However, after what felt like an eternity, Magnus cleared his throat and regained some composure. "Yes, it’s true that Ethan visited Mr. Smith earlier today. The purpose of his visit was to uncover the truth behind Mr. Smith's false claims. However, I can assure you that no threats were made.”His voice grew stronger as he continued. “The officers and warden can testify to this fact. And frankly, how could such coercion happen in a prison surrounded by law enforcement? It’s simply not possible.”But Jessica wasn’t finished and retorted. “Mr. Aurelius, that’s an interesting point. However, it’s curious that Mr. Ethan was able to meet with Mr. Smith when, according to the warden, visitation with Mr. Smith was prohibited for today."Ethan shook his head in amazement. "Does she not have any fear?” he muttered.Fortunately, Magnus handled the question by ignoring it and taking control of the narrative instead. “I don’t expect everyone to believe our evidence immediately. That’s why I wil

Standing right there in the doorway was no one other than Ethan, holding a single white flower and wearing a smirk.Damian’s shoulders tensed as he quickly adjusted his tie with shaking fingers. Under the desk, his hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles turning white. Heat rushed through his body as anger boiled in his chest, wondering what Ethan was doing there as the silence stretched between them like a taut wire, ready to snap. “What happened?” Ethan finally broke the silence. “From your expression, one would think you just saw a ghost.”The comment hit Damian like a slap. Then, he swallowed hard, forcing his face into a mask of confidence. He straightened his spine and lifted his chin.“What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice steadier than he felt.Ethan’s face immediately shifted to an exaggerated expression of hurt. His bottom lip jutted out slightly, his eyebrows raised in mock surprise, and his free hand pressed against his chest as if wounded.“Ouch,” he sa

Jessica sat in her tiny apartment, replaying the day's event in her head.The press conference had been a total mess for her, leaving her with absolutely nothing useful to report. It was the complete opposite of what she’d expected when she first heard about the press conference.Her editor had torn into her afterward, furious with her for letting Magnus outsmart her.Her laptop was open on the coffee table, the cursor blinking mockingly at her as she struggled to write her story.The knock at her door made her jump.She froze, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. It was past 9 PM—who would be visiting at this hour?She rose slowly, her bare feet silent against the hardwood floor. However, when she peered through the peephole, she was shocked to see who was standing on the other side.Ethan.He stood there casually, one hand tucked inside his dark jacket, looking completely relaxed despite the late hour."What's he doing here? And how did he know I Iive here?" she wondered, tiltin

The silence in Mr. Lorenzo’s garage was broken by the low rumble of engines. One by one, sleek black cars rolled through the gates like shadows in the night. The headlights cut through the darkness, casting long beams across the empty driveway.The first car stopped near the main entrance. Then another. And another.Soon, seven luxury vehicles formed a perfect line, their engines purring in unison before falling silent.*****Inside the living room, the Lorenzo family was gathered around their large flat-screen TV. The sound of laughter filled the air as they watched their favorite comedy show together.“Pass the popcorn, Maria,” Mr. Lorenzo called to his teenage daughter, his eyes still glued to the screen.“Dad, you’ve already had three bowls,” she teased, but handed it over anyway.Mrs. Lorenzo smiled from her corner of the couch, watching her husband and children enjoy their evening routine.Suddenly, the rumbling sound from outside reached their ears.Mr. Lorenzo’s hand froze h

Ethan drove through the quiet city streets, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel as he replayed every moment of his conversation with Jessica. "At least, for a woman, she’s fearless up to a certain extent." He let out a soft chuckle as he remembered how she’d tried to hide that knife, all while keeping that calm, confident look on her face. And that boldness intrigued him.But what really stuck in his mind was the way those shorts hugged her thighs, showing off legs that were toned, smooth, and downright hypnotic. He’d caught himself sneaking glances whenever she wasn’t looking, stealing little thrills like a thief in broad daylight. And when she’d walked off to the kitchen to grab him some water? His eyes dipped down instantly, drawn instinctively to the way her body moved. Each step she took had a rhythm that pulled his gaze, and for a moment, the thought of water—or anything else—completely vanished from his mind.A smile escaped his lips as he remembered how she’d crossed