“Zoe,” he called.She spun around, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him.“Oh, Desmond!” she said brightly.He smiled. “Shopping?”“Yes.” she smiled, holding up three heavy-looking bags. “Just grabbing a few things for the house.”“That looks heavy,” Desmond said, stepping out of the car. He took the bags from her, feeling the weight immediately. “I’ll drop you off at home.”Zoe shook her head, laughing softly. “It’s fine. I can manage.”“No,” he insisted, already moving toward the backseat. “Don’t worry. I’ll drop you off.” He placed the bags carefully in the car. “Maybe I should get a personal shoppers for you, so you don’t have to carry all this.”“You’re spoiling us way too much,” Zoe said with a soft smile. “But it’s fine. I enjoy coming to the market sometimes.”Desmond chuckled, sliding into the driver’s seat, while Zoe took the front passenger seat.As they drove slowly, the rain came down hard, so heavy that Desmond could barely see and the roads became dangerous.Desmo

Desmond’s gaze darkened as he stared down at Cherry.He glanced at Asher, his eyes still partially fixed on her. “How the hell did she get here? I thought regular people can’t see the Golden Empire unless we grant them access.”Asher crossed his arms. “She can’t see the Empire.”“Then how did she get here?”Asher shrugged. “I don’t know. You should go and ask her.”Desmond looked at him. “And how did you even know that was Cherry?”“Spotted her. Did a quick scan. Saw her pictures online, saw her name,” Asher said casually. “Then I remembered and figured she was here for you.”Desmond’s eyes widened slightly. Gosh, this Empire was full of surprises.He exhaled sharply and made his way downstairs. He was beyond pissed. The mere thought of her showing up here made his blood boil.When he stepped outside the Empire, he saw her standing there.The moment her gaze landed on him, her eyes lit up. “Mr. Knight!”Desmond raised a brow. “It’s Mr. Knight now, is it?”Cherry stepped closer. “Pleas

“Is everyone ready?” Irius asked calmly.Vivian’s eyes widened the moment she saw him. Before anyone could say a word, she gasped and rushed forward.“Oh my gosh. Who is this?” she exclaimed, stopping right in front of him.Her eyes scanned his face in awe.His pale skin… his sharp features… his golden hair, it all looked unreal.“Why does he look like this?” she added, completely fascinated. “He looks so good.”Without thinking, she reached out and touched his face lightly.Asher watched the interaction, then glanced at Desmond. “He actually looks better than before.”Desmond nodded slowly. When he first met Irius, the boy was as skinny and pale as a zombie. But now, he looked much better. Less pale.“I think it's because your ability has improved.” Asher added.Desmond looked down at his hands.That was true.Vivian suddenly wrapped her arms around Irius. “Is he even human?” she asked dramatically. “He looks like he fell from the sky!”Irius had remained expressionless the entire ti

“Shit,” Desmond muttered under his breath. If Elias saw him, he'd be done for. Elias had encountered him, and it wouldn’t take more than a glance for him to recognize him. If that happened, their plans would be crushed, and being in Black Finger’s hideout themselves made them extremely vulnerable. They’d be on the losing end before they even started.His legs kept moving, carrying him forward, heart pounding. He thought about taking another route, going somewhere else to avoid detection. He walked, slowly at first, then a bit faster, trying to stay calm.“Stop.”He froze as he heard Elias’ voice from behind him.“Oh…no,” Desmond breathed under his breath. He couldn’t risk turning his head, but if he didn’t stop walking, he’d draw attention. He slowed his steps, finally coming to a halt. His mind raced. He needed a plan…fast.From the corner of his eye, he spotted another man walking toward Elias, carrying a box. The man halted, and Elias barked, “That’s the wrong box. Go get the bla

“Shit,” Desmond cursed under his breath. “Someone triggered something. Go check it out!” a voice echoed from inside as footsteps thundered toward the lab. Desmond quickly grabbed Zoe's hand. “Let’s go.” Vivian and Asher had already started moving ahead. They ran until they reached a less crowded area, stopping to catch their breath. Their chests rose and fell rapidly as they turned back toward the main field outside the lab. Sirens blared loudly, echoing through the entire building. “What was that noise?” someone shouted. “What the hell is going on?” another voice added. Vivian glanced at Desmond, panic flickering in her eyes. “Dessy, I'm scared.” “Don't be…” Desmond told her softly. “What the fuck is going on?” someone else muttered nearby. Then… “What’s all this ruckus about?” That voice. Desmond and Asher froze slightly, then exchanged a look. It was Elias’ voice. “Mr. Eli.” One of the men rushed toward him. “There was some sort of explosion. Some of the serums broke—