Karvel stepped between the twins and Mariya, expecting another routine confrontation with common thugs. But as Antonio Ricci and Salvatore Ricci moved in perfect synchronization, their coordinated attack patterns immediately told him these were no ordinary criminals."You made a mistake coming here, Mr. Cross," Antonio said, his movements fluid and precise like a trained assassin."The only mistake was made by whoever sent you," Karvel replied, deflecting Salvatore's initial strike.But his confidence quickly evaporated as the twins demonstrated skills that rivaled professional military operatives. Their attacks were relentless, calculated, and devastatingly effective."What's wrong, Cross?" Salvatore taunted as he landed a solid blow to Karvel's ribs. "Not as easy as you thought it would be?"Karvel stumbled backward, genuinely surprised by their capabilities. "Who trained you two?""The Ronin doesn't hire amateurs," Antonio replied, following up with a vicious combination that force

The hospital's sterile white corridors felt suffocating as Mariya walked beside Karvel's wheelchair toward the admission desk. The poison had been neutralized, but he was still weak and disoriented from the ordeal."The doctors want to keep you overnight for observation," Mariya said, trying to make conversation despite the tension between them."Fine," Karvel replied curtly, not bothering to look at her."Karvel, I know you're angry with me, but I need you to understand—""Understand what?" Karvel interrupted, his voice dripping with disdain. "That you want absolution for destroying our marriage? That you expect gratitude for driving me to the hospital after I nearly died saving your ungrateful life?"Mariya stopped walking, her hands trembling with frustration. "I'm trying to thank you!""I don't want your thanks," Karvel said coldly. "I don't want anything from you.""Why are you being so cruel?"Karvel finally looked at her, his eyes filled with contempt. "Cruel? You think I'm bei

The Head Hunter walked slowly down the hospital corridor, his mind churning with suspicion and confusion. Something about Karvel Cross didn't add up. The pale, injured man lying in that hospital bed looked incapable of swatting a fly, let alone eliminating two of The Ronin's most skilled operatives."Antonio and Salvatore Ricci don't just disappear," he muttered to himself. "Those twins were enhanced, trained killers. How does a businessman with no combat training make them vanish?"As he approached the hospital lobby, his dark thoughts were interrupted by the sight of two familiar figures sitting in the waiting area. Vivian Fairchild and Sophia Yale sat together, speaking in hushed tones, their elegant forms drawing admiring glances from other visitors.The Head Hunter's eyes filled with predatory hunger as he studied them. Both women were stunning - Vivian with her platinum blonde hair and designer clothes, Sophia with her refined features and obvious wealth. The sight of them trigg

As Karvel walked through the hospital lobby toward the exit, Sophia and Vivian hurried to catch up with him."Karvel, wait!" Sophia called out. "You shouldn't be discharging yourself so soon. The doctors said you need at least another day of observation.""The poison is out of my system," Karvel replied without slowing his pace. "I don't need to stay here any longer."Vivian grabbed his arm gently. "But what if there are lingering effects? What if you collapse somewhere and no one's around to help you?""I'll be fine," Karvel said, carefully extracting his arm from her grip. "I have things to take care of.""What things?" Sophia demanded. "What could be so important that you're risking your health?"Karvel stopped walking and turned to face both women. "Sophia, I appreciate your father's hospital providing excellent care. Vivian, thank you for your concern. But I'm leaving now.""You're being stubborn," Sophia said with frustration. "Just because some bald creep threatened me doesn't

The Head Hunter had spent the entire night obsessing over his encounters with Sophia Yale. In his twisted mind, he convinced himself that she had only rejected him because she didn't understand who he was or what he could offer her."She just needs to see the real me," he muttered to himself as he prepared for another confrontation. "Once she knows what I'm capable of, she'll beg for my attention."The next morning, he arrived at Yale Pharmaceuticals headquarters, a gleaming glass tower in the city's financial district. The receptionist, a young woman named Isabella Romano, looked up nervously as the imposing bald man approached her desk."I'm here to see Sophia Yale," the Head Hunter announced."Do you have an appointment, sir?" Isabella asked, her voice trembling slightly at his intimidating presence."I don't need an appointment. Tell her it's about yesterday's misunderstanding at the hospital."Isabella's hands shook as she reached for the phone. "I'm sorry, sir, but Ms. Yale is i