Chapter 1 (The heirs return)

**PROLOGUE**

London's city lights twinkled like diamonds against the night sky as Ace Ryder stood at his penthouse window, gaze drifting towards the Thames. His phone buzzed, breaking the spell – a text from his father, Victor Ryder:

"Ace, return to Manhattan immediately. Our family's empire needs your leadership. Your absence has been... tolerated long enough."

Ace's jaw clenched. Three years in London, building his own ventures, free from his father's suffocating grasp – now, Victor summoned him back like a puppeteer pulling strings.

Ace stepped off the private jet and onto Manhattan soil, the humid summer air enveloping him like a warm embrace. His hometown – New York City – sparkled before him, familiar skyscrapers piercing the sky.

A sleek black SUV waited on the tarmac, driver holding a sign with his initials "AR". Ace nodded in acknowledgement and slid into the cooled leather interior.

As they glided through Manhattan streets, nostalgia washed over him – memories of childhood laughter in Central Park, teenage nights exploring Greenwich Village, and family dinners at their Upper East Side mansion.

The SUV turned onto his family's street – Ryder Estate's grandeur filled the window – imposing stone façade, manicured lawn, and fountain sparkling like diamonds.

His mother, Catherine Ryder, stood in the entrance, elegant smile warm with emotion – "Ace, welcome home. We've missed you."

His father, Victor Ryder, emerged behind her – expression stern, eyes narrowing slightly – "Ace. We have much to discuss. The empire won't transition itself."

Ace's instincts tightened – he knew this homecoming came with strings – and potentially, a price for his freedom.

Ace's tone remained neutral –

"Directly to the point, Father –

what exactly needs transitioning, and why now?

Victor Ryder's expression turned even graver –

"Our investors grow restless, Ace. Ryder Corporation's stock dips slightly with each passing quarter...

without a clear successor, they question my leadership."

Catherine Ryder intervened softly –

"Ace, dear, your father means –

he's considering retirement.

The board wants you as his obvious replacement."

Victor's eyes narrowed at his wife's gentle tone –

"Catherine, let me finish. Ace needs to understand –

this isn't request, it's requirement.

Our family's legacy, fortune – everything –

depends on him taking reins."

Ace leaned against the foyer table, arms crossed –

"A requirement, Father?

I've built my own ventures in London –

successful ones. Why abandon those for Ryder Corp?"

Victor slammed his fist on the nearby console –

"Because, Ace Ryder, you are my son –

my only heir – and this is your duty!

London ventures will be sold or managed remotely.

Decision final. You have 48 hours to accept."

I'll consider my... duties.

Excuse me, I need air –

and to think outside this suffocating mansion."

But before he reached the door, Victor's voice stopped him –

"Ace, wait. There's something else..."

Ace turned back, curiosity sparking –

"What else, Father?"

Victor's expression crumbled, revealing deep lines and sunken eyes –

"My doctor's words, Ace... not mine.

I'm terminally ill – stage 4 cancer.

48 hours isn't for negotiation –

it's because my time runs out quickly."

Catherine Ryder sobbed softly behind him,

confirming the devastating truth.

Ace felt like punched in the gut –

his rebellious stance deflated instantly.

He approached his father slowly –

"Father... why hide this?"

Victor's voice barely above whisper –

"Didn't want pity or softening your resolve.

But you must take Ryder Corp reins, Ace –

ensure our legacy, protect our family...

after I'm gone."

Ace nodded slowly, resolve shifting –

"I'll do it, Father.

I'll take over Ryder Corp.

For you, Mother – our family."

Victor's eyes welled up with tears –

"Thank you, Ace.

My son,

you've given me peace."

**Ace Ryder: The Enigmatic Playboy**

Ace Ryder embodies the essence of captivating arrogance – his 6'2" frame chiseled to perfection, as if carved by gods. His jet black hair is always impeccably styled, framing piercing black eyes that seem to bore into souls. Sharp jawlines, full lips, and a small scar above his left eyebrow add to his rugged allure. His broad shoulders and athletic build make him a commanding presence, drawing admiring glances wherever he goes.

His attitude is equally captivating – confident bordering on cocky(anger issues. Almost everything makes Ace angry), with a wit sharp enough to cut down anyone daring to cross him. Ace possesses an unapologetic ego, knowing his wealth, intelligence, and devastating good looks make him virtually untouchable. He can be ruthlessly cold-hearted, prioritizing business and pleasure over emotions – a trait that has earned him a reputation as a heartbreaker.

Rudeness comes naturally to Ace; he has little patience for incompetence or weakness. His tongue can be lacerating, leaving scars deeper than physical wounds. Yet, paradoxically, people are drawn to his fiery personality like moths to flames – helpless against the Ace Ryder charm. Women swoon, men aspire – all captivated by his enigmatic aura. Resistance is futile; Ace Ryder always gets what he wants, when he wants it. His mantra? "I am the storm – bow down or get swept away."

**The Tycoon Meets Mafia**

Ace Ryder's life was forged in the crucible of power, wealth, and secrecy. As the sole heir of Victor Ryder's business empire, Ace stood poised to inherit billions – but his family's influence extended far beyond corporate boardrooms.

On his father's side, the Ryders were self-made tycoons. Victor Ryder built his fortune through savvy investments, ruthless deal-making, and strategic alliances. Ryder Corporation dominated industries from real estate to finance, earning Victor the nickname "The King of Manhattan."

However, Ace's mother, Catherine Ryder (née Morano), hailed from a different world – one shrouded in mystery and feared by many. Her family, the Moranos, were entrenched in the American Mafia, specifically the notorious Five Families of New York City.

Catherine's father, Godfather Marco Morano, ruled the Morano crime family with iron fists and cunning strategy. Though he kept his daughter sheltered from the family business, Catherine inherited his intelligence, charm, and ruthless pragmatism.

Victor Ryder and Marco Morano formed an unlikely alliance – a mutually beneficial partnership merging legitimate business with organized crime interests. This clandestine arrangement propelled Ryder Corporation's rapid growth while expanding Morano family influence.

Ace Ryder, with tycoon and mafia bloodlines converging in his veins, embodied the perfect storm of power, intelligence, and cunning. His future seemed destined for greatness – or devastating consequences – as he navigated the treacherous landscape of his family's dual empires.

(Victor Ryder - Father, Tycoon, Ryder Corporation CEO)

(Catherine Ryder (née Morano) - Mother, Mafia heiress)

(Marco Morano - Maternal Grandfather, Morano Crime Family Godfather)

(The is what Ace and Lia would look like in an ime form. She is just a little shorter)

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