As usual Ronan wakes up in the morning and does his everyday routine.

Z's soft, mechanical hum filled the air as Ronan lounged in his study, a holographic projection flickering to life before him. In front of him were floating diagrams, family trees, and financial charts—an intricate puzzle with the Hayes family at its core. Z's voice, smooth yet emotionless, narrated the tangled web of power.

"The head of the Hayes family is an elderly man. He's seventy years old and has spent decades maintaining control over his vast empire. He has three children: two sons and one daughter. His wealth, as per the family tradition, was divided equally among them and —each receiving 20% shares of Hayes group."

Ronan leaned back, the faintest trace of a smirk playing on his lips. "And Serina's mother is the daughter, right?"

"Yes. Her name was Margaret Hayes," Z confirmed. "Unlike her brothers, she had no interest in the family's internal power struggles. She distanced herself, married a common office worker, and lived an unassuming life. However, despite her disinterest, the 20% share legally remained hers."

Ronan narrowed his eyes. "And when Margaret passed?"

"The share legally transferred to her daughter, Serina."

There was a pause as Ronan processed the information, his mind piecing together the family's motivations.

"That explains the engagement," Z continued. "With the inheritance evenly split between the siblings, each brother needs more shares than the other to claim dominance over the family. Serina's share is essential—either brother who secures her cooperation gains the upper hand."

Ronan's expression hardened as Z's voice grew colder. "For the brothers, Serina is the key to the throne. One brother controls her, the other loses everything."

Ronan drummed his fingers on the desk, deep in thought. "And the head of the family—Hayes—is still alive, holding it all together."

"Yes, but his influence is fading. The brothers are growing more desperate by the day. Neither can afford to lose Serina's share, which puts her life in danger if either brother feels cornered."

Ronan let out a slow, deliberate breath. His gaze was distant, as if calculating multiple outcomes in his mind. Then, he smiled—a cold, dangerous smile that promised trouble.

"Alright," he said, his voice low but carrying a sharp edge. "I've realized what I need to know."

He stood up, his figure casting a long shadow across the room as the holograms flickered out one by one.

"Z," he said, straightening his jacket with deliberate precision, "Fix an appointment with the brothers separately."

Z's voice broke the silence. "Meetings arranged. Both Hayes brothers have accepted the invitation. They'll meet you separately at their company headquarters, believing it's for an exclusive deal."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Ronan's lips. "Predictable. They think I'll side with one of them and help secure control of the family shares."

He leaned back in his chair, fingers lightly drumming on the desk. "They've already taken the bait—greedy and blind. They believe they're on the verge of victory, but they've walked straight into the trap."

Z's digital hum carried a note of satisfaction. "Both are eager. The elder brother is en route now, and the younger will arrive shortly after. They assume the meeting is their opportunity to outmaneuver each other."

Ronan stood, adjusting the sleeves of his sleek black suit. "They're about to learn just how wrong they are."

He moved toward the exit, his expression calm but dangerous. "By the time they realize they were never in control, it'll be too late."

Ronan stepped out of his sleek, black car and looked up at the towering building in front of him. The words Hayes Group gleamed on the glass exterior, reflecting the midday sun. With smooth, measured steps, he approached the entrance, where two men—Zack and Josh Hayes—stood waiting, their faces a mixture of excitement and suspicion.

"Mr. Arcanveil," Zack greeted warmly, though unease shadowed his expression. "We weren't expecting both of us to be called for this deal."

Josh added with a forced grin, "Yes, it's... unusual. We assumed you'd meet me"

Ronan gave them an easy, reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'm not here to cause trouble. You'll soon understand everything." He gestured toward the entrance. "Let's head inside."

The brothers exchanged quick glances, both eager yet wary, uncertain about Ronan's intentions. They thought in themselves the first to make an offer will lose, so they can offer better than the other. As they walked through the grand lobby toward the elevators, Josh whispered to Zack, "You should go first."

Zack shook his head. "No, no, you go. I insist."

Ronan chuckled softly, watching their silent struggle. "Gosh, let's keep things simple, gentlemen. I'll meet with the youngest first—Josh. Then, I'll see Zack. Sound fair?"

Josh gave a sharp nod, trying to mask his relief. "Of course, sir. Let's head to the meeting room."

They made their way up to a private, elegant meeting room on the 32nd floor. As the glass doors slid open, Josh's steps faltered. Inside, waiting beside the table, sat a lawyer with an expression as neutral as polished stone.

Josh threw a puzzled glance at Ronan, who remained calm as ever, settling into a chair across the table. "Please, Mr. Hayes, sit. Let's skip the pleasantries and dive straight into the deal."

Josh slowly took his seat, still unsure of what to expect.

"I have a medical formula for you," Ronan began, his voice smooth and deliberate. "It's been entrusted to me by Mr. Alpha, and we wish to offer it to the Hayes family. Given the... internal conflicts within your family, I've decided to present the same offer to both you and your brother. I want 40% of the earnings from the medicine's sales."

Ronan slid a document across the table toward Josh. "This is the prescription. Take a look."

Josh scanned the paper, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Hyperlipidemia medication?" he murmured. "We've been developing a similar formula ourselves."

Ronan's expression didn't change. "Exactly. But this version is ready—tested, patented, and market-ready. You'll have full naming rights and all intellectual property. I just want my 40% cut from the sales revenue."

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Josh leaned back, stunned by the precision of the offer. This was exactly what they'd been chasing for months, and Ronan had just dropped it in his lap.

"But before you make your decision," Ronan added smoothly, "I need to meet with Zack. Use the time to discuss the terms with your lawyer and begin drafting the contract."

Josh nodded, still processing the gravity of the offer. "I understand, sir. I'll consider it by the time you're done with Zack."

Ronan stood and gave a polite nod, leaving Josh and the lawyer to their work.

Minutes later, Zack entered the same room, a hint of eagerness masked under a cool exterior. The meeting proceeded just as it had with Josh—Ronan offered the same deal, laying out the lucrative opportunity. Zack, like his brother, was stunned by the uncanny timing of the formula and the impeccable offer.

"Consider the terms and have your lawyer draft the contract," Ronan instructed as he rose to leave. "Once you're ready, we'll move on to the next part."

Zack nodded, already deep in thought.

When both brothers were seated together again, Ronan leaned back in his chair and folded his hands. His smile was subtle, but dangerous.

"Now, gentlemen, there are two deals on the table." He held up a finger. "First, the medical deal—each of you has the same offer. The medicine, the patents, the profits. Simple enough."

He paused for effect, then continued. "Now, for the second deal. It involves a particular 20% share of the Hayes family holdings. The shares that once belonged to Ms. Serina Hayes."

The brothers tensed, eyes narrowing as the implications set in.

"I bought them from her," Ronan said calmly. "Let's just say... my methods were persuasive."

Josh and Zack exchanged sharp glances. Those shares were essential—without them, neither brother could gain control of the family empire.

"I intend to sell those shares," Ronan went on, "but only to the highest bidder. The auction starts at five hundred billion dollars."

A stunned silence filled the room. Both brothers stared at Ronan, their excitement replaced by sheer disbelief. They knew they had no choice—those shares were everything.

Ronan leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "And now, gentlemen... let the real deal begin."

The room was thick with tension as Ronan leaned back, arms casually draped over the chair. Across from him, Zack and Josh sat stiffly, their jaws tight, calculating the sheer gravity of the situation. Both brothers knew that without the 20% shares, neither of them could take control of the Hayes empire—and Ronan was about to make them bleed for it.

"Five hundred billion," Zack started, his tone steady but already filled with the pressure of what was at stake.

"Five-fifty," Josh countered almost instantly, his voice sharp as if daring his brother to back down.

Zack shot a glare at his younger brother but didn't hesitate. "Six hundred."

"Seven hundred," Josh snapped, leaning forward, as if closing the gap between them would give his bid more weight.

Ronan stayed silent, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smirk as the bids flew back and forth. The two brothers locked in a furious battle, their tempers flaring with every passing second.

"Eight hundred!" Zack barked, his knuckles white as he gripped the armrests of his chair.

Josh clenched his jaw. "Nine hundred."

"One trillion," Zack declared, slamming his hand on the table. His lawyer, seated beside him, paled but dared not speak.

Ronan's smile deepened, his sharp eyes observing how desperation crept into every word, every breath the brothers took.

"One-point-two trillion," Josh shot back with a hint of panic, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Zack adjusted his collar, swallowing hard as he weighed his options. He couldn't back down—not now, not when everything was within reach. "One-point-four."

The room felt like it was on the verge of collapsing under the weight of their animosity. Both brothers knew that if they didn't win the shares, the other would take everything.

Josh clenched his fists, shooting a fierce glare at Zack. "One-point-five trillion."

Silence filled the room as Zack sat back, defeated but unwilling to show it. He knew he couldn't push the bid any higher without crippling himself—and worse, it would leave him vulnerable to other competitors eyeing the family empire.

Ronan gave Zack a polite glance, as if to confirm he was done. When Zack said nothing, Ronan turned to Josh, his expression unreadable.

"One-point-five trillion," Ronan echoed slowly, savoring every word. "Sold."

Josh exhaled in relief, though his victory felt more like survival than triumph. Zack stared at the table, seething quietly, but there was nothing more he could do.

Ronan leaned forward with a casual grace, resting his hands on the table. "Congratulations, Mr. Josh Hayes. The shares are now yours."

Josh nodded stiffly, still processing the staggering price he'd just paid.

He paused briefly, then added with a sly grin, "Now, back to our first deal. Who will I take?" He let the question linger for a moment, savoring their unease. "I select Mr. Zack—because I want to do business with both of you."

The brothers exchanged glances, still reeling from the massive transaction, but Zack gave a curt nod. With that, Ronan leaned forward and signed both contracts, sealing the deals.

"Congratulations, Mr. John Hayes," Ronan said smoothly, addressing the younger brother. "With the highest shares, you're officially the new chairman of the Hayes Group."

John's face reflected both triumph and disbelief, while Zack maintained a stoic expression, though a flicker of frustration crossed his eyes.

Ronan extended his hand to each brother in turn, offering a polite, controlled handshake. "A pleasure. I look forward to a profitable partnership."

With formal goodbyes exchanged, Ronan adjusted his jacket one final time and made his way toward the exit. As the doors closed behind him, the brothers sat in heavy silence, each processing the reality of what had just transpired. Meanwhile, Ronan walked out with quiet confidence, knowing that every piece was exactly where he wanted it to be.