The red sports car vanished around the far corner of the narrow street, leaving behind a thick cloud of foul smelling exhaust smoke. The four broken foreign mercenaries lay scattered across the muddy pavement, still groaning softly as they clutched their fractured arms and legs. The neighborhood people slowly opened their wooden window shutters a little wider, staring down at the scene with wide, disbelief filled eyes.Christian did not look at the disappearing car. His facial expression remained completely steady, like a deep lake that nothing could shake. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, cheap mobile phone with a heavily cracked screen. It was the old device he had used during his two years of hiding in this poor district.His fingers moved with extreme speed across the numeric keypad. He did not write a long paragraph. He typed a single, highly encrypted code consisting of just five numbers and a single letter. This code was the ultimate emergency signal for the

The heavy envelope lay on the wooden floorboard right inside the diner entrance. The dark velvet fabric looked completely out of place against the cheap, scratched floor. The gold leaf borders gleamed brightly under the dim light bulb hanging from the ceiling.Clara stopped speaking immediately, her eyes dropping down to the beautiful item. Her breath hitched. Christian stepped past her with calm, steady strides and picked up the envelope. He felt the thick wax seal between his fingers, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recognized the emblem.What is that, Marcus, Clara asked, her voice trembling slightly. Her deep suspicion about his identity was briefly pushed aside by curiosity. Who would drop something so incredibly expensive under our broken door.Christian did not say a word. He broke the heavy wax seal with his thumb and pulled out a thick, golden card. His eyes scanned the elegant, sweeping handwriting on the front. It was an invitation to the City Elite Gala, the most exclusi

The massive black limousine came to a smooth stop in the private underground garage. The heavy door clicked open. Christian stepped out onto the polished concrete floor, his handmade leather boots making a sharp, confident sound. He looked at Vance, who was bowing deeply at the side of the car.Stay downstairs with the men until I give the word, Christian ordered, his voice smooth and steady.Yes, Master Christian, Vance replied with total respect. The shadow security team is completely ready.Christian walked toward the private elevator that led to the ground floor entrance of the seven star grand hotel. He looked down at his custom midnight black suit. The fabric was so rare and finely woven that it looked like a simple, neat black outfit to anyone who did not know about extreme luxury. It did not have flashy logos or bright colors. Only a true royal billionaire would notice the platinum threads hiding inside the seams.The elevator doors opened into the grand lobby, and Christian w

The head of security waved his hand with total disgust, signaling his heavy guards to move in. The two giant men stepped forward instantly, their big leather boots clicking loudly against the marble stairs. They raised their heavy wooden nightsticks, ready to grab Christian and drag Clara and her old father down to the dirty street.Julian laughed out loud, his eyes filled with a sick, happy look as he watched the scene unfold. Go on, throw them into the gutter where they belong, Julian shouted, crossing his arms arrogantly. Let them see what happens when poor people try to play with the gods of the city.Clara screamed in panic, stepping right in front of her father to block him with her own small body. Her hands were shaking violently as she looked at the giant guards. Father, let us just run away, she wept, her voice full of deep fear. They are going to hurt us.Christian did not move a single inch. He did not look scared at all. His body was as steady as a massive mountain. Just a

A massive wave of loud applause and cheering exploded through the grand banquet hall. The top billionaires and wealthy politicians of the city stood up from their velvet chairs, clapping their hands wildly.A ten billion dollar investment from the legendary Sterling Group was enough to turn the Vance family into the absolute kings of the entire region.Patriarch Vance stood on the center of the stage, holding his head high like a proud emperor. He waved his hands gracefully, enjoying the bright flashes from the television cameras that were broadcasting his face to millions of homes across the country.Clara clutched Christian’s sleeve tightly under the table, her face turning completely pale. Marcus, did you hear that, she whispered, her voice trembling with deep panic.The Vance family just got ten billion dollars from your old company. Their power is unlimited now. If they find out we are here, they will destroy my father in one second.Christian did not look worried at all. He sat