Morix broke the silence first, his voice low but steady. “Sir, I’ve done some digging into Harris Monty’s background. The locals call him the T-Rex. He’s feared because he doesn’t just operate on his own—he’s got the Ortega family behind him. They’re one of the Southern Four.”He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Do you remember Black Monarch, the one we took care of last time? He was a follower of the Ortegas too, their spokesperson here in Ironvale City. I can’t help but think T-Rex’s little performance is connected.”Jaden’s lips curved faintly, though his eyes remained cold. “The Ortega family…” he murmured, his tone almost amused. “Rumors say they’ve got their hands in every shady deal in the South. Drugs, smuggling, fake antiques, you name it. They thrive where the law has no teeth.”He leaned back in his seat, the ghost of a smile touching his face. “If this scam really ties back to them… well.” His eyes gleamed dangerously. “I wouldn’t mind giving the Ortegas a little of my attenti

The few bodyguards who weren’t shredded by flying glass staggered back, clutching their wounds. Their eyes still burned with murderous intent as they tried to regroup, but before they could even reach Jaden, Morix moved.The stocky man stepped forward like a predator among sheep. His fists and elbows cut through the air with terrifying precision. Each strike landed with a sickening thud, dropping men faster than they could blink. One collapsed with his jaw broken, another with his ribs crushed, and a third crumpled after Morix twisted his arm at an impossible angle.In the span of a few heartbeats, silence fell again. The floor was littered with groaning bodies, their pride and discipline smashed as thoroughly as the glass table.T-Rex’s cigar slipped from his fingers and hit the floor, rolling to a stop.His eyes widened in disbelief. Fear and bewilderment clawed at his chest. These weren’t ordinary thugs—these were his prized men, killers he had relied on for years, men who had kept

Selena had more or less expected such a response from her uncle.Still, a part of her couldn’t help but feel relieved. Elias wasn’t mocking her or lashing out as he used to. That alone felt strange. Unexpectedly, she found herself almost… grateful.She forced a polite smile and rose to her feet. “I understand it’s inappropriate for me to ask for such a large sum. But I really don’t have any other options. Either way, I appreciate your hospitality. I’ll take my leave now.”She turned to go, but Elias raised his hand quickly. “Wait!”Selena paused, glancing back with a puzzled look. “Is there something else, Uncle?”Elias leaned back in his chair, lips curling into a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s true that we don’t have that kind of money at the moment. But that doesn’t mean your situation is hopeless. There’s someone who can help you. In fact, if you ask him, he’ll definitely agree to give you the loan.”Selena’s brows furrowed slightly. “Who?”Elias’s grin deepened, his

“The cops have already concluded the investigation,” Lazarus said lazily, swirling the wine in his glass as if he were discussing something trivial. “Your father was declared solely responsible for all damages. And as for that porcelain vase? I have the certification of its authenticity right here.” He tapped the folder on his desk with a smug finger. “Even if you dared to drag this into court, your family would lose miserably. You have no way out, Selena. None. Unless you cough up the three hundred million in compensation.”He paused, his smile turning darker. “Of course… there is another option. If you give yourself to me willingly, I’ll make one call to T-Rex and your entire family problem disappears.”Selena’s eyes blazed with fury. Her voice rang out sharp and trembling with outrage. “You’re a disgusting lowlife! Keep dreaming!”Lazarus clicked his tongue mockingly, the sound echoing like a whip crack in the tense silence. “Tsk, tsk. Such spirit. But tell me—are you really going

The medical staff worked frantically to keep Lazarus alive. Hours bled away as the operating room filled with tense shouts, the hum of machines, and the sharp smell of antiseptic. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the head surgeon stepped out, his scrubs soaked in sweat.“He’ll live,” he announced at last.Relief rippled through Elias and the others who had been waiting. But that relief curdled into horror when the next words came.“However… the damage below the waist was too severe. His reproductive organs were completely crushed. There’s nothing we can do to restore them.”The statement landed like a hammer.Lazarus Ortega, once known proudly across the South as the Player, could no longer live up to the name. His most prized vice had been stripped from him in a single brutal stomp.Later that same day, after his condition was stabilized, Lazarus was transferred in secrecy to one of the best hospitals in Shadowmoor. Rumors were already beginning to spread, but the family ke