Sebastian looked at the Shadow Clan operatives surrounding him, all still armed and clearly conflicted about what to do next. In one fluid motion, he moved.His first strike took down the man to his left, a precise blow to the carotid artery that dropped him instantly. The female operative spun toward him, but Sebastian was already moving, disarming her with a swift kick before delivering a knockout punch."What the hell—" the scarred man started, raising his weapon, but Sebastian was on him before he could finish the sentence. A quick series of strikes and the man was unconscious on the floor.The remaining two operatives tried to coordinate their attack, but Sebastian moved between them like a ghost. Within thirty seconds, all five Shadow Clan members were unconscious or incapacitated, their weapons scattered across the floor.Victoria stared in shock. "How did you... what just happened?""We need to go. Now," Sebastian said, checking to make sure the leader was still stable. "They

Mariya Romano walked through the busy streets of Carson City, her heart pounding with each step. The weight of guilt pressed down on her shoulders as she made her way to meet Karvel Cross.Behind her, maintaining a careful distance, two of Head Hunter's men followed discreetly, blending into the crowd with practiced ease.She paused at a crosswalk, her mind churning with conflicted emotions.The last time she had seen Karvel, she had sided against him, choosing what she thought was the safer path.Now here she was, crawling back to him for help when her world was falling apart."I can't believe I'm doing this," she whispered to herself as the light changed and she continued walking.The guilt was eating her alive. She had already put Karvel in so much danger just by being associated with him, and now she was about to drag him deeper into her mess. But what choice did she have?The debt to Head Hunter was crushing her, and despite her best efforts, she was falling further behind each w

The tension in the nightclub was palpable as Head Hunter stood between his furious girlfriend and the man who had just casually paid twenty-five thousand dollars.Karvel Cross remained perfectly calm, his expression betraying nothing as he watched the criminal boss wrestle with his decision."You have a choice to make," Karvel said, his voice cutting through the noise of the club."You can listen to that mad woman and attack someone who's willing to give you a lot of money, or you can let us walk out of here."Head Hunter's jaw clenched as he weighed his options. His reputation demanded that he defend Victoria's honor, but his practical side recognized the value of maintaining a relationship with someone who could pay substantial sums without hesitation.Victoria sensed his internal struggle and pressed her advantage."Are you seriously going to let this bastard disrespect me like this? After everything I've told you about what he did to me?""Shut up," Head Hunter snapped, his voice

After ending the call, Victoria finished her drink and made her way back to Head Hunter's booth.She had her own boyfriend with dangerous connections, and she intended to use every bit of his influence to make Karvel pay for what he had done to her.Meanwhile, several blocks away from the nightclub, Mariya walked beside Karvel through the quiet streets.The adrenaline from their confrontation with Head Hunter was finally wearing off, leaving her with a mixture of relief and burning curiosity."Karvel," she said finally, unable to contain her questions any longer. "Why are you helping me?"He continued walking without looking at her. "Does it matter?""Of course it matters!" she said, frustration creeping into her voice. "You just paid twenty-five thousand dollars for me like it was nothing. After everything that happened between us, after how I treated you, why would you do this?""I had my reasons."His evasiveness only fueled her curiosity further. "That's not an answer, Karvel. I'm

The operation began at exactly midnight. Viktor and his team of five mercenaries had spent three days surveying the warehouse where Mariya's family was being held.The Ronin guards followed predictable patterns, making them vulnerable to a well-coordinated divide and conquer strategy."Team Alpha, move to the east entrance," Viktor whispered into his radio as he positioned himself near the main building. "Team Beta, prepare the diversion at the south wall."The plan unfolded with military precision. Two mercenaries created a controlled explosion at the southern perimeter, drawing most of the Ronin guards away from their posts.While the guards rushed toward the commotion, Viktor and his partner slipped through the weakened eastern entrance."Targets located," Viktor reported quietly. "Moving to extract."Inside the warehouse, Mrs. Carter and Ethan Carter sat bound to chairs in a small room, both looking haggard from days of captivity. When Viktor burst through the door, Mrs. Carter sc