Upon hearing Kai’s cold, unwavering response, Winston’s smirk collapsed entirely into a scowl, his composure cracking like thin ice beneath sudden pressure, and he snapped his fingers with a sharpness that betrayed just how deeply Kai’s indifference had wounded his pride. At that signal, a man stepped forward from the shadows gathered at the clearing’s edge, his movements calculated and fluid, the deliberate grace of a predator sizing up prey it had already decided to devour. This was no ordinary hired muscle. This was Draco, a martial artist whose reputation traveled far beyond the circles of ordinary street fighters, a name whispered with genuine unease even among seasoned warriors who had spent their lives collecting scars. Rumors clung to him like smoke—stories of an underground tournament where he had reportedly defeated fifty opponents in a single unbroken night, and a mastery of pressure-point combat so refined that his enemies had given him the chilling nickname "The Unyieldi

Upon hearing Kai's quiet refusal, Ashford leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with mounting anticipation, the negotiator within him refusing to accept defeat so easily. "Kai," he said smoothly, his tone almost reverent, "this is a truly remarkable piece. And I am willing to offer you ten million dollars for it." Kai's expression remained calm, his gaze steady and unblinking as he studied the older man across the desk. "I appreciate the offer," he said evenly, his voice carrying no hesitation whatsoever. "But this antique is not for sale." Ashford blinked, visibly caught off guard by the immovable firmness threading through Kai's tone. "Not for sale?" he repeated, leaning back in his chair as though physically absorbing the rejection. "Surely I can make this worth your while. Name any price you wish." Kai shook his head, his resolve unwavering. "This has nothing to do with money," he said. "This piece is meant to be a gift for an elder—a gesture of genuine respect. Selling

Nadia's phone buzzed against the table, and her carefully maintained expression brightened instantly as she lifted it to her ear, answering the call with practiced charm. After a brief stretch of quiet listening, she turned toward her father, her voice pitched with sudden excitement. "Victoria's having her birthday celebration at Crystal Palace!" "Go, then," her father said, smiling with indulgent warmth, though his eyes carried an unmistakable glint of steel as they shifted between his daughter and Kai. "And take Kai with you." "Father!" The champagne glass nearly slipped from Nadia's manicured fingers. "You can't possibly expect—" "Both of you. Together." Each word landed with the unmistakable weight of paternal authority. "Send me a photograph the moment you arrive." Nadia's expression cycled rapidly through shock, outrage, and quiet calculation. This was the same Victoria who had stood beside her only days ago, mocking Kai openly at Crystal Palace's entrance. And now she was e

As the tension inside the club thickened into something almost tangible, whispers curdled rapidly into panicked murmurs rippling from table to table. Marlow's name alone carried enough weight to make even the boldest guests shrink instinctively into their seats. The fear saturating the room was palpable, thick enough to taste, and no one wished to become the focus of his notorious wrath. One guest muttered nervously, his voice barely steady. "He wouldn't come here without reason. Someone's clearly crossed him." Another added quickly, eager to distance himself from suspicion. "It's not me! I don't even know the man personally, though I've heard enough stories to never dare cross his path." The room erupted into a flurry of frantic accusations, each guest scrambling desperately to deflect attention away from themselves and onto anyone else nearby. Nadia seized the opportunity instantly, her voice rising sharply above the surrounding chaos. "It's him!" she declared, pointing sharpl

Kai's calm expression flickered briefly the moment Valeria's name surfaced in Marlow's confession, a tightening of frustration coiling quietly in his chest at the mere mention of her once again, though he swiftly masked it, restoring his composure before it could reveal anything further. His sharp gaze settled on Marlow, still kneeling patiently, awaiting whatever judgment might come. "Enough," Kai said, his voice firm and final. "You've said what needed saying. Now, rise." Marlow hesitated briefly before slowly climbing to his feet, his eyes remaining lowered in a continued gesture of respect. Kai's tone softened slightly, though the authority threading through his words remained entirely unyielding. "Deal with Winston however you see fit," Kai continued, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But under no circumstances are you to mention me or reveal my identity. Do you understand?" Marlow nodded quickly. "Yes, Master. I will handle the matter with complete discretion." Kai glanced brief