The fire kept burning for a while even after the firefighters got there.Firefighters rushed to the car that was on fire, a sedan, while police officers were making sure the people who lived nearby stayed back behind a safe line.The smell of smoke was sharp, and it floated through the street where people lived.Benedict stood beside the gate of Dr. Samuel Whitmore's place, the old silver pocket watch feeling heavy in his hand.His eyes never left the burning car.Whoever had been inside......was already dead.The mastermind had erased another trail.Not to hide from Benedict.But to remind him of something.Every answer came with a price.Dr. Whitmore sat down on a wooden bench that was close to the entrance.His hands trembled slightly."I've seen that before."Benedict looked at him."The fire?"The doctor slowly nodded."Thirty years ago.""They burned records.""They burned offices.""They burned h

The voice echoed through the darkness."You've finally come home, Little Ben."Benedict didn't move.Neither did Damian.Time seemed to stand still as the old clock's gentle tick-tock echoed through the air, the only sound for what felt like an eternity, a slow and steady heartbeat that hung above them like a reminder of the passing seconds.Tick.Tick.Tick.Damian whispered,"Did you hear that?"Benedict nodded.His eyes remained fixed on the staircase."I heard.""Do you know the voice?"Benedict's jaw tightened."Yes.""Who?"Benedict didn't answer.The truth was already taking shape in his mind.He knew that voice.He had heard it countless times.At Ashcroft Manor.In the company offices.During family meetings.It belonged to someone he had trusted for years.Someone who had been there for him during tough times.Someone who knew almost everything about his life.Damian stepped closer."Benedict.""We can't stay here."Benedict finally moved.He took one step toward the stairca

The mansion erupted into chaos.Glass shattered downstairs.Someone screamed.Then came the sound of hurried footsteps racing across the marble floor.Benedict opened the bedroom door.Victor immediately stepped into the hallway.“Stay behind me.”Benedict shook his head.“They're looking for me.”“Exactly.”Victor’s voice hardened.“Which is why you stay here.”Benedict stared at him.“For thirty years, everyone has made decisions about my life without asking me.”Victor fell silent.Benedict continued.“I’m done standing behind other people.”Before Victor could answer, another crash echoed from the lower floor.Eleanor appeared at the end of the hallway.“Victor!”He immediately moved toward her.“Stay with Benedict.”Eleanor shook her head.“No.”Her eyes were filled with fear.“They came because of me.”Victor stopped.“What do you mean?”Eleanor swallowed.“I remembered the man.”Benedict's attention sharpened.“Who?”Eleanor looked toward the staircase.“I don't know his name.”

The clock struck midnight.Benedict was already moving.Eleanor followed him into the hallway."Where are you going?""To find Martha."Victor stepped out of his study."I heard."Benedict stopped.Victor's expression was serious."We're going together.""No."Victor frowned."This isn't something you do alone."Benedict looked directly at him."That's exactly what they want."Victor stepped closer."They threatened someone who may hold the key to your past.""And that's why I have to go."Victor's jaw tightened."You don't understand what these people are capable of."Benedict's expression hardened."I understand more than you think."For a moment...Neither father nor son moved.Then Victor quietly said,"Then let me stand beside you."Benedict's eyes softened."All right."It was a simple answer.But for Victor...It meant everything.Gabriel was already waiting in the security room."The safe house was here."He pointed at the screen."St. Gabriel's district."Damian walked in."I

The city swallowed Benedict before sunset.He walked without looking back.The Ashcroft Manor gates had disappeared behind him several blocks ago, yet the weight in his chest remained.One suitcase.That was all he had taken.After years of giving everything to the Ashcroft family...He had left with almost nothing.And strangely...He didn't feel angry.He felt empty.Benedict stopped at a quiet intersection.Cars moved past him.People hurried along the sidewalks.Nobody knew who he was.Nobody cared where he had come from.For the first time...He was simply another man standing in a crowded city.His phone vibrated.A message from Damian.Did you find somewhere to stay?Benedict stared at the screen.He typed:I'm fine. Don't worry.He almost sent it.Then deleted it.Instead, he wrote:Take care of the family. You're ready.He pressed send.A few seconds later, Damian replied.You didn't answer my question.Benedict smiled faintly.He put the phone away.Some questions were easie