Daniel’s bravado was paper thin. His hands shook, but he forced his voice to rise anyway.“I’ll give it to you, you’re a tough man! But this is the Eastern District of Ironvale, the territory of Mr. Richard. You’re dead now that you’ve caused trouble here!”The threat wasn’t confidence. It was desperation.Before anyone could respond, the sound of boots hammering up the stairs filled the hallway. The air shifted. Even the drunk patrons inside the other rooms went quiet. The incoming group carried the kind of energy that made normal people instinctively step back.Before the men even appeared, their leader barked out,“Who dares to be so impudent as to order me to kneel?”His voice was hard. Sharp. Arrogant.The thugs rounded the corner, and it took only one look to know who the leader was.Jack.The enforcer who handled Richard’s dirtiest work. The guy whose reputation usually made people shut their mouths before they even thought of causing trouble.Daniel lit up the moment he saw hi

Jack left with his men in tight formation. No wasted steps. No hesitation. One moment they were there, the next the hallway was empty, like the whole squad had evaporated into the night.Silence settled hard.Selena and the others stared at Jaden like they were trying to piece him together. What they had just witnessed didn’t match the man they thought they knew. Their confusion was sharp.“Jaden doesn’t know anyone from the Sultan family… why would they target him?”Even Nora, who defended Jaden against everything, looked stunned. Morganna had her arms folded, but the rare flicker of shock broke through her usual calm. And Vane, usually oblivious, was dead silent for once.On the other side of the room, the Freemans looked like they had swallowed poison. Aladin’s hands trembled. Felicia’s fake confidence had evaporated. Their faces were pale, their eyes glued to the floor instead of the man who had just dismantled everything they thought they could control.They had expected Shaggy S

The Rajar family villa blazed with light, every bulb and chandelier cranked to full power. The glow spilled across the entire courtyard, bouncing off a sea of luxury cars. The cheaper models were only “cheap” by comparison. A few BMWs and Mercedes sat on the outer ring like placeholders. The real flex started deeper in. Bentleys. Rolls-Royces. Lincoln limousines polished so clean they reflected the night like mirrors.Anyone looking at the courtyard would understand the message.Carl Rajar had summoned Ironvale’s elite, and they showed up like obedient soldiers.These people knew the rules. When a man of Carl’s stature invited you, you brought a gift. Not because he needed it. Not because he would remember it. But because if everyone else came bearing tribute and you didn’t, he would remember that. And Carl was the type who never forgot a disrespect.Xander Verrick walked toward the entrance with his sons, Elias and Aiden, keeping their posture straight and their faces polite. They we

Morix did not respond.He did not look back, nor did he slow his steps. His back remained straight as he walked out of the hall, the heavy doors closing behind him with a dull thud that echoed through the silent villa.Only after Morix was completely gone did Carl shift his attention.His gaze dropped to the rolled scroll resting in his hands.For a moment, he said nothing.Then, with a faint, contemptuous smile tugging at his lips, he handed the artwork to two of his men.“Open it,” Carl said lazily. “Let’s see what kind of masterpiece Rift thinks can buy his life.”Laughter immediately broke out.Xander scoffed, shaking his head.“Trying to appease you at the last minute. How pathetic.”Another businessman sneered.“A coward’s move. He finally understands he’s doomed.”Several others joined in, their voices layered with mockery and confidence.“Even priceless art won’t save him now.”“He should’ve knelt himself instead of sending a dog.”The two underlings were careful as they slowl

After the neutral parties departed, the vast hall felt noticeably emptier.What remained, however, was a gathering of people far more eager, far more desperate.Those who had chosen Carl Rajar crowded closer, their earlier restraint vanishing in an instant. Smiles bloomed on their faces, voices overlapped, and flattery poured out unchecked. They behaved like men who had survived a storm by clinging to the strongest mast they could find.“Mr. Rajar’s foresight truly amazes us.”“With you leading the way, Ironvale will finally know order.”“Rift never stood a chance against someone of your stature.”Carl listened without interrupting, his expression unreadable as he accepted the praise like a king receiving tribute.Only after the noise reached its peak did he raise a hand.The hall quieted immediately.“All of you,” Carl said calmly, his voice carrying authority without effort, “have made a wise decision.”He leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping against the armrest.“When I obtain