Ruthless Kings of Obsession (Leighton Royals University #3)

27. Empires Return

Empire's Return

~ M ATTEO~

A soft knock at the door breaks through the heavy atmosphere. Ares immediately tenses, his perfect posture becoming rigid with potential violence.

"That better not be Domino," he growls, "or we're going to have problems."

I can't help the smirk that crosses my face at his protective instinct. "It's just Hannah," I say, recognizing the particular pattern of her knock. As if on cue, the door opens silently, revealing my most trusted associate.

Hannah enters with her usual efficient grace, closing the door with barely a sound. She bows slightly in greeting, her expression carefully neutral as she surveys the room's occupants.

"Domino won't be joining us until classes resume at Leighton," she announces without preamble, her voice carrying just a hint of satisfaction.

The statement catches everyone off guard. Even Zander, usually so controlled, shows genuine surprise.

"He's agreed to check into rehabilitation," I explain, watching their reactions carefully. "There's a facility specializing in electroshock therapy that may help slow the progression of his multi-personality disorder."

"What did you do?" Marcus asks, clearly stunned. "To make him agree to that?"

"We had a conversation," I say simply, though I can't quite hide my own satisfaction. "He found my arguments... persuasive."

Zander's laugh carries genuine amusement as he looks at Hannah. "And what else did our ruthless brother do to encourage such cooperation?"

Hannah's face remains perfectly blank as she responds, "He also had him suspended upside down in a sewer for three hours until oxygen deprivation nearly caused permanent brain damage." She pauses delicately. "But those are unnecessary details."

Ren's jaw drops in shock while Ares lets out a surprised snicker. Marcus just stares, clearly trying to reconcile this revelation with his understanding of my character.

Hannah moves across the room to where Marcus stands, producing a thick folder of documents from her briefcase. He takes them with obvious confusion, looking between her and me with questions in his eyes.

"What are these?"

"Official transfer papers for the Wright Foundation and Empire," I state calmly, watching comprehension slowly dawn on his face. "Everything is now legally returned to your name."

The silence that follows is absolute. Even Eva seems to grow more still in her sleep, as if sensing the magnitude of what's just been revealed.

"I don't understand," Marcus finally manages, his voice barely above a whisper. "How... when did you...?"

Hannah returns to my side, her presence steady and reassuring. "Mr. Leighton has been investigating your circumstances since your arrival at the university," she explains with professional detachment. "He decided to take definitive action after you saved Sweet Precious Gem during the training incident."

"You needed to be properly rewarded," I add, remembering how Marcus had stepped in when Eva's condition deteriorated. "During my investigation, I discovered your family's empire had been acquired by Wright's. It seemed..." I choose my words carefully, "inefficient. A health-related foundation being run by people with no real understanding of medical science."

"It was a waste of resources," Hannah continues smoothly. "Especially when the rightful heir has not only extensive research experience but has already rebuilt a foundation conducting similar treatments. Returning what was taken allows for expansion to the next level of development."

"This benefits the Leighton empire as well," I explain, seeing the questions still swimming in Marcus's eyes. "Particularly given that this multi-personality disorder will likely manifest in me eventually, as it has in Domino."

Marcus's hands shake slightly as he opens the folder, scanning documents that restore his birthright. "You bought back my family's empire," he says slowly, as if testing the words. "Just like that?"

"Actually," Hannah interjects, "he threatened, blackmailed, and in some cases physically persuaded the current board members to relinquish their illegally obtained positions. The buying part was merely a formality to make everything appear legitimate on paper."

Ren lets out a low whistle. "Remind me never to get on your bad side, Matteo."

"The same board members who helped Domino steal it from you originally," I continue, ignoring Ren's comment. "It seemed fitting they should be the ones to return it."

"With significant financial penalties," Hannah adds with the ghost of a smile. "And several rather creative non-disclosure agreements regarding their involvement in the original acquisition."

Marcus looks up from the papers, his expression a complex mixture of emotions. "Why?" he asks simply. "Why go to all this trouble for me?"

I consider my answer carefully, looking at Eva's sleeping form beside Zander. "Because loyalty should be rewarded," I say finally. "Because you protected what's precious to me, even when it cost you everything. And because..." I meet his gaze directly, "sometimes the best revenge is returning power to those who'll use it properly."

"The Wright Foundation's research facilities will be invaluable," Hannah notes practically. "Particularly given recent developments regarding genetic memory manipulation and trauma response."

Understanding dawns in Marcus's eyes as he glances at Eva. "You want me to continue my research," he says. "Into the serum that affects memory."

"Among other things," I confirm. "Your work could benefit more than just our Queen. And now you have the resources to do it properly, legally, without fear of interference."

"Jesus," Ren breathes, clearly impressed. "You really do think of everything, don't you?"

"Hannah thinks of everything," I correct him. "I just provide the motivation for people to cooperate."

"Speaking of motivation," Zander says from his bed, still idly stroking Eva's hair, "what exactly did you say to convince Domino to seek treatment?"

A small smile plays at my lips as I remember that particular conversation. "I simply helped him understand that his obsession with Eva would be better served by addressing his own mental health first."

"While hanging upside down in a sewer," Ares adds dryly.

"The location was incidental," Hannah says blandly. "Though the rats did seem to help emphasize certain points of the discussion."

The room falls quiet again as everyone processes these revelations. Marcus still stands by the window, holding the papers that restore his family's legacy, looking slightly shell-shocked.

"Welcome back to power, Dr. Wright," I say softly. "Try not to waste it this time."

Marcus stands by the window, the papers trembling slightly in his hands as he fights back tears. The restoration of his birthright seems to have stripped away his usual clinical composure, leaving something raw and vulnerable in its place. He manages a quick nod of acknowledgment, clearly not trusting his voice.

"So," Ares breaks the emotional moment, ever practical despite his model's facade, "what's the actual game plan here? Six Ruthless Kings including our resident psychopath – that's got to be more complicated than just showing up to class together."

"The objective remains consistent," I say, watching how the rain traces patterns on the dark windows. "But we've moved beyond Havoc and Carnage. Our arc of Obsession leads to something... final."

"Which is what exactly?" Ren asks, voicing the question clearly on everyone's mind.

"Vengeance." The word falls like a blade between us, sharp and certain. "But first, we need to ensure everyone is properly obsessed with our reign. That's where Domino becomes essential."

They exchange confused looks, clearly struggling to understand how our greatest threat could become a key asset.

"How exactly does that work?" Zander asks, his hand never stilling in Eva's hair. "Given his track record, I'm not seeing him as a team player."

"All will be explained on arrival day," I assure them, enjoying their collective frustration at my vagueness. "Some pieces need to be in place first."

"Speaking of places," Ares interjects, "where exactly are we supposed to live? Last I checked, our previous residence ended up slightly crispy around the edges."

A small smile plays at my lips. "I've already secured new property in the luxury district. The gated community where victors traditionally reside."

"How the hell did you manage that?" Marcus asks, finally finding his voice again. "Those properties are practically impossible to acquire."

I merely shrug, remembering the rather creative negotiations that led to our new home.

"Some secrets," Hannah says blandly from beside me, "are best left mysterious."

"Fine, keep your real estate secrets," Ares concedes. "But how do we make wherever it is Domino-proof? I'm not particularly keen on waking up to find him standing over my bed with a knife."

"Bold of you to assume he'd use something as mundane as a knife," Ren mutters, earning a sharp look from Zander.

"The property has certain... modifications," I explain carefully. "Security measures specifically designed with our unique situation in mind."

"Meaning?" Marcus prompts, setting his restoration papers carefully aside.

"Meaning," Hannah interjects smoothly, "that any attempt at unauthorized violence will be met with immediate and rather unpleasant consequences."

"We've installed systems that monitor vital signs, behavioral patterns, and potential threats," I elaborate. "The moment anyone's intentions turn violent, countermeasures activate automatically."

"What kind of countermeasures?" Zander asks, genuine curiosity coloring his tone.

"The kind that make three hours hanging upside down in a sewer seem like a luxury spa treatment," Hannah says with the ghost of a smile.

The room falls quiet as they process this information. Even Eva seems to sense the shift in atmosphere, curling closer to Zander in her sleep.

"You really have thought of everything," Ren observes, something like respect creeping into his voice.

"No," I correct him again, glancing at Hannah. "We've thought of everything that could go wrong, and then prepared for things going wrong in ways we haven't thought of yet."

"Paranoia as an art form," Marcus muses, his scientific mind clearly appreciating the layers of preparation.

"When dealing with six psychologically complex individuals, three of whom have confirmed multiple personalities, paranoia is simply good planning," Hannah notes practically.

"And Eva?" Ares asks quietly. "How do we protect her in all this?"

The question hangs heavy in the air, reminding us all of why we're really here. Everything – the empire restoration, the security measures, the carefully laid plans – it all comes down to protecting our Queen.

"Eva," I say carefully, watching her sleep peacefully for perhaps the last time in a while, "is both our greatest strength and our most vulnerable point. Which is exactly why Domino's role is so crucial."

"You're going to use his obsession with her," Zander realizes, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Channel it somehow."

"The most dangerous weapon is often the one pointed at your own chest," I confirm. "Domino's fixation on Eva can either destroy us or become our greatest asset. It all depends on how we direct it."

"And the treatment he's receiving?" Marcus asks, medical interest clearly piqued.

"Is genuine," I assure them. "But also carefully monitored and adjusted to serve our purposes. The same way his rehabilitation will be both real and... guided."

"Toward what end?" Ren questions, clearly still skeptical.

"Toward creating the perfect storm," Hannah answers for me. "Where obsession meets vengeance, and everything we've built finally comes to fruition."

The rain continues its steady pattern against the windows as my brothers process these revelations. Each of them broken in their own ways, yet united in their devotion to our sleeping Queen.

"So we just... trust your plan?" Ares asks finally.

"No," I say softly, watching Eva shift slightly in her sleep. "You trust that everything I've done – everything I will do – serves one purpose only: protecting what's precious to all of us."

The silence that follows carries weight – the weight of brotherhoods forged in darkness, of loyalties tested by fire, of obsessions that will either save or damn us all.

"The security system uses state-of-the-art technology," I continue, watching my brothers' reactions carefully. "Equipment that hasn't even been released to the general public or celebrity market. Hannah and my security team will maintain complete control."

"It's completely unhackable," I add, then pause to fix Zander with a pointed look. "Don't try it."

His answering smirk suggests he's already planning ways to test that claim, but I continue. "The entire system was designed specifically for our unique situation, with particular emphasis on protecting Sweet Precious Gem."

"I'm probably going to need a complete rundown on this whole ruthless society thing," Ren interjects, running a hand through his teal-streaked hair. "Though I do come with some useful perks, being the police chief's son and all."

"We should spread that around," Ares suggests with a predatory smile. "Might keep people on their best behavior."

Marcus frowns thoughtfully. "Won't that draw unwanted attention? Get your father involved?"

Ren's laugh holds genuine amusement. "Who do you think signs off on those suspiciously large bonus checks officers get at year's end?" His grin turns sharp. "Here's a hint – it's not coming from government coffers."

None of us look particularly surprised by this revelation. Corruption is as natural as breathing in our world.

"Dad couldn't care less what I do," Ren continues with a casual shrug, "as long as I don't end up arrested for something stupid. Like getting caught fucking a girl in the woods or something."

The room goes very still as we all turn to stare at him. He cringes visibly, realizing what he's just admitted.

"Yeah, okay, it was with Eva," he confesses quickly, raising his hands defensively. "We were a bit wild back then. But that's ancient history! No relationship, remember? Just... forest adventures."

"He'll be the first one to try fucking her again," Zander comments to Ares and me, his voice carrying deadly certainty despite its casual tone.

Ares tilts his head thoughtfully. "Maybe we should test his resolve with some sewer time? See how long before he breaks?"

"The man is right there," Marcus pinches the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Just threaten him to his face if you're going to do it."

Ren's eyes dart between us nervously. "Come on, guys. Have mercy?"

"Why did you break up anyway?" I ask, genuinely curious about their past dynamic.

"We never actually broke up," Ren admits, shifting uncomfortably under our collective stare. "Can't break up if you were never really together. I knew my Moonflower was wild, needed someone who could match her appetite for chaos."

"What do you mean by that?" Marcus asks sharply.

Ren gestures broadly at our current situation. "This. All of this. The madness, the chaos, the havoc, the endless obsession – she needs it like breathing." His expression grows more serious. "She won't stop until she's ready to claim her own revenge on everyone who scarred and ruined her."

The rain continues its steady pattern against the windows as we process his words. Even Eva seems to grow more still in her sleep, as if sensing the weight of the conversation.

"You think she'll never forgive Domino," I observe, studying Ren's unusually grave expression.

"Would you?" He shakes his head slowly. "She's too cunning, too deceptive to truly forgive the villain in her story. She might play along, might even convince herself she's moved past it, but..." He trails off meaningfully.

"Then what do you think happens to him in the end?" I ask, curious about his perspective as someone who knew Eva in a different context.

Ren slides his hands into his pockets, considering the question carefully. When he speaks, his voice drops to barely above a whisper: "Maybe it's time for him to feel what it's like to be taken down by a villain bigger than himself."

The implications of that statement hang heavy in the air. We all look at Eva's sleeping form, wondering just what kind of vengeance she's planning behind those innocent pigtails and sweet smiles.

"You really did know her well," Zander observes, something dangerous flickering in his eyes.

"Well enough to know I couldn't give her what she needed," Ren admits with a sad smile. "She requires this kind of intensity – this dance of power and obsession and carefully planned revenge. I was just..." He shrugs. "A pleasant distraction while she figured that out."

"And now?" Ares asks, his model's perfection not quite hiding his predatory interest.

"Now I'm happy to play my part in whatever grand scheme she's orchestrating," Ren says simply. "Even if that part is just temporary Kings of Obsession."

The room falls quiet again, each of us lost in thoughts about what comes next. About how our Queen will move her pieces on this elaborate chessboard she's created.

About what happens when obsession finally meets vengeance.

I catch Hannah's eye across the room, seeing my own certainty reflected there. Let them wonder about Eva's ultimate plans. We've already set everything in motion.

The real question is: when the dust settles, will any of us survive what we've helped create?