As for Arya, he remained seated at the dining table with a calm, unbothered expression — only the faintest crease forming between his brows.Several gun barrels were pointed directly at him, yet he felt no fear. His immortal body was beyond the reach of any firearm. That wasn't what troubled him.What troubled him was the fact that they had forced their way into his home, sent his little daughter into a screaming panic — and for a reason that made absolutely no sense.Assault and battery against seven people earlier that afternoon? That was when he had dealt with Danan's hired thugs.No — that had been self-defense, hadn't it?He was now being treated as a criminal for defending himself against men who had come to harm him? Labeled as the aggressor?Since when had protecting yourself from an unprovoked attack become a crime?But Arya understood exactly what was happening. He couldn't help the thin smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth as he looked over the assembled officers."

At that same moment, inside the company's R&D research center, Evelyn stood watching her team with a quiet smile she couldn't quite suppress.She turned the small jar of vivid green cream over in her hands. The relief that settled over her was real. The formula Arya had handed her on that single slip of paper was no bluff — if anything, it surpassed everything her team had been struggling to develop on their own.She still had no idea how that strange man had known exactly what she needed, or why he had simply walked in and handed it to her. She didn't have time to think about that now.She looked toward the middle-aged man standing a short distance away. "Is it genuinely safe? No harmful side effects?"Arga, the head of Valen Beauty's R&D team, nodded — though his expression carried a trace of something closer to awe than simple confirmation."Safe doesn't even begin to cover it, President Evelyn. This formula is... it's brilliant. Given where modern science and pharmacology currentl

"Deputy Mayor Daniel?"Fear and panic crept into Doyle's chest, but he forced himself to stay composed, rising to his feet to receive the man.He smiled. "Mr. Daniel, what brings you here? You should have called ahead — I would have prepared a proper welcome.""If I had announced my arrival beforehand, would you truly have welcomed me?" Daniel asked, his tone carrying a distinct chill."Of course!" Doyle nodded quickly, the brief flash of arrogance in his expression immediately replaced by something more cooperative and deferential. "A visit from Mr. Daniel is a rare occasion, so—""I don't need your welcome." Daniel cut him off, and this time his gaze settled on the corrupt officer before him with quiet, unwavering coldness."I'm here for the same reason as Lawyer Darren and this young woman. I'm asking you to suspend the arrest and investigation of Mr. Arya Ananta. Better yet — release him now."The smile vanished from Doyle's face. A shadow passed over it.In truth, with Danan's ba

When Marius heard the question, a flicker of irritation surfaced — but he pushed it down the moment he remembered just how far this situation had escalated. A mayor. A provincial Inspector General. This was not a routine disciplinary matter. Someone had to have given Doyle the push to do something this reckless, and whoever it was, they were still out there. With a slow, heavy nod, Marius said with quiet resolve, "Mr. Arya, you have my word. We will pursue this matter in full. As for Doyle—" He paused, thinking of the subordinate who had, until now, been one of his more reliable officers. He didn't know what punishment fit what had been done. In the end, he simply clenched his jaw, exhaled, and said it plainly. "He will face the consequences he deserves. Dismissal may be the least of it." "No!" Doyle, who had been listening from the floor, suddenly cried out and scrambled upright. "Sir, you can't dismiss me! I've given years to this department — years of hard work! You can't just

By midday, with the sun high overhead, Arya's group finally arrived at the place Thomas had been referring to. Awan Villa — a prestigious residential complex perched at the peak of Mount Wayan, accessible only to those with wealth and standing. Among the row of luxury villas that lined the slopes, Villa number one stood tallest and most imposing at the very summit: a four-story building sprawling across dozens of hectares of land. The cars pulled up in front of the gate. Arya had barely stepped out before a small figure came sprinting toward him. "Daddy! Daddy!" Kiara had seen him the moment the car door opened, and she ran without hesitation. "Daddy's finally back! Waaah — Ara was so scared!" "Oh, sweetheart..." Guilt settled over him immediately. Arya crouched down and gathered her into his arms. "I'm sorry. Daddy made Ara sad." "Huuuhh..." Tears streamed down her face as she pressed against him. "Daddy said he'd be back this morning — but he wasn't! Ara thought... Ara though