The Tycoon's Odyssey

Smirking, he continued, "The Rajputs were old-fashioned relics, relying on brute control of local governments and embedding their people in positions of authority rather than fostering genuine economic growth. Despite Indra's progress, its massive population remains a liability—a strain too large to sustain comfortably. That's why their fee was kept comparatively lower."

Fabiano's expression grew sharper as he leaned forward slightly, his smirk widening. "But you are different. Unlike those old and useless guys, you're an entrepreneur—a visionary who commands futuristic technology that could very well redefine the world. Mark my words: once you step out of hiding and fully establish your industries, don't be surprised if the Federation demands more than a trillion. And when that day comes, you will only have yourselves to blame."

Evan's expression barely shifted, but there was a flicker in his eyes—a subtle transition from amusement to something darker.

His cold smile remained, but his tone grew sharper. "You explain things so well Mr. Fabiano, as if you truly care about the people of Indra."

His gaze hardened, turning icy. "But if you're so concerned, why hasn't the Federation done anything to make the world better? Instead, it seems you've helped it rot from the inside out."

Fabiano's brow arched at the jab, his smirk faltering slightly. His pride wouldn't let him acknowledge the criticism. "We don't interfere in global politics," he retorted coolly. "Our role is simply to keep the major families in check."

Evan's glare pierced through him. "Then why do I have to pay? I don't want to be part of your so-called Federation as it doesn't do anything substantial."

"Now what is this unreasonable forcefulness?"

For a moment, Fabiano stared at Evan as though he'd just heard the most absurd thing in the world. Then, suddenly, he broke into laughter—a sharp, mocking sound that echoed through the room. "Ah, that's a good one!" he chuckled, shaking his head. "You don't want to be part of the Federation? Kid, do you even know what you're saying?"

Evan didn't flinch, his cold gaze unwavering. His silence, paired with his icy demeanor, sent a chill through the air.

Fabiano's laughter died in his throat, and his expression cracked just slightly, betraying the unease developing within him. He leaned forward, his tone hardening. "Listen, kid. In this world, there is no one who doesn't want to be part of the Federation. You might think this as some sort of game, but let me make something clear—we control everything."

He gestured sharply as if emphasizing the gravity of his words. "Being part of the Federation ensures peace. It allows families and institutions to resolve disputes, and to seek justice when others sabotage them. Without us, this world would descend into chaos—a free-for-all where people kill one another without consequence. Without us, you wouldn't last a day, no matter how clever you think you are."

Fabiano leaned back, his smirk returning as he watched Evan carefully. "Oh, and before I forget…" He paused dramatically, savoring the moment. "The President mentioned something you might find… interesting. Instead of paying the full amount in cash, you could exchange a piece of your tech. Its value is substantial, and we might even offer you a discount in return."

His tone was smug, his smirk widening as though he had cornered Evan into submission.

Evan, however, remained unfazed. His icy gaze didn't waver and his aura only seemed to have intensified. He leaned forward slightly, the icy sharpness of his presence cutting through Fabiano's bravado like a blade. "Do you really think I need your so-called peace?" Evan's voice was low, carrying the weight of a storm. "And as for my technology…" He smirked, his tone dripping with menace. "You'll have to pay a lot more than a trillion to even touch it."

Fabiano felt a flicker of doubt for the first time—a realization that the man sitting before him wasn't just some arrogant kid. There was something far more dangerous beneath Evan's calm exterior.

Evan folded his legs, his icy gaze locking onto Fabiano. The room seemed to grow colder and Fabiano involuntarily shivered.

"Just because I look young, you think I'm some spoiled brat who rode on my parents' coattails?" Evan's voice was calm, edged with venom.

He leaned forward slightly, his glare sharp enough to cut. "There's a limit to your hypocrisy," he spat, disgust evident in his tone.

Memories of his past surfaced—of his younger years, working tirelessly in a hotel where the owner exploited them like slaves but publicly presented himself as a benevolent employer who treated his staff like family.

While he said that, Aurora connected to him through the lens, transferring substantial information she had uncovered after breaching the firewall. And the revelations unveiled were shocking.

"The Federation is no different," Evan continued coldly. "You lure people in with promises and agreements, but once they sign, the trap is set." His voice darkened. "Do you really think I don't know? Once I step into the Federation, every piece of technology, every discovery I make, becomes yours. And if I withhold anything, you'd issue an Order to wipe my family off the map."

Evan's eyes narrowed, his tone turning lethal. "In your hundred years of existence, 98 families and 160 businessmen have mysteriously disappeared. Dead. And yet, no one dares to speak out because you suppress the truth. You bury conspiracy theories, hide knowledge of alien life, and conduct experiments in places like Area 51…"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Evan's words trailed off as Aurora's holographic interface flickered to life, startling Fabiano as he looked at the piece of technology with greed in his eyes.

'We must have this, and all that this kid is hiding, but worry not, it's only a matter of time before all of that will belong to the Federation.'

While he let his thoughts run wild, a screen emerged before them, playing a chilling content that sent a shiver down the Federation representative's spine.

While the video continued playing, its contents even froze Evan's heart.

His gaze hardened further as he stared at the pale faced Fabiano who had his eyes wide open, his dangerous aura suffocating the room.

"This," Evan said softly, pointing at the scene, "is why I will never bow to you."