare, he was harmless.

"No one, I mean no one should have any knowledge of who John is. The moment his identity is exposed, then I will deem it necessary to do something that I will never regret."

Not only was Luke surprised by his father's words, but also John. They both know that their father never gives empty threats. His threats usually end in death whenever he is double-crossed.

Luke swallowed. He had no response for his father and neither did Mr. Sebastian has for him. The next minute, he walked out of the house and John followed suit but not without taking a glance at his stepbrother who now directed his deadly gaze to John until he left the mansion.

John and his father were to use a black SUV to the party escorted by a group of convoys. Surely, anyone who had seen them parading the streets would easily figure out there were no ordinary people.

"Before we get to the event center, there is one thing you need to know." Mr. Sebastian used those words to break the weird silence that roamed in the car.

"The business world is no longer as soft as it used to be. There is new competition in the game but as they say, bring your enemies closer. I have invited most of my competitors and double-crossers to the gathering. There, you will know who to look out for." He continued.

"Can't we at least keep the talk about your opponents for tomorrow? You are literally making me go through a lot and I have not even stayed for more than a day with you. This gathering is organized to name me your heir, and that is what we are going to do. Please."

Mr. Sebastian remained mute but deep inside he disagreed with his son. There was no better time to talk about his main source of income except now.

He knew just right that John was well aware that this gathering was just a cover-up. He cared less about the companies he owned since they were just a cover-up to what really brought him a huge stack of cash.

What followed suit was another wave of silence until the scratching sound of the tire indicated that they had reached the event.

With a smile on his face, Mr. Sebastian didn't wait for another second before he got down from the car.

At that moment, he was the proudest father who couldn't be more proud of his long-lost son. He couldn't wait to show John to the face of those who had ridiculed him, those who had spat to his face because they saw him as a man whose only son, Luke, will ruin his image when he finally depart from the Earth's surface.

But not anymore would they ridicule him… not anymore!

Meanwhile, John felt different from his father. Of course, he would be the center of attention and that was one thing he hated.

"Are you going to keep sitting there or are you going to follow me?" John's father asked as he placed his index finger on the back of his hand, gesturing to John that they had run out of them.

Again, he let out another sigh and the next moment, he got down from the car.

The bungalow event center was weirdly silent with numerous varieties of super expensive cars.

"Remember what I said, John, be careful and don't show weakness to anyone here, you are no longer a child."

Mr. Sebastian didn't wait for a word from his son before he began to walk over to the event center with a group of well-built men escorting them.

The moment the doors went open, everything became a standstill. The silent classic music which graced the party was cut short as all attention was drawn to the people who had just crashed the party.

No… they didn't even spare Mr. Sebastian a glance, it was all John. This was an event no one would dare miss.

Finally, they get to meet the famous John Sebastian, the kid who was rumoured to be the backbone of his father's business. Well, he was no longer a kid. He was now a man and hell, only the stars knew how Mr. Sebastian's wealth will grow with John by his side.

Anxious, yes he was. His father was right, the hate that was directed to him was up the chart. The eyes, the whispers, the hisses… they all brought nothing but negativity.

"Don't dare show weakness. I'm going to leave your side now, some might try to approach you but don't think of giving them listening ears. Just Ignore. They are not your friends." Mr. Sebastian said and not less than a second after his words, he left John's side.

John cursed. This was not part of the deal. Why in tarnation will his father leave him all alone in the midst of strangers? Clearly, they weren't the same people he was familiar with when he was a child.

The music began to play again and everyone got back to minding their business.

Maybe, not everyone.

Some of the guests could be seen trying to close in on the distance between them and John but he had pretended not to see any of them with regards to his father's instructions.

He could see some women who he must admit had beautiful bodies. They gave him some signals, indicating their interest in him but hell no, his wife had given him enough heartbreak. The last thing he would want is for another lady to hurt him.

Seconds turned to moments, moments turned to minutes and John still stood beside the door. He decided to go find a place to sit, at least until his father announces his retirement plan but just before he could take a step, a voice… a very familiar one called out for him.