The dust still clung to the air, thick with the scent of smoke and blood. Broken debris littered the streets, the aftermath of Jaden’s ruthless execution still fresh in everyone’s mind.Fate’s eyes stayed wide, her face twisted with disbelief as he stared at Shadow’s corpse crumpled beneath the rubble. Her voice was barely more than a whisper.“Master Kendal… He’s supposed to be untouchable…” Fate’s throat tightened.“…but she couldn’t even take a single hit from Brother Jaden.” her thoughts couldn't process everything it still felt so unreal.His words hung heavy, the reality sinking in like a blade to the chest.Beside her, Drax exhaled, clapping Fate’s shoulder with a rough hand. His grin was sharp but tinged with unease.“Yeah… the boss was pissed today.” He glanced at Fate sideways.“If I hadn’t dragged your stubborn ass back, you’d be a stain on that wall right now.”Fate’s expression tightened, swallowing hard at the thought.A few paces away, Anthony, arms crossed, eyes narrow

Late That Night—Behind the Ruined HotelThe rain fell in thin, icy sheets, casting a silver glaze over the shattered glass and charred bricks of what used to be Ravenmoor’s once-glorious Northpoint Hotel. Behind the ruins, under the muted glow of flickering streetlights, two figures stood beneath large, black umbrellas—their silhouettes sharp against the storm.The taller man, with streaks of grey threading through his slicked-back dark hair, exhaled slowly, smoke curling from his lips. His name was Lucas Thornfell, the ruthless patriarch whose name alone once made families in Ravenmoor tremble. His face, angular and cold, looked carved from stone, with the sharp gaze of a man who’d survived countless betrayals.By his side stood Michael Thornfell, his first son—the only remaining Thornfell heir who could still stand. His eyes burned with quiet rage, hands clenched tightly around the umbrella handle.A black luxury car rolled to a stop beside them, tires hissing against the wet paveme

“No, we’ve got business to handle,” Jaden replied flatly, his expression cold as ever.“Yeah, yeah…” Hope chimed in, immediately latching onto Jaden’s arm, pressing her soft body against his side. Her exaggerated display made Jaden visibly cringe.This girl… always inviting trouble, Jaden muttered internally, shooting her a side-eye glance, but said nothing aloud.The beachgoer, still hovering with that forced grin, wasn’t backing down. His gaze flickered between Hope’s curves and Jaden’s stone-like expression. His confidence wavered, but only for a moment.Her boyfriend’s cautious… I’ll have to bait them differently, the guy schemed silently.Feigning casual conversation, he chuckled, “You folks heard about the Sea Feast happening in Ravenmoor lately? Biggest event in years.”Jaden raised a brow, feigning mild interest. “Yeah, I’ve heard. But those kinds of events are invite-only. People like us wouldn’t know how to get in.”The man’s eyes lit up. Hook, line, sinker.“Heh, lucky for

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ship…James stumbled down the polished corridor, one hand pressed against his swollen face, the sting from Hope’s boot still fresh. His jaw throbbed, his pride burned hotter.“That b*tch… kicking me like that…” he hissed under his breath, eyes blazing with humiliation. His knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists. “I’ll make you regret ever meeting me.”Lost in his fury, James wasn’t watching where he walked—and collided shoulder-first into a broad chest.“Watch it—” James snapped, then froze.His gaze traveled upward, and recognition settled in.It was him.The same face he'd seen earlier beside that cold, deadly woman.Jaden.A flicker of realization danced in James’ mind. So, he’s on this ship too… Tch, no wonder she rejected me. Must be some rich boy from an old-money family…James' expression twisted into a scheming grin. That woman thinks she's smart, but she doesn’t know I can play the long game. Watch how I’ll flip this situation…“You are

Fate spotted him from across the grand ballroom—sitting on a velvet sofa, a glass of red wine in one hand, eyes calm but unreadable.Finally.She crossed the floor quickly, the hem of her silk gown sweeping behind her like a royal banner. Her smile widened as she reached him.“Jaden... I finally found you.” Her voice was soft, eager, laced with something only he could understand.Jaden gave her a slow look. “You were looking for me?” he said flatly, though there was a subtle curve at the edge of his mouth.Before Fate could answer, a tall elderly man in a dark jade robe stepped beside her. His posture was upright, his hands folded behind him with the pride of someone who thought they ruled the room.“This is Master Reuben,” Fate said, motioning politely. “He’s my family’s representative for the Bloodborne Trial.”Reuben gave Jaden a long, scrutinizing look. “So... you’re the Jaden I’ve been hearing about.”Jaden didn’t stand. Didn’t bow. Didn’t even blink.He raised his brow and answe