Karvel Cross wondered what could be so urgent that Head Hunter was demanding his immediate presence.After promising Emma he would return, he made his way back to his hideout through the winding city streets, his mind racing with both anger and concern.Once safely inside his underground sanctuary, he quickly switched identities, shedding Karvel's modest appearance and transforming into Sebastian Sterling. The familiar routine of changing clothes and adjusting his demeanor felt mechanical, but necessary.Sebastian made his way to the Ronin headquarters, where Head Hunter was waiting in his private office, pacing like a caged animal."There you are!" Head Hunter snapped as Sebastian entered. "Where the hell have you been for the last three days?""I told you, I felt sick," Sebastian replied calmly. "Food poisoning, remember? I was at home recovering."Head Hunter's eyes narrowed as he studied Sebastian's face. "Sick for three whole days?""It hit me hard," Sebastian said with a slight

Victoria stood in the grand foyer, her face twisted with rage and disbelief as the reality of her situation sank in. After all her careful planning, all her schemes, she was truly going to walk away with nothing."You think this is over?" she snarled at Karvel, her voice shaking with fury. "You think you can just destroy my life and walk away?"Karvel looked at her with cold indifference. "Your schemes destroyed themselves. I just ensured justice was served.""I'll make you pay for this!" Victoria screamed, her composure completely shattered. "I'll find you, and I'll make you suffer for what you've done to me!"Karvel studied her face for a moment. She was undeniably beautiful - striking features, perfect figure, expensive taste in clothing and jewelry. But her rotten character made her repulsive in his eyes. However, he knew someone who wouldn't mind such superficial beauty."Threaten me all you want," Karvel said dismissively. "It changes nothing."Without another word, he turned an

Something about Marco's use of the word "castaway" triggered a memory in Sebastian Sterling's mind. He had encountered that term before during his research into the Ronin organization, but he couldn't quite recall its specific significance. Why had Marco chosen that exact word to describe Mariya?On the surface, however, Sebastian remained completely unfazed. He continued sipping his drink as if nothing had happened, his calm demeanor shocking both Mariya and Marco."Do you understand the words coming out of my mouth?" Marco demanded, his voice rising with frustration. "Are you deaf or just stupid?"Sebastian set down his glass and looked at Marco with mild interest. "If you want to be a rat and run to Head Hunter, then go ahead and be a big rat. No one's stopping you."Marco's face turned red with indignation. "What did you just call me?""You heard me," Sebastian replied, then turned back to Mariya as if Marco wasn't even there. "As I was saying, your family's security detail has be

Once the investigation concluded and the evidence was presented to the full membership, the tide of opinion shifted dramatically in Sebastian Sterling's favor. The security footage was crystal clear - Marco had drawn his weapon first, violating one of the most sacred rules of the organization."Well, I'll be damned," Antonio Ricci admitted grudgingly. "The footage doesn't lie. Marco pulled steel first.""Yeah," Vincent Castellano agreed with obvious reluctance. "Sterling was just defending himself.""It's against our code for any member to attack another with a weapon without authorization," Sal Benedetti added. "Marco broke the rules."Head Hunter nodded approvingly at his men's change of heart. "Exactly. Our laws exist for a reason. Sterling acted within his rights.""I still don't like the guy," Antonio muttered. "But he didn't break any rules.""Fair enough," Head Hunter said. "Which brings me to my next announcement. We're going to throw an initiation party for Sterling. Welcome

The gunfire had finally ceased, leaving only the acrid smell of smoke and the groans of the wounded echoing through the shattered club.Sebastian Sterling found himself on his knees, hands zip-tied behind his back, surrounded by five members of The Shadow Clan.Their black tactical gear and skull masks made them look like harbingers of death in the dim emergency lighting."Well, well, what do we have here?" sneered the apparent leader, a tall man with a distinctive scar running down his neck. "Two little Ronin rats caught in our trap."Victoria Thompson, Head Hunter's new girlfriend, was hyperventilating beside Sebastian, her designer dress torn and stained with dust. "This is all your fault!" she shrieked at Sebastian, her voice shrill with panic. "If you hadn't been so incompetent, we wouldn't be in this mess!"Sebastian remained calm, his eyes scanning the Shadow Clan operatives. One of them, a burly man with sergeant stripes on his tactical vest, was clutching his side. Blood seep