Miley didn’t remember when she had drifted off to sleep. The last thing she remembered was stepping out of the shower. Although her mind was still quite rattled from the chaos, she was feeling a little better after following Julius' suggestion. By that time, a cup of hot chocolate was not waiting at her bedside. Julius must have left it there for her. Miley was sure that after being so close to being abducted in her own home, there was no way she would be able to get a wink of sleep tonight. But still, the hot chocolate was tempting and she did take a few sips after sliding under her covers. When her eyelids began to droop, her mind was focusing on the steady sound of his footsteps pacing outside her door, letting it soothe her frazzled nerves. Just like he said, he would be keeping watch over her.And somehow, even in sleep, she trusted him. The next time she opened her eyes, she could hear the very same sound in the background. At first, she thought her mind must be stuck in

Quella’s fingers rested lightly on Kenneth’s arm, apparently, she wasn't done yapping yet. Miley’s lips twitched, but she suppressed her smile. She knew Quella was trying to push her buttons, and using any excuse to provoke her. Two could play at this game, she thought as she took a slow sip from her glass, nodding with wide eyes as if she had been convinced, and was now listening to every word with rapt attention. And Quella was really enjoying the feeling of superiority. “Maybe, it's not that you don't have anything to show off. I mean, not everyone is as blessed, but confidence can make up for some of the things you lack, you know? Kenneth says he loves confidence in a woman. ALL the REAL men do, after all. Isn’t that right, darling?”Her jab was clearly directed towards Julius, who simply rolled his eyes. Meanwhile, Kenneth gave a smug nod. “Confidence is everything in a woman! And listen, Miley! If someone is preventing you from expressing yourself the way you like, maybe th

The rooftop bloomed back to life once the storm had passed.Waiters floated around as guests looked up expectantly murmurs soft and approving as Julius took the podium. The city’s majestic skyline spread out behind him, but everyone's attention was fixed on the tall figure in a navy suit. And even though he was completely a new face for some people standing there, his expression, his build and his self-assured attitude was making everyone believe that he completely belonged there.“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!” Julius began, his voice calm but firm. “Thank you for being here today, and for your patience. I know it hasn’t been the quietest gathering, but I hope to make it a meaningful one.”Soft chuckles rippled through the crowd.“My name is Julius Colton, and today, I would like to introduce something very close to my heart: Project Homefront Horizon. A special project that I would like to start, under the Hammonds Corporation; dedicated to the veterans of the Special Fo

Julius was in the backseat of the black car, looking sideways out of the tinted windows. The glow from his phone screen illuminated his face, but his expression remained unreadable. Miley sat beside him in silence, casting worried glances at him, but Julius was looking more self- assured than ever. He tapped a single contact on his phone, which was an encrypted line. The call connected after one ring.“This is the God of War. You must have seen the articles, just initiate full sweep. I want every article, every post, every scrap of that trash gone. Everywhere.”The voice on the other end replied instantly, no questions asked. “Understood, sir.”Julius ended the call and leaned back, catching Miley's eye and gave a half-smile.“Now, it's time to show them who owns the board.”---At the Garcia Mansion, the fragrance of fresh roses was spread in Quella's bedroom, as two figures huddled on the bed under the warm candle light. Kenneth was sprawled in bed, trying to catch his breath, a

Kenneth’s smirk deepened as he crossed his arms, squaring off against Julius with the air of a man who had already won. “What is there to see?” he taunted. “Haven’t you learned the truth even after years of experiencing the same thing?”Julius looked calm, unbothered. “Who knows,” he said coolly, “when the tide will turn.”Kenneth laughed aloud, loud enough to draw a few side glances. “Tide?” he scoffed. “Do you even know what happens to cockroaches like you when the tides actually turn? You’re swept away by the current and die.” He gave a mocking little clap. “Such poetic nonsense. Keep dreaming, Julius.”He stepped a little closer, eyes gleaming with malice. “By the way, haven’t you brought your little insurance policy with you?” Julius raised an eyebrow, confused, and Kenneth grinned. “Your girlfriend. The one who’s always conveniently around to bail you out. Who else?”Julius didn’t respond. His silence only emboldened Kenneth further.“Although,” Kenneth drawled, “I’ll admit, you