Albert puffed out his chest like a rooster high on his own ego, strutting in a lazy circle as if the polished tiles were his personal red carpet. His gold watch glinted under the chandelier light, but it was the buzzing phone in his hand that held the spotlight.He raised it high, waving it like a golden trophy. “Now this,” he said, lips curling into a cocky grin, “this is what you call a real phone call.”He stopped and turned deliberately toward Adam, holding the screen out like he was delivering a punchline. “Secretary Chen. From Dragon Group HQ. Something a lowly driver like you would never even dream of—not in this life, not in the next ten.”Adam didn’t even glance at the screen. He just slipped his own phone back into his pocket, completely unfazed.Hope, meanwhile, gasped like a star-struck teenager. “Secretary Chen? The Secretary Chen?! Oh my god—Albert, is it about the investment? Is it finally happening?” Her hands were clasped together like she was praying to the business

“Mr. Albert!” Hope called out, her voice sharp with desperation. But Albert didn’t even glance back. He was already halfway down the corridor, his footsteps echoing as he vanished around the corner like a man possessed. Hope stood frozen for a second, then snapped. “That coward!” she hissed, turning on her heels. “He just left us behind like garbage!” Across the room, Adam stood casually, arms folded, a faint smirk dancing on his lips as if the chaos around him were nothing more than entertainment. Hope’s eyes locked onto him. “You!” she barked, pointing a trembling, furious finger. “You’re the one who brought this cursed luck into this house!” Adam raised a brow but said nothing. “We were this close—this close—to sealing the deal with Dragon Group. Everything was aligning perfectly. Then you showed up, like a fly in the ointment!” “Mom…” Ava stepped forward, grabbing her arm gently, trying to keep her grounded. “Calm down—please.” “No! I won’t calm down, Ava!” Hope

The dimly lit entrance fell silent except for the rhythmic drip of water somewhere in the distance. Adam kept walking forward, unfazed by the oppressive silence and the piercing gaze of the guard who stood in his path.“Hey… place is closed. Come back tomorrow.” The man tried to make his voice firm, but it trembled just a little under Adam’s piercing stare.Adam remained silent, letting his knuckles crack quietly as his hands tightened into fists. The man raised his voice, suspicion battling confusion. “Hey! Did you hear me, friend?”For a moment, the only answer was the rustling of Adam’s clothes as he walked forward a step.The man pressed on, trying to assert himself. “I said we’re closed. Whatever you’re looking for… it’s not here.”Adam sighed softly and nodded. “See… you shouldn’t have asked me that.”The guard faltered. “E-8-Day delivery?”Adam’s face remained a mask of calm. “Who told you…?”“It doesn’t matter who.” His knuckles tightened, a spark of danger glimmered in his ey

The alarm wailed, bouncing off metal and tile, a piercing chorus that seemed to celebrate the monstrosities now staggering off their gurneys.Adam tightened his knuckles, exhaling a deep, icy breath. His pulse remained calm — nearly impossible under the pressure — but a spark glimmered in his eyes.He darted forward, a silhouette against a riot of purple-eyed soldiers. His first punch landed squarely against a massive shoulder — normally enough to stagger a grown man — but this specimen barely budged. Instead, it grabbed Adam’s wrist with a grip like a vice.Adam tried to break free, shifting his weight and adding force, but the creature remained anchored, immovable. With a single squeeze, it nearly crushed his wrist, forcing him back a step.“That’s what I’m talking about.” The doctor’s voice rose above the alarm, a sinister thread tying chaos together. He pressed against a control rail, smiling through bloody lips. “Did you really think you’d match them… match us?”He staggered forw

The next morning came quickly — the day of the Langston Empire’s board meeting.Adam pressed his foot on the brake, and the black sedan came to a smooth halt in front of Langston Tower. The sleek, shimmering skyscraper seemed taller today, more intimidating — a castle made of glass and steel.Ava opened the rear door and stepped out gracefully, smoothing her tailored suit and lifting her chin. She turned back toward the car and said quietly, “Okay… you can wait for me here. the meeting would probably take two hours.”Adam remained sitting, hands on the steering wheel. “I’m going in with you.”Ava pressed her lips together in a tight line. “You can’t. The board meeting is for members only.”Adam sighed, opened his door, and walked around to her side. His expression remained firm, unfazed by her resistance. “I’m not here as a guest. I’m here as your security. That’s the job I signed up for — protecting you, wherever you go.”Ava crossed her arms. “This isn’t a nightclub. It’s a closed m