The crowd was stunned into silence as Arin’s words echoed through the hall. “He came for Adam? What?” someone whispered, their voice filled with disbelief. Another added, “That troublemaker must have done something to offend him. This time, he’s doomed for sure.” Gerald, his face twisted in anger and panic, pointed a shaking finger at Adam. “What have you done now, you punk!? Are you trying to bring disaster upon us?” Adam leaned back in his wheelchair, his expression as calm as ever. He chuckled softly, further infuriating Gerald. “Relax, Gerald. You’re overthinking this.” Tessa, however, was a nervous wreck. Kneeling on the floor, her trembling hands clasped together in a desperate plea, she turned to General Vex. “Please, General, I apologize on behalf of my husband. Whatever he’s done, I beg you to spare him. He meant no harm.” Arin, standing tall and imposing, raised an eyebrow in confusion. Why was everyone acting like this? He had already been briefed on Adam’s decision to

“Adam, where are you going?” Tessa asked, her voice tinged with worry as she rushed to his side. Adam turned his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. It was rare to see Tessa show such concern for him, and though the moment was fleeting, he found it endearing. “Don’t worry, Tessa,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I’ll be fine. Nothing’s going to happen. No one can harm me.” “But what if—” He raised a hand to cut her off gently. “Arin is a friend,” he assured her. “Trust me on this.” Tessa frowned, her arms crossing defensively. She wasn’t convinced. A General showing up unannounced, causing such a stir, and then requesting Adam specifically? It didn’t sit right with her. Stacey stepped forward to assist, placing her hands on the wheelchair handles. “I’ll make sure he’s safe, Mrs. Tessa,” Stacey said reassuringly. Without waiting for another word, Adam allowed Stacey to wheel him toward the convoy waiting outside. The line of black SUVs stretched down the street, t

Meanwhile at a secluded office, Adam, Arin and Stacey were spotted. Arin leaned over a wooden desk, a tablet in his hand, displaying footage that made even Adam’s seasoned demeanor falter. Stacey stood by the window, her arms crossed, watching Adam with concern as he processed the gravity of the situation. The footage on the screen was harrowing—masked figures storming the presidential villa, chaos erupting as explosions lit up the night. Bodies of fallen special forces littered the ground. The insignia of the Cross-blood organization was unmistakable, splashed in blood-red across the screen. “They’re not just back,” Arin said, his voice steady but grim. “They’re stronger, more organized, and deadlier than ever before. We’ve lost too many men already.” Adam sat silently, his fingers steepled under his chin, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. He had planned to focus on finding the last amulet, to finally bring peace to himself and Tessa. After that, he wanted nothing more

The tension in the room was palpable as Adam rolled into the living room, his expression dark and commanding.“Adam?” Tessa whispered, her voice filled with worry. She wasn’t concerned for him but for Brian. She knew Adam’s temper too well. He wasn’t going to let this slide. She'd witnessed how ruthless he gets when someone tries to mess with her.Brian, however, showed no sign of remorse. He crossed his arms, glaring at Adam with disdain. “What are you going to do, cripple?” he sneered.Adam’s voice was calm, but the threat in it was unmistakable. “Touch my woman again, and you’ll regret it.”Brian scoffed, puffing out his chest. “You think I’m scared of you? If you speak to me again, I’ll hit you too. I can do whatever I want and you can't do anything about it. you're just a cripple.”From the corner, Wendy chimed in, her tone filled with malice. “You’re pathetic, Adam. A useless man who doesn’t even belong here. Why don’t you just leave and save us all the trouble?”Adam’s jaw tigh

The next morning, the mansion buzzed with activity. Guests had already begun gathering in the grand hall, their chatter filling the air with excitement. Adam and Tessa descended the staircase together, their steps in sync. Adam glanced around, his brows furrowing slightly. “A second party?” he muttered under his breath, clearly unprepared for the spectacle. Tessa looked up at him, noticing his discomfort. “I didn’t know either,” she whispered. Adam nodded, his mind preoccupied. He had planned to leave early for his mission and was determined to inform Tessa before his departure. But as he scanned the room, filled with family members and strangers alike, he realized the timing wasn’t right. If he left now, Tessa would be vulnerable to the family’s usual torment. His thoughts were interrupted as Stacey Gold entered the hall, her presence commanding attention. She strutted in confidently, her high heels clicking against the marble floor. Adam’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing,