Maverick took out his phone as their vehicle sped through the night.“Thomas, are you alright? Has anything unusual happened on the island?”“I’m fine, sir. I’ll check the CCTV footage now.”Maverick waited while Thomas checked the cameras.“Everything looks normal. Nobody suspicious has approached the house, dock, or entrance road.”Maverick relaxed slightly. “Good. Keep monitoring the cameras, and call me immediately if anything changes.”He ended the call. Although the island appeared safe, he couldn't forget the threatening message they'd received.When they arrived at Silas's shooting range, Claire hurried toward Maverick. The moment she saw him, she wrapped her arms around him.“Maverick, are you alright? Did you get hurt? I was so worried that something might have happened to you that I couldn't even bring myself to watch the feed.”Maverick gently returned her embrace.“I'm alright, Claire. I'm sorry I made you worry, but everyone made it back safely.”She pulled away, checkin

Maverick’s gaze moved from Gideon to the man seated at the private poker table.The man wore a dark blue suit and a diamond-studded watch. Two broad-shouldered men stood behind his chair, watching the players rather than the entrances.Eddie followed Maverick’s gaze. “That’s Owen McClain. He owns several gambling establishments and has connections with some very influential people. Why are you interested in him?”Silas glanced toward the table. “He’s been winning all evening. If you’re thinking of challenging him, I’d advise against it. McClain doesn’t take losing well.”Maverick smiled faintly. “That’s precisely why I want Gideon to play him.”Eddie frowned. “You want a man who can barely stand straight to challenge someone like McClain? Is this supposed to be a joke?”“No. Owen McClain has something I need.”Maverick had recognised the name as soon as he entered the club. In his previous life, McClain’s gambling empire had collapsed after a financial scandal exposed the private debt

“And why should I believe you have the resources to make that possible?”Maverick met Owen McClain’s gaze calmly. “You don’t have to believe me. You only have to watch what I do.”He turned to the club manager. “Prepare the settlement for Gideon Shaw’s outstanding balance. Eight and a half million dollars.”Gideon remained silent. Their agreement had been clear: if he impressed McClain, Maverick would settle his debt and give him a position in his organization. Gideon had delivered. Now Maverick was keeping his word.The manager confirmed the account details, and Maverick authorized the transfer through his bank. He had started with thirty million dollars from the lottery, but his investments and acquisitions had since expanded his financial position. Eight and a half million was still a substantial sum, not money to throw away—but Gideon’s talent had the potential to be worth far more.A few minutes later, the manager checked the confirmation. “The payment has arrived. Mr. Shaw’s ac

The thug rushed Maverick again, convinced that one lucky punch had made him invincible.Maverick stepped aside, caught the man’s arm, and struck him hard in the stomach. Before he could recover, Maverick swept his leg out from under him. The man hit the carpet and stayed there.“Anyone else still wants to try?” Maverick asked.The remaining attackers exchanged uncertain looks. They had been paid to keep one man away from a meeting, not to risk their lives for it.“Get up and finish him!” Sebastian shouted.“Why don’t you do it yourself?” one of the men snapped.Sebastian realized he had lost control. He turned toward the elevator, but Maverick moved after him. A final attacker lunged between them. Maverick blocked his swing and shoved him into the wall.By the time he turned around, Silas had caught Sebastian by the collar.“Going somewhere in such a hurry?” Silas asked.“Let me go!”“Certainly. As soon as the police arrive.”Gideon approached, rubbing his knee. “Fifteen men. Next tim

Alaric looked at the gold-edged card. “So A-rank means the best.”“Among our members, yes. But rank isn’t a guarantee that someone will succeed at everything. It tells you what that person has demonstrated, not what the future owes you.”Fredrick closed the case halfway, then reopened it. “The ranking also determines their basic fees. A D-rank assignment might begin at fifty thousand dollars. C-rank work could start at a hundred thousand. B-rank assignments can cost several hundred thousand, while an A-rank assassin may demand a million dollars or more.”Alaric raised an eyebrow. “A million?”“Sometimes considerably more. The difficulty of the request also matters. The rank gives you a starting point, not a fixed price for every assignment.”Fredrick pushed the case closer to him. “Look through them. Choose the person whose reputation appeals to you, and I’ll tell you whether that person is available and willing to consider your request.”Alaric examined the cards one by one.Some sho