The Retired Young Mercenary Is Secretly a Billionaire-Chapter 231: Grandmother???

Miles sat quietly in his office chair, looking through the screen in front of him

The skyline of Star Harbor stretched endlessly.

And standing proudly among the towers was the newest addition to the city.

A skyscraper that had already begun to dominate the skyline.

Soul Tower.

Forty stories of glass, steel, and precision engineering rising toward the sky like a spear.

Its exterior was covered in reflective blue panels that mirrored the ocean and the clouds above. In the morning sunlight the building shimmered like a pillar of light beside the harbor.

The structure had a sleek modern design.

Wide terraces carved into the upper floors.

Massive digital displays wrapping around the lower levels.

At the top of the tower a circular observation floor extended outward like a crown, surrounded by glass walls that overlooked the entire coastline.

From the harbor side, ships and yachts looked like toys beneath the massive structure.

At night the tower illuminated in soft silver lights, turning it into a beacon visible from miles across the sea.

For a building that took years to complete, it had now become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Star Harbor.

Behind Miles, June stood beside the desk also looking toward the tower.

"It’s giant, isn’t it?"

Miles leaned back slightly.

"It’s perfect for the Reaper Group."

June nodded while studying the skyline.

"Initially Reaper was just an early investor in the project."

She folded her arms.

"The building took years to complete."

Miles tilted his head slightly.

"Hm?"

"What is the name of the property again?"

June answered casually.

"Soul Tower."

The name made Miles pause for a moment.

Soul Tower.

His memory flashed briefly to the early days when he first started Reaper.

Back then it was just an investment firm with very little structure.

He had randomly invested in projects.

Sometimes simply because he liked the names of companies or properties.

Soul Tower.

He remembered that investment.

Before he could say anything Monica appeared at the open office door.

"Yes."

She leaned against the frame with a smile.

"Soul Tower."

"The same one you invested in."

She walked inside.

"And that was even before I joined the company."

She crossed her arms proudly.

"Now we own the entire property."

Miles chuckled quietly.

June blinked in surprise.

"That’s impressive boss."

Miles looked at Monica.

Monica looked at Miles.

Then both of them burst into laughter.

June stood there confused.

She glanced between them.

"Did I miss something?"

Monica waved her hand casually and picked up the remote on the desk.

"Let’s show you something."

She switched the large wall screen to the Sterling Media Channel.

The news broadcast was already live.

The anchor stood outside the towering skyscraper.

Behind him Soul Tower stretched high into the sky.

The reporter spoke with excitement.

"Another breaking exclusive news coming from Star Harbor."

"The Reaper Group of Companies, which has become one of the largest economic backbones of the country, is relocating its headquarters to Star Harbor."

He pointed behind him.

"The building you see behind me is the newly completed Soul Tower."

"Reaper has officially acquired full ownership of this skyscraper."

The camera slowly panned upward showing the entire tower.

The reporter continued.

"Recently the ACE Group has begun opening multiple branches of its businesses here in Star Harbor."

"And now the Reaper Group is joining them."

He paused for dramatic effect.

"Is the port city about to become the largest contributor to the nation’s economic growth?"

"The Reaper Group, originally founded as an investment firm, now controls multiple businesses across the globe."

"The true owners of the company have never revealed themselves publicly."

He smiled toward the camera.

"Whether they reveal themselves or not, one thing is certain."

"Big changes are coming to Star Harbor."

The screen returned to the studio.

Miles leaned back in his chair.

"Our own media channel is gaining ratings because of our own companies."

He sighed dramatically.

"I almost feel bad for the other media groups."

Monica nodded seriously.

"Me too."

June raised her hand thoughtfully.

"Then why don’t you acquire the other channels too?"

Miles smiled patiently.

"That is not how business works."

He stood up and walked toward the window.

"The government will never allow a single company to control the entire market."

He looked back at them.

"Monopolies destroy economies."

He placed his hands behind his back.

"That is why we do not invest in every industry."

He smiled faintly.

"And competition keeps us motivated."

June nodded with admiration.

"You are right boss."

At that moment Miles’ phone buzzed.

The screen displayed a familiar name.

Silvey.

Miles answered immediately.

"Hello."

On the other side Silvey’s voice sounded worried.

"Brother Miles."

"I need your help."

Miles’ tone became serious instantly.

"What is it?"

Silvey spoke quickly.

"Someone is targeting the newly opened ACE Finance branch in Star Harbor."

Miles frowned slightly.

"Targeting?"

Silvey continued.

"Someone is deliberately planting irregular transactions and unethical operations in the system."

"Transactions that were never approved."

"We cannot find the root cause."

Miles listened carefully.

Silvey’s voice lowered.

"If this continues ACE Finance will be shut down."

"The court has already warned us before when Kyle was controlling the company."

Miles spoke calmly.

"Do not worry."

"We will take care of it."

Silvey sighed in relief.

"Thank you brother."

"I tried so many times to handle it myself."

"But I keep failing."

Miles smiled slightly.

"Come to Star Harbor."

"We will figure this out together."

Silvey answered immediately.

"Okay."

The call ended.

Miles placed the phone on the desk.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Someone is trying to disrupt the new branch of ACE Finance in Star Harbor."

He looked toward Monica.

"Find out who is behind it."

Monica picked up her tablet and walked toward the door.

"Leave it to me."

She paused briefly.

"I was going to the security base anyway."

The door closed behind her as she left the office.

....

After finishing the last few tasks in the office, Miles checked the time on his watch.

The afternoon sun had already started leaning toward the west.

He closed the files on his desk and stood up.

He had made a promise to pick Hope and Asher from the school today.

A few minutes later his car rolled out of the Cinder Square parking lot and joined the city traffic.

The drive through Star Harbor was calm.

After a while the car slowed near a familiar place.

The twins’ school.

Miles drove through the entrance gate and the security guard immediately recognized him. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Good afternoon Mr. Sterling."

Miles nodded politely.

"Good afternoon."

He parked his car in the designated area and stepped out.

Looking around he noticed several parents already waiting near the school gates.

Miles glanced at his watch.

"Am I early?"

A few parents noticed him standing there.

Some whispered quietly among themselves.

"Is he a parent too?"

Before their curiosity could continue, the loud ringing of the school bell echoed through the campus.

Within seconds the school doors burst open.

Children poured out of the buildings like a colorful river.

Backpacks bouncing.

Laughter echoing.

Teachers stood near the exits guiding them calmly.

"Slowly everyone."

"Do not rush."

"Walk in line."

Then two familiar voices shouted through the crowd.

"Big broooo!"

Hope and Asher ran toward him with excited smiles.

Their backpacks bouncing wildly on their shoulders.

Miles immediately crouched slightly and held out his arms.

"Slowly you two."

"Listen to your teachers."

The twins stopped abruptly and looked embarrassed.

"Oops."

"Sorry."

Miles laughed softly and ruffled their hair.

"It’s alright."

He took their backpacks and walked toward the car.

Opening the trunk he placed the bags carefully inside.

Hope and Asher climbed into the back seat.

Seatbelts clicked into place immediately.

Miles walked around to the driver side door.

But when he opened it something caught his eye.

There was a small package resting on the front seat.

Miles frowned.

It definitely was not there before.

He slowly picked it up.

Without saying anything he stepped away from the car and walked toward a nearby trash bin.

Hope and Asher watched curiously through the window.

Miles carefully opened the package.

Inside there was nothing dangerous.

Just a picture frame.

He lifted it slowly.

Inside the frame was an old photograph.

A young man stood beside a beautiful woman.

The man’s face was familiar.

Very familiar.

Miles stared quietly.

It looked like his grandfather.

And the woman beside him must have been his grandmother.

Miles slowly looked around the parking lot.

Parents were leaving.

Children were walking home.

But no one seemed suspicious.

Who could have placed this in his car?

Miles returned to the vehicle.

He slid into the driver’s seat and placed the photograph carefully inside the dashboard compartment.

Hope leaned forward curiously.

"Big broooo."

"What is it?"

Miles started the engine calmly.

"Nothing important."

"Just work related."

Asher nodded seriously.

"Okay."

Miles smiled slightly.

"So."

"Where do you two want to go for lunch?"

Instant excitement filled the car.

Hope raised her hand immediately.

"I heard there is a new pastry shop!"

"All my friends are talking about it."

"They have yummy crepes."

Asher leaned forward.

"Let’s go there!"

Miles glanced at them through the mirror.

"Which shop?"

"Baker’s Crust."

Hope nodded eagerly.

"Yes!"

"That one!"

Miles chuckled.

"You forgot the cake I brought you last time?"

Asher turned toward Hope proudly.

"It was from the same shop."

"I told you Hope!"

Miles started driving.

"Alright."

"Let’s go."

The car moved through the lively streets of Star Harbor.

Hope and Asher talked endlessly about their school day.

Their teachers.

Their friends.

A class project.

And a playground race.

Miles listened quietly while driving.

Soon the car stopped outside a bright and cheerful storefront.

Baker’s Crust.

The shop looked lively.

More lively than Miles had ever seen before.

Students and families filled the place.

Miles smiled slightly.

Looks like Mom’s recipes really worked.

He pushed open the glass door.

The twins rushed in ahead of him.

The small bell above the door chimed softly.

Inside the owner looked up from the counter.

The moment she saw Miles her face lit up with recognition.

She quickly stepped out from behind the counter.

"Mr. Sterling."

"Welcome."

Miles smiled politely.

"Looks like business is booming Mrs Baker."

She laughed warmly.

"All thanks to you."

"If you had not given me that cookbook I could never adapt to modern desserts."

She gestured proudly around the shop.

"The store has become very popular with students."

Miles nodded.

"I am glad."

"My mom will be overjoyed when she hears this."

Mrs Baker smiled.

"Thank you."

Miles gestured toward the twins.

"I brought my siblings."

"They wanted to come here."

Mrs Baker leaned forward slightly to see them better.

Two small children in school uniforms stared back at her.

She laughed softly.

"Aren’t they the cutest?"

Hope smiled politely.

"Hello Mrs Baker."

"I am Hope."

Asher waved his hand.

"Hello."

"I am Asher."

Mrs Baker chuckled warmly.

"Hello."

"Nice to meet you."

She pointed toward the seating area.

"Come on."

"Have a seat you three."

Miles walked toward a quiet table near the side window.

They sat down together.

Miles looked at them.

"So."

"What do you want to order?"

Hope and Asher leaned over the menu excitedly.

Their fingers pointing at pictures.

Discussing crepes.

Chocolate toppings.

Strawberries.

Meanwhile Miles sat quietly.

But his mind was not in the café.

It was still back in the school parking lot.

Thinking.

About the photograph now resting in the dashboard.

Who had sent it?

Was it connected to his grandfather?

Or was someone trying to reach him?

Miles stared out the café window.

Lost in thought.