Chapter 1

In a luxurious cemetery, a teenage boy sat silently with teary eyes. His hand reached out, continually wiping the gray tombstone inscribed with the name Andreas John Quartararo. 

"Enough, Tristan. Don't be sad. Mama is sure Papa is happy in heaven."

The beautiful woman named Gracia Quartararo looked strong. Although her cheeks were still wet from tears, she tried to appear strong in front of her son. It certainly wasn't easy. Especially since she had lost her beloved husband in a car accident some time ago. The man who smiled brightly that morning, asking for permission to go to work, had to come home lifeless.

"Mama will always take care of you. I promise to stay by your side until we grow old."

Gracia kept trying to strengthen her child's heart so he wouldn't be consumed by sadness. She knew her son was very close to her husband. More so because Andreas was the father Tristan admired so much.

However, a promise remained a promise. Exactly three months after Andreas passed away, it was Gracia's turn to leave Tristan forever. The beautiful woman reportedly suffered a heart attack during an important meeting at her office. One can imagine how shattered Tristan's heart was, not yet twenty years old, having to lose both parents in such a short time. At his young age, he was forced to survive in a harsh world.

"Tristan, don't cry. You're not alone in this world. There's still Uncle Raphael who will take care of you. I promise I will never leave you."

Tristan, who had been looking down, immediately looked up. With a sad expression, the young man shook his head slowly. When Andreas died, he managed to hold back his tears, but this time he couldn't anymore. The clear crystals flowed down his cheeks. He didn't care if people thought he was weak or whatever.

"Don't make any promises to me, Uncle. It's enough that Papa and Mama left me. I don't want everyone I love to leave me one by one."

"No." Raphael shook his head and then extended his right hand, patting Tristan's shoulder repeatedly, trying to strengthen his heart so he wouldn't be consumed by sadness. "I promise I won't die before making you successful. I've decided to help you conquer the world. To make Leighton Corporations, which Andreas worked so hard to build, successful and thriving again. Moreover, you must also get back at those who have wronged your family."

Tristan's hand clenched tightly. Raphael's words had successfully ignited his emotions. His uncle was right. He couldn't dwell in sadness any longer. He had to rise. Because after this, a heavy task awaited him.

In front of his parents' tombstones, Tristan promised himself that he would become a successful and unbeatable person. Once he achieved everything, he would settle the score with those who had destroyed his family like this.

"Sooner or later, I will make them pay for everything, Uncle. I will make the Walters family suffer as much as I do now."

Raphael smirked. The corner of his lips lifted high.

"Of course, Tristan. You deserve to do that. Even after the fatal accident that killed your father, Rudolf Walters hasn't shown his face to even apologize. Maybe his whole family has fled abroad." He then patted Tristan's shoulder gently and continued to encourage him.

"From now on, I promise to always be by your side. I'll turn you into a truly tough man in business and daily life."

Then, Raphael stood up first. Moments later, he extended his hand, asking Tristan to rise from his seat. They both decided to leave the cemetery complex, heading to Tristan's home to prepare for all the plans that had been meticulously arranged.

*** 

**Several Years Later**

Flashbulbs immediately went off as Tristan and Raphael entered the auditorium in the Leighton Corporation building. All the journalists seemed to be competing to cover the induction process of the new CEO who would lead the largest construction company in the United Kingdom.

Tristan, dressed in a navy suit, sat calmly next to Raphael. Not a hint of nervousness appeared on his handsome face.

After years of studying, interning, and directly participating in various tenders with Raphael, Tristan continually worked to convince all the shareholders and company executives. At the age of just 30, he was striving to prove to everyone that he truly deserved the position his father once held.

After two general shareholder meetings, it was finally agreed that Tristan was indeed fit for the position. Today, he would be officially inaugurated by the commissioners to start performing his duties as expected.

"Tristan Quartararo, congratulations on your inauguration today."

Everyone seemed to offer congratulations. This included Tristan's three friends, who had taken the time to come and meet him in his office.

"Thank you. I'm glad you are here to support me. I thought you were serious when you said you wouldn't come to congratulate me the other day."

Tristan then accepted hugs from each of his three friends before inviting them to sit on the sofa.

"That was Edward's idea," pointed out Kenzi. "That damn playboy wanted to surprise you."

Edward immediately clicked his tongue and handed over the cake box he had been holding. "Oh, come on, Nick. Why are you so talkative? Wasn't this our idea together? Why are you making me the main culprit now?"

"But you were the one who suggested it, weren't you?" Nicholas retorted. "You came up with the idea. In fact, you insisted earlier that Kenzi and I pick you up and accompany you to buy the cake for Tristan."

"Really?" Tristan asked, wanting confirmation. He looked at each of his friends in disbelief. Often joking around, he never expected his friends to act so sweetly.

"Well... alright. I admit it. Nicholas is telling the truth."

While scratching his non-itchy neck, Edward finally admitted what Nicholas had said. Among the three friends, he was the closest to Tristan since the beginning of their friendship. They did everything together. Edward even considered Tristan like a brother. Kenzi and Nicholas often called them twins.

"I did drag them both to meet you. Besides, we should congratulate you on your achievement today. Honestly, I am personally very proud of you."

"Thank you once again for everything you have given me."

"So, how was your inauguration today? I saw in the news that your company's stock price rose significantly after you were officially appointed as the new CEO," Kenzi said, with a hint of admiration in his voice. As a fellow young CEO, he was naturally proud of what his friend had achieved.

Tristan nodded. While cutting the cake Edward had brought, he responded to Kenzi's question casually.

"I was also very surprised. This is an incredible achievement for me as a beginner. I didn't know the inauguration would even affect the company's stock price. The commissioners also discussed it."

"That means the public has been eagerly awaiting your presence," Nicholas added seriously. "It seems they are interested in all the breakthroughs and strides you've made recently. I must admit, all the brilliant ideas you've shown have brought fresh air to this business."

The three then chose to enjoy the cake Tristan had just cut and offered. While eating, they continued to discuss various topics casually.

"By the way, is there no small party?" Edward asked while taking a bite of his cake. 

It had always been a tradition for them to celebrate something with a party, whether it was large or a private gathering with close friends.

"Oh my, you're right. I've been so busy these past few days that I didn't think about it. But how about we have the party tonight?"

Kenzi put his cake plate on the table, grabbed a cup of tea, and sipped the drink. After finishing, he nodded in agreement with the idea Tristan had just proposed.

"I agree. Let's celebrate at the American Bar."

"Yes, Kenzi is right. The American Bar is a suitable place for us to celebrate all this," Nicholas chimed in.

"But, can we bring partners tonight?" Edward asked cautiously. "I mean, will tonight's party be just us as usual, or can we bring female friends too?"

"Of course. I'm also curious to see which woman you'll bring this time," Tristan replied, seemingly familiar with Edward's habit of frequently changing partners.

As agreed, the four friends decided to gather at the American Bar at eight o'clock that night. This time, Tristan brought Kimberly, Raphael's daughter, to accompany him.

After making reservations and ordering appetizers, Tristan saw Kenzi arrive first at the event with his girlfriend, Tita. Shortly after, Nicholas followed, bringing his fiancée, Claire.

"We're not late, are we?" Kenzi asked as he pulled out a chair and invited his girlfriend to sit.

"Don't worry. Kimberly and I just arrived 10 minutes ago," Tristan replied. Then he sat down and began the conversation.

"Tristan, congratulations on your achievement today. I know this gift is modest, but at least Nicholas and I are sincere in giving it to you," Claire said as she handed him a black gift box.

"Oh my, there's no need to go to the trouble. I'm already very grateful that you came," Tristan said.

Amid their conversation, Edward, who had been awaited, finally arrived. With a smile, he immediately approached with the woman he had brought.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late. I had to pick up the gift first," Edward said as he handed over the item he was carrying—a box containing a watch that he specially gave to his friend. "Once again, happy birthday, Tristan. I hope this year all your unrealized dreams come true."

Tristan, who was standing at the time, hugged Edward with emotion. When he released the hug, his focus immediately turned to the beautiful woman Edward had brought.

"Ed, aren't you going to introduce the beautiful woman next to you?"

"Oh, right. I almost forgot," Edward replied. He then turned to the woman standing next to him. "Everyone, let me introduce you to the beautiful Olivia Walters."

Tristan gazed intently into the brown eyes before him. Moments later, he extended his hand with a meaningful smile. The name Edward had just mentioned seemed familiar to him.

"Tristan Quartararo. It's a pleasure to meet you."