Cynthia stood silently by the bedside with her gaze on Matilda before she finally turned her head towards Florence, her friend. “Florence, I want the attending physician assigned to this case to be replaced.” Florence blinked. “You mean Dennis?” Cynthia nodded. “Yes. Effective immediately.” There was no heat in her tone, but the frost in her eyes was unmistakable. “I no longer trust his competence, or his moral judgment. He was more interested in insulting Antonio and protecting his own pride than actually helping my sister. If Antonio hadn’t stepped in…” Her voice tightened. “My sister would be dead.” Florence’s eyes flicked to Matilda, then back to Cynthia. For a second, she hesitated, processing the gravity of what Cynthia was saying. Her friend had never spoken like this before—not to her or anyone. Cynthia was furious, though calm and controlled. “I’ve already submitted a formal complaint,” Cynthia continued. “I’m holding Dr. Dennis responsible for medical negligence.

Cynthia’s brows knitted into a tense, uneasy frown as she considered the rare ingredients. “Frostheart Bloom... Infernal Embercore...” Each name sounded more fantastical than the last, like relics out of an old myth or a forbidden grimoire. She’d spent years surrounded by power, wealth, and influence—but even she had never heard of these things. “These sound... impossible,” she muttered, her voice edged with disbelief. Antonio gave her a grim look. “They nearly are.” Cynthia straightened in her seat with her shoulders set. “Then I’ll make them possible.” He glanced at her. “I’ll use everything I have,” she said firmly. “Contacts, money, and even private researchers if I have to.” Her eyes were full of determination. “I’ll search through medical journals, old books, even illegal sources if it comes to that. Whatever it takes. If those ingredients exist, I’ll find them.” Antonio was impressed by Cynthia's determination. Most people would’ve faltered, but she

Despite Antonio’s calm warning, Bruno’s face twisted into a sneer. “Back off? Are you joking?” he spat, voice high with bravado. “You don’t just mess with my cousin and walk away! Dennis is family. And I protect mine!” Antonio said nothing, only watching him with a look of thinly veiled exasperation. The boy's stupidity was exhausting. But before Antonio could respond, movement shifted from the side. Jim’s four senior subordinates, still standing like shadows beneath the pale streetlamps, stepped forward in unison. They looked grizzled, brutal, and ice-cold. Their presence was different from the chaos Bruno had brought. The tallest of them, Scarface, a man with a scar running from his temple to his collarbone, raised a hand and barked, “Enough!” Bruno turned, eyes narrowing. “You’ve already embarrassed yourself enough. Back off from our prey!” But Bruno wasn’t the type to take a hint. His pride was loud and his brain slow. He stepped forward, puffing out his chest like

Scarface groaned through gritted teeth and his entire body screamed in pain, especially his legs. Antonio’s earlier attack had hit his nerves, that he couldn’t move his lower body anymore. He had never felt this helpless before. Not even once! As blood dripped from his cracked lip onto the pavement, he glanced up—just in time to see Gage, one of his men, still unconscious near the van, with his limbs twisted in unnatural angles. They hadn’t even landed a shot. Who the hell is this guy…?! Panic surged through him. Now he knew that there was no time to fight or win. They needed to run. In a hoarse, rasping voice, he barked at the remaining two of his team. “Vince—Marlow—help us… NOW! Get me and Gage in the van! We’re getting out of here!” Vince and Marlow froze. Vince’s jaw clenched in frustration, unwilling to admit defeat. His pride fought against the obvious truth: they’d been dismantled like rank amateurs. Marlow, on the other hand, had already dropped his stance. Hi

Early the next morning, as the first light of dawn seeped through the blinds of her office, Elaine sat rigid in her leather chair as the weight of a hundred sleepless thoughts pressed down on her shoulders. Her fingers trembled slightly as they hovered over her phone screen, still no messages from Harry. Not even a single call or update. Just silence. She had spent the entire night pacing, torn between hope and dread—hope that Harry’s promised connection would come through, and dread that Antonio, who had risked everything to stand up to Tiger for her, might now be facing a fate worse than death. And now, as the silence stretched past the edge of dawn, Elaine knew she couldn't wait any longer. Gritting her teeth, she finally made her decision. “Kate,” she said as she dialed her assistant’s extension. “I want you to prepare a gift. Something substantial and elegant—make sure it reflects sincerity.” Upon hearing this, Kate’s polite voice came through. “Miss Greene, may I ask.