The Tycoon's Odyssey

Chapter 305: 305:Prelude To War[III]

For a fleeting moment, Evan's eyes softened, but the flicker vanished as quickly as it came. "You think you can exploit me by threatening my family? You're more naive than I thought. My loyalty is to those I choose, not to those who think they can control me. Remember that."

Vishal's gaze darkened, though he held his composure. "Very well, Evan. Consider this our final offer. Think carefully, because we won't ask again."

Evan's response was a cold, knowing smile. "I have provided my answer, Vishal. And I think you already know it."

The atmosphere became tense and suffocating to the point that guards, who had been trained for such moments and had come along with Vishal felt an uneasy chill creeping down their spines as they stared at Evan.

Despite their year of rigorous preparation, something about him unsettled them.

Evan's smile was firm as he met Vishal's hateful glare. "I refuse to hand over any piece of technology just so that you can monopolize it and cause more destruction."

Vishal's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white as he leveled a steely gaze at Evan. "Do you realize what you're doing? It wouldn't take much to bring you down."

A cold laugh escaped Evan's lips, his voice dripping with mockery. "Then why don't you give it a try?"

Vishal's eyes narrowed to sharp slits as he forced himself to take a measured breath. His voice turned icy as he demanded, "Is this your final decision?"

"Yes!" Evan's answer was immediate and unflinching, and his unyielding confidence only fueled the contempt flashing across Vishal's face. With a sharp exhale, Vishal rose abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

"Then prepare for what's coming for you," he declared, his tone carrying a dark promise.

Evan paused a bit and sighed, "They will monopolize everything, and with this, they will permanently engrave their influence and no one will be able to challenge them. Secondly, if Rajput takes it, the big families of other nations won't stand still will they?"

"So, you won't allow it."

Roy's brow furrowed as he absorbed Evan's conviction, his own worry mounting. "So what's your plan now?" he asked, his tone both anxious and admiring.

Evan's smile was one of unshakeable resolve. "The answer is clear, isn't it? I'll continue down my path, facing whatever comes. And I'll make sure they'll never control what I've built."

Roy studied his son's resolute expression, torn between pride and unease. He knew Evan's unyielding determination, and he understood all too well that once Evan had set his mind to something, nothing could deter him. But this path was treacherous, far more dangerous than anything they had faced before. And deep down, Roy doubted if Evan really had the strength to protect everything that he was building.

Honestly, he couldn't bear the thought of losing his son, alas...

"Evan," Roy began, his voice low, weighted with concern. "They won't stop until they've broken you. The Rajputs, their allies, the government itself—once they see you as a threat, they'll do everything in their power to take you down. Power and influence mean nothing to them when it comes to securing control."

Evan's gaze darkened, the weight of his father's words settling in, yet his resolve remained unshaken. "Let them try. They don't understand what they're against. My technology isn't just far advanced in the future. It's already far ahead after evolving daily. They still haven't caught a glimpse of what I have created."

Evan then laughed inwardly. If his father had been to Nicobar, he had seen what was going on there, he wouldn't have been so skeptical.

Once he was to witness them, he wouldn't be able to resist the men's fascination with laser toys.

"And if they think they can keep the people oppressed by wielding it against them, they're in for a rude awakening," Evan added, his voice steely.

Roy let out a weary sigh and could only shake his head. "Your ideals are noble, Evan, but the reality is far harsher. The world doesn't work that way. Ideals crumble against ruthless ambition. They'll twist everything you've created, everything you believe in, just to keep their hold on power."