The hospital room fell into an uncomfortable silence as Sophia Yale processed Vivian Fairchild's suggestion about investigating Karvel Cross. The machines monitoring her vital signs beeped steadily in the background, but her heart rate had definitely increased since Vivian mentioned setting up some kind of test.She has no idea what she's suggesting, Sophia thought with growing alarm. If she tries to manipulate or deceive Karvel, the consequences could be catastrophic."Vivian, I think that's a really stupid idea," Sophia said bluntly, her voice carrying more force than her weakened condition should have allowed."Stupid?" Vivian asked, clearly taken aback by her friend's vehement response. "Why would you say that? Don't you want to know the truth about him?"Because I've already seen enough to know that Karvel Cross is not someone you play games with, Sophia thought desperately, but she couldn't reveal the full extent of what she'd witnessed without exposing secrets that weren't hers

The private meeting room at Markos Industries was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Karvel Cross sat across from Markos at the polished mahogany conference table, both men's expressions grave as they discussed their next move against Leo Romano."The Romano situation has escalated beyond simple business rivalry," Markos said, sliding a thick file across the table. "My intelligence sources confirm that Leo's family has significant national influence—political connections, military contracts, international business partnerships."Karvel opened the file and scanned the contents, his jaw tightening as he read the details of the Romano family's extensive network of power.They're more deeply entrenched than I thought, he realized. This isn't just about Leo anymore—it's about an entire dynasty."Taking down Leo Romano won't be like dealing with the small-time criminals we've handled before," Markos continued. "His family wi

The commotion in the Grandview Hotel lobby continued to escalate as Gabrielle Morrison's theatrical breakdown drew even more spectators. What had started as a small gathering of curious onlookers was rapidly becoming a full-scale scene, with hotel guests pulling out their phones to record the drama.This is exactly what I didn't need tonight, Karvel thought with growing irritation. A public spectacle that could draw unwanted attention."I want this man arrested!" Gabrielle shrieked, her voice echoing off the marble walls and crystal chandeliers. "He's a predator! A stalker! Someone needs to do something!"The hotel manager looked increasingly uncomfortable as more guests gathered to witness the scene. "Miss, please lower your voice. You're disturbing our other guests.""I don't care about your other guests!" Gabrielle snapped back. "This creep needs to be taught a lesson!"Karvel had heard enough. He turned to leave, hoping to extract himself from the situation before it could get any

The wedding had been moved to a private venue with minimal media coverage, clearly an attempt to avoid another public disruption. The footage showed a much smaller, more intimate gathering than the original elaborate affair, but Romano and Mariya both looked tense despite their smiles.Romano's paranoia is showing, Karvel observed. He's so worried about another confrontation that he can barely enjoy his own wedding.A knock at his hotel room door interrupted his thoughts. Karvel muted the television and approached the door cautiously, checking the peephole before opening it.Vincent Langford stood in the hallway, his face still bearing the marks of his recent beatings but his expression attempting to convey sincerity and desperation.This should be interesting, Karvel thought as he opened the door. What does the worm want now?"Karvel," Vincent said, his voice carrying what he probably thought was a tone of remorse and brotherhood. "I need to talk to you.""Vincent," Karvel replied ca

The tension in Markos's office was palpable as the wealthy businessman struggled to understand his boss's strategy. Despite his complete loyalty to Karvel Cross, the plan to infiltrate Leo Romano's organization seemed like an unnecessary risk when other options were available."I have to ask again," Markos said, leaning forward in his leather chair. "Why don't you just reveal who you really are? The Cross name carries enough weight to crush the Romano family overnight. You could end this entire conflict with a single phone call."Karvel's expression darkened, his mind clearly traveling back to painful memories that he rarely allowed himself to revisit.He doesn't understand the cost of that kind of warfare, Karvel thought grimly. He doesn't know what happens when titans clash without restraint."The last time I went to war with Leo Romano using my full identity and resources, innocent people paid the price," Karvel said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of old guilt. "Families we