Building The Strongest Family-Chapter 16: Again [ 1 ]

Arthur let out a huge sigh as he lay on the hospital bed, a simple smile gracing his face.

Just moments ago, he had found himself chuckling at the unexpected surprise of gaining a little sister, a cute five-year-old at that!

"Well, this isn't so bad," he mused to himself. "It's quite a nice feeling to have another little sister."

He shook his head in disbelief, still processing the whirlwind of emotions.

After contemplating for a moment, Arthur opened the system panel again, curiosity piqued. "Hmmm! That's odd. How come it increased?" He raised an eyebrow and muttered softly, confusion etched across his features.

"System, why did my Family Influence Points go up? I haven't done anything to boost our family's reputation," he questioned.

"[Host, the increase in Family Influence Points is due to your assassination attempt]," the system replied matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean?" Arthur was still puzzled.

[Host, you are Arthur Osborn, the new head of the Osborn Family. Even though the family is currently declining, it was once worth hundreds of millions. You were shot right in front of a restaurant; how could that not make headlines?]

Suddenly enlightened, Arthur's eyes lit up with realization.

So that's why his Family Influence Points had surged by over 5,000!

Excitement bubbled within him at the thought of what upgrades awaited him in the system.

Just then, a knock on the door jolted him from his thoughts.

Who could be visiting now? His family had already come by; he wasn't expecting anyone else.

Vigilant after having been shot once, after all, they say "once bitten, twice shy", he silently scrutinized the door.

[Host, don't worry; those are bodyguards from the system rewards] came the cold voice of the system.

"Ah! Okay," Arthur sighed in relief and called out towards the door, "Come in!"

The door swung open to reveal ten burly men clad in professional black suits who filled his spacious hospital room almost immediately.

Their serious faces and imposing presence created an oppressive atmosphere.

"Boss!" they all bowed and greeted him loudly while Arthur stared at them in awe from his bed.

Shaking off his daze after a few moments, he took a deep breath and asked carefully, "Who is your leader?"

One man stepped forward confidently. "Boss! I'm the Captain!"

"What's your name?" Arthur asked calmly.

"My name is Silvester," he replied promptly.

"Good." Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly as determination coursed through him. "I need you for something important."

"We're ready for any task you assign us!" Silvester declared eagerly.

"Good," Arthur nodded, his expression serious. "I'm being targeted, and it's not just me, my entire family is in danger. Someone out there is after us, and I have my suspicions that they were responsible for my parents' deaths. I need you to investigate and find out who's behind all of this."

A few minutes later, Arthur shared all the crucial information with Silvester.

He fixed his gaze on Silvester and said firmly, "I want you to uncover the identity of our enemy, and I want it done fast. Assemble five of your best investigators for this task; the others will remain at the mansion to ensure its security. Understand?"

"Yes, Boss! I promise to complete the task," Silvester replied loudly, determination etched across his face.

"Good. You can go," Arthur waved dismissively.

The ten bodyguards bowed before exiting the room. Just as they were about to leave...

"Wait!" Arthur called out suddenly.

"Is there anything else, Boss?" Silvester asked as he turned back.

"Yes," Arthur paused thoughtfully. "Leave two bodyguards here and send three back to the mansion; make arrangements for the rest."

"Understood, Boss," Silvester acknowledged before turning to his team. "Hunter! Magnus!"

"Here, Captain!" Two burly men stepped forward, one with light skin and a firm build, while the other had a healthy wheat-colored complexion.

Both exuded an intimidating aura in their fitted black suits.

"You two are now responsible for the boss's safety," Silvester instructed sternly.

"Understood, Captain!" Hunter and Magnus shouted in unison.

Silvester turned back toward Arthur with a respectful bow.

"You're dismissed," Arthur said again with a wave of his hand.

As Silvester led the group out of the room, Hunter and Magnus positioned themselves solemnly at the door as guards.

Meanwhile, Silvester took charge of coordinating their next steps outside of the hospital.

Arthur let out a sigh of relief; finally, he had professional bodyguards watching over him. Though he felt somewhat safer now, he knew better than to let down his guard completely.

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Days passed quickly, five days filled with medical treatments and visits from loved ones like Ashley and Liz who came almost daily.

Initially they were surprised when they saw Hunter and Magnus' presence at his door, they soon understood once Arthur explained everything.

His first uncle Julian and aunt Margaret also visited him; however, others were too busy, especially Emily and Nathaniel who were preoccupied with urgent company matters since funds had finally come through for their delayed project.

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"Damn! I'm finally getting out of this place!" Arthur exclaimed as he completed his final procedures at the hospital, bandages wrapped around his right arm.

He inhaled deeply, the scent of antiseptic was something he would never miss!

"Come on brother; let's go!" Ashley rolled her eyes playfully from beside him as she urged him to get into the car.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming!" Arthur exclaimed, shaking his head as he hurried into the car.

The two bodyguards were already positioned in the front seats,one at the wheel and the other scanning their surroundings with keen vigilance.

"Brother, you're finally going home!" Ashley said, her face lighting up with a smile.

"Yeah," Arthur nodded appreciatively. "I really miss home,especially the food! Ugh, I've been stuck eating all those bland meals in the hospital. Not delicious at all."

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Ashley giggled softly, amusement dancing in her eyes as she watched him.

As they sped down the road, Arthur gazed out at the passing scenery, a flood of emotions washing over him.

Just then...

"Boss!" Hunter, who was driving, called out sharply, pulling Arthur from his thoughts.

"We're being followed," Magnus announced grimly from his seat as he peered into the side mirror.

"Huh?" Both Arthur and Ashley exchanged startled glances before Arthur turned to look behind them. A sleek black car was tailing them closely.

"That black car?" Arthur asked urgently.

"Yes, Boss," Magnus confirmed with a nod.

"Find a way to lose them!" Arthur commanded swiftly. He turned to Ashley, whose face was etched with concern. "Ash, hold on tight!"

Ashley nodded quickly and clutched onto him tightly as Hunter veered off onto a different road.

But just as they did, the black car accelerated too,its pursuit relentless.

HOOOOOONK!

A deafening horn blared ahead of them as a massive truck barreled down from the opposite lane towards their car!

Reacting instinctively, Hunter swerved sharply to avoid a head-on collision; their vehicle drifted dangerously but narrowly escaped disaster.

BANG!

The truck lost control after missing its target and crashed violently into a streetlight pole.

Smoke billowed from its wreckage as its door swung open; an obviously intoxicated man staggered out with blood streaming down his forehead before collapsing on the ground.