Elijah folded his arms and leaned back slightly on the bonnet of his Prado, his expression sharp and cold under the dim streetlights.“I don’t want to talk much,” he said calmly, his voice carrying the weight of authority. “Where’s Daniel?”One of the guys blinked rapidly. “We told you—he left. We don’t know where he went!”“Yeah, we swear bro. He didn’t say anything to us. He just stepped out,” the second added, trying to sound convincing.The third nodded quickly in agreement, “He probably went to meet someone—maybe he’s back at the venue.”Elijah let out a quiet breath through his nose, unmoved.Then, he tilted his head slightly and looked toward Phantom. “Get them to give the information. I want to know where Daniel is.”Phantom didn’t ask for clarification. He turned his head and gestured sharply. Instantly, three of his men stepped forward from the shadows without a word and began walking toward the trio.The three guys tensed, taking small steps back. “H-Hey wait—what’s going o

Behind the desk was a young woman — the same receptionist who had once dismissed him months ago when he looked simple and poor. Now, her breath hitched. Elijah Westbrook…? He looked so polished… so powerful.“Hello sir—welcome—” she started, forcing a smile.But Elijah didn’t smile back.“Someone logged in here with a lady. She might’ve been unconscious or dizzy. Her dress was silver and royal blue. Tell me which room.”His voice was deep, cold, and quick.The receptionist’s words caught in her throat. The few hotel staff nearby turned, watching in growing confusion.“What happened, sir?” she asked hesitantly.Elijah slammed his palm on the counter so hard the pen holders rattled and a clipboard fell.“Answer me!” he growled. “How dare your hotel let someone bring my unconscious woman in here? Are you all mad?”Gasps erupted around the lobby. The receptionist staggered back a little.“If anything has happened to her,” Elijah said, his voice low but dangerous, “I’ll shut down this enti

Elijah’s eyes stayed on Sierra for a long moment before he finally looked toward the doorway where Phantom stood, his men still gripping a battered Daniel.“Phantom,” Elijah said, his voice low but cutting through the tension like a blade, “give him his clothes.”Phantom blinked, slightly surprised. “Master?”“I was going to have him thrown out naked,” Elijah continued coldly, “but I’m not giving anyone the chance to film him like that and have it spread. I don’t want Sierra seeing anything that’ll make her realize what happened tonight.”Phantom understood immediately. With a curt nod, he motioned to one of his men, who reluctantly walked back into the room, snatched Daniel’s crumpled clothes from the floor, and shoved them into his hands.Daniel, still trembling and bloody, quickly scrambled to pull them on, flinching with every movement. He didn’t dare meet Elijah’s eyes.Once dressed, Phantom’s men resumed dragging him out. Elijah watched only long enough to make sure Daniel was c

Elijah’s voice cut through the tense air like a blade.“Bring them out.”At his order, Phantom’s men moved without hesitation. The car doors swung open, and Daniel, still battered and swollen from the earlier beating, was yanked out first. His legs barely supported him as they dragged him forward. Behind him, his three friends were pulled from the other vehicle, each limping, faces bloodied and clothes torn.Lawrence’s eyes widened in horror.“Daniel!” he shouted, rushing forward. He grabbed his son by the shoulders, pulling him close as if his presence alone could shield him from whatever was about to happen.Lawrence’s voice trembled with a mix of fear and outrage.“What did you do to my son?” he demanded, glaring at Elijah.Elijah didn’t flinch. Instead, he grabbed Daniel by the collar and yanked him forward.“Tell your dad what you did,” Elijah ordered coldly.Daniel kept his head down, his lips pressed tight. His silence only made Elijah’s jaw tighten. With a sharp movement, Elij

A small smile touched his lips. “We’re very good, Aunt. How about you and Uncle?”“We’re doing fine,” she replied warmly. “Just missing our daughter as always.”Elijah’s smile deepened. “She’s fine.”“Where’s she, please?” her mother asked curiously.Elijah glanced in the rearview mirror at Sierra, curled up and fast asleep in the back seat. “Actually, we’re just coming back from her end-of-term party, and she was so tired that she slept. I’m driving her home,” he said.“Oh…” her mom responded softly. “She actually told me about the party — that’s why I called, to ask how it went. But if she’s asleep, she should rest then.”Elijah nodded, even though she couldn’t see it. “She’s very fine, Aunt, and everything is good on her side too.”“I know you’re taking care of her well,” Sierra’s mom said warmly. “She told me last time she stays at your side and does nothing — just you spoiling her.”Elijah laughed quietly. “She deserves it, Aunt. She’s a nice lady… and I have many more things for