Chapter 3

I was "escorted" to my brother's company, to the core lab of the "Genesis" project.

Everything here bore Liam's mark.

The employees looked at me with relief, as if they had survived a disaster.

"Mr. Lane, you're finally back!"

"With you here for the project, we have our cornerstone again!"

My father, Frank, stood beside me, basking in these compliments as if I really were his resurrected genius son.

"Liam's just recovered. Please bear with him," he said, pushing me towards the main console. "Son, go on. Show everyone what you've got."

I stared at the complex data streams before me, my mind blank.

I had majored in history in college. I knew nothing about quantum physics.

Just then, the lab door was kicked open.

A man in a black jacket strode in, followed by several aggressive-looking board members.

The man was tall, with sharp features and a rebellious smirk.

Sean Frost.

My brother's biggest rival in life, and the only madman in the industry who could compete with him.

"Liam Lane, heard you've come back from the dead. I'm here to pay my respects to the deceased," Sean's gaze fell on my face like a knife.

My father's face darkened. "Sean! Watch your words!"

Sean sneered, ignoring him completely, and walked straight up to me.

He reached out and roughly grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up.

"Let me see. Did the fall fry your brain, or just give you a new set of balls?"

His fingers were cold, his grip strong.

Rachel immediately rushed over, slapping his hand away. "Sean! Don't go too far!"

Sean glanced at her, his eyes ambiguous. "Rachel, no need to be so formal between us, right?"

Rachel's face paled for a moment, but she quickly regained composure. "Please show some respect."

My father was shaking with anger, pointing at Sean. "You... you! Security!"

"Dad." I suddenly spoke up. My voice wasn't loud, but it silenced everyone.

I gently pushed away Rachel's protective hand and calmly met Sean's gaze.

"Mr. Frost, it's been a while."

My parents were stunned.

Sean raised an eyebrow, seeming surprised. "Oh? You still recognize me?"

He leaned in close, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "When Liam hit the ground, his head splattered like a rotten melon. Yours... seems stitched up quite nicely."

My heart clenched violently.

He straightened up, his voice returning to normal. "Your 'Genesis' project is nothing but a scam. I'm here today to expose you!"

He threw a document onto the main console. "This is a joint agreement between me and the board. Either you produce results within three months to prove your theory, or you and your family get the hell out of this building!"

My father clutched his chest, coughing violently. "You... you're taking advantage of our misfortune!"

"Dad, don't get excited." I steadied him, but my eyes never left Sean.

I smiled and picked up the agreement. "Alright, I'll sign it."