"You can visit the hospital whenever it's convenient for you," Franklin continued, “That will be all for now. Take care of yourself, Young Master,” The call ended as soon as he was done talking. Declan lowered his phone slowly, his mind processing everything Franklin had just told him. A serum that could enhance his physical capabilities to world-class levels. It seemed impossible, like it was l something from a movie but then again, everything about his life in the past few days had seemed impossible. And if all of that was real, why not this too? Carlos's voice broke through his thoughts, dripping with contempt. "I could tell you wanted to run just now," Carlos said, stepping closer. "I saw it in your eyes. You were thinking about it, calculating whether you could get away before I caught you." He sneered. "But you didn't dare, did you? Because I was present and you knew I'd tell everyone that you'd fled like the coward you are." Declan said nothing. He simply held

Meanwhile, outside the hospital in the parking lot, Nathan stood beside his expensive car, checking his watch. His entourage of students had already left for the Vanderbilt Club in various vehicles, excited to witness the upcoming confrontation.Nathan had been waiting for quite some time, his patience wearing thin. He pulled out his phone, scrolling through messages, when something occurred to him.He remembered seeing Declan with someone else earlier. Georgina.Nathan turned to one of his remaining companions. "That security guard – Declan. Doesn't he have some connection with Georgina Harper?"The student nodded. "Yeah, I heard they're pretty close. She defended him at that Elyxir Corporation presentation."Nathan's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He'd heard about that incident – how some executive had been exposed for corruption and the whole recruitment process had been disrupted."Carlos!" Nathan called out.Carlos jogged over immediately, "Yes, Nathan?""Is Declan involved with Ge

Miranda stood frozen, her mouth slightly open. She looked at the electronic scoring system, which clearly showed a valid touch registered for Declan."Point," she said weakly. "First point to... to Declan."The crowd exploded."What just happened?""Did Declan just score?""How is that possible?""Nathan had him completely dominated!"Carlos stared in disbelief. "That's... that's impossible. Nathan was winning!"On the fencing strip, Nathan stood absolutely still, staring at his empty hand as if he couldn't quite believe his sword was gone."This is impossible," Nathan said, his voice barely above a whisper.But the scoring system didn't lie. The point was registered. Declan had won the first round.The crowd slowly came back to their senses, their shock giving way to frantic rationalization."Nathan just underestimated him!""Yeah, he wasn't taking it seriously!""He probably let his guard down after dominating the exchange!""There's no way that was legitimate skill!"Nathan himsel

At the fencing club, Nathan’s mind raced, searching desperately for a way to salvage his dignity. Then it came to him and his expression hardened, — "You want to know the real reason I don't want to fight Declan again? The real reason I'm willing to let this go?" Sophie's eyes narrowed. "Enlighten me." "It's because you've depreciated in value," Nathan said loudly , so the other students would hear, "You publicly flirted with someone from the lower class. And by doing that, you've made yourself less valuable to me.” The crowd murmured at this, some nodding as if Nathan's logic made perfect sense. Sophie scoffed, the sound sharp and derisive. "You're really good at saving face for yourself, aren't you, Nathan?" She took a step closer to the fencing strip, her eyes blazing with anger, "If things were truly as you claim, then you should have let me go back at the bar." Her voice grew louder, more forceful. "But you didn't, did you? You threatened to bankrupt my family. You said yo

Declan stood there, looking down at Richard Sterling kneeling before him on the concrete. The CEO's head was still bowed low, his entire posture radiating gratitude and respect."Please, stand up," Declan said quietly. "There's no need for this."Richard Sterling rose to his feet slowly then he turned to his daughter, who still stood frozen beside the car, her face a mask of shock and confusion."Sophie," Richard said gently. "There's something I need to tell you. Something you should have known earlier, but the circumstances required absolute secrecy."Sophie's eyes moved from her father to Declan, then back again. "What is it?"Richard took a deep breath. "Declan isn't just someone I hired to help with your situation. He's not simply a capable young man with resources. Declan is the true owner of Apex Financial Group."Sophie's face went completely blank. For several seconds, she didn't move, didn't breathe, didn't even blink. Her mind seemed unable to process what she'd just heard.