The weight of Jack Sullivan's announcement hung heavy in the mountain air as the assembled crowd processed the magnitude of what had just occurred. Samuel Davis stood frozen in place, still struggling to comprehend that he had just been handed control of the richest city in the entire region."Jack, this is too much," Samuel said quietly, his voice trembling with overwhelmed emotion. "North Harbor... it's worth billions. I can't possibly—""You can and you will," Jack interrupted with absolute finality. "Samuel, North Harbor needs a leader who won't sell out his allies for temporary profit. You're the only person I trust completely."He's giving me an entire city, Samuel thought with amazement. From cook to winery manager to city leader in just a few years.Ron Taylor stepped forward with obvious respect. "Mr. Sullivan, this is an inspired choice. Samuel's loyalty has been proven beyond question.""Indeed," Professor Lawrence added approvingly. "And his connection to the Shaw family t

Stella Shaw's predatory smile widened as she studied Jack Sullivan's calm demeanor, clearly interpreting his composure as weakness rather than the dangerous control it actually represented."Tina, dear," Stella said with mock sweetness, "why don't you tell Mr. Sullivan exactly what you are to me?"Tina Parker's face flushed with shame as she stood frozen beside the tea service. "Miss Shaw, please—""Please what?" Stella's voice turned sharp and cruel. "Tell him the truth, you worthless creature. You're nothing but a cheap servant who exists for my amusement."She's deliberately humiliating Tina in front of me, Jack observed, his anger carefully controlled beneath his calm exterior."Actually," Stella continued with vicious glee, "Tina might be useful for more than just serving tea. Mr. Sullivan, consider her part of tonight's entertainment package."Tina's eyes widened with horror and shame. "Miss Shaw, you can't—""Can't what?" Stella laughed coldly. "You're my property, Tina. I can

“Stella Shaw,” Jack Sullivan’s voice thundered, low but coated with cruel amusement. “You dare stand before me with that proud look again?”Stella’s lips trembled, though she sat upright on the velvet chair. Her eyes darted around the room, but her mind—her soul—was being torn apart. The Fire Vision raged inside her head like a hellish inferno.In her illusion, blood rained from the skies. Fire devoured the ground. Lightning cracked the heavens.And in the middle of it all, Jack stood, cloaked in darkness, eyes glowing crimson, his voice booming like the judgment of gods.“Stella Shaw… my servant. Kneel.”“No… I-I am not your—”“KNEEL!”Her scream was silent in the real world. Her face twitched slightly, her palms shaking against her knees. But inside her mind, she collapsed onto burning coals, skin searing, her pride melting.Tina Parker watched, baffled. “What the hell is going on with her? She looks like a statue… but she’s sweating like a sinner in church.”“Stella,” Jack said laz

The taxi wound its way through Carson City's increasingly deteriorated streets as Jack Sullivan directed the driver toward Limin Block. The urban landscape changed dramatically as they left the prosperous commercial district behind—manicured lawns gave way to cracked pavement, luxury boutiques were replaced by boarded storefronts, and the very air seemed to grow heavier with each passing mile."You sure about this destination, buddy?" the taxi driver asked nervously, glancing at Jack through the rearview mirror. "Limin Block ain't exactly a tourist spot.""I'm sure," Jack replied calmly, his enhanced senses already detecting the subtle spiritual energy emanating from their destination."Look, I don't know what business you got there," the driver continued, "but you better watch yourself around Scorpion. That psycho runs Limin Block like his own personal kingdom."Scorpion, Jack noted with mild interest. Another local strongman."He dangerous?" Jack asked conversationally.The driver l

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the thin walls of Mason Dormitory as someone climbed the stairs with obvious urgency.Jack had just finished arranging his few belongings when he heard the apartment door open and close with a weary thud."Anna, I'm home!" a tired voice called out from the front room."Hannah's back," Anna said quietly to Jack. "She's been working double shifts all week. The poor girl is exhausted."Another roommate to navigate around, Jack thought as he prepared to meet the second resident of his temporary base.Hannah Shaw appeared in the doorway moments later, her waitress uniform wrinkled and her hair disheveled from a long day at the diner. She was a sturdy young woman with practical features and the kind of no-nonsense expression that came from dealing with difficult customers for ten hours straight."Anna, who's this?" Hannah asked bluntly, looking Jack up and down with obvious suspicion. "And why is he in Tommy's old room?""Hannah, meet Jack Sulliva