The Tycoon's Odyssey

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.

Without sparing another glance, Vishal turned and strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing sharply as he took long forceful strides. Watching him retreat, Evan raised his voice, calling after him with a taunting edge, "We'll meet again, Vishal. But next time, the tables might be turned."

Evan teased but Vishal had already exited. Along with his guards, he could only return in a foul mood, something that would surely bring forward a great amount of trouble but he was prepared to face it.

Moments later, Roy entered the room, his expression grave. He had accompanied Claire, quietly observing the exchange, gauging his son's handling of the situation. They had witnessed the entire scenario which made the two subtly worried before Claire asked him to have a talk with Evan to sort things out.

He had already pieced together the level of technological prowess Evan had under his arsenal, and, as each layer was revealed, his mind had reeled at the advancements.

All that he had come across was surprising and made him feel awed.

Roy, an engineer with an MBA and being groomed from a young age as the heir to his family's legacy, fully understood the importance of technological superiority. Every major family had invested deeply in the pursuit of innovation and power, but what he had witnessed today felt like a leap into a completely new world. It was as though he had been living in a cave, oblivious to the marvels surrounding him.

A bitter smile touched Roy's lips as he looked at Evan. "I didn't know things had escalated this far."

"It seems there is a serious tension between you and the government."

"Tense?" Evan's gaze hardened, and a quiet but powerful determination filled his words. "This is just the beginning, Dad. This might erupt into a full-blown war."

Roy swallowed hard, grasping the implications. "Evan, I understand your stance, but the opposition you're facing isn't just economic. These families, the government—they'll throw everything they have to make you submit."

He paused, his concern deepening as he watched his son. "It could even escalate into a conflict involving superhuman forces. After all, while your forces are impressive, they surely can't compare to an entire nation's resources. You are going to be pinned by an army of several millions who will beseech you from all sides."

Evan met his father's gaze, his voice steady and unwavering. "Dad, if my technology would genuinely benefit the country, I'd gladly be willing to share it. But you know the greed these people hold. Instead of advancing society, they'd use it to tighten their grip on power. You know very well how these people work."

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."