"You seem to know where I can find them," Valerian said, his gaze fixed on the doctor. "So where can I find them?"Dr. Kaleb didn't answer.He simply turned and headed out of the office, his footsteps carrying him into the hallway.Valerian followed without hesitation, falling into step beside him.If he wanted to force the truth out of Kaleb through more aggressive means, he could have. He already knew the doctor was withholding information, and Valerian was well aware of how to make people surrender the answers he sought. But he chose not to; this wasn't the place for that.Kaleb was connected to Minerva, and despite his impatience, Valerian had no intention of destroying a potential opportunity simply because the doctor was being difficult. There were better ways to get what he wanted.The two men continued down the polished corridor, their footsteps echoing faintly against the marble floor. Nurses and hospital staff moved around them, occasionally glancing in their direction befor

It had been two hours since Valerian was locked inside the prison cell. He sat quietly on the narrow bench, his back resting against the wall as he waited, completely unbothered by the situation.He had underestimated Kaleb.That man's jealousy was worth watching.Valerian had expected resistance, perhaps skepticism or even hostility, but he hadn't anticipated that Kaleb would go as far as having him arrested simply because he had demonstrated knowledge the doctor couldn't comprehend. There was something deeper behind Kaleb's actions, and Valerian intended to find out what it was.Just as he was beginning to reconsider the situation, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the dim hallway.Valerian lifted his gaze.A police officer appeared, his keys rattling against his belt as he approached the cell. He stopped in front of the bars and inserted one of the keys into the lock.The metallic click echoed through the corridor."Come on," the officer said lazily. "Someone has ba

The man refused to speak, his silence only aggravating Valerian's already fraying patience. Valerian's expression darkened as he stepped closer, then suddenly drove his fist across the man's cheek. The impact snapped the stalker's head to the side, blood spilling from his nose as he staggered backward."I'm asking you for the last time. Who sent you?"The stalker struggled to breathe, his swollen face contorted with pain as he pressed a trembling hand against his nose."I'm sorry, but I can't disclose any information—"Before he could finish, Valerian drove his foot into the man's stomach. The stalker doubled over instantly, curling into himself as a strained groan escaped his lips."I'll ask you for the last time. Who sent you?""Roman!" the man finally blurted out, his voice trembling with fear. "It's Boss Roman! Please, spare me. I was only following his orders. I swear, I didn't mean to cause you any trouble. Please forgive me!"Valerian's eyes narrowed at the mention of th

Valerian clenched his jaw, feeling the anger slowly surface, but he forced himself to inhale deeply and steady his emotions. Losing his temper now would only make the situation more complicated.If he wanted to obtain the ingredients for Crystal, he needed to remain composed."I'm not leaving until you let me buy the ingredients," Valerian said, his voice firm but restrained. "They're just ingredients, nothing more. Hand them over, and I'll leave without causing any trouble."The head of security stared at him, clearly growing impatient with his refusal to leave. He pointed toward the entrance."I said leave right now, or you'll regret the day you set foot in this place."Valerian exhaled slowly. He hadn't come here expecting any of this. Crystal was back at the mansion, waiting for him, and these men were deliberately wasting his time over something that should have been a simple transaction."Just hand over the ingredients, and everyone can go their separate ways," Valerian said,

Valerian tightened his grip on the man's collar and pulled him closer, pressing the cold edge of the dagger firmly against his throat."If you take one step closer, I'll slit his throat," Valerian commanded, his voice low and unequivocal. "Now move!"The five security men exchanged uneasy glances. Their expressions hardened with apprehension, but none of them dared to challenge him. Their boss's assistant was being held hostage, and one wrong move could cost the man his life.After a tense moment, the first guard slowly lowered his weapon.The others followed. One by one, the guns were placed on the ground."Good," Valerian muttered.He kept the dagger against the man's neck as he moved forward, using him as a human shield while the guards reluctantly cleared a path. Their eyes remained fixed on Valerian, their bodies rigid with restrained hostility, but they wisely kept their distance.As they reached the enormous iron gate, the captive hurriedly reached for the keypad beside the ent