Damon parked his car in front of the station. He and Celia got down and walked inside together. The officers at the reception recognized Damon immediately. They greeted him with respect because everyone in the city knew Anthony Williams respected Damon so much and that makes Damon important. No one questioned him as he walked straight in with Celia beside him. Inside, Hunter was standing between two officers in handcuffs, his face pale and angry. When he saw Celia, he stopped walking and turned toward her. “Celia,” he called out, his voice trembling with anger and desperation. “Tell me you still love me. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how you used to feel about me. You had a crush on me back then. You can’t deny it, so tell them to let me go right now, I don't try to kidnap you.” Celia didn’t even think twice. She looked him straight in the eye and said bluntly, “Yes, I did. But not anymore.” Hunter’s expression changed instantly. The fake calmness vanished from his face. His jaw

Damon and Celia arrived at the hotel faster than they'd anticipated, rushing toward the reception desk with urgent expressions."Good evening, we're here to see Vivienne Ashford," Damon said. Noticing their anxious demeanor, the receptionist immediately pulled up her system.After a moment, she looked up. "I'm sorry, but Miss Ashford checked out just a few minutes ago with her fiancé."Damon's eyes widened in surprise while Celia gasped."What? She just called us—she's supposed to be here! How could she have left so quickly?" Celia protested, struggling to accept what she was hearing.The receptionist maintained her composure. "Miss Ashford is no longer a guest at our hotel. We have no reason to detain her. Now, if you'll excuse me." She turned away to assist another customer.Damon said nothing, but his instincts told him the receptionist was lying and trying to get rid of them."Let's go, Celia," he said quietly, taking her hand and guiding her toward the exit."Damon, we can't just

"What the hell are you idiots doing?" Alexander screamed. "There are six of you and one of him!"The first man who had been thrown earlier got back up and charged at Damon again. This time Damon didn't hold back. He side-stepped the charge, grabbed the man's collar, and used his own momentum to slam him face-first into the wall. The man collapsed and didn't get up.The second and third men tried attacking together again but Damon was ready. He swept the legs out from under one man, sending him crashing down hard. The other man received a powerful kick to the chest that knocked the wind out of him.Now only three men were still standing, and they looked terrified. They'd never encountered someone who could fight like this."Boss, this guy is insane!" one of them said. "We need backup!""Then call for backup, you idiots!" Alexander shouted.But before anyone could make a call, Damon was already moving again. He took down the remaining three men with quick, efficient strikes. Within seco

Damon pulled into the driveway of a small house on the outskirts of the city. The building looked ordinary from the outside, but he knew it was one of Anthony's safe houses with top security."We're here," Damon said as he turned off the engine.Vivienne looked out the window at the house. "This is where I'm staying?""Just temporarily until we figure out a more permanent solution," Damon explained. "The place has security cameras and an alarm system. You'll be safe here."They all got out of the car. Damon pulled out a key that Anthony had given him months ago for emergencies and unlocked the front door.Inside, the house was clean and furnished simply. A couch, a television, a small kitchen, and two bedrooms. Nothing fancy, but comfortable enough."The fridge should be stocked with basics," Damon said. "And there are clothes in the closet if you need anything."Vivienne walked around the living room, taking everything in. "This is perfect. Thank you, Damon.""I'll have Anthony send

Edward Sterling lay in his massive bed, his body weak and his breathing shallow. He had been sick, unable to leave the bed for three days. His personal doctor visited every morning and evening, but nothing seemed to help."Mr. Sterling, you really should go to the hospital," the doctor said during his last visit. "Your condition is serious.""No hospitals," Edward muttered. "Just keep treating me here."The doctor had told him he had chronic kidney disease. Edward didn't believe it. Something about the diagnosis felt wrong. He'd always been healthy, never had kidney problems before. But he was too weak to argue or question anything properly.His assistant, sat in a chair beside the bed. He'd been there for hours, watching over his boss with growing concern."Sir, are you sure you don't want me to bring in Dr. Hawthorne?" Arthur asked. "Your personal doctor, the one you've trusted for twenty years? He could give us a second opinion."Edward turned his head slowly on the pillow. "It won