Laron and Maso exchanged terrified looks, their faces pale. They both understood what Jax’s gaze had meant just now. It was the look of burning rage, ready to explode at any moment. “Chase them,” Jax repeated, his voice low and pressing, almost like a growl. “J-Jax, maybe it’s better if—” Laron didn’t get to finish his sentence. Jax’s sharp glare silenced him instantly, the words dying in his throat. “Do you want me to drag you there myself?” Jax’s tone turned cold.Maso swallowed hard. He knew there was no safe place when Jax was angry. Both of them had often been the target of Jax’s fury, whether through insults, slaps, or ridiculous punishments over the smallest mistakes. So, as always, they had no choice but to obey. “Alright… we’ll go after them,” Laron muttered, barely audible.The two of them ran quickly toward the backstage area, following the direction where Aurora and Via had disappeared. Their steps were hurried, but their hearts were filled with fear, not only at the t

Max ran through the narrow hallway behind the stage. The moment he saw his wife standing there, he pulled her into a warm, protective embrace and shifted their position. Aurora gasped, her body lifting slightly from the strength of his hold. “Babe, what is going on?” she asked softly, still confused. “Why are you suddenly here?” She looked surprised, because just moments ago Max had been on the other side. Max closed his eyes for a second, trying to steady his shaky breath. He did not want Aurora to panic. “Nothing,” Max said, forcing his voice to sound normal. “I just… missed you.” Some backstage crew members who were fixing cables and adjusting the lights paused. They glanced at each other and held back their laughter. Two technicians whispered, “Oh my God, the most lovey-dovey couple of the year.” “It is like a romance drama,” another said with a grin. Aurora turned even redder. She hit Max’s chest lightly, trying to keep a professional expression. “Babe… focus. Everyon

Via was dragged through a long hallway with dark red carpet. Crystal lights hung low like a row of watching eyes. Her body was still weak, but her mind never fully shut down. Every breath felt heavy, yet her thoughts kept working, measuring distance, marking doors, counting the steps of her enemies. The man who brought her in opened a carved double door. The smell of cinnamon mixed with expensive perfume hit her. The room was wide and filled with luxury. Black leather sofa, white marble table, golden chandelier. But the center of attention was only one man who sat in a tall chair as if he controlled the whole room. Yanom. His smile was thin and cold. It was too calm for someone who had just lost four elite snipers. Two men in black suits stood behind him, while the third man, the one who dragged Via, locked the door and stepped aside. Via was forced into a chair with her hands tied roughly behind her and her legs bound as well. She did not move. She saved her last strength an

Via stared at Yanom without fear. Her breathing became steady, she knew that fear would only make her a target.“Well, Old Man, listen carefully.”Via spoke slowly, every word like a bullet held back from exploding too soon.“I am no longer part of the Dark Academy. I left a long time ago.”For a moment, silence covered the room filled with human statues.Then....HAHAHAHA!Yanom’s laughter shattered the cold air like glass breaking in the night.“I do not believe you,” he said while stepping closer. “Do you think I will be fooled by such cheap words?”Yanom continued, his voice changing, not only anger but a deep betrayal.“The Dark Academy betrayed me. They sent their student to kill my right hand man!”“And I have cut all ties with them. Not a single coin will go to them again!”The biggest donor of the Dark Academy, cutting all funding?That could shake the entire foundation of the academy.Via did not mention Max’s name.“Let us say everything you said is true,” Via said flatly.

At Max’s house…It had been two hours since Via disappeared without a trace.Zoza and Frans arrived with messy faces, like they had just been chased by hellhounds.Max had just come home from attending Aurora’s university event, and he had only taken off his suit when suddenly…BANG!Zoza and Frans threw themselves on the floor right at Max’s feet without warning.“BOSS MAX!! FORGIVE US!!” Zoza screamed while hugging Max’s leg.Frans did not want to lose in drama. He even slammed his head to the floor like a scene from a cheap soap opera.“We… failed to find Via…!” Frans groaned tragically. “There… there was no trace, no shadow… we only found the wind and our own stupidity!”Zoza lifted his head with a runny nose. “Boss Max, I am ready for punishment! Hit me with a sandal! Kick me with jumbo size shoes!”Frans yelled, “I am willing to be slapped with a TV remote! I deserve it, Sir!”Max looked at both of them.Silent.Flat.Emotionless.Honestly, he did not know whether to scold or la