The referee's voice sliced sharply through the tense air, holding up an official-looking paper."We've received an update," he declared, eyes cold and detached."Miss Kelly Kingston has officially taken citizenship and the governor's role in Vermont. According to our rules, she can't represent Vancouver in this sacred duel between states. Therefore, Kelly Kingston is disqualified!"A stunned hush swallowed the arena, quickly replaced by angry murmurs and gasps of disbelief."Kingstons," the referee continued, savoring the drama, "you've got two fights left to turn this around. Choose wisely. Your next fighter must step into the ring in ten minutes—or you lose by default."Before Jasmine could utter a word, a tall, arrogant figure swaggered from the Chicago side, armored gauntlet gleaming menacingly.He sneered openly at the Vancouver corner, raising his voice mockingly, "Hey, Vancouver! Where’s your courage now? Step up if you've got the guts, or run home with your tails tucked betwee

The arena fell deathly silent. Jaxon knelt in the dusty center, head bowed like a penitent sinner.He finally lifted his gaze, jaw tight with reluctant respect.“You're one hell of a fighter,” he growled, voice rough with pride and defeat. “I yield.”“What the hell did he say?” gasped someone from the audience.Murmurs exploded around the arena like wildfire, disbelief sparking through the crowd.“He hasn't even thrown a punch! He walked to the arena just to kneel? Did the Kingstons pay him off?”Zane surged to his feet, eyes blazing with fury.“What kind of cowardly shit is this, Jax? A Chicago Lord never bows down! Kill the damn janitor now!”“Shut your mouth, Zane!” Jaxon snapped back fiercely, eyes ablaze.“There's honor in knowing when you're beaten. He's the real deal. If he’d wanted, I’d be lying dead in the dirt right now.”The crowd froze, trying to decipher the bitter truth hidden in Jaxon’s eyes.Zane’s face twisted in rage.“Bullshit! You didn’t even fight him! Are you ser

Alex sat on the very edge of the rooftop, legs dangling over the ledge, a half-empty glass of wine resting in his hand.Alone, high above the sleeping city, he was lost in his thoughts as the night wrapped around him.The moon hung low, casting silvery shadows that danced across the concrete beside him.Far below, the homeless huddled around small fires, their laughter and chatter drifting faintly upward.Even with their hardships, they seemed content, savoring simple moments together.Yet Alex stood isolated, tormented by indecision.Life seemed straightforward enough—people ran from pain and chased after happiness.But when wounds reopened again and again, each scar dug deeper into the heart, turning memories into haunting nightmares.He sighed deeply.Could there really be happiness with Sophia Lancaster?He used to believe so. But every time he reached for her, he came away more battered, more broken.Just when he found the strength to walk away, she’d whisper a promise of happine

Alex pressed harder, desperately fighting to save the little boy whose life hung by the thinnest thread.Sweat streaked his face as he whispered reassurance. "Stay with me, kid. You're stronger than this."The bodyguard jabbed a gun directly into Alex's temple. "Doc, I warned you—fix our Madame first, or you’re done."Alex didn’t flinch. His voice came cold and fierce."Pull the trigger, and your precious madame can find herself another doctor. I’m not leaving this child."Alex tore open the boy's shirt, revealing a horrific wound.Blood had slowed but still oozed, darkening the asphalt. The child’s breaths came in shallow gasps.Alex reached into his pocket, pulling out the miracle pills.With a steady hand, he gently placed one in the boy's mouth."Hold on. You're gonna make it."The boy’s mother watched helplessly, tears flooding her cheeks, her voice shaking with prayer."Oh God, please spare my son. Please."Beside her, the father fell to his knees, pleading with the bodyguard."

Jasmine Kingston stood tall, exuding confidence and a chilling grace.“Listen carefully, Mr. Nobody. My man is far stronger than you could ever comprehend. When he comes for you, you’ll regret every single decision you made today.”She turned away with a contemptuous smirk, fully aware that any resistance would result in slaughter.Jasmine stepped outside, holding her composure despite the dread building in her chest."Me? Regret?" The massive figure sneered with derision, his voice a cold growl."Lady, I'm the most dangerous man walking this country. If your hero dares to show up, I'll make sure he's damned straight to hell, regretting every moment he ever dreamed of saving you."Two of his henchmen emerged, dragging old Joe Thompson forward.His face was a battered mess, blood running freely from his head, glasses shattered.Through the haze of pain, Joe spat defiantly, "You'll pay for this, Hugh Jones! Mark my words."Surprise flickered briefly in Hugh’s ruthless eyes, followed swi