Charles chuckled. He patted the man on the shoulder. Lainey's boyfriend. “Get up, get up.” “No, sir,” the man said. He could still feel the pain he got from Charles two days ago. His men that tried to deal with Charles were still in the hospital without hope of recovery. He wasn't ready for another attack again. Plus, his doctor warned him not to do anything with his arm for now if didn't want to lose it. “How are your boys? I didn't mean to go hard on them the other time,” Charles said. “They're fine, sir,” he quickly replied. “I said you should deal with him!” Dakota snapped. “Ma'am, we will stop working with you from today, if you dare to mess with our boss then we are not working with you,” Lainey's boyfriend said. Charles smiled. “I haven't agreed to be your boss.” He turned to Dakota, “will you now tell me who you are?” “Mr Charles?” A man called. He came forward and bowed slightly. “I was waiting for you at the gate, I had no idea you had arrived, sir.” Dakota frowned.

Charles stepped out of the car, his eyes sweeping across the quiet street. His gaze settled on the entrance of the hall where the dinner party was already in full swing. Small, yes—but it housed the powerhouses of the city.Sadie had asked him to come in with her, but he’d turned her down without a second thought.“I hate boredom,” he’d said.But really, that wasn’t it. Walking in there with her would be signing his own exposure slip. One look from the right person—someone with a long enough memory—and the game would be up, all his identity revealed. Add that to the fingerprint registration at the door?Too much fuss for a damn dinner.Charles pulled out a cigarette from the packet and flicked his lighter open. Just as the flame flared, he felt someone behind him. A presence he didn’t need to look at to recognize.“I’ve seen foolish people,” Roger said from beside him, “but you beat the record, man.”Charles slowly lowered the lighter and took the cigarette out of his mouth. What the

Sadie had been quiet since they got in the car. Charles had asked earlier if she was okay—she’d only given a nod. Now, she had headphones over her ears. A clear sign: no conversation. And honestly? Fine by him. At least he wouldn’t have to put up with her usual chatter. Charles pressed down on the accelerator, gliding past the car ahead. Then another. He glanced at the dashboard. Odd. He wasn’t accelerating anymore, but the speed kept climbing. He glanced again. The speed had shot up—unnaturally fast. “You’re going too fast,” Sadie said, yanking off her headphones. “Exactly,” Charles muttered, trying the brake. Nothing. The car didn’t slow down. Not even a twitch. “What the hell are you doing?!” Sadie shrieked. “Your car’s been hacked,” Charles said calmly, swerving into the c