At that moment, in the heart of New York's elite district, the Benson estate loomed like a fortress—elegant, silent, and shrouded in the kind of stillness that only follows death. The air was saturated with the faint aroma of incense and lilies—remnants of Eddie Benson’s funeral rites, held just days prior. Just days after the funeral rites of Eddie Benson, the younger son of the family, the household was cloaked in gloom. The mansion’s front villa, usually reserved for grand galas and gatherings, had been transformed into a somber shrine. White floral wreaths lined the walls. At the center of the grand hall rested Eddie’s polished mahogany coffin, flanked by silver candelabras and the sorrowful gaze of gathered kin. The inner circle of the Benson family had retreated to the patriarch’s private villa deeper within the estate. The senior members of the Benson bloodline had gathered like a storm front, seated around a long obsidian table in a room where even the air dared not mov

The heavy storm clouds over Brooklyn seemed to mirror the tension brewing within the opulent confines of the Hudson family mansion. Inside the expansive drawing room, a solemn silence reigned as the Hudsons awaited the arrival of the man who now wielded the authority of vengeance like a guillotine blade—Dylan Benson. The room smelled of vintage wood polish and expensive cigars, but underneath that lingered the undeniable stench of fear. Harold Hudson, the patriarch of the Hudson family, stood near the wide bay windows, his fingers twitching nervously behind his back. He tried to appear dignified and composed, but the truth was far less flattering. The doors were thrown open with a thud. Dylan Benson strode into the room, his tailored black suit hugging his athletic frame with militaristic precision. His aura radiated fury—quiet, restrained, but poisonous. Behind him followed a lean man with skin like tanned leather, eyes dark and empty like a void, and footsteps so quiet that he

Simon’s gaze flicked to his son, Sean, seated a few seats away. Sean sat with a stiff posture, his right arm still wrapped in a medical sling. Though the swelling had reduced, his bruises had only begun to fade. Even under the careful application of concealer and foundation, the injuries Chris had inflicted upon him were still painfully visible — a reminder of the utter humiliation he’d endured. Sean cleared his throat, his voice heavy with bitterness and unresolved resentment. “Chris won’t respond to threats against himself,” he began slowly, his eyes scanning the room filled with shadows and power. “But he will move mountains if Eva Carter is in danger.” Dylan tilted his head slightly, intrigued. “Eva?” A pause lingered, and Sean clenched his fists before continuing. “Everything you have heard is the truth, she’s the reason this entire mess began,” he said. “Chris has always gone out of his way to protect her — even nearly crippled me once, just for looking at her the wrong way.”

Moments later, Eva was marching across the marble lobby of Cross Corporation’s headquarters, her heels echoing with each step like war drums. She climbed into the black SUV waiting outside, flanked by her security detail. Her mind buzzed with thoughts — rage, confusion, and a hardening determination. Whoever did this didn’t just attack her property; they challenged her authority. And that was a mistake she wouldn’t forgive. The sleek black SUV pulled out of the underground garage like a predator on the move, escorted by two backup vehicles. Inside, Eva sat silently, hands folded over her lap, but her eyes burned with restrained fury. --- When they arrived at the site, the SUV screeched to a halt at the edge of the destruction. Smoke lingered in the air as if the site itself had exhaled after being violated. The perimeter fencing surrounding the area had been bent inward and some parts had been ripped down and trampled under steel-toed boots. Concrete pipes were shattered like

A few moments prior Ever since the incident with Eddie Benson, Chris had secretly assigned Ethan to personally watch Eva’s movement in secret. Thus when Eva left cross corporation, Ethan was able to follow them to the construction site. When he saw the debris of the site he immediately made a phone call to Chris to inform him. Chris’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Ethan?” “We have a situation, sir” Ethan said. “Thugs just tried to seize Cross Corporation’s site in Brooklyn. Not amateurs either — they were organized.” Chris was silent for a moment. “Was Eva there?” “Yes, sir.” Chris was silent for a while, wondering why Eva hadn't informed him yet. “Is she okay?” “She’s fine,” Ethan said. “The madam seems to be handling the situation well for now. “Good, keep watching for now and only intervene when it gets out of her control” Chris said quietly. “I’ll be on my way now so send me the location.” “Yes, sir.” Ethan hung up and looked at Eva, who was still trying to k