Caleb's eyes fluttered open slowly. Morning light filtered through heavy curtains, casting soft shadows across the grand bedroom. He blinked, the details of the previous night rushing back. The laughter, the drinks, Diana's confession, and then... the kiss. Her lips, soft and hesitant, then more firm. And then, falling into a deep, alcohol-induced sleep.He was in his own bed. Beside him, Diana lay still, fast asleep, her face peaceful, one arm flung loosely over his chest. A wave of warm embarrassment washed over Caleb, followed by a strange, quiet happiness. Her last words echoed in his mind: "I wish you were mine."He carefully removed her arm, sliding out of bed. He grabbed a fresh shirt and trousers. He glanced back at Diana, a soft smile touching his lips.In the bathroom, he splashed cold water on his face. The alcohol from last night still lingered, but his mind was clear enough to remember the kiss. And to remember his worry about his foster family. He pulled out his phone. N

The drive from the graveyard was silent, heavy with unspoken grief. Caleb drove, his hands tight on the wheel. Beside him, Diana sat quietly, her hand resting gently on his arm, offering silent comfort. The image of Ms. Laura's grave, a fresh mound of earth under a gray sky, was burned into Caleb's mind. As they approached the main road, Caleb reached into his jacket pocket for his phone, intending to put on some music, anything to break the heavy silence. His fingers brushed against something unfamiliar. A thick, white envelope. He frowned, pulling it out. He hadn't put it there. Diana noticed his sudden pause. "What's that?" she asked, her voice soft. Caleb turned the envelope over. Scrawled neatly across the front were the words: "To Mr. Callahan." He hesitated. His first instinct was to tear it open right there, to find answers, especially after the horrifying discoveries of the day. But the formal address, the anonymous delivery, made him pause. This felt bigger than just him.

"Diana!" Caleb roared, his voice tearing through the chaotic back room of the casino. He lunged forward, trying to lift the heavy timber pinning her. It was too heavy."Someone! Help me! Get this off her!"Darius and Daphne, having burst into the room an instant after KJ, saw the horrifying scene. KJ, having just dispatched the last of the guards, whirled around, his eyes locking onto Diana. He let out a guttural shout—a sound of pure anguish—and rushed forward, joining Caleb in a desperate attempt to lift the massive piece of wood."We need a medic! Now!" Darius yelled into his earpiece, barking orders to the Callahan security teams flooding into the casino. "Get an ambulance here—this instant!"With the combined strength of Caleb, KJ, Darius, and Daphne, they finally managed to shift the heavy timber enough to pull Diana free. She lay limp on the floor, her eyes closed, a faint trickle of blood seeping from her temple."Diana! Talk to me!" Caleb pleaded, cradling her head in his han

The Silent Hunt and a Gilded Cage The air in Mr. Callahan's war room was thick with unspoken tension, illuminated by the cold glow of tactical displays. Maps of unknown territories, blueprints of fortified structures, and grainy surveillance images covered every surface. Caleb stood at the head of the polished obsidian table, his eyes fixed on a projected image of a remote, overgrown compound. Beside him, KJ leaned against the wall, a silent, watchful presence, his face impassive. Mr. Callahan sat opposite, his gaze sharp and calculating. Mr. Richard stood by a control panel, while Darius and Daphne were already in their tactical gear, their expressions grim. "This is the location," Mr. Callahan began, his voice low and steady. "An old training ground, according to KJ. Victor's preferred retreat." ""Used it as a hideout or is it his main base?" Caleb asked KJ. "We can’t walk into a trap." KJ finally pushed off the wall, stepping towards the map.. "It’s both. He trained his close t

The air in Mr. Callahan's private study was heavy. Papers and old files lay open on the large desk. Caleb sat across from Mr. Callahan and Mr. Richard. KJ stood by the door, quiet but alert."We have more information about Victor," Mr. Callahan began, his voice serious. "It's a direct link, Caleb. Something we only just realised."Mr. Richard looked at a file. "Victor is Tony's birth father. The one who killed your mother, Caleb."Caleb's eyes went wide. He shot up from his chair. "Tony? Tony's father? That means Tony is the one giving out information! He's with him! I'm going to him!" He started to move towards the door, his face tight with anger.KJ stepped in his path, blocking him. He grabbed Caleb's arm. His grip was firm. "Are you so stupid?" KJ's voice was low, sharp. "Do you want to tell his son that his birth father killed your mother so he will tell his father and he will disappear? I thought you matured, but you still act like a kid."Caleb stoppe