Valerian looked past her, toward the woman who was now standing in the wreckage of everything she'd built, her face bloodless with the beginnings of panic. He felt nothing where he might once have expected grief. Only a distant certainty. "None," he said. "She treated my mother like garbage to be thrown out with the trash, and my sister like property to be gifted away. I have no reason left to protect her." The color didn't just drain from her face; it seemed to drain from her entire body, leaving her swaying slightly on legs that no longer felt like they belonged to her. She had gambled everything on tonight. Every favor she could call in, every ounce of pride she'd swallowed to keep smiling at Theron while he leered at a chained, bleeding girl — all of it had been in service of this one partnership, the deal that was supposed to turn her company from a second-tier name into an empire. She had traded Crystal's safety, her own decency, an

Valerian stood before the Vallencourt estate, his gaze moving slowly across the massive property. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, from the towering iron gates and high stone walls to the sprawling grounds hidden behind them, every detail designed with the kind of wealth that didn't need to announce itself. Security surrounded the estate. Men in black suits stood at measured intervals along the perimeter, while cameras tracked every movement beyond the gates. Two armed guards stood at the main entrance, their posture rigid and alert, their eyes following every vehicle that approached. Valerian stared for a moment. This wasn't simply a wealthy woman's home. It was a fortress disguised as an estate. He walked toward the entrance gate, his steps steady despite the uneasy attention gathering around him. The closer he got, the more alert the security personnel became. Their casual conversations died down, and several pa

Valerian and his sister headed toward the dining hall alongside Minerva.The hall was larger than he had expected, with a long dining table occupying the center of the room. The warm scent of freshly prepared food filled the air, making it obvious that the meal had been prepared for more than just a few people.Valerian held Crystal's hand as he guided her toward the table, slowing his steps whenever she struggled to keep up. She was still weak, and although she was getting better, the effects of everything she had endured were still visible in the way she moved.The table was covered with an impressive spread of food. There were perfectly grilled steaks, roasted chicken, glazed salmon, creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned vegetables, fresh salads, different varieties of pasta, and bowls of fragrant rice. Crystal's favorite dishes had also been prepared, alongside freshly baked bread, assorted fruits, and carefully arranged desserts.It was an expensive meal, the kind of spread that spoke

The name Roman Clifford didn't ring any bells. Valerian simply stared at Nirvana, confusion flickering across his otherwise composed face. He had never heard of the man before, and the fact that Nirvana had described him as an Italian mafia boss immediately made the situation far more complicated than he had anticipated.His jaw tightened.Keeya had become more dangerous than he had thought.“Where is he?” Valerian snapped, his voice turning sharp. “Tell me his whereabouts.”Nirvana hesitated.Her gaze shifted toward her son.Whistle remained slumped on the couch, his face pale and exhausted, his bandaged legs still elevated on the iron support. The arrogance he had once carried was completely gone. He looked utterly defeated, and the sight made Nirvana release a quiet sigh.She knew she couldn't afford to provoke Valerian any further.“I don't know where he is,” she finally admitted.Valerian's eyes narrowed.Nirvana quickly raised her hands slightly, as though trying to reassure

The moment Keeya dropped the information, Valerian turned around and headed for the exit without another word, his expression remaining cold and unreadable as though the conversation had already ceased to matter to him.“What about the innocent man you killed?” Keeya called from behind, her voice carrying a trace of accusation. Valerian did not stop.He did not even spare her a glance, refusing to entertain any further conversation as he walked out of the mansion, his footsteps gradually fading until the door finally closed behind him.Keeya remained standing in the garden, staring at the entrance where he had disappeared, her hands slowly clenching into fists as anger surged through her.She had never imagined Valerian could change so drastically.The man she once knew would have argued, pleaded, or at least acknowledged her presence, but this Valerian had barely looked at her, as though she had become completely insignificant to him.Her expression darkened.“Make a call to Roman