The acrid smell of burning gasoline and twisted metal filled Karvel's nostrils as consciousness slowly returned to his battered body.The Mercedes lay crumpled against a massive oak tree, its luxury interior now a maze of shattered glass and deployed airbags that had saved his life."What the hell happened?" Karvel muttered as he assessed his injuries with professional detachment, noting several cuts and what felt like bruised ribs.The ominous hissing sound of fuel escaping from the damaged tank immediately captured his attention with its deadly implications."Shit, the car's going to blow," he realized with growing alarm, turning toward the driver's seat."Vivian!"But the driver's seat was empty except for blood-stained upholstery and a spider web of cracked glass where Vivian should have been."VIVIAN!" Karvel shouted with desperate urgency as the hissing sound grew louder and flames began licking at the fuel tank.No time to search, Karvel calculated with survival instincts as he

The sound of Vivian's scream echoed through the dense forest as Karvel sprinted toward its source, his injuries forgotten in the face of her obvious distress. Branches tore at his clothing while roots threatened to trip him, but he pushed forward with desperate determination.She's close, Karvel calculated as her voice grew stronger. And she's still fighting.Breaking through a cluster of pine trees, Karvel discovered a small clearing where five escaped prisoners had established a crude campsite. Vivian lay propped against a fallen log, her face pale from blood loss but her eyes blazing with defiant fury."You animals better stay the hell away from me!" Vivian snarled with surprising strength despite her obvious injuries. "When the police find you, I'll make sure they know exactly what kind of monsters you are!""Shut your mouth, princess," replied Marco Torretti, the apparent leader of the group. "You ain't in a position to be making threats.""The only position I'm in," Vivian shot

Within minutes, Karvel had successfully subdued Vivian's drug-fueled rage, holding her in a restraint position until the hyperaggressive phase passed and she collapsed into unconsciousness.The Monster Flower's effects include temporary psychotic episodes, Karvel noted as he studied her peaceful expression. But the healing appears complete.Two hours later, Vivian stirred to consciousness with the confused expression of someone waking from a particularly vivid nightmare."What happened?" she asked with obvious disorientation, studying the forest clearing with apparent bewilderment. "Where are we?""You were seriously injured in the car accident," Karvel explained with careful patience. "I had to give you emergency medical treatment.""I feel fine," Vivian replied with obvious confusion, examining her body for signs of injury. "Better than fine, actually. I feel incredible."No memory of the Monster Flower or its effects, Karvel observed with growing concern. Selective amnesia appears

The Meridian Hotel's opulent facade gleamed in the evening light as Karvel approached its entrance with the reversal serum secured in a climate-controlled case.Vivian had taken residence in the hotel's penthouse suite, using her considerable wealth to insulate herself from unwanted contact."Sir, I'm sorry, but Miss Fairchild has left strict instructions," the concierge explained with obvious discomfort. "She's not receiving any visitors.""Tell her it's Karvel Cross," he replied with quiet authority. "Tell her it's about her medical condition.""One moment, please," the concierge said, reaching for his telephone to relay the message.The response was immediate and unambiguous."Miss Fairchild says she doesn't want to see you," the concierge reported with obvious embarrassment. "She's asked security to escort you from the premises."The Monster Flower has made her completely hostile to my presence, Karvel realized with growing frustration. Direct approach won't work."I understand sh

Chapter 175The morning news broadcasts painted a devastating picture of the previous night's attack on Ristorante Romano, with footage of prominent politicians fleeing through sewage-contaminated dining rooms while reporters documented the complete destruction of Leo's most prestigious establishment."This is Channel Seven News with breaking coverage of last night's terrorist attack on Ristorante Romano," announced anchor Patricia Kellerman with obvious excitement at the sensational story."City officials who were dining at the exclusive restaurant describe a coordinated assault that left the establishment completely destroyed."Sebastian Sterling watched the coverage from his secure command center with predatory satisfaction as each news segment amplified the reputational damage to Leo's empire.Perfect psychological warfare, Sebastian calculated as he observed the political fallout. Leo's reputation among the elite is crumbling exactly as planned.His secure phone rang with Leo's d