Over the past two days, the entire world seemed to have its eyes fixed upon one name again and again.

Al Qiyan.

And beside it, almost everywhere, another name followed.

Sterling Enterprises.

News channels across Haven continued broadcasting the details of the terror crisis that nearly swallowed Star Harbor whole. Analysts, retired military officers, journalists, political commentators, and citizens filled television panels and internet discussions day and night. Some praised the government response. Some questioned how such a dangerous network entered the country in the first place. But above all of it, there was one topic that united everyone.

The mysterious Chairman of Sterling Enterprises.

The young man whom the President himself publicly acknowledged.

The man who stood against the terrorists while the city unknowingly continued its daily life beneath the shadow of destruction.

Social media platforms had completely exploded with theories.

Some claimed Miles Sterling was a former special forces officer.

Some believed he was secretly connected to intelligence agencies.

Others exaggerated the story so much that people even started comparing him to fictional heroes from films and comics.

One blurry image taken from a hospital parking lot circulated everywhere online. Though the face was unclear, the internet had already decided one thing.

The chairman was young.

And apparently, very handsome.

Thousands of edits, tribute videos, emotional speeches, and patriotic montages flooded the internet overnight.

Hashtags trended continuously across the country.

#GetWellSoonSavior

#StarHarborHero

#SterlingShield

Fan pages appeared one after another. Some people even created animated artworks of Miles fighting terrorists alone, despite having no actual footage of the events.

At the center of Star Harbor, the massive Soul Tower displayed glowing words running vertically from the top of the skyscraper down toward the streets below.

#GetWellSoonSavior

The citizens standing below took photographs and videos continuously.

Outside the Cinder Square headquarters of Sterling Enterprises and the branch of Sterling Private Security Services, delivery trucks arrived one after another carrying flowers, letters, handmade cards, gifts from children, and messages from ordinary citizens.

Some elderly people wrote prayers.

Some children drew pictures.

Some military veterans sent medals and folded flags.

The entire country was emotionally shaken by how close Star Harbor came to destruction.

And the citizens had not forgotten who stood in front of it.

...

Morning sunlight entered softly through the large windows of the living room.

Miles sat comfortably on a chair, still recovering from his injuries. Though most of the major wounds were bandaged beneath his clothes, the movements of his arms still carried stiffness. A faint bandage remained visible near the side of his neck and on his head.

Daniel sat beside him while Gordon and David occupied the nearby sofa.

The television continued playing the morning news.

Hope and Asher could occasionally be heard somewhere deeper inside the house arguing loudly about breakfast before Elena’s voice forced them to calm down again.

The atmosphere inside the home felt warm.

Peaceful.

A peace that almost disappeared forever just two days ago.

On the television, the reporter continued speaking energetically.

"Chairman Miles Sterling. It is the name currently dominating discussions across the Republic of Haven after the President publicly appreciated his actions during the Star Harbor crisis."

Several clips played on screen.

The towering buildings of Sterling Enterprises.

The Soul Tower tribute.

Citizens placing flowers outside company headquarters.

The reporter continued.

"This year alone, Sterling Enterprises has repeatedly shocked the business world. Whether it is the acquisition of major businesses across the country, expansion into new sectors, securing government contracts, or exposing illegal operations affecting ordinary citizens, the company has risen like a phoenix from ashes."

Another visual appeared.

A presentation hall.

Military officers examining new equipment.

"Three days ago, Sterling Weapons and Armed Division launched a project which was overshadowed due to the Al Qiyan crisis. According to official statements, this project began before the acquisition of assets from the Wraithbourne Group months ago."

A sleek black combat vest rotated slowly on the display screen.

"It is a newly developed protective combat gear made with a patented compound created by Wraithbourne Labs. Reports suggest the material is lighter than traditional military armor while being stronger than carbon fiber."

Daniel raised his eyebrows slightly.

David leaned forward carefully.

The reporter continued with growing excitement.

"Sources claim multiple government departments have already shown interest in the technology. Analysts believe this completely destroys the Mordecai Group’s hopes of reclaiming its lost position in the weapons industry."

Another clip appeared.

A formal press conference.

Celina Wraithbourne stood before microphones confidently.

"The CEO of Wraithbourne Group, Miss Celina Wraithbourne, stated that this compound has the potential to change production industries globally in the future. She also described Sterling Enterprises as their most trusted partner and confirmed an exclusive production agreement for Sterling’s weapons and defense divisions."

Gordon slowly nodded.

"That girl is quite impressive."

Miles only smiled faintly without speaking.

The news shifted again.

"Another major development following the Star Harbor incident is the response from several large organizations regarding government compensation."

Company logos appeared on screen.

Reaper Group

ACE Group

"And many domestic companies have officially denied accepting compensation for the financial losses caused during the emergency response. Representatives stated this was their contribution toward protecting the nation."

Daniel folded his arms proudly.

"They stood together well."

Then suddenly the tone of the broadcast shifted once more.

"And now, we have just received the latest official press release directly from the Cinder Square headquarters of Sterling Enterprises."

The screen changed.

A formal statement appeared while the reporter read aloud.

"Dear citizens, thank you for all your wishes. Whatever I did was simply what I needed to do as a citizen of this city."

Miles sighed quietly hearing his own statement being read so dramatically.

The reporter continued.

"Decades ago, when my grandfather Timothy Sterling came here and started Sterling Enterprises, he carried a vision for the growth and development of this city. He created employment, trade, and opportunities for countless people. Though due to unfortunate circumstances he lost everything back then, I am here now to continue that work once again."

Gordon looked at Miles silently.

There was pride in the old man’s eyes.

The statement continued.

"Thanks to all your prayers, I am recovering well and only need a few weeks of rest."

David laughed softly.

"You call that resting after fighting terrorists alone?"

Miles rubbed his forehead helplessly.

Then the reporter’s voice grew emotional.

"But today, I wish to give something back to the people as a token of gratitude."

A new logo appeared on screen.

Sterling Foundation.

"Sterling Enterprises officially announces the Sterling Foundation today. A dedicated portion of company revenue will now go toward social welfare projects including orphanages, schools for underprivileged students, cancer research centers, hospitals, and various humanitarian developments across the Republic of Haven."

Silence filled the room for a moment.

Even the reporter sounded impressed.

"Thank you everyone."

The statement ended there.

Gordon slowly smiled and placed his hand on Miles’s shoulder.

"Your grandfather would have been proud of you."

The breakfast slowly came to an end as the warmth of the morning continued to fill the Pearl Villa . The twins hurried around the dining area with their school bags while Elena fixed Hope’s collar properly for the third time despite the little girl repeatedly insisting she could do it herself.

Asher quickly ran toward Miles before leaving.

"Big broo, see you after school."

Hope followed immediately behind him.

"Take care big broo."

Miles smiled softly looking at the two children standing in front of him.

"Good day to both of you, my little soldiers."

Hope grinned proudly hearing that title again while Asher gave a serious nod as if accepting an important military assignment.

Daniel chuckled beside the door while holding the car keys.

"Come on you two, we are already getting late."

The twins hurried outside noisily.

Daniel looked back once toward Miles.

"You rest properly today."

Miles nodded.

"I will."

The front door closed.

The house suddenly became much quieter.

David slowly stood up afterward while Gordon stretched his back carefully.

"Me and father are going to see the office one last time before leaving," David said.

Miles looked toward them.

"So you are leaving tomorrow?"

Gordon nodded gently.

"We are. But I will keep visiting, brother. His old eyes softened warmly.

"I still have responsibilities back home too. But I will definitely return."

Then he laughed lightly while looking toward Elena.

"Especially for that delicious food."

Elena chuckled from near the dining table.

"You are always welcome here uncle Gordon."

Before Gordon could respond, Birdie suddenly walked out from the kitchen carrying a notebook and looking very serious.

"Sister Elena, look at this. Is this the correct way?"

Elena immediately stood up.

"Coming."

Birdie almost dragged her back toward the kitchen excitedly.

The sound of their discussion slowly echoed from inside.

"No no, the flame should be lower."

"Ohhh, now I understand."

Miles watched the scene quietly.

There was peace inside this house now.

David and Gordon eventually left together after saying goodbye once more.

The morning sunlight slowly spread deeper into the living room.

Miles leaned back comfortably.

A faint smile remained on his face.

Monica, who had been quietly checking reports on her tablet nearby, noticed it immediately.

"You good boss?"

Miles slowly exhaled.

"I am happy."

For a brief moment Monica simply looked at him silently.

Then she smiled softly too.

"Just take rest boss. You are finally back home. June is handling the work fine."

Miles nodded slightly.

"Dion and Flora?"

"They are coming later today."

A small grin appeared on Monica’s face.

"Maybe they finally decided to reveal the pregnancy properly to everyone."

Miles chuckled quietly.

"Those two really thought they could hide it forever."

Monica laughed.

... 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Far away across the ocean.

New York.

The towering headquarters of Tulip Corporation stood quietly beneath the evening sky.

Most of the office floors had already gone dark.

Employees left long ago.

Only the top executive floor still remained illuminated.

Inside a large glass office, a woman sat alone watching international business news on a giant display screen mounted against the wall.

The segment currently showing repeated footage of Star Harbor.

Sterling Enterprises.

Miles Sterling.

Her assistant entered the office carrying coffee carefully.

"We should go home now. Everyone already left."

The woman sighed tiredly while rubbing her forehead.

"I worked all day and still couldn’t secure the investment."

She looked frustrated.

"They said the project will not succeed."

The assistant placed the coffee down gently.

"We can try other investors. Someone will definitely listen."

The woman gave a bitter smile.

"No one wants a woman to grow that easily."

The assistant looked at her carefully.

"Did you drink?"

"Just a little."

"You alright?"

The woman leaned back in her chair quietly.

Outside the glass walls, New York glittered beautifully beneath the night.

"I am fine."

Then her eyes shifted back toward the television screen where discussions about Sterling Enterprises continued.

The assistant noticed it.

"You are really interested in this company huh?"

The woman remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Tell me something."

"Hmm?"

"That guy they are talking about on TV."

"The Sterling Chairman?"

"Yes."

Her fingers tapped lightly against the coffee cup.

"He sounds... different from most businessmen."

The assistant crossed her arms and nodded slowly.

"Maybe he would help us."

The assistant looked surprised.

"You are saying we go to Haven?"

"Why not?"

The woman stood up slowly from her chair and walked toward the giant window overlooking the city.

"We should pitch the project to them."

Her eyes reflected the lights of New York below.

"I heard Sterling Enterprises has very strong connections."

She looked back.

"Especially with the Reaper Group."

The assistant thought quietly for a moment.

Then finally nodded.

"Alright."

A small smile appeared on the woman’s tired face for the first time that evening.

"We will write them a mail tomorrow."

The assistant picked up her bag.

"But first."

She pointed toward the door firmly.

"We are going home now."

The woman laughed softly.

"Fine."