Badan let out a slow breath and nodded.“Good thing we were careful,” he said. “We only told James verbally to pressure Selena Verrick. No written instructions. No money transferred. Nothing that can tie back to us. Even if he talks, there’s no evidence.”Lawson’s expression remained dark.“I thought I could pull him out,” he said quietly. “I have people in the system. People who owe me favors. I made a few calls.”He paused, jaw tightening.“Every single one of them refused. They all said the same thing. The case is too serious. No one is willing to step in.”He leaned back slowly, fingers steepled.“That’s what bothers me. James has done questionable things before, but this reaction is different. It’s like someone higher up wants him buried.”Badan waved his hand dismissively.“You’re overthinking it. Corruption crackdowns have been intense lately. When they decide to make an example out of someone, they go all the way.”He leaned forward, eyes cold.“The important thing is this. Ja

Badan’s smile turned vicious.“Morix, don’t look so tense,” he said lightly. “We’re not just here for you. Your Master will join you soon enough. Since you people claim to be one big loyal family, you might as well die together.”Morix’s eyes burned.That single sentence shattered the last restraint he had.“Break through!” he roared. “Kill them and get out!”Jack didn’t hesitate.“Move!”The dozen men around Morix charged forward at once.Lawson let out a cold laugh and flicked his wrist.Attack.Hundreds of men surged forward like a collapsing wall of steel. Boots pounded against asphalt. Metal pipes, blades and batons flashed under the streetlights.The first clash exploded with a deafening roar.Steel struck bone.Fists met flesh.Screams tore through the night.Morix’s men were elite by Ironvale standards. Every one of them could handle multiple opponents in a normal fight. But this was not normal. This was overwhelming force.Lawson and Badan had brought their core fighters. The

Selena held the warm container of pea soup carefully in both hands as she stepped out of the small shop just outside Winter Hall.Steam curled into the cold night air.The street was quiet. A few dim streetlights flickered. Everything looked normal.She turned and began walking toward the gates of Winter Hall.Before she could reach them, headlights flared in her face.An MPV screeched to a halt sideways in front of her, blocking her path completely.Selena instinctively stepped back.The car doors swung open.Several men in dark suits jumped out swiftly and spread out, cutting off every possible escape route.Then she saw her.A tall woman stepped down gracefully from the vehicle. She was dressed in a tight black dress, high heels clicking sharply against the pavement. Her lips were painted a deep red. Her eyes were sharp and calculating.She carried herself like someone who enjoyed control.She was Lawson Sultan’s subordinate Ellie Goodland, better known in certain circles as the Bl

Mark staggered back to his feet almost immediately after being knocked away. His boots scraped against the asphalt as he forced himself upright, spine straightening inch by inch. He raised his guard again, shoulders squared, eyes locked forward.Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth and splashed onto the ground.He wiped it away with the back of his hand, breathing heavy but controlled. Pain throbbed through his ribs and spine, yet his stance did not waver.At that moment, Joe arrived.He rushed in from the side street, triangular bayonet still slick with fresh blood. The five black-clothed men lay motionless behind him. His chest rose and fell sharply, rage burning in his eyes the instant he saw Mark’s condition.Without hesitation, Joe lunged straight at The Assassin.The massive man reacted instantly.He shifted his weight, ducked sideways, and swung his arm in a brutal arc. His palm struck the back of Joe’s head with crushing force.Smack.Joe’s body twisted violently. At the

Black Lioness’s lips twitched, her smile slow and cruel. “You’re hopelessly wrapped around his little finger, dear. Men are never decent, and they are never reliable. If Jaden Rift is truly not a moron, then tell me this. Why isn’t he already here to save you?”Selena Verrick lifted her head sharply, fury blazing in her eyes. “You’ve already made your intentions clear. You plan to kill him the moment he hands over the manufacturing rights. Do you really think we’re stupid?” Her voice trembled with restrained rage. “I was the one who warned him not to come.”Black Lioness chuckled softly, the sound echoing unnaturally through the slaughterhouse. “You warned him, yes. But warnings mean nothing when a man’s heart is truly cold. What if he simply doesn’t care? What if he never planned to show up at all?” Her eyes narrowed. “Will you still comfort yourself with excuses then?”Selena’s expression faltered.For the first time, doubt crept into her gaze.Her fingers clenched tightly against t