After their dinner, Sophia politely excused herself from the group.She still couldn’t believe what happened earlier. Veronica had been left speechless — and not the elegant, movie-star kind of speechless. No, this one came with visible frustration.And honestly, that alone was enough to put Sophia in a very, very good mood.“Why are you leaving already, Sophia? Let's go to karaoke!” Jane complained.“True! We’ve all been so busy. We should at least enjoy tonight,” another friend chimed in.Sophia gave them a small smile. “Sorry, I still have a lot to finish. Promise, next time.”Veronica rolled her eyes dramatically as expected.“Let her go. I’m sure she wants to enjoy her new boy toy,” Veronica sneered.Sophia’s eyes narrowed, the tension crackling in the air again. But before she could react, Carl’s arm slid around her waist, pulling her gently but firmly toward him.Everyone froze — including Sophia.“Well, I’m a happy boy toy then,” Carl said with a smooth shrug. “You have no ide

“Give me the formula, or you’re all going to die,” Dave Sky warned.Sophia swallowed hard. She glanced at Carl, hoping for some reaction—anything. But Carl’s face remained unreadable, calm as a stone.“That formula belongs to Carl, Mr. Sky. You can’t force him to hand it over,” Sophia said firmly.Dave chuckled under his breath. “But that’s where you’re wrong. That formula is already mine. I paid for it.”Sophia’s brow arched, but before she could respond, Carl spoke.“You don’t understand, Mr. Sky,” Carl said coldly. “It’s not for sale.”He scratched his head lightly and attempted to pry Marion’s hands away, but the older man only clung tighter.Sophia noticed Marion’s shaking grip. She stepped closer and placed a steadying hand on his arm.“It’s okay, Uncle. Let go. Let Carl go.”Despite his fear, Marion obeyed. Slowly, his trembling fingers released Carl. Sophia helped him stand upright.“D-Don’t let them take me, Sophia. They’ll kill me!” Marion cried, voice cracking in terror.Da

“This is your plane ticket. You leave tomorrow at five in the morning.”Sophia placed the ticket on the table. They were already back at her house, and the moment they arrived, she had immediately arranged everything for Carl’s departure.Carl stared at the piece of paper. He leaned back in his chair and let out a deep breath.“I’m not going anywhere, Sophia.”Her brows furrowed instantly.“Are we really arguing about this again, Carl? You can’t stay here. Go to Eastern Vale. I have a friend there who can help you while I fix everything here.”She rubbed her temples in frustration.“Why did Uncle have to get involved with people like them?”“I understand your concern,” Carl said calmly. “But I can handle them. Fighting them isn’t a problem for me. Or are you doubting me now—after everything?”Sophia rolled her eyes.“I know what you’re capable of. But these people aren’t the kind who play by the rules. Yes, we made a deal—but they’re exactly the type who break them whenever it suits t

Carl stared at the boxes laid out before him. Dave had managed to hand over two of the herbs he needed—Serratin Bark and Kelora Resin.As expected of the owner of a massive pharmaceutical empire. Someone like Dave Sky would naturally have access to rare materials like these.“I couldn’t find the other one,” Dave said curtly, irritation clear in his tone.Sophia smirked. “That will do—for now. Just make sure you honor the rest of our deal.”Dave clenched his jaw. If the twins hadn’t been badly injured—and if one of them hadn’t nearly died—he was certain he would’ve already come back for revenge. What happened today was a humiliation he would never accept quietly.“Whatever,” Dave scoffed. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’ll still get my hands on that formula someday.”With that final threat, he turned his back on them and strode toward his car.Sophia watched him leave, utterly unbothered. Then she turned to Carl, a satisfied smile on her lips.“So?” she said lightly. “I guess we should

Carl grabbed the tiger by the neck the moment it lunged at him.The beast growled in agony, claws scraping uselessly against the floor. Within seconds, its strength gave out. Carl slammed the tiger down, lifeless, its massive body hitting the ground with a dull thud.“No! Lily!” Mr. Lawson screamed.He rushed toward the fallen animal, dropping to his knees as his hands trembled while stroking its fur.“Y–You…” His voice broke. “Do you really think that this will end like this? You don’t know who you are fighting with, Donovan!”Carl took a slow, steady breath.“Now tell me again,” he said coldly. “What is the name of your gang—and what exactly do you want from me?”Mr. Lawson looked up at him, eyes blazing with hatred.“Because of you…” he snarled. “You ruined everything!”He suddenly stood and grabbed a gun lying on the floor.But before he could even raise it—A gunshot echoed.Mr. Lawson collapsed instantly.Blood splattered across Carl’s face.Carl blinked in surprise.“Why did y