Chapter Two: Suite 12 The bus pulled to a stop just as the last light bled from the sky.Dylan stepped onto the gravel dock, his shoes crunching softly beneath him. Around him, the other staff filtered out, stretching their legs and checking their phones. Then, one by one, they went quiet.Coral Bay Island sprawled before them like something out of a dream.The beach curved in a perfect crescent, the sand so white it seemed to glow under the rising moon. Palm trees swayed in the breeze, their shadows dancing across the shore. The air smelled like salt and something sweeter—hibiscus, maybe—carried on the wind. In the distance, waves whispered against the rocks.And at the center of it all stood the resort.Dylan had seen wealth before. He'd carried groceries into penthouses and delivered packages to gated estates. But this was different. The building rose from the island like a fortress of glass and steel, every surface catching the moonlight. Balconies spilled with greenery. Warm lig

Chapter Four: [System Activated]Dylan kept walking.The trail wound upward through the trees, dirt crunching beneath his shoes. Every step hurts. His ribs ached with each breath. His left eye was swollen shut, the skin around it tight and hot. Blood had dried on his split lip, and a cut across his cheek stung every time the wind touched it.He didn’t care.The pain in his body was nothing compared to the hollow ache in his chest."I’ll never leave you, Dylan. Not in this life, not ever."Grace’s voice echoed in his head, soft and sweet — a memory from just days ago, when he’d believed her. When he’d thought she meant it.Then came the other voice. The real one."He’s a nobody. A waiter. Why would I lower myself to speak to someone like that?"Dylan’s throat tightened. He tilted his head back, staring at the moon. It hung there, cold and distant, casting silver light over the island like it was mocking him.Maybe everyone was right. Maybe women didn’t stay when you had nothing. Maybe

Chapter Six: The First Step Towards Revenge"Well, well, if it isn't Dylan."Dylan's blood went cold. He turned slowly.Caleb stood near the entrance, flanked by two of his usual followers. Their smirks spread across their faces like a disease. Caleb's laugh cut through the quiet murmur of the boutique, sharp and mocking."What did I just hear?" Caleb's voice carried across the store. "You? Shopping? Here?"A few customers turned to look. Some smiled. Others whispered behind their hands.Dylan's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.The boutique around them gleamed with wealth. Marble floors caught the light from crystal chandeliers overhead. Gold-trimmed mirrors reflected every angle, multiplying the luxury. Mannequins wore suits that cost more than most people made in a year, their blank faces judging everyone who walked past.Caleb sauntered forward, his grin widening. "Look who crawled out of the gutter." His followers snickered on cue. "Dylan Chase. Shouldn't you be running errands

Chapter Eight: Whispers and WoundsThe cafeteria hummed with life. Trays clattered. Voices overlapped. The smell of fried chicken and fresh bread filled the air.Grace sat alone at a corner table, staring at her untouched plate of mac and cheese with fried chicken. Her phone lay face-up beside it, the screen dark and silent.She’d called Dylan six times that morning. Six times, straight to voicemail.He’d never ignored her like this before.The scrape of a tray across the table made her look up. Amanda slid into the seat across from her, balancing a plate piled high with spaghetti, garlic bread, and chocolate cake.“Grace.” Amanda’s voice was soft, concerned. “You look terrible. Are you okay?”Grace shook her head. “He still hasn’t answered.”“Dylan?”“Yeah.” Grace’s fingers curled around her phone. “I’ve called him all morning. Nothing. Not even a text.”Amanda opened her mouth to say something, then froze. Her brows shot up as she pulled her own phone from her pocket. “Wait. Oh my G

Chapter Ten: The Tenant Turns Master "Will you help me with that, sir?" Dylan asked smoothly. "Finding a new place?" The landlord stood frozen, clutching his phone like it might vanish if he let go. His eyes darted between Dylan and the bank alert on his screen. One hundred and twenty thousand dollars. From the boy who couldn’t pay twelve. Dylan waited, watching the old man’s face cycle through shock, confusion, and finally—greed. The landlord’s mouth twitched, then broke into a wide grin. “Dylan Chase!” He practically sang the name. “I always knew you had it in you. Just hiding your light, that’s all.” He gestured toward the door. “Come, come. We’ll find you a place before the day ends.” Dylan nodded. “Give me a minute to change.” “I’ll call an agent right now.” The landlord was already pulling out his phone again. “We’ll meet him at the corner.” He hurried out, his voice echoing down the hall as he made the call. Dylan shook his head, amusement flickering across his face. A