Talia’s words still lingered in the air like a challenge.Adam stood silent, conflicted. He couldn’t bring himself to outright reject her. Not after everything she’d done. Not after she welcomed him back like family when others saw nothing but a nobody in a plain shirt.After all these years, she’d remained loyal to his mother’s memory, even preserving the engagement between him and Elise. An engagement made in innocence—between two children, sealed by hope and trust. How could he insult that?His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Maddox Carter—Talia’s husband, and the head of the Carter family.Maddox entered like a storm—broad-shouldered, suited, and radiating arrogance. Where Talia was warm and graceful, Maddox was rigid, cold. His calculating gaze landed on Adam like a hammer to stone.“You must be Adam,” Maddox said, his voice clipped and sharp. “Come. Let’s talk.”He led Adam into the study without waiting for an answer.Once the door clicked shut behind them, Maddox w

The shame burned hotter than fire.Adam Manchester—a name feared across battlefields, a legend carved in blood and steel—now found himself caught in the schemes of a cunning young girl. A single video clip, a few whispered accusations, and his image as the Supreme General would crumble overnight.How could he ever face the world if this got out?Ivy clung to his arm like it was already hers, her sweet smile masking her ruthless grip. “Let’s go,” she said softly, but firmly. “Come to my place. I’ll give you the Divine Code.”Her words were a velvet noose, looped tight around his neck.Adam gently but firmly pulled his arm free. “Not now. There’s something I need to take care of first. I’ll come by later.”Ivy tilted her head, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “Are you backing out?”“No,” he replied coolly. “But this can wait a little. The Divine Code isn’t going anywhere, is it?”A flicker of something unreadable passed through Ivy’s gaze, but she nodded. “Fine. But don’t make me wa

“Elise, it’s getting late,” Adam said calmly, standing up and moving toward her. “Let’s head back.”His tone was gentle but firm. Something felt wrong—the air was off. The atmosphere in the room was turning darker with every drink poured, every laugh forced.Elise blinked at him, visibly tipsy. Her delicate features were flushed, her eyes glossy from the alcohol. She hesitated, swaying slightly as she glanced between Adam and her so-called friends.Then came Luna’s voice, sharp as glass. “Are you serious right now? We’re in the middle of having fun, and you decide to be the party pooper?”Her mockery sliced through the room, drawing a few snickers from others.Dorian leaned forward on the couch, resting one arm on his knee, a smug smile playing on his lips. “You really think Elise is your fiancée?” he sneered, swirling the whiskey in his glass. “Let me make it crystal clear—Elise is my woman. Not yours. If you ever even breathe in her direction again, I’ll make sure your life turns in

The atmosphere inside the Emperor Room shifted instantly.The once-lively energy dulled under the weight of Daniel Pitt’s bloodied face and explosive entrance. The tension thickened like smoke.“Mr. Pitt—what happened?” Chloe rose to her feet, her voice crisp with alarm, eyes darting to his bruised cheek and disheveled shirt.Daniel Pitt—infamous for his ruthless business ventures and dirty billions—looked like a man who’d just swallowed humiliation and broken glass.He threw his jacket to the floor, chest heaving. “I stepped out for a piss and spotted a pretty girl outside the restroom. Figured she was one of those high-end hostesses, so I made an offer. The little wench slapped me across the face and called some punk over—he beat the hell out of me!” He jabbed a finger at his swollen lip. “Look at this! Do I look like a damn joke?”Ace Harker’s smile was ice. He leaned forward, resting one elbow on his knee. “Don’t worry, Mr. Pitt. You’ll get your justice. Whoever laid a hand on you

Realizing Logan was useless, Luna’s voice quivered as she turned to the only one left who might help. “Mr. Grant… please…”Dorian clenched his fists, then took a steadying breath. He stepped forward and addressed the room with as much composure as he could muster.“Mr. Harker. Mr. Pitt. With all due respect, let’s not involve the women in this. As the heir of the Grant family, I’m asking for a bit of restraint… and decency.”Ace leaned back in his seat, a faint smirk curving his lips. “Respect for the Grant family?” he echoed lazily. “Of course.”Dorian’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “Thank you, Mr. Harker—”“But,” Ace cut in sharply, his voice turning cold. “You can leave. The women stay.”The room fell deathly silent.Ace’s eyes swept over the group like a predator selecting his prey. “I’ll keep the three—Luna, Bella, and her.”He nodded toward Elise.Luna and Bella froze in terror. Elise, wide-eyed, took a half-step back. Her heart pounded violently in her chest.Ace’s gaze lingered