"Is that… the Sterling CEO?"A young man in a delivery uniform nearly dropped his phone as he stared at the scene unfolding before him. His companion, an older woman carrying groceries, stopped beside him and gasped.Outside the towering steel gates of Northgate Federal Prison, a line of black luxury cars stretched along the road like a funeral procession. Each vehicle gleamed under the afternoon sun, their tinted windows hiding whoever sat inside. Men in dark suits stood at attention beside each door, their faces blank, their posture military-sharp.But it was the woman at the front who commanded attention.Claire Sterling.Everyone in the city knew that name. She was the CEO of Sterling Global Corporation, one of the most powerful business empires in the world. Her face had graced the covers of magazines. Her decisions had toppled competitors and built industries. She was known for her ice-cold elegance and her ruthless efficiency.And yet here she stood, outside a prison, waiting.

For a long moment, Ethan did not move.He stood there in the middle of the prison yard, staring down at the divorce papers scattered across the concrete. The check lay nearby, fluttering slightly in the breeze.Ten thousand dollars.That was what three years of his life was worth to her.Behind him, the guard shifted uncomfortably. A few other inmates who were being processed watched from a distance, their faces curious. They could sense the tension in the air. The kind of tension that came before something broke.Vivian stood beside her luxury car, arms folded, waiting. Her expression was smug. Satisfied. Like someone who had just won a game.She expected him to beg. To drop to his knees and plead with her. To tell her he would change, that he would be better, that he would do anything if she would just take him back.That was what weak men did.And in her mind, Ethan Cross was the weakest man she had ever known.Slowly, Ethan bent down. His knees creaked slightly as he crouched. His

Claire nodded, gesturing toward the lead limousine. "Of course, Master Cross. Please, allow me to personally escort you. We will have the entire convoy clear the path for you. We can be there in minutes." "No," Ethan said firmly, his voice cutting through the air. "The convoy stays here. I don't want a scene, and I don't want to scare my sister."Claire blinked, momentarily surprised by the rejection, but she quickly recovered and bowed. ”As you wish, Master Cross. But I will assign two of my best to escort you discreetly. No one will notice them. And… if you need anything—anything at all—contact me immediately.”She handed him a private card with a single phone number embossed on it.Ethan looked at the two stone-faced guards she pointed to, nodded. "Fine. Just the two of them. The rest of you—disappear."Claire bowed once more, then stepped back. Two bodyguards quietly moved into position, flanking Ethan without drawing attention. The convoy of vehicles behind them stayed hidden

David's scream died in his throat, replaced by shallow, gasping breaths. Blood continued to seep from the corner of his mouth, staining his expensive leather jacket.Mrs. Hart stood frozen near the window, her hand pressed against her mouth. Her eyes were wide with terror. She had never seen anything like this. Her son, her arrogant, confident son, was lying broken on the floor like a discarded toy.And the man responsible stood over him with the calm expression of someone watering plants."Please," Mrs. Hart whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, he did not mean"Ethan's gaze shifted to her. Just for a moment. But it was enough to make her words die in her throat.David's mouth opened and closed. He tried to speak, but only wet, choking sounds came out. His body trembled. Tears mixed with the blood on his face.Ethan pressed down slightly harder with his foot.David screamed again. The sound was raw and desperate. His hands clawed uselessly at Ethan's leg, trying to push him off. B

The hall fell silent. Even the music seemed to fade into nothing. All eyes turned toward the shattered entrance."What the fuck was that?!" one of the guards barked, raising his rifle."Eyes up!" another shouted. All weapons snapped to aim.Everyone held their breath.As the dust cleared, a silhouette emerged—broad shoulders, clenched fists, death in his eyes.Ethan stepped forward, his face unreadable… but the fury in his gaze could’ve melted iron. His gaze swept across the room. Past the expensive furniture. Past the well-dressed guests frozen in shock. Past Vivian and Marcus and Richard. His eyes found the cage.And the girl inside it.Lily his sister.Her face was pale. Blood covered her arms, her forehead, her bare feet. Her body trembled violently.And she was on her knees.Something inside Ethan's chest twisted so painfully that he could barely breathe.For three years, he had survived on one thought. One promise.That he would come back for her.That he would protect her.