“This place looks expensive,” Sienna said for the umpteenth time as she stared around the villa.Arabella couldn’t help but agree with her. Marble floors stretched endlessly beneath their feet, chandeliers casting soft light across their space. Every detail of the interior was flawless, carefully placed and expensive.But she was more worried about Maxwell. Where was he?She tried calling him but his line was not reachable and the servants here had no idea where he was or who he was which sounded strange.Wasn’t he the one who asked for them to be kept here?“You are worrying too much about that useless man, Arabella,” Sienna said with a grunt. “Look at these fine meals the servants had prepared for us. I told you the Vallis had brought us for a private dinner!”“Mum, eat if you want to but don’t be so gullible to think the Vallis cares about us!” Arabella responded, trying hard to contain her anger. “Why did they have to wait until now to contact us?”“And you think Maxwell would be

Arabella held his gaze for a second longer. She knew Maxwell’s silence meant he was leaving this for her to decide. Her fingers curled at her sides as she turned back to her mother.“Mom,” she began, her voice calmer now but firm. “This isn’t about space.”Sienna frowned immediately. “What does that mean?”“It means,” Arabella continued, choosing her words carefully. “We just got here. We don’t even understand what’s going on properly and you are already making decisions for everyone.”Sienna let out a scoff. “Decisions? I’m thinking ahead! That’s something you clearly don’t know how to do!”Arabella’s brows furrowed slightly, but she didn’t back down in saying her mind. “This house… it just wasn’t given randomly,” she said. “And you haven’t even appreciated who gave this to us yet and you are already planning on bringing everyone in immediately like nothing matters.”“Giving thanks? Why didn’t the gifter come along with Maxwell, why should I be the one to worry myself about it?” Sie

“And what’s your business with that ma?” Mike thundered. “I can do anything I like with my life! I need some money.”“I’m not giving you anymore money!” Sienna yelled baxk. “Every penny I give to you, you spend it out drinking and you come back asking me for more? Where do you expect I get it from? From the trees?!”“I don’t care ma!” He stood up from the couch and walked over to her. “You will give me some money or else—”Sienna flinched at her son’s tone. Her hands shook at her sides as she stared into her son’s eyes.—“Or else what?” Sienna snapped, folding her arms across her chest, refusing to back down despite the flicker of fear that passed through her eyes.Mike’s jaw tightened. His eyes were bloodshot, his shirt half-buttoned, the stench of alcohol clinging to him like a second skin.“Don’t push me today, ma,” he muttered, his voice dropping into something darker. “I’m not in the mood for your lectures.”“You’re never in the mood!” Sienna shot back. “All you do is drink, wast

Mike’s finger tapped restlessly against the counter. Then, a shadow fell over him. “Hehe, look at this debtor having fun!” Mike’s heart skipped a beat as his eyes widened. He didn’t turn around immediately, there was no need. He could recognize that voice anywhere. But, how did they find him? Slowly, he glanced sideways. Three heavily built men. They were all dressed in black with tattoos and menacing gazes as they glared down at him. Mike forced a laugh as he forced himself to look calm. “Relax. I was just about to come settle it.” “Settle it?” One of them repeated with a raised brow, looking unimpressed. “You have been saying that for three straight days, motherfucker!” Mike’s jaw tightened. “I said I’ll pay,” he snapped. “Why are you acting like I’m running away?” The tallest one stepped closer. Close enough that Mike could smell the cigarette smoke on him. “You don’t have money,” he said bluntly. Silence. Mike’s grip tightened around his glass. “I will,” he mutte

A sharp splash hit his face—“Gah—!”Mike jerked awake violently, coughing as water ran down his nose and into his mouth. His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, his entire body screaming in protest.His head throbbed, his ribs burned. Every inch of him ached. He blinked repeatedly, his vision blurry at first before slowly clearing.A dim light flickered above him. Metal bars in his front, he was surrounded by concrete walls. The smell of sweat, rust and something rotten drifted into his nose all at once. He was in a cell.“…shit…” he rasped, dragging in a shaky breath.“You’re finally awake,” a voice spoke from outside.Mike froze. Slowly, he lifted his head. And Maxwell standing right in front of him, composed.For a moment, Mike just stared.Then his expression twisted.“You?” he croaked, wiping water from his face with the back of his hand. “What the hell are you doing here?”Maxwell didn’t answer immediately.His gaze moved over Mike—every bruise, every cut, every sign of h