Kevin stood in front of the rusty iron gate. The black paint was peeling in places, revealing layers of reddish rust that spread like old wounds that never healed.Five years ago, this gate had always been shiny, guarded by two security guards who rotated every eight hours. Now, the guard post was empty, with wild grass growing in the cracks of the paving blocks.He pushed the gate. The hinges creaked loudly, breaking the silence of the evening that was growing dark.Kevin didn't know what he expected when he returned to this place. Perhaps nothing. He just wanted to see. To see the faces of the people who had abandoned him. The faces of the people who had handed him over to be tortured for three days and three nights, then thrown into the ravine like useless rubbish.The garden, which used to be neat, now looked messy. The untrimmed trees grew wild, their branches stretching out in all directions. But the main house still stood majestically at the end of the road. Three storeys with

The Wibisono family mansion was filled with invited guests from early morning. Luxury cars were lined up in the spacious courtyard decorated with white and red flowers. Waiters in black and white uniforms were busy carrying trays of drinks and snacks, serving the arriving guests.On the main stage set up in the middle of the garden, a gold-carved bed was the centre of attention. On it lay a girl in a luxurious white wedding dress. Vivian Wibisono. Her eyes were closed, her face pale as a candle, her body so thin that her bones protruded beneath the silk fabric.She looked like a corpse dressed for burial, not a bride waiting for her husband.The guests gathered near the stage, whispering in tones that were a mixture of pity and curiosity."Poor Miss Vivian," a middle-aged woman whispered to her friend. "She used to be so beautiful and cheerful. Now look at her...""I heard the Wibisono family has taken her to dozens of hospitals," her friend replied. "But no one can cure her.""Not ju

Kevin postponed the question for later. Right now, the most important thing was to remove the poison from her body. The first needle pierced a point at the base of her skull. The second needle was inserted into her wrist. The third, fourth, and fifth needles were inserted into vital points that controlled blood flow and energy.Kevin worked with intense concentration, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. His hands moved quickly but precisely, inserting needle after needle into Vivian's body.After twenty-seven needles were in place, Kevin stopped. He took a deep breath, then began to twist the needles with very gentle movements.His energy flowed through the needles, entering Vivian's body, seeking out and gathering the toxins scattered throughout her system. Slowly, the toxins began to concentrate in one spot, in her lower abdomen.The process took almost an hour. When Kevin was finally finished, his face was pale with exhaustion. But his work was not done.Carefully, he began

Kevin stared at his phone screen for a few seconds, then placed it calmly on the table. He picked up his cup of tea and sipped it slowly."You refused your father's request."The voice came from behind him. Kevin wasn't surprised. He had sensed Vivian's presence a few seconds ago."Yes." Kevin replied without turning around.Vivian walked over and sat down in the chair opposite Kevin. She was wearing a simple light blue house dress, her hair loose. Her face was no longer pale, her cheeks now rosy pink. Her body was still thin, but it was starting to fill out.Her transformation over the past week had been remarkable. The girl who had once looked like a living corpse now looked like a healthy, beautiful young woman, one who was hard to match."Your relationship with your family..." Vivian began cautiously. "Not good?"Kevin put down his teacup. "There is no relationship. They are not my family."Vivian paused for a moment, studying her husband's face. "I heard about what happened five

The Wibisono Group executive meeting room is located on the top floor of the building. Its walls are made of tempered glass, offering a panoramic view of the sprawling city of Aranca. The long meeting table, made of solid teak wood, can accommodate thirty people. A large projector screen is mounted on the main wall.Vivian sat in the main chair at the end of the table, a position that had been vacant for the past year. Next to her, Tina stood with a tablet in her hand, ready to take notes.Kevin sat in a chair in the corner of the room, slightly separated from the main table. His position clearly showed that he was not part of the executive team, but merely an observer.Bill, who had suggested that Kevin attend as a "team expert," smiled smugly at this arrangement. His plan was working perfectly. Kevin would look like a fool who knew nothing about business, and Vivian would realise how unsuitable he was as her husband."The tender for the Aranca Timur housing complex construction proj