Once breakfast was over, Vivian rose immediately, gathering her briefcase and car keys with sharp, angry movements. She was dressed impeccably for work—a tailored navy suit that emphasized her natural elegance, her dark hair pulled back in a severe bun that matched her icy demeanor.Caden stood as well, straightening his considerably more casual attire. "I'll walk you out."Vivian said nothing, simply turning on her heel and striding toward the exit with quick, clipped steps. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor, each step punctuating her obvious displeasure.Caden followed at a leisurely pace, unfazed by her mood. He had his own private business to handle after seeing her off, but first, he needed to make sure she got to her car safely—especially after yesterday's shooting incident.They walked through the villa's grand entrance and out into the circular driveway where Vivian's sleek black Mercedes was parked. The morning sun was already climbing higher, promising anoth

"The part where you think I care what they say." Vivian's chin lifted with that familiar pride. "I don't. Not really. My family's opinions don't dictate my choices—they never have. If they did, I would have married Derek Chen years ago and spent my life being miserable just to make them happy."She paused, her expression softening almost imperceptibly. "We're not close, you and I. We barely know each other. This marriage was forced on both of us by circumstances and family obligations. But...""But?" Caden prompted when she hesitated."But the things that have happened so far—the way you saved me from those kidnappers, how you handled the situation at the club, securing the contract with Marvelous Group—they've proven something to me." Vivian's gaze held his steadily. "You're a good person, Caden. Whatever else you might be, whatever secrets you might be hiding, I believe that much is true."Caden felt something shift in his chest at her words, though he kept his expression neutral."

Caden's back was still turned to Richard, his posture seemingly relaxed and unguarded. To any ordinary observer, he would have appeared completely vulnerable to the incoming attack.But Caden was far from ordinary.Years of training under Master Aldrich had honed his senses to razor-sharp precision. He felt the shift in air pressure, heard the whisper of fabric moving, sensed the hostile intent radiating from behind him. Even without looking, he knew exactly where Richard was, the trajectory of his arm, the precise moment the slap would land.In one fluid, almost casual motion, Caden's hand shot up and caught Richard's wrist mid-swing.The impact of palm meeting wrist created a soft smacking sound that seemed impossibly loud in the morning quiet.Richard's eyes widened in shock, his momentum completely arrested. His arm trembled with the force he'd put behind the blow, but Caden held him effortlessly in place, as unmovable as a steel post."What—how did you—" Richard sputtered, unable

The Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail buzzed with its usual morning activity—guards conducting rounds, lawyers shuffling through paperwork, the distant echoes of inmates calling out from their cells. Into this environment stepped Derek Chen, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit that probably cost more than most of the guards made in a month.The moment he crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted."Mr. Chen!" The desk sergeant immediately stood, smoothing down his uniform. "What an honor, sir. We weren't expecting you today."Derek waved his hand dismissively, though his expression showed clear pleasure at the recognition. "I'm here to see one of your inmates. Brandon Montgomery.""Of course, of course!" The sergeant snapped his fingers at a junior officer. "Henderson! Get Mr. Chen some refreshments. Coffee? Water? We have some pastries in the break room—""Coffee will be fine. Black, no sugar." Derek settled into one of the chairs in the waiting area, crossing one leg over

Caden arrived at the Marvelous Group building, bypassing the lobby entirely and heading straight for the exclusive elevator reserved for upper management. His fingerprint granted him access, and the doors slid open smoothly. The elevator ascended silently, carrying him directly to the top floor where Sebastian Mitchell's office occupied the entire penthouse level.The doors opened to reveal a spacious reception area, but Caden walked past it without pause, heading straight for the CEO's office. The secretary at the desk didn't even try to stop him—she'd been thoroughly briefed after the incident with the previous secretary who'd been fired.Caden pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside.Sebastian was already expecting him, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles. The moment he caught sight of Caden, his face broke into a wide grin, and he began clapping his hands in exaggerated applause."There he is! The newlywed hu