Hugh Jones erupted into cruel laughter, relishing the sight of Kingswell's fighters dropping one by one.Jasmine watched in horror, her face drained of color as the brutal truth sank in—they never had a chance."See?" Hugh mocked, eyes glinting with twisted amusement."They came here to save you, and look how pathetic they turned out. Weak. Useless."Hugh suddenly reached out, gripping Jasmine's hair roughly, inhaling deeply with sickening pleasure."Vancouver is weak," he growled softly. "Chicago is going to swallow it whole. You’d be smart to accept the deal I’ve offered you."Jasmine glared, her eyes fiery despite her fear."Marry you?" she scoffed bitterly."It's the best deal you'll ever get," Hugh sneered, gripping her hair tighter."Dupont and Hernandez are planning to reduce Vancouver to ashes. Our wedding would save it."She laughed sharply, contempt dripping from every note."And conveniently put Vancouver, my father, and Kelly under your thumb. You’d control three territori

Four felt her cheeks burn as embarrassment flooded her veins.If there had been a hole nearby, she would’ve dived into it instantly.She cursed herself silently—had she known Alex would hold such a fierce grudge, she never would have mocked him.Nearby, Hugh groaned, slowly regaining consciousness.He pushed himself upright, confusion etched across his face."Must've tripped over my own damn feet," he muttered.Alex stared at him, eyes narrowed in disbelief.Did this fool really not realize what had happened to him—the danger he was in? Or was his arrogance so thick it had blinded him?Seeing Alex's silence, Hugh’s lips twisted into a smug grin.“What’s the matter, kid? Cat got your tongue now that you’ve seen what real level-fifty power looks like? You’d better be shaking in your boots, boy!”“You’re nothing compared to me—like a bug under my boot.”“I’ll toss you one measly chance: grovel at my feet and smash your skull against the floor. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll grace you with my pi

Alex stood there, frozen for a heartbeat.The woman in his arms—Jasmine Kingston, stunningly beautiful and dangerously close—had just asked him to rent a hotel room.His pulse roared, warmth surged through his veins, desire clawing fiercely at his chest.Jasmine wasn't just any woman; she was a legend in Vancouver, one of the top three beauties in the city.Every fiber in Alex's body screamed with longing.Freshly divorced, finally free, nothing stood in his way—no commitments, no chains.He studied her carefully, mesmerized by her misty eyes and parted lips."Stop looking at me like that," Jasmine whispered, her voice heavy with anticipation."You're driving me crazy. Just say yes, Alex. Or no—don’t say anything, just take me. Anywhere you want."She slowly licked her lips, making his heart slam violently against his chest."No!"The shout cracked through the air like a whip, forcing Alex and Jasmine to pull apart instantly.They turned to see Alfred Kingsley marching toward them, fl

Morning broke early, bringing with it a fresh start.Alex rose, showered, and busied himself preparing breakfast—his signature Eggs Benedict.Simple but irresistible. The aroma filled the kitchen just as footsteps echoed softly from behind.“Something smells heavenly!” Sophia's voice broke the quiet.She looked stunning, dressed impeccably in a tailored business suit, her face brightened by a gentle smile."Sophia? What are you doing here?" Alex blurted, confusion clear on his face.Today, of all days—why?"I skipped breakfast, figured I'd swing by quickly on the way to work," Sophia replied casually, stepping closer to inspect the dish.Alex narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Your office isn't anywhere near this neighborhood."She let out a sigh and admitted reluctantly, “Fine. Lyra asked me to take you to meet someone before heading to my office. I’ve got some time to spare.” She sat down with practiced ease, clearly dodging his pointed stare."Lyra could’ve just called me," Alex frown

Laura’s face twisted in rage. Without hesitation, she swung her hand, landing a fierce slap across the doctor’s face.“What kind of worthless bastard calls himself a doctor, yet sends my husband home just to wait for death?” she screamed, her voice shaking with fury.Dr. Peter stood frozen, stunned. One of Vermont's finest doctors had just been humiliated by this woman.“Listen carefully, woman,” he snarled bitterly.“Your husband will die. Nothing on earth can save him now, not even your parade of second opinions. Frankly, with a venomous wife like you, it’s no wonder he’s headed to an early grave.”Laura exploded, her voice cracking with raw fury.“What the hell did you just say to me? You dare sentence my husband to death and blame me for it? Are you begging to die?”The assistants quickly stepped forward, forming a barrier around Dr. Peter, terrified by Laura’s wild wrath.“Guards!” Laura roared. “Beat them! Break every damn bone in their bodies!”“Yes, Ma’am!” Two guards surged fo