The Golden Tower Hotel was alive with the faint hum of festive chatter. Guests milled about, exchanging pleasantries and comparing gifts. It was the occasion of Stephen’s 70th birthday. Only wealthy and famous elites were invited to the five star hotel to celebrate with East City’s most successful business man. The hotel was tastefully decorated by the best interior design company in the city. The ladies dripped in expensive pearls that shimmered under the golden lanterns. The men commanded attention in the best designer suits. The Golden Tower Hotel only allowed entry to the upper class and it was evident from the rare, luxurious vehicles that filled the grounds. Mr. Stephen’s birthday party was the most anticipated event of the quarter. Various famous personalities attended, hoping to impress the celebrant and curry favour from him with their extravagant gifts. Finally, the most awaited moment arrived. It was time for the presentation of gifts.Franklin Bello, chairman of the c

General Zarek’s arrival was treated like the arrival of a highly respected king. He was accompanied by six aides, all dressed in crisp black suits and armed to the teeth.Tomb-like silence descended on the hall as he walked through the double doors. He was a handsome middle-aged man, standing over six feet tall. His bronze hair shimmered like stardust beneath the lights. His green eyes were sharp and alert, typical for a soldier of his caliber.Asher had long heard about General Zarek and his great accomplishments in battle. He was a five-star general, guarding the border with several victories under his belt. It was uncommon for General Zarek to make appearances at parties such as this one. Asher wondered about his connection to the Stone family.“General Zarek, what a wonderful surprise! Welcome, welcome.” Mr. Stone greeted him specially.“Thank you. Happy birthday, my dear friend. I wish you many years of happiness.”He snapped his fingers and one of his aides immediately steppe

Sebastian watched his daughter go with a heavy sigh.He turned to the General and patted him on the shoulder;“I sincerely apologize for Victoria’s behaviour. We both know she isn’t usually like this. I have no idea what has come over her. Don’t take it personally. She’s probably angry with someone else and taking it out on us.”The general nodded but otherwise remained silent.He knew all too well the reason for Victoria’s anger but didn’t dare say it out loud. “You spoke about an impending war,” Mr. Stone cut in; “is your intel reliable? Should we start making preparations to engage in battle?”General Zarek opened his mouth to speak but hesitated when he noticed that Asher was still standing with them. His eyes narrowed cautiously and he remained silent. Sensing the tension, Asher politely excused himself.“Mr. Stone, Mr. Sebastian, I’ll be on my way now. Thank you for having me.”They thanked him for his gift and bade him goodbye.Asher was well aware that General Zarek had wan

Asher’s veins burned with panic. He would normally respond with calmness and composure in situations like this, but this time, it was different.This time, someone he cared deeply about was also in danger. Without wasting time, Asher shielded Victoria with his body and dove under the bed.The very next second, the once polished façade of their room suddenly exploded in a hailstorm of gunfire. The floor to ceiling windows shattered under the force of the bullets, raining on the marble floors like dangerous confetti. The sniper kept shooting, splintering wood, piercing pillows and shattering figurines. The atmosphere sounded like a freaking war zone.“What the heck is going on?” Asher muttered through clenched teeth.He’d made sure to cover his tracks before coming to the hotel. This attack could only mean one thing — he’d been followed.Asher’s heart thundered like a runaway train as he pressed Victoria against his chest, looking for the perfect opportunity to escape.Mentally, he