Chapter: Chapter 502As the applause for Chancellor Jaden Raymond subsided, a renewed energy coursed through the auditorium. The students were still buzzing, murmuring excitedly among themselves, their eyes flicking between the Parker family and Lena Brooks. The holographic dragons and Mars rovers hovered overhead like loyal companions, frozen in midair, waiting for the next chapter of inspiration to unfold.From the sides of the stage, figures began to step forward—Dragon University’s respected lecturers and course leaders. Each carried an aura of intellect, authority, and curiosity honed over decades of research and teaching. They approached the podium one by one, shaking hands with Jack, Sarah, Matilda, Jackson, and Lena, each offering words of recognition, congratulations, and personal reflections on the Mars mission.Dr. Elara Chen, head of the planetary sciences department, stepped forward first. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she extended her hand to Lena. “Lena, your work on environment
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: Chapter 501The applause for Lena slowly faded, though the room remained electrified, buzzing with admiration and inspiration. The students’ eyes were still bright, their energy palpable, and the holographic dragons, satellites, and Mars rovers hovered above them as if frozen in time.From the side of the auditorium, a figure moved deliberately forward—tall, composed, and radiating authority. Chancellor Jaden Raymond, Dragon University’s esteemed leader, adjusted his jacket, cleared his throat, and stepped up to the podium. The crowd shifted, immediately attentive, acknowledging his presence with polite but eager murmurs.Jack Parker, Sarah, Matilda, Jackson, and Lena all rose slightly, turning their attention to the chancellor. He offered a warm, genuine smile and extended a hand toward Jack first.“Jack Parker,” Jaden began, his voice carrying across the hall with a steady, resonant authority, “it is an honor to have you here today—not only as a pioneer, an entrepreneur, and a visionary—but a
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: Chapter 500The standing ovation for Matilda gradually softened, leaving the auditorium buzzing with excitement and admiration. Even as the echoes of applause faded, the energy remained palpable, a charged anticipation that lingered in every corner of the room.From the cluster of students near the front, Lena Brooks rose quietly but decisively. Unlike Matilda’s poised intensity or Jackson’s earnest charm, Lena carried a grounded confidence, tempered by years of dedication and a deep curiosity that had always set her apart. Her path had been unconventional—once caught between the shadows of her family legacy and her own ambitions—but space had leveled everything. Here, she was no one’s heir, no one’s rival—just a scientist, an explorer, and a member of the Mars mission team.She moved forward deliberately, her steps measured against the polished floor, the soft clicks of her shoes cutting through the residual hum of applause. Students watched closely, leaning slightly forward as Lena approached
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: Chapter 499The applause for Jackson echoed through the auditorium, a wave of warmth and admiration that seemed to carry even further than before. Students, faculty, and visitors alike had been inspired by the youngest Parker’s insights, but the energy didn’t fade—another ripple of anticipation began to build. Matilda Parker, Jack and Sarah’s elder daughter, rose from her seat. The room hushed again, curiosity palpable. Matilda had always carried a quiet intensity, a poise that belied her age. Unlike Jackson’s tender yet earnest confidence, Matilda’s presence exuded resolve—a combination of intelligence, experience, and inherited courage. She stepped gracefully toward the podium, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Her gaze swept over the students, meeting theirs without intimidation, but with an unmistakable invitation to listen closely. Sarah’s eyes gleamed with pride, Jack’s expression was calm but alert, and Emily and Ryan leaned forward slightly, attentive. Mati
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 498The applause for Ryan’s words resonated through the auditorium, carrying both weight and warmth, but before it could fully die down, another voice stirred the attention of the students.Jackson Parker, Jack and Sarah’s younger son, rose from his seat in the front row. The room quieted immediately, curious whispers rippling through the crowd. Jackson’s small frame carried an unexpected confidence. He was just a boy, yet his presence seemed to command a subtle authority, born not of age, but of experience.He stepped toward the podium, his shoes making soft taps against the polished floor. Matilda watched from her seat, eyes wide, holding her hands together nervously, while Sarah reached over to squeeze Jack’s hand, a quiet signal of pride. Emily and Ryan looked on with quiet encouragement. Lena leaned forward in her seat, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.Jackson placed both hands firmly on the podium, taking a steadying breath.“Hello, everyone,” he began, his voice clear, slightl
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 497As the applause for Emily’s words rolled through the auditorium like a slow, powerful tide, she stepped back from the podium, her expression composed but quietly moved. She exhaled, glancing briefly toward Sarah, then Jack—both of whom nodded with unmistakable pride.Then the atmosphere shifted again.Ryan Brooks rose from his seat.The movement alone stirred a murmur through the crowd. Ryan was a familiar name at Dragon University—not only because of his past, but because of his present. He was no longer introduced as an heir, a rival, or a cautionary tale. Here, now, he was a representative of Dragon Corporation, standing within the institution reshaped by the very man who had once dismantled his world and then offered him a path back through responsibility rather than mercy.Ryan adjusted his jacket as he walked toward the podium, his steps measured, deliberate. There was no bravado in his posture—only resolve. When he reached the podium, he placed one hand on its edge, grounding h
Last Updated: 2025-12-17
Chapter: AMBUSH AT FORT BENNETT FIELD The darkness inside the old operations building was thick and cold. Every step echoed faintly, a hollow sound that made the air feel heavier. The officers advanced in formation, their flashlights cutting pale beams through the gloom. “Thermal scanners up,” ordered the senior officer in command. His voice carried calm authority, measured and professional. Two junior officers raised compact scanners from their vests—sleek, tablet-sized devices that pulsed faint blue light. The digital grids flickered, scanning the rooms and broken walls. “No heat signatures,” one junior officer muttered. “Negative movement,” added another. Lewis frowned, sweeping his gaze across the dust-streaked floor. “You’re sure?” “Affirmative, sir,” said the senior officer. “Not a trace of life in this entire level.” They moved deeper. The air smelled of rust, wet concrete, and something stale—like burnt tobacco and mold. Empty shelves lined the walls. Torn maps flapped loosely from nails.
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: BEFORE THE FIRST SHOTHe glanced again at the clock on the wall, then closed the file with a soft but final thud. “Here’s how this goes,” he said evenly. “Preparation begins now. We move in one hour. That hour is not negotiable.” Lewis’s jaw tightened. He opened his mouth, then stopped himself. His fingers flexed once against his knee before he forced them still. “One hour,” he repeated—slower this time and controlled. “And after that?” “After that,” the squad captain replied, pushing off the desk, “we execute. Tactical unit, perimeter, Harbor backup. No improvisation.” Lewis nodded, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t fade. “We will wait,” he said. “We're not leaving.” The ADA met his gaze, unblinking. “No one’s asking you to.” Maria placed a hand lightly on Lewis’s arm—not restraining, just grounding. He inhaled long and deep, then leaned back into his chair, visibly reining himself in. “I know I’m not the one wearing a badge,” he said quietly. “But Samuel already knows
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: THE HOUR OF RECKONING APPROACHES WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!! The sudden, guttural barking tore through the quiet morning like shattered glass. Lewis jolted awake, breath hitching as his eyes snapped open. Sunlight had crept into the room, thin golden rays slipping through the tall window slats and stretching across the carpet, dust motes drifting lazily in the glow. His head throbbed faintly, the remnants of deep, unguarded sleep still clinging to him. Another bark echoed—closer this time. WOOF! WOOF! He pushed himself upright, palms pressing into the mattress. His chest rose and fell as memory rushed back in a single, sharp wave. The unfinished business with Samuel. His gaze flicked to the small clock on the bedside table. The second hand ticked steadily, mocking in its calm. Lewis exhaled under his breath. “Damn. It's almost seven.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, muscles stiff but responsive. The room still smelled of clean linen and old books, unchanged—too calm for what waite
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: THE CALM AFTER CAPTIVITY They stepped a little farther onto the concrete walkway, their footsteps muted as the stone absorbed the sound beneath them. The night air clung cool against their skin, heavy with the faint scent of damp earth. Lewis raised his hand and pressed the doorbell. DING-DONG! DING-DONG!! The sound rang sharp and hollow, echoing briefly through the quiet compound before dissolving into the stillness. They waited, but there was no response. He pressed it again—slower this time, deliberate. DING-DONG! Still no response. Maria shifted her weight, her gaze lingering on the massive door as if willing it to open. A faint crease appeared between her brows as unease stirred. “I’m sure nobody is inside,” she murmured. Lewis exhaled through his nose, irritation flickering briefly across his face. His jaw tightened, muscles working as his mind ran through possibilities. Then he remembered something. “The key,” he said quietly. He shoved his hand into his jacket pocket, fing
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: JUSTICE ON THE BRINK Noah’s faint smirk faded as the ADA leaned forward, her voice dropping just enough to sharpen the threat beneath it. “Mr. Hunt,” she said evenly, “you’ve been warned. Continued refusal to disclose the whereabouts of Samuel Gordon will be interpreted as deliberate obstruction. That carries consequences you will not like. This is your final opportunity to cooperate.” Lewis felt something hot and violent surge up his spine. For half a second, his hands clenched, muscles tightening as he took a step forward before catching himself. His jaw locked, teeth grinding as he forced the instinct down. This wasn’t the street. This wasn’t chaos. This was the procedure. Maria shifted beside him, her hand tightening around his forearm—not restraining him, just anchoring him. Lewis inhaled through his nose, slow and controlled, eyes never leaving Noah. Noah swallowed. The sound was loud in the quiet room. His shoulders sagged as if a weight had finally crushed whatever resistance h
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: TRUTH AT GUNPOINTThen—the junior officers quickly opened the Tahoe and dragged the handcuffed man out, their boots scraping lightly against the wet asphalt as they forced him forward. His shoulders were stiff, but he did not resist violently—just enough to show defiance. Lewis and Maria followed closely behind, their movements precise and alert, their eyes scanning for any remaining threat as the city hummed quietly around them. The night air carried the acrid scent of burnt rubber and spent gunpowder, remnants of the chaos they had just escaped. Other officers converged to pave a path for them through the precinct doors. The sound of their radios crackled softly in the background, and the faint buzz of fluorescent lights flickered overhead as they crossed the threshold of the NYPD 88th Precinct. At the front desk, Mr. Redmond, the precinct head, glanced up from his paperwork, his expression composed but alert. “Is this the suspect?” he asked sharply, eyes narrowing as the officers nodded in uni
Last Updated: 2025-12-17
Chapter: Chapter 70: The Devil's Blueprint The night air clung heavy over Blackwood, the kind of suffocating stillness that carried danger in its silence. Jones stood at the center of the abandoned courtyard with his crew gathered tight around him. Their shadows stretched long under the fractured moonlight, each figure restless, armed, and waiting on his command.Lexi’s absence weighed like iron chains around Jones’s chest. Every passing hour without her was a blade twisting deeper. His jaw clenched as he glanced at his crew: Jace adjusting the grip on his bat wrapped in chain; Derek rubbing the scar across his forearm like it was a war medal; Kendra sharp-eyed, her dagger strapped against her thigh; Victor pacing like a wolf ready to pounce; Dre cracking his knuckles, broad shoulders flexing under his jacket; Lisa quiet but fierce, her hands curled into fists; Leo’s smirk hiding the storm in his gaze; Mason steady, calm, his silence a promise of loyalty.They all waited for Jones. His word was law.“We’re burning time,” Victo
Last Updated: 2025-08-18
Chapter: Chapter 69: The Hidden WingClinton went into the den—an underground chamber buried deep within the East Wing of Blackwood College. This was no ordinary hideout; it was his throne room, carved beneath the rotting belly of the institution, a place where the air was heavy with damp stone, cigarette smoke, and the quiet hum of illegal power lines snaking through the ceiling.Here, he was king. Here, no one dared question his authority.The heavy steel door clanged shut behind him, locking with an echo that rattled through the chamber. Around a long rectangular table sat his top circle: Logan, the blunt enforcer with fists like sledgehammers; Vanessa, razor-sharp and venomous, her cold beauty disguising cruelty; Troy, the tactician, thin-framed but sharp-eyed; Mickey, wild and unpredictable, a man who laughed too easily at violence; and Dwayne, loyal to the bone, steady as a rock.Clinton moved to the head of the table, his steps deliberate, his smirk fixed like a blade ready to cut. His presence drew silence instan
Last Updated: 2025-08-18
Chapter: Chapter 68: Shadows of the MazeClinton’s smirk deepened as he stepped closer, hands tucked behind his back like a man savoring the show.“You fools,” he drawled, his voice carrying a razor’s edge. “All this blood… all this effort… and still no Lexi. Do you really think you’ll see her again? Let me spare you the false hope—you won’t.”Jones’s fists tightened until the knuckles cracked. His chest heaved with fury. “Say her name again,” he growled, stepping forward, “and I swear, Clinton, I’ll—”Clinton cut him off, his voice laced with venomous amusement. “You’ll do nothing. You can’t do anything. You’re rats in my maze, scrambling, biting, gnawing at shadows. And Lexi… she screams in silence, waiting for the inevitable.” He tilted his head, his grin sharp. “And you won’t try any fucking shit about it.”“Bastard!” Jones exploded forward like a storm breaking loose, his rage boiling over. His crew shouted after him—“Jones, wait!”—but he didn’t hear. His eyes were locked only on Clinton, on the smirk that mocked him, o
Last Updated: 2025-08-17
Chapter: Chapter 67: The Bloodied PathThe night stretched long and merciless, the shadows of Blackwood College twisting into something monstrous as Jones and his crew pressed deeper into enemy territory. Their breaths came in harsh rhythm, the sting of sweat mixing with the bitter taste of fear and fury. But still—no Lexi. No trace. No hope. Only the gnawing ache of time slipping away. “Damn it!” Jace spat, slamming a fist against the wall as they checked another wing, empty. His voice cracked with frustration. “It’s like she vanished into thin air!” “She’s here,” Jones said firmly, his voice low, unwavering. His eyes burned with resolve. “Clinton wants us to believe otherwise. But he wouldn’t risk moving her. Not yet.” Victor gritted his teeth. “So we keep searching. Floor by floor. Room by room. She can’t stay hidden forever.” But Jasmine shook her head, unease etching her face. “This doesn’t feel right. Too quiet. Too…” Her words were drowned by the sound of footsteps. Heavy, deliberate. From the darkness ahead,
Last Updated: 2025-08-16
Chapter: Chapter 66: The Edge of Despair The night air was thick with tension as Jones and his crew moved swiftly through Blackwood College, their eyes sharp, their minds locked on one mission—finding Lexi before it was too late. The dim corridors echoed with their hurried footsteps as they scoured every possible hiding place, but the deeper they searched, the more frustration gnawed at them.No trace. No sign. No Lexi.Jones clenched his fists as they regrouped near the abandoned east wing. Jasmine’s brows were furrowed, her breathing heavy. “Nothing,” she muttered, shaking her head. “We’ve checked every damn place Clinton could’ve hidden her.”Kendra leaned against the wall, frustration lacing her voice. “He’s playing us.”Victor exhaled sharply. “No—he’s outsmarting us. Again.”Jones’s eyes darkened. His mind was racing, turning over every detail. Clinton was always two steps ahead—but he wasn’t invincible. There had to be a crack in his strategy.Jace frowned, scanning the group. “So what now? We can’t keep running aroun
Last Updated: 2025-04-02
Chapter: Chapter 65: No Mercy, No Escape The door swung open with a forceful creak, and before Lexi could react—CRACK!A fresh wave of agony tore through her body as the whip lashed across her exposed back. The pain burned hotter than before, forcing a strangled gasp from her throat.Clinton stood before her, eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement as he dragged the whip across the floor. “I thought you’d have learned your lesson by now,” he murmured, rolling the handle in his grip.Lexi’s breath came in short, ragged gasps, but she refused to let him see her break. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth as she bit down, suppressing a scream.CRACK!Another lash. This time across her ribs.Her body convulsed against the pain, her wrists straining against the cuffs, but it was useless. Clinton had made sure of that.The sound of rattling chains echoed in the dim room as he stepped closer, dropping a second set of handcuffs onto the floor beside her. “I’ll admit,” he said, crouching so that their eyes met, “you surprised
Last Updated: 2025-04-02
