Darius stood in the center of the VIP suite, his presence filling the space in a way that had nothing to do with physical size and everything to do with an aura of absolute authority. The broken door frame behind him, the unconscious Veronica crumpled on the floor, the distant sounds of groaning men in the service area—all of it painted a picture that made Magnus's earlier bravado seem pathetically hollow."If necessary," Darius said calmly, as if discussing the weather, "I'll simply purchase this hospital. The entire building. Every floor, every room, every piece of equipment."Dr. Morrison, who'd been about to leave, froze mid-step. "Purchase... the hospital?""Yes," Darius confirmed. "I have the resources. I make one phone call, and by end of business today, Cole Medical Center becomes my property. I'll rename it. Restructure it. And dedicate it entirely to Bill Jackson's care if I choose."The statement was delivered with such casual certainty that nobody doubted its truth. Magnus

Darius and Dr. Morrison stepped out of the VIP suite into the corridor, leaving Magnus sitting in stunned, trembling silence.The doctor was already pulling out his phone, reviewing Bill Jackson's medical file as they walked, determined to provide the care he should have given hours ago."I'll conduct a full examination," Dr. Morrison said, his voice still shaky but gaining professional focus. "Check the surgical sites, adjust pain medications if needed, review the rehabilitation schedule—"He stopped mid-sentence as footsteps echoed from around the corner. Both nurses—Jennifer and her companion—appeared first, their faces pale and anxious.Behind them strode a man in an expensive suit, his expression grim and purposeful.John Cole. Director of Cole Medical Center.The nurses had clearly called him the moment they'd witnessed Darius defeating eight armed men in less than two minutes.Their duty to report security incidents had overcome their fear, though now, seeing John's expression,

Magnus stared at the photographs scattered across his desk, his hands trembling. The evidence was damning—clear shots of him and Veronica in compromising situations that couldn't be explained away as innocent business meetings."Catherine, please," Magnus stood, his voice taking on a pleading quality he rarely used. "You don't understand. These photos—they're taken out of context. Veronica is just a business associate. We were discussing—""BUSINESS?" Catherine's voice rose to a shriek. "You think I'm STUPID? You think thirty years of marriage hasn't taught me to recognize when you're LYING?"She grabbed one of the photos and thrust it in his face. "This one was taken at the Riverside Hotel! You told me you were at a board meeting that night! And THIS one—" she grabbed another, "—you have your hand on her WAIST, Magnus! What business requires that?""You're overreacting," Magnus tried, his tone shifting from pleading to defensive. "Women always jump to conclusions—""Don't you DARE,"

Darius sat beside Bill Jackson's hospital bed, watching as the older man's face gradually relaxed under the effects of the pain medication Dr. Morrison had just administered.The examination had been thorough—far more comprehensive than anything Bill had received since his arrival at the hospital."Your surgical sites are healing well," Dr. Morrison had said, his professional demeanor restored now that he was doing actual medicine instead of catering to hypochondriacs. "Better than expected, actually. We can begin more aggressive physical therapy next week. With proper rehabilitation, you should regain significant mobility."Bill had tears in his eyes throughout the examination—not from pain, but from gratitude and disbelief that someone actually cared about his recovery.Now, with Dr. Morrison gone and the nurses having checked Bill's vitals one final time, it was just the two of them in the quiet hospital room."Young Master," Bill said, his voice still weak but growing stronger. "I

Magnus stared at his phone as it buzzed for the third time in two minutes. Veronica's name flashed on the screen, each call feeling like a nail being driven into his already throbbing skull.He let it ring out. Then immediately it started again."For God's sake," Magnus muttered, his hand hovering over the device. Every instinct told him not to answer—that whatever Veronica wanted right now, it would only make his situation worse. She was a jinx. A curse. Everything had been fine until her, and now his entire life was collapsing.The phone continued its insistent buzzing. Fourth call now."FINE!" Magnus snarled, snatching up the device and jabbing the answer button. "WHAT?!""M-Magnus?" Veronica's voice came through—high, trembling, soaked with tears. "Magnus, I—I need you—""You NEED me?" Magnus's voice rose with disbelief and fury. "YOU need ME? Do you have ANY idea what's happening right now because of you?!""Magnus, please, I don't feel well—" Veronica's sobs interrupted her word