Chapter 21.Clinton gave a firm nod. "Consider it done."He turned, his gaze settling on a distinguished, white-haired man who stood at respectful attention a few paces behind him. "Dominic," Clinton said, his tone shifting to one of clear command. "You will handle the preparations for the Treasure Hospital tender dinner. Make it the most prestigious event this city has seen. Every detail must be flawless."The man, Dominic Max, stepped forward. He was the picture of solemn efficiency. He gave a sharp, formal bow, clasping his hands together. "It will be an honor, Lord Clinton. You have my solemn word. Every detail will be handled with the utmost care."Adam watched as Dominic bowed again before retreating from the room, his posture rigid with purpose. A cold, thoughtful silence settled in Adam’s mind as he observed the man's departing back.He knew exactly who Dominic was—the head of the Max family, the proud father of Luca Max.A thin, ice-cold smile touched Adam’s lips. Domin

Gasps erupted from the small crowd that had gathered. The security captain's face went pale, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Zed stumbled backward, one hand flying to his reddening cheek. For a moment, disbelief replaced fury—the stunned expression of a man who couldn't comprehend that someone had actually dared.Then his eyes reddened with rage."You bastard!" Zed lunged forward, raising both hands to strike.Adam caught them mid-swing. His grip tightened, squeezing slowly, deliberately. Zed's face contorted. His knees bent slightly as the pressure mounted, bones grinding together."What did you say about your shoe again?" Adam asked, his voice dangerously quiet.Before Zed could respond, Adam's foot came down, deliberately, on the polished leather of Zed's right shoe. The expensive material creaked under his heel."You!" Zed screamed through gritted teeth, pain and fury warring in his voice.SLAP.The second blow landed on the other cheek, harder than the first. Zed'

Delighted by his response, Olivia's face lit up. "Thank you, Adam. Tomorrow, then."She turned and walked away.Kai watched her until she vanished around a corner, then turned to Adam with a knowing grin. "Who's this beauty, brother? And more importantly—why is she lending you her car?"Adam hit his chest lightly. "Focus, man."Kai chuckled. "I'm focused. Just wondering how my ugly brother landed such an elegant company."Adam laughed. “You haven't changed a bit.”Then Kai's expression shifted. The humor faded, replaced by something heavier. "Adam. How did you get back on your feet? I tried visiting you after... everything. They denied me entry. Said you weren't receiving anyone."Adam's jaw tightened. He glanced around—at the gate, the lingering onlookers, the security captain still slumped against his booth."Hop in," Adam said quietly, nodding toward the sedan. "We have a lot to talk about. Just not here."Kai nodded and slid into the passenger seat. Adam started the engine, and

Tracy turned to Luca, her expression shifting from cold to gentle affection. She traced a finger along his chest, her touch light and deliberate."Luca, darling," she murmured, her voice honeyed. "My younger brother, John, just started a small construction and renovation company. Nothing major, but he's ambitious. He works hard."Luca raised an eyebrow, waiting.She tilted her head, feigning hesitance. "I was thinking... with Treasure Hospital changing hands, there will surely be renovations. Upgrades. A project of that scale needs contractors." Her eyes met his. "Could you pull some strings? Help him secure something connected to it?"Luca's chest puffed slightly. He waved a hand dismissively."That's nothing." He patted his own chest confidently. "The Max family name carries power. A few calls—your brother will have more work than he can handle. Consider it done."Tracy's face lit up. Genuine joy flickered in her eyes—not for her brother, perhaps, but for the proof of Luca's power.

The driver was John Black, Tracy's younger brother—his smug expression firmly in place. But Luca was nowhere to be seen.Adam's gaze swept across the vehicle. John behind the wheel. In the passenger seat, Zara Black—Tracy's mother, In the back, Jaxson Black, Tracy's father.Tracy sat in the back, wedged between her father and brother, and the moment her eyes landed on Adam, every drop of color drained from her face. Her mouth opened, but no sound emerged. She looked as though she had seen a ghost in broad daylight—a specter risen from the grave to haunt her.Her beautiful eyes held only disbelief. Raw, unfiltered shock.The man she had paralyzed—drugged from the neck down, force-fed poison with her own hands—stood before her. Alive, whole and unmarked. Almost instinctively, they suspected that the poison dealer must have sold her fake poison. Or perhaps the experimental toxin's potency had somehow mutated—rendering it ineffective when it should have killed.Adam watched them spir