Miller wasn’t truly concerned whether Alex succeeded in getting him the board position or not. In fact, deep down, he hoped Alex failed. That way, it would provide him the perfect excuse to sever all ties with him completely. He didn’t want to be tethered directly or indirectly to Carl Moretti. The mafia’s shadow was already long and dark over Trim City, and Miller had narrowly survived too many storms to let himself get dragged into another one. His reputation was hanging by a thread, and he knew better than to let it fray.So when Alex had pleaded for a second chance, Miller hadn’t outright said no but his agreement had come with a heavy undertone of reluctance. It was strategic, not sentimental. If Alex pulled through, fine. If he didn’t, it would be the final nail, and Miller would be done with him.With that tension still hovering in the air, Alex returned to Tina’s office that afternoon. Not for business this time, but for their date the second of ten they had both agreed t

The Walton family SUV pulled into a secluded private estate hidden deep within the outskirts of Trim City. Unlike the extravagant displays of wealth that dominated the city, gold-plated gates, surveillance drones, fountains carved from pure crystal, this compound was modest, covered by the whisper of forest trees and protected by a mist that never lifted entirely. The air was heavy with a calm, almost otherworldly pressure, like the land itself was ancient and sentient.Thea stepped out of the car with a stern expression. She wore her full black War God uniform an armored coat lined with silver embroidery and a long red scarf that fluttered with the wind. Her short hair was tied up neatly, and her commanding aura had not diminished despite the casualness of the visit.Behind her, Hannah, her ever-loyal assistant, followed while inspecting the area with sharp, curious eyes. Dressed in a more modern military style, Hannah was the perfect contrast to Thea blunt, emotional, and unapolog

The sun had slipped below the treetops, casting long, bronze shadows across the quiet estate of . The air smelled faintly of herbs and polished wood, earthy and grounding. A modest dinner table had been set outside under the arbor, where fireflies blinked lazily and cicadas hummed through the dense hush of forest twilight.Alex sat opposite General Earlton and her granddaughter, Sisi. The meal was simple: steamed greens, rice, and a fragrant stew that hinted of ginseng and lotus. Sisi chatted comfortably, teasing both her grandmother and Alex in equal measure. Alex offered quiet responses, trying not to seem too detached.After the final bites were taken, Sisi collected the plates. “I’ll wash up,” she said with a smile. “You two obviously have serious grown-up things to talk about.”Earlton gave a small nod of thanks, then turned to Alex as her granddaughter disappeared inside.“You didn’t come to Trim City for politics or fame,” she said without preamble. Her voice was calm, but its

The floor of the dojo creaked softly beneath their feet as Thea followed Alex into the training space. The dim amber light of morning filtered through the paper-paneled windows, casting long rectangles of golden warmth across the tatami mats. Incense from an earlier offering still lingered faintly, curling in wisps near the rafters.Alex walked calmly to the center of the room and turned to face her. His expression was unreadable, calm but not cold. There was a certain serenity about him in this space, as if the dojo answered to him more than the other way around.Thea, however, stood with arms crossed, one booted foot tapping with restless irritation."We start with breathing," Alex said, voice low but firm. "Three rounds. Inhale, hold, exhale. Center your energy."Thea rolled her eyes. "I didn’t come here to chant and do yoga, Alex. Let’s get to the part where I wipe the floor with you."He ignored the jab. "Your core isn’t balanced. Your last two battles showed that. You lead with

Thea was still leaning against the far wall of the dojo when the door slid open quietly. She straightened instinctively, wiping the emotion from her face as General Earlton entered. The older woman moved with a calm, powerful grace that made it clear she didn’t need to raise her voice or brandish a weapon to command respect. Her gaze flickered briefly between Alex and Thea, as if weighing the temperature of the room.Without a word, Earlton walked to the center of the mat and stood there, her hands clasped lightly behind her back. Thea noticed the faint bulge under her robe, but said nothing.Alex, always observant, stepped forward first. He moved into position without needing to be told, standing a respectful few paces from Earlton, his posture straight but relaxed.Earlton smiled slightly, the kind of smile that held more warning than warmth."Stand still," she said to him.Alex gave a slight nod, his face expressionless.Thea folded her arms, skeptical. Whatever this was, she doub