"I do not know how on earth she is part of this family. She should not be allowed anywhere close to this house after we find a horrible loser to take her from our hands."Elizabeth Tate's voice echoed through the marble halls of the family mansion. She sat in her velvet chair, watching servants prepare for what she called the most shameful day in their family's history.The Tate mansion was one of Seron's finest estates, with crystal chandeliers and oil paintings lining the walls. For three generations, the family had built their reputation on beauty and strategic marriages that elevated their social status.Today, all of that was about to crumble because of one scarred daughter."Mother, I think she should be thrown out completely," Aria Tate said, examining her manicured nails. "Or maybe we can make her one of the maids if we cannot find someone to take her deformed self out of this house."Aria was everything Anna was not - flawless skin, golden hair, and perfect beauty. As the pam

Jacob helped Anna onto the medical table, his movements precise and confident. She watched nervously as he prepared his instruments with the skill of someone who had performed this procedure countless times before."I need you to lie still and trust me completely," Jacob said, selecting several thin needles from his collection. "What I am about to do will seem strange, but every step is necessary."Anna nodded, though fear made her heart race. She had endured so many failed treatments over the years that hope felt dangerous. But something about Jacob's certainty made her want to believe that this time might be different.Jacob began placing needles at specific points along Anna's body - her temples, wrists, and various meridian lines that followed ancient healing traditions. Each needle was inserted with mathematical precision, creating a pattern that seemed to map the flow of energy through her entire system."The needles will help your body accept what comes next," Jacob explained a

Jacob stepped out of his house and slid into the driver's seat of his black McLaren. The engine purred to life with a sound that promised speed and danger in equal measure. Tonight would mark the beginning of his long-awaited revenge, and he needed to be prepared for anything."I received word that weapons are available if you need them," Leo said from the passenger seat, studying a tablet filled with intelligence reports. "Though I suspect you prefer to handle things personally."Jacob adjusted his rearview mirror and pulled onto the main road. "I have not survived fifteen years of warfare by depending on tools when my hands will suffice. But tonight is about information gathering, not violence. Not yet."The auction was scheduled to begin in three hours, giving Jacob time to scout the location and identify potential threats. He had deliberately chosen simple clothing - dark jeans, a plain shirt, and a worn leather jacket that made him look like any other working-class man trying to

Jacob stared at the mysterious woman, his mind racing through possibilities. Very few people knew his true identity, and even fewer would dare speak it aloud in such a public setting."I apologize, but I do not recognize you," Jacob said carefully, studying her face for any clues that might trigger his memory.The woman's expression flickered with disappointment before she composed herself. "I suppose that is understandable. You would not expect to see me dressed like this, attending social functions with Seron's corrupt elite."Something in her voice sparked a memory, but Jacob could not quite place it. Then she shifted slightly in her seat, and he caught sight of a small scar on her wrist - the kind of mark left by a blade in close combat."I never imagined the Angel of Death could look so elegant in a evening gown," Jacob said quietly, recognition finally dawning.The woman smiled, her entire demeanor changing from disappointed socialite to dangerous predator. "There we go. I was b

"Bring the machine now, or I will have your job!" The auctioneer's panicked voice shattered the tense silence that had fallen over the auction house. Two staff members rushed toward the back rooms while the crowd remained frozen in confused anticipation. Jacob stood perfectly still, his black card still extended toward the trembling auctioneer, his expression revealing nothing of the satisfaction burning in his chest. Marcus Nico's confident smirk had transformed into uncertainty. He sat back down slowly, his eyes never leaving Jacob as if trying to solve an impossible puzzle. The whispers around the room grew louder with each passing second. "What does he mean the machine cannot handle the card?" "I have never heard of such a thing happening before." "Who is this man really?" Roseline leaned closer to Jacob, speaking just loud enough for him to hear. "You are enjoying this far too much. These people will want you dead after tonight." "They already wanted me dead," Jacob