Just as the attack reached its climax, Sebastian Sterling appeared like an avenging angel, moving through the attackers with inhuman speed and precision.His first strike dropped Mario instantly, while his second and third eliminated Sal and Giuseppe before they could react."WHAT THE HELL?" Antonio gasped as Sebastian systematically dismantled their assault with professional brutality."Sebastian!" Leo cried with overwhelming relief as his lieutenant savagely beat down the remaining thugs."Thank God you're here!""WHO THE FUCK IS THIS GUY?" screamed the last conscious attacker before Sebastian's boot connected with his face.Within minutes, all seven attackers lay unconscious on the park's manicured grass while Sebastian stood over them without even breathing hard."Are you hurt?" Sebastian asked with apparent concern, helping Leo to his feet."No, thanks to you," Leo replied with obvious gratitude."How did you know we were in danger?""I've been tracking chatter about retaliation

The warehouse fell silent except for the distant sound of Vivian's heels clicking against concrete as she fled in humiliated defeat.Sebastian Sterling watched her retreating figure with a mixture of satisfaction and genuine regret, knowing that his harsh treatment had been necessary to protect his mission.She'll head straight to Karvel Cross now, Sebastian realized with strategic certainty.Her desperation will drive her to try the same blackmail approach with a different target.Sebastian immediately began his transformation back to Karvel Cross, racing through Carson City's evening traffic to reach his estate before Vivian could arrive.The prosthetic features and makeup came off in his private transformation chamber with practiced efficiency, leaving him looking like the mysterious consultant who had saved Dr. Yale's patients.Twenty minutes later, Karvel was reviewing medical journals in his study when the estate's security system announced an unexpected visitor at the front gat

The Meridian Hotel's grand ballroom sparkled with crystal chandeliers and the quiet murmur of Carson City's elite engaging in charitable theater. Karvel stood beside Sophia with practiced ease, though his attention remained focused on Leo and Mariya Romano's approach across the polished marble floor.Another opportunity to observe Leo's psychological state, Karvel thought with strategic interest. Let's see how he handles social confrontation when he can't use violence."Karvel Cross," Leo said with forced civility as he reached their position, though his voice carried undertones of barely controlled hostility. "Fancy meeting you at such an... exclusive... event.""Leo," Karvel replied with polite acknowledgment, "Mariya. You both look lovely this evening."Mariya's expression showed obvious disdain as she studied Karvel's expensive tuxedo and his proximity to yet another wealthy woman."My, my," Mariya said with cutting sarcasm, "another rich benefactor, Karvel? You certainly do have

The opulent study of Sebastian Sterling's estate had become a battlefield as three professional thieves lay groaning on the Persian carpet, their confidence shattered along with several bones.Sebastian stood over them with the casual bearing of someone who had just completed a minor workout rather than a violent confrontation."Gentlemen," Sebastian said with predatory calm, his expensive suit barely wrinkled despite the beating he'd just delivered, "you have two choices tonight."Sal Benedetti struggled to his hands and knees, blood streaming from his broken nose as he stared up at Sebastian with obvious terror."What... what kind of choices?" Sal gasped with obvious pain."Choice one," Sebastian explained with cold authority, "you tell me who sent you, why you're here, and what you're looking for. In exchange, I pay you for your troubles and let you walk away.""And choice two?" Giuseppe Romano asked with obvious dread."Choice two," Sebastian continued with lethal certainty, "I ki

The luxury sedan glided through Carson City's afternoon traffic as Sebastian Sterling sat beside Mariya in the vehicle's plush interior, his expression carefully neutral despite the dangerous situation he'd been forced into.Three of his most trusted men occupied the front seats and trailing vehicle, maintaining professional security protocols while remaining oblivious to their employer's true predicament.Perfect timing for the next phase, Sebastian thought as he checked his secure phone.Leo's desperation for leads about his mysterious enemy will make him act without thinking."Sebastian," Mariya said with obvious excitement, "I'm so grateful you agreed to handle my security personally. It means everything to me.""Just doing my job, Mrs. Romano," Sebastian replied with professional distance, not meeting her gaze."You can call me Mariya when we're alone," she suggested with obvious invitation. "We don't need to be so formal."She's already testing boundaries, Sebastian observed wit