The bitter wind howled, whipping up broken snow across the ground and cutting at skin like sharp blades. Dressed in thin work clothes and carrying simple luggage, Carlson stepped alone into the endless snowstorm, walking steadily toward Novara step by step.He could have yielded and called again for help, asking his mother to mediate. He would most likely get just enough money for a ticket. But this time, he cast aside every thought of compromise.He refused to grovel before his family, and he would not reach out to old acquaintances he met in prison to repeat past mistakes. At this dead end where his life had crumbled completely, the last shred of dignity was the only thing he would not abandon.Hundreds of kilometers of frozen road stretched ahead, buried under heavy snow and freezing cold. He would rather trek a thousand miles on foot than beg anyone ever again....Night fell deep, neon lights blazing harshly. Harlen from Radiant Security walked into the entertainment complex lobb

Lacey clenched his fists tight, rage blazing in his eyes, yet he was pinned and powerless to break free."You want war?" Kane’s gaze turned razor-sharp, all boundaries cast aside. "I’ll burn every identity and escape route I have. We settle every score tonight. I’ll give you a chance. Call all your men. Gather every last one, and we face off again."Lacey snarled through gritted teeth, his tone vicious. "If you walk out of this building alive tonight, I’ll take your surname!"Kane let out a cold laugh, driving his boot hard against the man’s skull again and again, dripping with mockery. "In South Curtain District, trash like you runs wild and acts untouchable. If you truly had the strength and backing, you wouldn’t need to step down here for this confrontation."Lacey’s face turned livid. His whole body tensed, straining to push himself up."Heard that gunshot just now?" Kane dropped his voice abruptly, the tone cold and menacing.Lacey froze on the spot, falling completely silent.Ka

Bullets slammed hard into the armored doors and windows, sending showers of sparks flying. The noise shrilled like pounding hail. The vehicle’s heavy armor held firm, not a single round piercing the hull. Everyone inside remained unharmed.The gunman on the left cursed under his breath, stunned. "Damn it! The old man’s ride is bulletproof!"He shuffled sideways quickly to establish a tactical stance and barked an order. "Move in close. Toss the grenade!"The gunman on the right ceased fire at once. He rushed toward the SUV, one hand closing around the grenade at his waist, thumb braced against the safety ring, ready to pull and throw.Inside the vehicle, Thaddeus heaved for breath, shaken and furious, fear mixing with rage in his eyes. "These bastards are dead set on killing me!""Sir, don’t stand up!" The aide pressed Thaddeus down firmly to shield him, drawing his gun with his free hand and snapping out an urgent command. "Call every man inside, tell them to come out and back us up

Hagan kept a respectful posture and answered Thaddeus in a clear, methodical tone. “Mr. Thaddeus, I’m here on Kane’s behalf. You demanded he answer for what happened tonight. He says grudges and rules are separate matters, and personal conflicts cannot override business.”He stepped aside to reveal the two captives behind him, his voice turning icy. “These two are the answer. They are the ones who ambushed you on the street and opened fire to assassinate you tonight.”Thaddeus’s pupils narrowed in stark shock.“Tonight’s chaos stirred up far too much commotion.” Hagan passed along Kane’s message. “Kane knows he disrupted South Screen District. He’s essentially solved this shooting case ahead of Director Bradford. These two men are left entirely in your hands to deal with.”Thaddeus stared at Hagan, silent for a long moment, his mind racing with thoughts.“I’ve delivered the message. I’ll take my leave.” Hagan turned to go.“Wait.” Thaddeus spoke up before he could leave.Hagan halted

Kane let out a low, bitter laugh, flicking his cigarette butt out the car window. His eyes swirled with helplessness and inner turmoil.Cole knew full well this was the one and only time he would use their bond as mentor and protégé to pressure Kane. Just this once. Never again.A phone ring suddenly sliced through the quiet inside the vehicle.Kane answered the call, his eyes closed for four long seconds. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse and his eyes stung red. “Every single one of us owes our lives to Uncle Cole.”Holt fell silent on the other end of the line.“Spare his life.” Kane kept his eyes shut, speaking each word slowly and heavily....Two precise gunshots rang out. Bullets tore clean through Kennard’s knees.A heavy thud. Blinding pain exploded through Kennard’s legs, and his body crashed hard to the ground.Holt stepped forward and drove his boot brutally into Kennard’s chest. Kennard screamed in agony, slamming backward onto the floor, his body convulsing.Holt’s face