The fireplace in the Great Hall of Sterling Castle roared with life. Alex sat at the head of a twenty-foot-long dining table, eating a steak prepared by his newly loyal chef.
"The steak is good," Alex nodded. "Give the chef another raise."
"Yes, Sir," Sebastian noted it down.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors swung open.
A man in a velvet suit walked in. He didn't knock. He held a silver cane and wore a golden pin on his lapel—a circle with an eye inside it.
"You must be the new tenant," the man said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I am Baron Von Klerk."
Luna stepped forward, her hand on her dagger. Alex raised a hand to stop her.
"I didn't invite you, Baron," Alex said, cutting another piece of steak. "And this is private property. Or did you miss the broken gate outside?"
"I am not a guest," The Baron sneered, walking closer. "I am an emissary from The Golden Circle."
He tapped the golden pin on his chest.
"We control this mountain range. We control the banks, the police, and the politics of this region. The Sterling Family was one of our founding members."
The Baron threw a heavy envelope onto the table.
"Since you have acquired the castle, we are willing to offer you a... probationary membership. You will pay a monthly tribute of $10 Million. You will allow us to use the castle for our meetings. And you will kiss the ring of the Grand Elder."
Alex stopped eating. He wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"So," Alex smiled. "You want me to pay you rent? In my own house?"
"It is the price of protection," The Baron smirked. "Without the Golden Circle, accidents happen. Avalanches. Fires. Food poisoning."
It was a direct threat.
"System," Alex whispered. "God's Eye."
A blue window appeared next to the Baron's head.
[Name: Baron Von Klerk] [Role: Enforcer of the Golden Circle] [Net Worth: $5 Million (Liquid), $50 Million (Debt)] [Secret: He has been embezzling money from the Golden Circle's treasury to pay for his gambling addiction. He is terrified the Grand Elder will find out.]
Alex's smile widened. It was a predatory smile.
"Baron," Alex said softly. "Does the Grand Elder know about the casino in Monte Carlo?"
The Baron's face went pale. His smirk vanished. "What... what did you say?"
"And the $50 Million debt?" Alex continued, leaning back in his chair. "You are threatening me for $10 Million because you need to pay off your own loans before they break your legs, aren't you?"
"Shut up!" The Baron screamed, gripping his cane. "How do you know that?!"
"I know everything," Alex said.
Alex stood up. He picked up the heavy envelope and tossed it into the fireplace. The flames licked the paper.
"I have a counter-offer," Alex said.
"Go back to your little club. Tell the Grand Elder that I am not joining. And tell him that if he sends another broke messenger to threaten me..."
Alex's eyes glowed with a faint golden light (Tycoon's Aura + God's Eye).
"...I will buy the bank that holds your debt and foreclose on your house."
The Baron trembled. He looked at Alex like he was looking at a demon. This young man knew his darkest secret in seconds.
"You... you will regret this!" The Baron stammered, backing away. "The Golden Circle does not forgive insults!"
"Get out," Alex barked.
The Baron turned and ran out of the hall, forgetting his arrogance.
"Sebastian," Alex sat back down.
"Sir?"
"Find out who this 'Grand Elder' is. It seems I have a new organization to dismantle."