C330 Gold and Diamond

Alicia looked at Victor, still holding the strange dagger in her hands. “Grandpa, what does this mean?” Victor stared at her for a moment before laughing softly. There was a mixture of disbelief and happiness in his expression. “See? I told you. The gods really are great for sending you here.” Alicia frowned slightly. Victor pointed toward the dagger. “My child, what you have just picked up is not an ordinary dagger. That is a legendary war dagger known as Gold and Diamond.”

Alicia looked down at the weapon. Victor continued slowly. “It has existed in our family for generations. Our ancestors used it during the territorial wars when the family was fighting to protect its land and influence.” He paused, his eyes remaining fixed on the dagger. “Throughout our history, many people have tried to take it from that pool. None of them succeeded.” Alicia looked at him in confusion. Victor smiled. “Since my family line was coming to an end, I gave every member of every branch a chance to try. Unfortunately, our ancestors alone decide who is worthy.”

Alicia stared at the dagger again. “So... what does that make me?” Victor's smile widened. “My child, you are now the next Patriarch, the leader of my branch of the Gupta family.” Alicia froze. For several seconds, she didn't say anything. She slowly shook her head. “Grandfather, I don't even live here. I live with the Mooney family. How can I become the next leader of your family?” She raised the dagger slightly. “And this thing is already heavy enough. I don't know how I'm supposed to lead anyone while carrying it.”

Victor laughed. Before he could answer, Alicia noticed that the guards were still on their knees. She looked at Victor. “Grandpa, aren't you going to let them stand?”

Victor glanced at them and laughed. "They bowed for you not me." Alicia froze then she turned toward the guards. “You may stand.” Only then did the guards rise. They bowed once more before leaving the room. "Madam." However, the moment they stepped outside, their expressions changed completely.

They were excited. They had just witnessed something that had not happened in their branch for generations. Gold and Diamond had chosen someone. The news spread rapidly throughout the Gupta residence. Victor's house was the Third Branch of the Gupta family. The Second Branch belonged to his second-oldest brother, while the First Branch belonged to their eldest brother. The Gupta family was large, and because of its size, conflicts between the different branches were common. Victor's branch had always been viewed as the weakest because he had no direct heir.

For years, different members of the family had quietly watched his branch, hoping to benefit from its wealth and influence if his family line eventually ended. Even some distant relatives had tried to stay close to Victor, hoping to gain something from his position. But now everything had changed. The moment the news spread, people rushed toward Victor's residence. Some were excited. Others were worried. And a few were clearly unhappy. Among those arriving was the old Patriarch of the Gupta family, Victor's father, Miller Gupta.

Because of his age, Miller was pushed into the room in a wheelchair. His eldest son, Samson Gupta, and his second-oldest son, Darry Gupta, accompanied him. The room quickly became crowded. Miller looked around before his eyes finally settled on Alicia. A smile appeared on his old face. “Victor, my son, I thought your family line was truly coming to an end. What happened?” His eyes moved over Alicia. “And who is this beautiful young woman?” Before Victor could answer, Samson spoke. “Brother, which stranger have you brought here this time?”

His expression hardened when he noticed the dagger in Alicia's hand. “And why did she get to take the most difficult dagger?” Victor smiled through the tears that were still in his eyes. “Father, this is Alicia Mooney.” He paused. “She is Gabrielle's daughter.” Miller's expression changed. “Gabrielle's daughter?” Victor nodded. “Yes, Father. Look. Our ancestors acknowledged her immediately.” Miller stared at Alicia for several seconds. Then he slowly shook his head. “She really does look like Gabrielle when she was young.”

He looked at the dagger again. “But does she understand what it means to be holding Gold and Diamond?” Victor shook his head. “I was about to explain everything to her.” Samson's expression remained displeased. He stepped forward slightly. “Father, surely you aren't considering giving such an important position to a stranger.” Miller looked at him. Samson continued. “What does she even do? What has she done to deserve such a role?” He pointed toward himself. “My daughter Hanna would be a better candidate to lead Victor's branch. She understands war. She has fought for this family before, and even now she is away fighting for us.”

Miller's expression immediately became stern. “Enough.” Samson stopped. “Your daughter already tried to claim Gold and Diamond, didn't she?” Samson remained silent. “She failed to take it,” Miller continued. “So stop pushing your own ideas.” Samson sneered but said nothing more. Alicia had been listening quietly. She finally smiled politely. “Great-grandfather, my name is Alicia Mooney. I am the Director of Lucia Goods.” Everyone became quiet. Alicia continued. “I live in the city with my father's family. I only came here today because I found my mother's diary. Her diary led me to Grandpa's number, so I wanted to meet him.”

She glanced at Victor. “I never came here expecting to take any position. I already have responsibilities. I am the director of Lucia Goods, and I intend to continue leading the company.” Miller smiled. “My child, you still don't understand.” Alicia looked at him. “You don't always get to choose where your fate leads you.” Alicia frowned slightly. Miller looked toward Victor. “My third son, Victor, spent his entire life struggling to continue his family line.” He then looked back at Alicia. “Yet you came to him at exactly the right moment.”

His gaze dropped toward Gold and Diamond. “And then, of all the people who have tried before you, you were the one who successfully retrieved it.” Alicia remained silent. Miller continued. “That is not something we can simply ignore.” Alicia turned toward Victor. “Grandpa, what does Great-grandfather mean when he says I don't get to choose my fate?” Victor laughed softly. “My child, you said earlier that the dagger was heavy, didn't you?” Alicia nodded. “Very heavy.” Miller smiled. “That is because you have never trained. Your body is still fragile. Once you learn how to fight and strengthen yourself, you will realize that the dagger is not as heavy as it feels now.”

Alicia smiled and pointed toward her stomach. “Great-grandfather, how am I supposed to train when I'm pregnant?” Miller suddenly noticed her stomach properly. His eyes widened. Then he laughed. “Victor, not only did you find your granddaughter...” He shook his head in amazement. “You are also going to become a great-grandfather.” Victor's face immediately lit up. “Father, the heavens have truly blessed me.” Miller nodded. “My child, the dagger you are holding carries great significance within our family. Since it has chosen you, we have a responsibility to help you understand what that means.”

He paused. “We will teach you how to fight. You will learn martial arts and everything necessary to prepare you for the leadership of the Third Branch.” Alicia listened carefully. Miller continued. “You have already been acknowledged by our ancestors. Therefore, it is only right that we help you.” He smiled. “When you have the time, come back here. Perhaps you can stay for a month. We will train you properly.” Alicia hesitated. “Great-grandfather, I may not be able to come so soon.” Miller raised an eyebrow.

Alicia gently placed one hand over her stomach. “I am pregnant, and there is something else I need to deal with first.” Victor's smile slowly disappeared. “What do you mean?” Alicia looked directly at him. “I am planning to avenge my mother.” Victor immediately stood up. His voice was filled with shock. “What do you mean, avenge your mother?”