“I ordered it this morning.”“You mean… you rented this, right?” Charles asked, blinking.“Come on, why would I rent a hundred million car?”“A hundred what???”Sadie frowned. “What?”“Go return the car right now. Wait… do you have a yard where money grows or an ocean you go get it from?”Sadie made a sulking face. “I bought this for you, though.”“Sadie, this is crazy. Like, crazy!”“Should I return it then?” She suddenly looked like she might cry.Charles’ jaw dropped. What was he going to do with this woman? “You'll have to return it when I come back. Okay?”“Okay,” she nodded, handing him the keys.Charles shook his head again. Damn. “Call me if anything happens.”“Like?”“Forget about it,” he muttered, climbing in.The car was unreal — sleek, smooth, every control feeling like butter under his hands. Sadie stood outside, waving as he drove off.

Charles felt his throat tighten. His eyes flicked to the gun, then back to the man’s trembling fingers. He needed to keep this guy calm—whatever this was, one wrong word and he might pull the trigger.“I know you know she’s not the same person. Something must be wrong somewhere,” the man added. Charles exhaled, gripping the steering wheel. “So, what should I do about that?”“Let’s work together,” the man said. “I have evidence. And I know from the way you told her about your brother, you have something you want from her.”“What do you want from her though?” Charles asked, his voice low.The man licked his lips, eyes gleaming strangely. “I want to kiss her feet. Once. That’s my only wish.”Charles fought the urge to grimace. What kind of twisted obsession was this old man hiding?“When you’re going to see her again, tag me along.”“And what if I don’t?”“You don’t want to do that,” the man said, almost cheerfully. “Because…” He paused, shrugged. “I’ve seen only five men speak to the r

Sadie frowned. “God of war?” “It’s a title he earned after taking down a lot of really cruel bastards,” he explained. “He’s… like military?” “Bingo.” “Where does he work?” “He’s on vacation right now.” “And before the vacation, where did he work?” He smiled at her curiosity. He could tell her more, but that would cross boundaries. Charles would reveal it himself when he was ready. “I don’t know about that.” “He… didn’t tell you?” Charles’ godfather nodded, a small smile on his face. “It’s confidential. Only he can tell you. I guess I’m not close enough for him to share it with me.” Sadie laughed at the humorous way he said it. “I’d really love to know more about him. How was he when he was younger? Does he cry? I’ve never seen him look down… barely ev

Charles lunged forward with all the force left in him, choosing the shortest drop. He hit the floor hard, half of his body plunging into the fire. The heat clawed at his skin; his shirt caught instantly.Then — a shock of cold.Water splashed over him, drenching the flames. Steam hissed into the air, swallowing the woman’s laughter.Charles coughed, panting, his chest heaving. His eyes darted around.Someone had just saved him.The woman strode over while he sat on his butt, yanked a towel from a rack, and tossed it at him.“What do you think about working with me?” she asked, eyes gleaming with fascination. “I’ll give you an open cheque. Every connection you can dream of in this world.”Charles stared. He didn’t answer.“Any room you want—I’ll give you access. Anyone you want dead, I’ll make it happen. Work with me, young man,” she added, voice soft, hungry.Charles leaned in a fraction.She waited, eager.“Piss off,” he whispered.Her smile slipped into something sad and incredulous

Inside, Sadie had finally sent Thomas and Avery home. They hadn’t wanted to leave, but she’d made up her mind. The fact she was still breathing was already a miracle — that car had almost crushed her if not for the driver’s sudden brake. Apart from a few bruises, she was fine. Physically, at least.She lay curled on the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her thoughts drifted from the first time she met Charles to this moment — how fast everything had changed.Before she knew it, tears started again. She didn’t even know what she was crying for anymore. Her head throbbed. Everything still felt like a dream — or a nightmare. Maybe someone was just playing a cruel prank.Maybe Charles would suddenly walk in, teasing her again, and she’d roll her eyes, pretending she didn’t care.“Sadie?”Her whole body froze. That voice.More tears streamed down her face.“Sadie?” The voice came again — soft, real.No. She was l