Darius's expression shifted subtly when Douglas delivered the news about Mack Richardson's body—his features hardening, eyes going cold, but without surprise. It was as if he'd already calculated this possibility, already anticipated Skyclub's ruthless efficiency."The family," Darius said immediately. "Find Richardson's wife and children. They're the key to understanding what actually happened. If Skyclub killed Richardson, they might have taken the family hostage or eliminated them as well.""War God, I'll deploy teams immediately," Douglas confirmed. "We'll check the address Richardson provided, cross-reference with any property records, interview neighbors. If they're alive, we'll find them.""Priority one," Darius emphasized. "Everything else is secondary to locating that family. And Douglas—if you find them, assume Skyclub might still have eyes on them. Maximum security protocols.""Understood, War God. I'll report as soon as we have any information."The call ended.Darius lowe

Josh held the phone tightly, his mind racing. Of course his father knew what happened—Raymond Romano had informants everywhere on campus. Administrators, security guards, even some students on the Romano payroll. Nothing happened at Duskfort University without his father eventually hearing about it.But Josh couldn't tell the complete truth. Couldn't admit he'd been defeated so thoroughly in front of hundreds of witnesses. His father's temper was legendary—volcanic and unpredictable. Admitting he'd been humiliated would invite punishment, disappointment, possibly even being pulled from the university entirely.So Josh made a quick decision. He'd tell a version of the truth. One that was close enough to reality but edited to protect himself."Father, I met someone incredible today," Josh started, keeping his voice steady. "A martial arts expert unlike anyone I've ever encountered. He demonstrated some techniques—showed me and my security detail what real combat skill looks like. It was

Alessia sat frozen in her seat, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. Josh Romano—the campus's most notorious bully, the entitled heir who'd made her life miserable for weeks—had just publicly apologized to her. On his knees. In front of the entire class.It was surreal. Impossible. And yet it had happened.Around her, the classroom erupted in whispers. Students leaned toward each other, their voices hushed but excited, speculating about what this meant, what had changed, whether Josh was serious or playing some elaborate game."Did you see that?""Josh Romano just apologized!""Is this real?""What happened to him?""I heard he got beaten up this morning by some guy—""No way, Josh never loses fights—"The whispers grew louder, more intrusive, pressing in on Alessia from all sides like a physical weight. She could feel dozens of eyes on her, watching for her reaction, waiting to see what she'd do next.Annoyance flared in her chest. This was exactly what she didn't w

Magnus Gonzalez pulled into the circular driveway of his villa, exhaustion settling into his bones after another long day managing the family's business empire. He was looking forward to a quiet evening, maybe a glass of whiskey, some peace.But the moment he stepped through the grand double doors into his living room, he knew something was wrong.The room was filled with people. At least twenty of them, seated in chairs arranged in a semicircle like a tribunal. Members of his wife's family—the prestigious B-ranked Wellington family. Members of his own Gonzalez family—elders, cousins, influential relatives. And there, in the center of it all, sat his wife Victoria and his son Marcus.Everyone turned to look at him as he entered, their expressions ranging from smug satisfaction to cold indifference."What—" Magnus started, his briefcase still in his hand. "What's going on here? Why wasn't I informed of a family meeting?"His eyes went immediately to Victoria. He hadn't seen her in thre

Magnus stood surrounded by hostile faces, the weight of betrayal crushing down on him from all sides. His family—the people who should have stood beside him—had conspired to bring him down. His wife, his son, the elders, even his extended relatives—all united in their condemnation.The pain was exquisite. Sharp and deep, like a knife twisting in his chest.Is this how Victoria felt? Magnus thought suddenly. When she discovered my affairs? This crushing sense of betrayal? This feeling that the world has turned against you?For years, Magnus had justified his infidelity to himself. His marriage was cold. Victoria was distant, critical, more interested in social climbing than in being a real wife. He'd deserved some happiness, some comfort, hadn't he?But now, feeling the full force of betrayal directed at him, Magnus finally understood. Understood the pain he'd caused. Understood why Victoria's eyes held nothing but contempt when she looked at him.Maybe it's too late to fix this, Magnu