Barry settled into the bleacher seat, watching his twin daughters, Daisy and Debby dominating in their high school tennis game. The afternoon sun hung warmly over the high school courts, glinting off the clean white lines and the taut net stretched between them.On the court, Daisy and Debby Sullivan moved like the perfect duo. They showed no mercy to the opposing team; bagging perfect scores for everyone to see on the scoreboard. The opposing team barely had time to breathe before the next serve came screaming in.Barry exhaled slowly, pride swelling in his chest.Beside him, Veronica leaned closer, her eyes shining as she watched their daughters dominate the court.“They’re incredible,” she said softly. “Do you remember when they could barely hold a racket?”Barry smiled. “They always had focus. It is impressive how far they've come. I'm super proud of them. I'll buy them a Manta-Ray custom Jet each for their birthday.” Veronica laughed quietly, then lowered her voice. “You know,

Barry’s hands tightened into fists at his sides, his brow knitting into a thick frown. “I won’t let that happen,” he said. “Not while I’m alive. I worked for everything I have. I proved I was worthy of the blessings I was given. I endured trials, enemies, and bloodshed. Why should a man who failed be allowed to steal what I earned?” The Golden Cat regarded him quietly. “Because he is your final boss, Barry Sullivan. If you do not fight back, you will lose everything. Your wealth. Your name. Your family. Even your legacy.” Barry drew in a slow breath. The thought of some nobody stealing everything he owned was audacious to him. He'd rather die than let that happen. “Then I’ll fight,” he said, straightening his spine. “I’ll give it everything I have. If it comes to it, I’ll fight to my last breath. I didn’t climb to the top just to be dragged down by that man.” For the first time since this conversation started, the Golden Cat smiled. “Very well,” it said, lifting a paw. A shimme

Later that night, Barry stood alone on the penthouse balcony, the city sprawling beneath him like a circuit board of light. Inside, the house was quiet. The twins were asleep. Security systems hummed softly beneath layers of magical reinforcement Sebastian had woven into the structure over the years.And yet, Barry couldn't relax. Instead, he stood up all night to keep watch over his family.Just then, the glass door slid open behind him.Veronica stepped out, wrapped in her silk robe, her bare feet silent on the floor. She didn't speak at first. She simply stood beside him, following his gaze into the sprawling city lights."Darling," she said softly. "Come to bed."Barry didn't move. "I'm sorry," he said. "I can't tonight. I have to stay up."She was quiet for a long moment. Then she sat down on the bench beside the railing, pulling her robe tighter around herself."I've been watching you all day," she said. Her voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it. "The way you drove. T

Below Sullivan Tower, the red army formed a tightening circle around the invisible barrier like a living tide. Three hundred robed figures pushed, slashed, and beat against the magical dome, but it held firm. By now, early morning commuters had long since fled the city, leaving abandoned cars with doors hanging open. The sect leaders began chanting, feeding dark energy into the barrier. But it did not break.Then the army parted and a man stepped forward from the crowd. He moved with the easy confidence of a predator who had never known defeat. Unlike the others, this man was different. He was dressed in a tailored black coat with golden lining. He wore black gloves and polished boots.Donald Cage.He looked to be in his late forties. His jaw was strong, his cheekbones sharp, his dark hair showing only the barest traces of gray at the temples. Power radiated from him with every step he took. He stopped before the barrier, studying it for a long moment. His second in command appr

Barry's hand went to his throat, still feeling the pressure of Donald Cage's grip. He watched the pile of sand for another moment, making sure it didn't move.Then he turned to face the red army.Three hundred hooded figures stood frozen in the street, filled with shock and raw fear. Barry turned slightly toward Sebastian, keeping one eye on the red army.“We have to do something about these guys,” he said under his breath, gesturing toward the silent crowd. Sebastian followed his gaze. “Let me handle this,” he said calmly. Barry studied him for a moment, then nodded and stepped back.Sebastian walked forward alone, tucking the hourglass safely under one arm in order to intimidate them.The red army shifted uneasily as he approached them. They looked confused and frightened by his presence.These were men and women who had followed Donald Cage for decades. They had never seen their master defeated until now. Sebastian stopped several yards away from them.For a long moment, he loo