The night grew deeper as Ares stood near a deserted overpass. City lights stretched into the distance, shimmering like thin lines amid the darkness. Cold wind brushed against his face, but it was not enough to calm his thoughts.He leaned against the iron railing, staring at the stream of vehicles below.“Can I build something on my own…?” he murmured.His thoughts drifted to an idea that had been circling his mind for the past few days. A company. Not a big corporation, not an ambition. Just enough to stand on his own feet.But reality quickly followed.“Where would the capital come from?” he said softly with a hollow laugh. “I’ve only been working as an assistant and bodyguard for a short time.”Ares rubbed his face roughly. He recalled Rachel’s gaze earlier that night. The mockery. That cynical smile that seemed to say he was still nothing.“I don’t want to be looked down on again,” he whispered.He stared at his hands. Hands that had just brought down dozens of large men. That str

Chapter 23The car drove away from the hospital area at a steady speed. Streetlights reflected off the window glass, creating long shadows that shifted slowly. Elara sat in the back seat, leaning back in exhaustion, both hands clasped together on her lap.“Tom,” her voice was soft, almost drowned out by the hum of the engine. “Have you found Ares?”Tom glanced through the rearview mirror. “I’ve received word from him, Miss.”Elara straightened immediately. “Where is he?”“He’s already back at the Cole residence,” Tom replied. “It seems he has returned home.”Elara let out a long breath. The tension that had been pressing on her chest finally eased a little.“Thank goodness.”Tom gave a faint smile. “I’m relieved to hear that as well.”Elara turned her gaze back toward the window. The nighttime road looked quiet. An overpass stretched out before them, orange lights lined up neatly like silent sentinels.But Elara failed to notice one thing.A black car without a front license plate was

A few days after the conversation about capital, Ares’s life returned to an almost normal rhythm. Mornings were spent accompanying Elara when she left, afternoons were used to jot down rough ideas about the business he wanted to build, and nights were once again filled with thoughts that often drifted aimlessly. But tonight was different.The banquet Elara was attending was not a small event.The hotel building where the event was held stood grandly in the city center. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, reflecting light onto the gleaming marble floor. Guests arrived in tailored suits, expensive gowns, and smiles that felt carefully practiced.Ares stood half a step behind Elara, as usual. The black suit he wore fit his body well, his face expressionless, his gaze alert.“Elara,” someone called from a distance.Elara turned and smiled politely. “Mr. Wilson.”Maxim Wilson walked over confidently. Beside him, Rachel Corrie held onto his arm. Rachel’s dress was simple yet cle

Chapter 27The late afternoon sky hung low as Ares stepped into the grounds of the Cole residence. Neatly arranged trees stood in rows, their leaves moving gently in the wind. Everything looked calm, too calm, as if the world outside the tall gates had never touched this place.Ares paused for a moment before going inside. He took a long breath, trying to steady himself.“I am fine,” he murmured, not sure to whom.As soon as the main door opened, Tom was already standing there. His suit was as neat as ever, his face calm, but there was something different in his eyes today, warmer.“Ares,” Tom greeted.Ares nodded. “Tom.”Tom gestured for Ares to follow him into a small room beside the living room. Inside, there was only a simple wooden table and two chairs.“Please sit,” Tom said.Ares complied. His heart beat a little faster for no clear reason.Tom opened the brown folder in his hand and took out a thick piece of paper. He slid it slowly toward Ares.“This is from Miss Elara,” Tom

Chapter 29The morning at the Cole residence passed quietly, as usual. Sunlight streamed through the dining room windows, reflecting softly on the surface of the long table that had already been neatly set. The aroma of warm coffee and toasted bread filled the room.Elara sat in her chair, briefly reading a report on her tablet while occasionally sipping her coffee. Her face looked fresher than it had a few days earlier, though traces of fatigue had not completely disappeared.At the side of the table, Tom stood with an upright posture. Ares stood not far from him, both hands folded neatly in front of his body, his demeanor calm even though his mind was clearly not entirely at ease.“Ares,” Elara said suddenly, still looking at the screen. “How is your proposal?”Ares flinched slightly. “The proposal…?”“For your business,” Elara continued, lowering the tablet and looking at him. “How far along is it?”Ares swallowed. “Not one hundred percent yet,” he answered honestly. “It is still i