The insane laughter of Marcus Vance echoed off the walls of the grand casino hall, sounding like a cackling demon. He lay in a pool of dark blood and spilled whiskey, his face twisted into a hideous smile. He thought he had won the final round. He thought that by burning the old office building, his family could wipe away the dark crimes of the past forever.The original ledger was the most important book in the world to Ethan. It contained the real financial records, the secret names, and the signature stamps of every corrupt businessman who had betrayed Ethan’s father three years ago. If that book turned into black ash, Ethan could never fully prove his family’s innocence to the global supreme council.Ethan’s face did not show panic, but his eyes turned into two deep pools of absolute, murderous rage. The air around him grew so cold that the nearest rich heirs began to shiver on the floor."Cynthia," Ethan said, his voice dropping into a very quiet, dangerous whisper."I am here,

The cold rain continued to pour down into the dark, muddy alleyway, washing the black soot away from old Mr. Harris’s wrinkled face. The burning building behind them let out another loud, cracking groan as the second floor collapsed into a pile of bright orange sparks. But Ethan did not turn around to look at the destruction. His entire body went completely rigid as the old accountant’s words echoed inside his head.Julian had the ledger. The original book that proved his father did not commit suicide, but was actually murdered by the greedy snakes of the secondary branch. And right now, Julian was using that sacred book as a cheap piece of meat to sell to some mysterious shadow buyer."Where is the gala, Mr. Harris?" Ethan demanded, his voice dropping into a terrifyingly low, sharp whisper that cut right through the sound of the falling rain.Mr. Harris coughed heavily, clutching Ethan’s solid arm with his weak, shaking fingers. "The Grand Crystal Palace Ballroom downtown. It is t

Julian’s frantic voice echoed horribly through the giant loudspeakers, vibrating the walls of the grand ballroom. He stood on the mahogany stage with his chest heaving up and down, his eyes wide and bloodshot like a mad dog. He pointed his shaking finger at Ethan, looking desperately at the five elite private guards standing in the corners of the stage."What are you waiting for?" Julian shrieked, spit flying from his lips as he gripped his broken wrist. "A million dollars each! I will write you the checks right now! Shoot this trash! Wipe that arrogant look off his face!"The wealthy guests in the front rows screamed in pure panic, dropping their champagne glasses and scrambling over chairs to hide. They knew these private gala guards were trained mercenaries who carried real, deadly firearms under their black tactical jackets.The five heavy guards stepped forward, their faces completely stone cold. Their large hands slid inside their coats, their fingers wrapping around the cold g