Soon, the door opened, and my son and daughter-in-law entered, their laughter echoing down the hall. They froze when they saw me, their faces draining of color. I sat in a plush chair, my clothes still damp, a glass of whiskey in hand. I let the silence stretch, savoring their confusion and fear.

“Hello,” I said, my voice steady and calm. “I think we need to talk.”

Their plan had failed spectacularly, and now it was my turn to show them what real power looked like. My mind raced with possibilities, but one thing was certain: I would protect my legacy, no matter the cost. The battle for my empire had just begun, and I was ready to fight.