Chapter 97
Two years later, in a hidden and remote base, deep within one of the underground rooms designed for torment, the agonizing cries of a man being subjected to extreme pain echoed through the chamber. His voice was filled with sheer terror as a scorching blade was driven into his palm, the searing pain too overwhelming to endure.
Alexander stood there, observing as his men relentlessly inflicted unimaginable suffering upon the man.
“Boss, he’s passed out,” Max reported.
“Then bring him back around,” Alexander responded with cold detachment.
Max hesitated, wanting to point out that the man had already endured more than enough. But when he caught the icy glare in Alexander's eyes, the words died in his throat. Swallowing hard, Max quickly grabbed another burning blade from the fire and plunged it into the man's other arm, jolting him back into consciousness with a scream of agony.
This man, once a trusted business associate in Alexander's shadowy world, had dared to betray him. Now, he served as a stark warning to others who might consider such treachery.
After a prolonged session of torture, Alexander finally gave the signal for Max to stop.
“Lock him up in one of the darkest cells,” Alexander commanded.
“Right away, Boss,” Max replied.
Checking his watch, Alexander noted that it was almost time for his daughter’s important day. Today marked Viola's fifth birthday, an event she had been eagerly anticipating for weeks. If he lingered any longer at the base, he would be late for the grand celebration.
At one of Kane's most opulent ballrooms, preparations were in full swing for Viola’s birthday celebration. Guests were expected to start arriving around 8 PM.
Alexander and Nuella had gone to great lengths to ensure their daughter’s fifth birthday was everything she had dreamed of. Her favorite characters were invited, her friends were on the guest list, and family members were all set to attend.
Though primarily a children’s event, many adults viewed it as an opportunity to attend a prestigious gathering hosted by the influential Alexander Kane.
A year prior, Alexander and Nuella had decided that Viola should resume attending a private school, as the threats to her life had subsided. They wanted her to interact with other children her age and begin forming friendships.
Every one of her classmates had received an invitation to the party, including her teacher and the principal of the newly established elite school. The old school had been permanently closed after the kidnapping incident two years ago.
Parents of her classmates seized the opportunity to attend the party, hoping to establish connections with the Kane family. Many other influential figures, whose children attended the same school as Viola, went to great lengths to secure an invitation.
As the clock struck 8 PM, guests began arriving in their luxurious vehicles. Photographers and reporters swarmed the venue, eager to capture the event. What was intended as a children’s party had transformed into a major social event for the elite, whose children shared a classroom with Viola Kane.
Viola, now referred to as the "Golden Child," became the center of attention as her fifth birthday celebration drew nationwide interest.
“If this is how much attention her fifth birthday is getting, imagine the global buzz when she turns sixteen or eighteen,” one reporter commented during a live broadcast.
“Indeed, we wouldn’t expect anything less from the only child of Alexander Kane, the most powerful businessman in the country, and Lily Kane, the most successful businesswoman,” another journalist agreed.
Caleb Blake, Viola's great-grandfather, attended the grand celebration along with her great-grandmother, Helen Kane, and her aunt, Sandra Kane. Richard and Sophia arrived with their two-year-old son.
sarah, Viola’s godmother, wouldn’t have missed her goddaughter’s birthday for the world. She and Anthony made sure to arrive in the city just in time for the event.
Everyone close to Viola had arrived and presented her with gifts, but her father was still absent. Despite her mother assuring her that Alexander would arrive soon, he still hadn’t shown up.
Viola’s mood darkened as her friends began to notice her unhappiness. It was her special day, yet instead of being filled with joy and excitement, she seemed preoccupied and sad.
“What’s wrong, Viola?” one of her friends asked.
“Nothing,” Viola responded in a melancholic tone before walking away to find a quiet spot, behaving more like an adult than a child. She didn’t want to interrupt her mother, who was deep in conversation with her godmother.
Several security guards followed as she sought out a secluded area to call her father, whose absence was now causing her distress. Viola found her father’s number in her phone and dialed it. The call connected after just a few rings.
“Viola,” Alexander answered, a smile evident in his voice as he waited to hear his daughter.
“Daddy, why aren’t you here yet?” she demanded, frustration evident.
His smile grew; only Viola and her mother could elicit such a warm reaction from him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I got caught in traffic but will be there soon.”
“That’s because you didn’t leave work on time, Daddy! It’s my big day,” she scolded him again.
“Yes, it is, my love. I’ll be there shortly.”
“You did get my present, right?”
“I wouldn’t forget it for the world.”
Viola smiled, reassured. “Okay, Daddy. I love you. See you soon.”
“I love you too,” Alexander replied, blowing her a kiss through the phone before ending the call.
Viola beamed with happiness as she returned to the ballroom, with her guards in tow.
Meanwhile, at the international airport of Aurora City, a woman with brunette hair stepped out of the terminal, dressed in all black with sunglasses that drew the attention of onlookers. A luxury car awaited her outside.
“Welcome back, ma’am,” her bodyguard greeted her with a bow, opening the car door.
Ariana removed her sunglasses and smiled. She glanced around, taking a deep breath. “It’s good to be home,” she said before sliding into the car.
The bodyguard quickly took his place behind the wheel.
“Where to, ma’am?”
She looked at him from the back seat. “To the hotel first, then to the event.”
“Ma’am, you’re still planning to attend the event?” The bodyguard was unsure of her intentions.
“Yes, of course. I have an invitation, so it’s only right that I go. It would be quite rude to miss the celebration of their Golden Child,” Ariana replied with a sly smile.