The morning sun cast long shadows across the Carson City Police Department as Karvel Cross walked through the front doors, his orange jumpsuit replaced by a crisp black suit that Markos had delivered. The charges had been dropped overnight after his legal team presented evidence of tampering and fabrication that even the corrupt prosecutors couldn't ignore.Romano's people were sloppy, Karvel thought as he adjusted his tie. Desperation makes people careless.Markos was waiting for him outside in a black sedan, his face breaking into a rare smile when he saw his boss emerge as a free man."Welcome back to the world, Karvel," Markos said as they drove away from the precinct. "How does it feel?""Like I have unfinished business to attend to," Karvel replied, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "Take me to see Razor."An hour later, Karvel stood in the dimly lit back room of a motorcycle repair shop on the outskirts of Carson City. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the smell of

The sterile hospital room was filled with tension as Karvel Cross stared down at Sophia Yale's bruised and bandaged form. Despite the miraculous effects of his herbal treatment, the evidence of the brutal attack was still visible on her body, and rage coursed through his veins like molten lava.Look what they did to her, he thought, his jaw clenching so tightly that his teeth ground together. She's lying here broken because of her association with me."Don't worry about the scarring," Karvel said, his voice carefully controlled despite the fury burning in his eyes. "My ointment will prevent any permanent marks. You'll heal completely."Sophia tried to shift in her hospital bed, wincing slightly despite the pain relief his treatment had provided. "Karvel, you don't need to concern yourself with—""I'm going to handle this," he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Leo Romano is going to pay for what he's done.""I didn't tell you anything," Sophia said stubbornly, her vo

The rage burning in Karvel Cross's chest had reached a boiling point as he left Carson General Hospital. Vincent Langford's pathetic confession had only confirmed what he already knew—Leo Romano was systematically targeting everyone connected to him, and Sophia Yale had nearly died because of that association.First he tried to destroy her business, now he's trying to kill her, Karvel thought as he climbed into his car. This is the second time Romano has come after Sophia because of me. If I don't end this permanently, he'll keep targeting her until he succeeds.The Platinum Convention Center was ablaze with lights and luxury as Carson City's elite gathered for the annual Children's Hospital fundraising gala. It was exactly the kind of high-profile event where Leo Romano would want to be seen—surrounded by influential people, playing the role of the benevolent philanthropist while secretly orchestrating murders behind the scenes.Perfect, Karvel thought as he pulled up to the valet st

The hospital corridor was filled with the typical evening bustle of medical staff and visiting families when Leo Romano spotted Karvel Cross emerging from the elevator. But what made his blood boil was the sight of Mariya Carter approaching Karvel with obvious concern written across her face.She's running to him like a lovesick schoolgirl, Romano thought furiously, his earlier statement about women Karvel had "had" echoing in his mind like a poisonous whisper. My own fiancée, choosing her pathetic ex-husband over me."Karvel, wait," Mariya called out as she caught up to him near the nurses' station. "We need to talk about what happened at the fundraiser. People are already talking, and Leo is—""Is what?" Leo Romano's voice cut through their conversation like a blade as he stormed down the hallway, his expensive tuxedo wrinkled and his face twisted with rage.Before either Karvel or Mariya could respond, Romano grabbed Mariya's arm roughly and yanked her away from Karvel with enough

"Your relationship with Cross is about to become very expensive," Romano threatened, leaning forward aggressively. "I'm warning you to stay out of my business with him. Leave Cross to me to deal with, or there will be consequences."He's actually threatening me, Markos realized with genuine surprise. This fool has no idea who he's talking to."Mr. Romano," Markos said, his voice taking on a subtle edge, "I think you may have misunderstood the nature of my relationship with Mr. Cross.""What's to misunderstand? You're a rich man with too much money and too little sense, throwing your resources away on a charity case.""And if I were to tell you that you have it backwards?" Markos asked quietly. "That perhaps Mr. Cross is the one doing me the favor by allowing me to serve his interests?"Romano laughed harshly. "Now you're just being ridiculous. Cross is a nobody. A failure. A man with no money, no power, no influence."If only you knew, Markos thought. If only you had any idea who you'