The hotel lobby had fallen silent, save for the occasional whispers from onlookers who couldn't believe the spectacle unfolding before them. Mrs. Carter stared at Vincent Langford in disbelief, her hands trembling with rage as his words sank in."This... this is the man I thought was better than Karvel?" Mrs. Carter's voice quivered. "You're leaving us to these thugs when we need you most? Even Karvel wouldn't stoop so low!"Vincent's face flushed red as he struggled to his feet, wincing from the bruises that covered his body. The once-pristine suit he wore was now torn and stained."Watch your mouth, old woman!" Vincent spat, his voice cracking. "What did you expect? That I'd get myself killed for your daughter's stupid business deal?"Ethan lunged forward despite his already battered condition, only to be held back by one of the thugs. "You spineless coward! After all those promises you made to my sister! To our family!"Vincent laughed bitterly, brushing dust from his sleeves with

The tension in the hotel lobby reached a breaking point as the bald-headed thug leader's eyes darkened with unmistakable lust. His gaze traveled slowly over Mariya's form, lingering in ways that made the onlookers shift uncomfortably. The other thugs exchanged knowing glances, their smirks revealing yellowed teeth."You know," the leader said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he stepped closer to Mariya, "maybe we should sample the merchandise before delivering it to Mr. Ryker."He reached out suddenly, his thick fingers stretching toward Mariya's chest with brazen intent. "A little taste won't hurt anyone."The collective gasp from the crowd seemed to happen in slow motion. Mrs. Carter cried out in horror while Ethan struggled against his captor with renewed vigor. Vincent backed away further, his eyes wide with shock but doing nothing to intervene.In that moment, something fierce and primal awakened in Mariya. Without hesitation, her hand shot up and connected with the thug

“Stop.”It was calm. Cool. Controlled. But its authority was absolute.Every head in the lobby turned sharply.Karvel Cross stood at the edge of the circle, one hand casually in his pocket, his eyes steady and cold as ice. The thugs hesitated, glancing at their leader for instruction. The leader frowned in confusion, then scowled as he realized the voice had come from the man leaning so nonchalantly by the wall just moments ago.“Who the hell are you supposed to be?” he asked, irritated by the interruption.Before Karvel could respond, murmurs rippled through the crowd.“Isn’t that the guy Mariya dumped?”“Yeah… why’s he stepping in now?”“Don’t tell me he’s still simping for her after all that.”Mariya blinked in disbelief. Karvel? Why now? Why would he—Even Vincent was caught off guard, though his jealousy flared fast. He scoffed, eyes narrowing. “Oh, please,” he sneered. “The failed fiancé wants to play hero? This isn’t your business, Cross. You’re just trying to butt in and feel

The silence in the hotel lobby was deafening. Not a soul moved. The once-boisterous crowd now stood frozen, stunned by the scene they’d just witnessed. Karvel Cross stood tall among the groaning thugs sprawled on the marble floor like discarded trash, unbothered, untouched, and dangerously calm.All eyes were on him, yet he seemed to carry no need for attention. He turned slowly—expression unreadable—until his eyes landed on Vincent Langford.Vincent stiffened immediately.Karvel’s gaze darkened. This coward... this disgrace... A part of him wanted to walk over and finish what life had clearly been too soft to teach Vincent.Vincent, seeing that piercing look, panicked. His mind raced. He’s going to beat me next… I can’t let that happen!Without shame, Vincent stumbled to his feet and limped hurriedly toward Mariya. “Mariya!” he cried out, forcing tears into his voice. “You saw it, right? This... this is all Karvel’s fault!”“What?” Mariya snapped, her brows furrowing. “What are you t

Karvel Cross had barely stepped out of the clinic when his phone buzzed in his pocket. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the parking lot as he glanced at the screen—Sophia Yale. His jaw clenched involuntarily at the sight of her name.He debated ignoring it for a moment, thumb hovering over the decline button, but something told him it wouldn't stop there. With Sophia, it never did. He picked up. "What?""You sound as charming as ever," Sophia said with a silky chuckle that carried memories he'd rather forget. "I was just calling to say… since you'll be treating Vivian for the next few days, I've made arrangements for your stay at the hotel. You'll find it more convenient than commuting across the city."Karvel frowned, leaning against his car. The metal felt cool against his palm. "Unnecessary. I've got my own place."Sophia's voice hardened beneath the honeyed tone, a transition he knew all too well. "You will stay at the hotel, Karvel.""I said no." His response was c