Chapter 27: Like a game of throne

The room hummed with tension, and the air was thick with anticipation as the candidates took their places. The grand hall of the Innovation family mansion was alive with the chatter of relatives and associates, all gathered to witness the next phase in the competition for family leadership. The vast space, adorned with gemstones and lit by crystal chandeliers, was a testament to the family's power and influence.
In the midst of it all, John Innovation, known to the outside world as Marcelino, stood with his fellow candidates. His face was a mask of confidence, but beneath the calm exterior, he felt the weight of expectation and the pressure of the challenges ahead.

As he took his place among the other candidates, a familiar voice reached his ears, dripping with disdain. "John, you're late," Kokok said, his eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction. Kokok, his first cousin, had always been a thorn in his side, their rivalry fueled by ambition and family politics. "Do you think your mother will allow you to live if you fail to climb into the top three finalists?"

Marcelino met Kokok’s gaze with a steady glare, refusing to be intimidated. "None of your business," he replied, his voice cool and controlled. "Let's see who will stand at the final." He knew that Kokok was confident in his abilities, but Marcelino was determined to prove him wrong. He had worked too hard and sacrificed too much to be thwarted now.

The candidates stood in a line, each one a testament to the Innovation family's legacy. They were all formidable in their own right, each possessing unique skills and strengths that made them worthy contenders. Marielle, with her strong personality and expertise in pharmaceuticals, stood tall and poised, her eyes scanning the room with a keen intelligence. Jack, with his dual personality and genius for hacking, watched the proceedings with an air of bemused detachment, his expression unreadable.

Kudo, the chubby weapons specialist, stood with a quiet confidence, his eyes betraying a sharp intellect that belied his unassuming appearance. Normilita, the poison expert, exuded a deadly charm, her beauty matched only by her cunning. Nicolas, the martial artist, stood with a disciplined strength, his muscles taut beneath his tailored suit.

And then there was Kokok, the bad boy of the group, with his cocky demeanor and penchant for manipulation. His connection to the current head of the family gave him an edge, but Marcelino knew that Kokok's arrogance could be his downfall. Marcelino himself was a master manipulator, his mind a labyrinth of strategies and plans. He loved Mariam, but his mission to eliminate Arthur had forced him to make choices he had never wanted to make.

At the head of the room, Manuel Innovation, the current head of the family, rose to speak. The room fell silent as he addressed the gathering, his voice resonating with authority. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Innovation family, today we stand on the brink of history. Our legacy is strong, and our future is brighter than ever. The candidates before you are the best and brightest, each one capable of leading our family into a new era of prosperity."

As Manuel spoke, the candidates prepared to present their reports, detailing the successes and challenges of their missions. For Marcelino, this was a pivotal moment. He had come too far and invested too much to let it slip away. He glanced around the room, taking in the faces of his fellow candidates, and felt a renewed sense of determination.

As the reports were presented, the atmosphere in the hall was electric. The candidates shared their achievements, each one vying for the favor of the elders and the approval of the family. Marcelino listened intently, absorbing the information and analyzing his competitors' strengths and weaknesses.

As the meeting drew to a close, the candidates were given their scores, reflecting their performance and potential. Marcelino's heart raced as he received his score, knowing that every point counted in this high-stakes game.

Later, as the hall emptied and the crowd dispersed, Marcelino sought out Jack, the hacking genius who had become an unlikely ally in his quest for power. Jack was standing by a window, his eyes scanning the skyline as if searching for answers in the distance.

"Jack," Marcelino said, approaching him with a casual confidence that belied the tension simmering beneath the surface. "I need your help."

Jack turned to face him; his expression inscrutable. "What do you need this time, Marcelino?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"I need you to hack a system," Marcelino said, lowering his voice so only Jack could hear. "There's a man who keeps calling Angelic. He claims to be the one behind Arthur's suffering, but I need to know more about him."

Jack raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And what do I get in return?"

Marcelino met his gaze, a sly smile playing on his lips. "You remember our deal? If you help me climb to the top three finalists, you get one night with me. No complaints."
Jack chuckled; his eyes gleaming with interest. "You're a dangerous man, Marcelino. But I like dangerous. Consider it done."

The deal was sealed, and Marcelino felt a sense of satisfaction. He knew that Jack's skills were unparalleled, and with his help, he would gain the upper hand in this deadly game of power and deception.
As Marcelino left the hall, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and plans. He knew that the stakes were higher than ever, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had come too far to turn back now, and he was determined to see his plans through to the end.

Meanwhile, Angelic was playing her own game, her heart hardened by the knowledge of Marcelino's betrayal. She knew that she had to keep her enemies close, and her alliance with Marcelino was a means to an end. She would gather information, bide her time, and strike when the moment was right.

The stage was set, the players were in position, and the game was about to begin and only the strongest would survive.