The Grand Celestial Hotel ballroom had transformed from a celebration into a battlefield.The silence that followed Darius's declaration was absolute—the kind of silence that precedes hurricanes, the moment before the world tears itself apart.Peter's face had gone dark, his jaw working as he ground his teeth together.His eyes darted between Darius's calm expression and the soldiers standing in perfect formation, then to his own defeated guards scattered across the marble floor like broken dolls.The calculation was visible on his face.The strongest fighters from both the Reksar and Ward families weren't here—they were stationed at various properties, handling security for other assets.The wedding was supposed to be a celebration, not a warzone.The guards present were competent, but clearly no match for these... whatever these people were.Darius began walking, his footsteps echoing in the terrible silence.He moved past the coffin, past the trembling guests, past Rita and the oth

The small house felt emptier without Bill's presence. Alessia moved through the cramped rooms mechanically, tidying things that didn't need tidying, her eyes still red from crying—though this time, the tears were born of relief rather than despair.Darius found her in the kitchen, scrubbing a plate that was already clean."Alessia," he said quietly.She turned, quickly wiping her hands on a threadbare towel. "Young Master? Do you need something? I can prepare food, or—""When was the last time you left this house?" Darius interrupted gently. "Not counting the cemetery. When was the last time you did something for yourself?"Alessia blinked, confused by the question. "I... I don't understand.""You've spent three years guarding my family's graves and caring for your father," Darius continued. "You've sacrificed everything—your youth, your freedom, your happiness. Today, I want to thank you for that loyalty.""Young Master, you don't need to thank me! You saved my father! That's more tha

Madison's laughter echoed through the boutique, drawing even more attention from the other shoppers. Her eyes glittered with malicious pleasure as she looked between Darius and Alessia."Oh, this is RICH!" Madison clutched her stomach dramatically. "You brought a boyfriend! How adorable! Let me guess—he's just as broke as you are? Did you two bond over sharing food stamps?"Brandon snorted with amusement, his eyes still roaming over Alessia's body in a way that made her want to scrub her skin. "Look at his clothes, babe. Generic brand everything. Probably shops at discount outlets and thinks he's doing well.""At least he HAS someone," Alessia said quietly, trying to summon courage. "That's more than—""More than WHAT?" Madison's voice rose shrilly. "More than ME? I have Brandon! He's a junior executive at his father's investment firm! He makes more in a MONTH than you'll see in your entire miserable life! And you? You have THIS?" She gestured dismissively at Darius. "Some nobody who

Victoria moved with practiced elegance toward the locked display case at the back of the boutique, her heels clicking against the marble floor like a countdown to humiliation. The case was separate from all the others, positioned behind bulletproof glass with its own dedicated spotlight.Madison followed, her arm linked through Brandon's, practically vibrating with malicious anticipation. "Oh, this is going to be GOOD," she purred.Victoria produced a small key from around her neck and unlocked the case with ceremonial care. Inside sat a single handbag—a masterpiece of craftsmanship in midnight blue leather with platinum hardware and what appeared to be actual diamonds forming the clasp."The Beaumont Éternité," Victoria announced reverently. "One of only three in existence. Hand-crafted by master artisans over six months. Each diamond individually set. Each stitch perfect."Madison's eyes lit up with covetous hunger. "It's PERFECT. Wrap it up.""An excellent choice, Ms. Foster," Vict

The moment stretched like pulled wire, tension building to a breaking point.Brandon stood with his finger pointing at the floor, his face flushed with vindictive pleasure. Madison practically vibrated with anticipation.Victoria had her phone raised, ready to call the police. And Alessia looked like she wanted the marble floor to open up and swallow her whole.Darius simply smiled."WELL?" Brandon's voice rose. "What are you waiting for? GET ON YOUR—""What is going on here?"The new voice cut through the chaos like a blade through silk. Every head in the boutique turned toward the back office, where a door had just opened.A man emerged—perhaps fifty years old, impeccably dressed in a suit that made Brandon's expensive attire look cheap by comparison. His silver hair was perfectly styled, his posture military-straight, and his eyes sharp enough to dissect a person's worth in seconds.This was Christopher Montgomery, owner and general manager of not just this Maison Beaumont location