The rain had just stopped when a sleek black luxury car smoothly entered the Smith family estate. Two escort vehicles followed closely behind, signaling that someone influential had arrived. A driver swiftly stepped out and opened the rear door, revealing a young woman in a long cream-colored coat that draped over her elegant dress.Valerie stepped out of the car gracefully, her eyes scanning the grandeur of the Smith residence before confidently striding forward. Several servants who happened to be in the courtyard exchanged glances, clearly not expecting such an esteemed guest.From the second-floor balcony, Maria Smith observed Valerie’s arrival with a furrowed brow. She was familiar with many elites, but Valerie’s presence, along with her escorts, was slightly unexpected. Not many dared to come to the Smith estate with an entourage like that.However, as Valerie's face became clearer, Maria slowly began to understand the situation. This young woman was no ordinary visitor. With a

Arkanza stepped off the bus casually. After the trip to the business museum, he felt slightly lighter, as if the burden on his mind had lifted for a moment. However, the moment his feet touched the campus ground, a bad feeling crept into his mind.He glanced around. The sun was almost setting, casting long shadows between the campus buildings. The students who had joined the tour had already dispersed to their respective destinations. Some walked toward the dormitories, while others were engaged in conversations in front of the main building.Arkanza slid his hands into his pockets, intending to head straight to the parking lot. However, as he passed through a deserted corridor behind the faculty building, his steps halted.Four men stood there, casually leaning against the wall. They were dressed like ordinary students, but there was something in their eyes that felt off.Arkanza glanced back. The path he had just walked was now empty.He let out a breath. "What do you want?" he aske

The night sky was still dark when Arkanza sneaked into the Smith residence. He moved cautiously, avoiding the glare of security cameras and patrolling guards. The rarely used back route was his choice. Every step felt heavy, not just from exhaustion but also from the throbbing pain of the wounds scattered across his body.Once inside the house, he headed straight for his room. His chest rose and fell with ragged breaths. His hands trembled as he locked the door from the inside. Only then did he take off the black jacket clinging to his body. The fabric was soaked in blood—some his own, some from… someone else. With a rough motion, he threw the jacket into the corner of the room.His body burned with heat. The wounds he had sustained had yet to stop bleeding completely. But before he could clean himself up, there was something more important to take care of. Quickly, Arkanza reached into the inner pocket of his jacket, pulling out a small object wrapped in black cloth. He stared at it

After that afternoon conversation, Adam entered his study and immediately contacted someone. His voice was low and firm, but the content of the discussion was unclear to anyone in the house. Arkanza, still trying to calm his mind, didn’t think much about it.Time passed quickly, and as evening approached, the servants began setting the dining table. As usual, dinner at the Smith residence was served with grandeur. Expensive porcelain plates filled with appetizing dishes were neatly arranged, the crystal chandelier above the table cast a soft glow, and the aroma of roasted meat filled the air.Although his body still ached, Arkanza came to the dining table as usual. Sitting in his usual seat, he only wanted to finish this meal quickly and return to his room to rest.Albert was there too, seated not far from him. The man occasionally glanced at Arkanza as if debating whether to say something or remain silent. However, when Adam finally took his seat, all conversation ceased.“Enjoy your

Arkanza sat at the edge of his bed, his hand gripping a document he had just received. His eyes scanned every word within it, and the longer he read, the deeper the frown on his forehead became. The document contained information about Isabella's death—not just an ordinary report, but proof that she had not died in an accident. She had been murdered.But what truly shocked Arkanza was not the fact that Isabella had been killed. He had suspected that for a long time. What left him speechless was the name of the perpetrator written in the report.Maria Samanta.Maria, his current stepmother. Maria, Adam Smith's wife. Maria, the woman who had always shown a gentle face in front of him.Arkanza slowly closed the document and placed it on the bedside table. His body leaned against the headboard, and unconsciously, a soft chuckle escaped his lips.At first, the laughter was small, almost like a murmur. But as time passed, it grew louder until it filled the quiet room.He wasn't laughing out