*****As it turned out, Crossway City’s higher-ups had already learned of West End’s victory in the Five-Century War, and more importantly, they had learned that the Supreme War God… the man who had single-handedly turned the tide had originated from Crossway, and that he was returning tonight.That was why every single one of them had gathered at the airport with their families in tow, bringing the most exquisite, priceless, and absurdly over-the-top gifts they could lay their hands upon with them… antiques, rare treasures, family heirlooms, and even assets worth small nations.All of it to impress him, gain his favor, and to catch his eye… even for a single second, so they could use that fleeting attention to catapult their families straight to the top of the food chain.The realization hit Zach like a slap to the face, and for a brief moment, shock flickered across his eyes.Then… pure coldness appeared in his eyes, his gaze darkening instantly.His first thought was that the

*****Before Zach could even form a complete thought, however, instinct seized control.His fist lashed out in a brutal punch, cutting through the air with explosive force, aimed straight at the figure in his duvet.The sheer power behind the strike alone instantly made even the small room shudder, the standing fan rattling in protest as if fearing for its life.But…Just an inch away from impact, Zach stopped.The murderous intent rolling off him didn’t fade, and the cold, dangerous glint in his eyes didn’t soften.His knuckles still hovered there, trembling with restrained violence.But then, slowly and cautiously, Zach withdrew his fist.Every muscle in his body remained tightly coiled, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. Finally, with his other hand, he reached toward the duvet, his movements measured and deliberate. Then...He yanked the duvet back, prepared to strike again at the slightest sign of hostility or danger.In the following second, however…

*****One of the men had grabbed the woman’s wrist while another had pressed in close behind her, trapping her completely.Her breath had hitched audibly over the music, panic flashing unrefined and unfiltered across her face.“Relax, doll... we’re not the bad guys. You looked lonely, so we figured we’d keep you company.”“Aww… are you scared? That’s kinda cute.”The group of men all exploded into wild, unhinged laughter, and… that was it.Zach had stopped walking.Then his grip had slowly tightened, his knuckles whitening.No matter how indifferent he felt, no matter how exhausted, and no matter how badly he wanted to numb his own mind… that had crossed a line.So, with a low sigh that carried more irritation than heroism, Zach had turned around, and what followed…It was quick, brutal, and efficient.He hadn’t shouted or threatened them.He had simply told them to let go of her. But unfortunately… they had overestimated their own strength. So, his fist slammed into sev

*****Without even realizing it, Zach’s jaw tightened even harder, his fists clenched at his sides.The frustration surging through him was so intense that it nearly felt physical… like a blade lodged beneath his ribs.All these years, he had kept his chastity, touching no woman whatsoever.It wasn’t out of weakness or his inability.But instead, because of Michelle… and because no woman other than her had ever managed to cause the slightest ripple to his heart.But now, due to a moment of carelessness and vulnerability, he had…‘What do I do now…?’This question couldn’t help but suddenly echo in his head.Over the years, Zach had faced millions of armies and bloodbaths without blinking.He had also stood before countless enemies who could level cities and felt nothing but cold focus.He had always been cold, dominant, and emotionless. Yet here he was… seated frozen in a modest hotel room, feeling more disoriented than he had in years.The irony was bitter enough to choke