Chapter Forty-OneGuards stood rigidly lined up in precise formation at the front of the Stone family mansion, their posture military-stiff and visibly tense. Worry, fear, and barely suppressed anger creased their foreheads as they waited for judgment. This was not a routine inspection—something significant had happened, and they all knew it.Simon Stone stood directly in front of the assembled guards, his expression dark and severe, his scarred face tight with controlled fury as he moved slowly from one man to the next, studying each face with penetrating intensity.Caleb Stone sat off to one side in his wheelchair, observing the proceedings with barely concealed interest. Mr. Stone himself had walked outside to personally address the situation as well—a clear indication of how serious this matter was."Are you absolutely certain you checked thoroughly, Simon?" Mr. Stone's voice boomed across the courtyard, commanding everyone’s attention. "Is your information credible? I need to be

Chapter Forty-ThreeEthan Cole walked through the prison’s familiar corridors, his mind automatically reminiscing about his time here. Three years of his life had been spent within these walls—three years that had broken him down and built him back up into something far more formidable.He recognized the familiar places, the routines, the sounds, and the smells that had once defined his entire existence. Guards and corrections officers he encountered along the way immediately bowed respectfully as he passed. They physically trembled and shook with visible fear as they demonstrated their deference. Their reactions were visceral, instinctive.Everyone in this facility knew exactly who Ethan Cole was now. He was no longer just another inmate, another number in the system. He was the bearer of the legendary Phoenix Ring—the symbol of ultimate authority in Boston’s underground power structure. He wasn’t an ordinary man to be treated carelessly or dismissed. He wasn’t like them, wasn’t like

Chapter Forty-FiveNight had descended fully over Boston, darkness blanketing the city except for the countless lights twinkling from buildings and streetlamps. On the outskirts of the metropolitan area, far from the gleaming downtown towers, an abandoned warehouse came into view on a stretch of desolate land.But "abandoned" was deceptive. The structure was anything but neglected.The warehouse was extensively and suspiciously secured—far more than any legitimate abandoned property should be. CCTV cameras were mounted on every corner, every angle, providing comprehensive surveillance coverage. Armed guards were stationed throughout the perimeter. And inside, dangerous operations were being conducted far from public scrutiny or legal oversight.This was Ethan Cole’s private interrogation facility—one of several such locations he controlled throughout the city.Ethan and his right-hand man, Draven, walked toward the warehouse entrance. Several guards immediately straightened to attenti

Chapter Forty-SevenEthan Cole leaned casually against the sleek black car in the underground garage, checking his watch periodically as he waited for Victoria Chen to arrive. They had their usual morning routine—drive together to B Corporation, start the workday coordinated and efficient.Yesterday, his plan had been straightforward: get her safely to the company, then go about his day handling dangerous business without including her in the details. Keep her protected, insulated, safe.But yesterday’s conversation had changed everything.He sighed heavily, his mind working through how best to approach the situation and repair whatever damage his secrecy had caused. Things would definitely be awkward between them this morning unless they addressed it directly. The tension would hang between them like a heavy fog until one of them found the courage to clear the air.He pulled out his phone, scrolling absently through messages while his thoughts remained elsewhere. He had an important

Chapter Forty-Nine “What do you have to say about that, Ethan Cole?”Ethan closed his eyes briefly, forcing his breathing to remain even. When he spoke, his voice was ice.“I have plenty to say, Simon. The question is—are you prepared to hear it?”On the other end of the line, Simon Stone’s eyebrow arched upward, his posture shifting to full attention. So his suspicions were correct. But he needed to be absolutely certain. Time to push harder.“If I wasn’t prepared, I wouldn’t have reached out to you, Ethan Cole.” Simon’s voice carried a note of respect beneath the mockery. “You’re not a small-minded man yourself. Beating up the Stone family heir, even having the audacity to trigger him while he was hospitalized…” He paused, letting out a low chuckle. “I don’t know whether to call that foolish or brilliant, but I’ll give you the accolades. I see you, Ethan Cole. I really do.”Ethan stood from where he’d been leaning against his desk and walked slowly toward his swiveling chair. “If y