The tension in the ruined office was so thick it felt suffocating.Broken pieces of furniture and scattered glass littered the floor, while the three new fighters stood near the shattered entrance. Their murderous eyes fixed directly on Alfred, their knuckles popping loudly under their dark cloth wraps.The lead fighter, Jay, growled, stepping forward. "Listen, go on your knees and apologise before we break you, or you will get things the hard way."“Be fast!”Alfred took a step forward. Without even looking down, he placed his boot firmly onto the chest of one of the unconscious guards lying on the floor."I don't kneel for losers," Alfred said firmly. "And I have never knelt for anyone before. So shut your useless mouth and get out of here before you end up in a casket by morning."“I can see you want to die. Don't worry. I was paid a huge amount to kill you.” Jay’s face twisted in rage. "Kill him!"The three

Lord Ashbrook’s eyes fell squarely on the General.“General,” Lord Ashbrook greeted, his voice dripping with polite charm as he bowed his head slightly. “You have returned to the palace. I hope all is well.”King Kael cleared his throat, adjusting his robes as he stepped between them. “He came back because he needs to sort out the unsettling things happening around the palace.”“That is wonderful news,” Lord Ashbrook replied smoothly. “We desperately need your blade, General. The Monland Kingdom has grown far too arrogant. We must wipe them out completely before they take another inch of our territory.”Alfred looked at the King, his posture straight. “Your Majesty, I will leave and come back when you are done with your private business.”“No, you should stay,” King Kael commanded instantly, waving his hand to stop him. “My meeting with Lord Ashbrook is about the recent happenings in the kingdom. You need to be part of this.”Before anyone could speak further, a soft knock sounded at

Angela parked her car near the entrance of her parents’ house, as she unbuckled her seatbelt and looked over at her son in the back seat.Little Freddie was swinging his legs, holding a small toy car in his lap. Angela smiled softly at him, though a slight flicker of unease tugged at her mind.Her mother, Sarah, had called her three times earlier in the day, insisting that she bring Freddie over immediately. Sarah’s voice over the phone had sounded unusually urgent, giving no details other than saying it was a family matter that couldn’t wait.Angela stepped out of the car, opened the door, and lifted Freddie into her arms. She carried him up and pushed the front door open.The living room was quiet. Sarah was sitting on the main sofa, her hands folded tightly over her lap, holding a cup of tea.The moment Sarah saw her daughter walk in, she set the cup down onto the glass table with a loud clatter.“Sit down, Angela,” Sarah

Sarah and George were left completely stunned by the sudden slap. Alfred stood tall between Darlington and Angela's family. His posture was straight, his eyes filled with cold fury as he swept his gaze over them. Angela herself was surprised to see her husband standing right in front of her. She couldn't believe her eyes. Her gaze darted back and forth from Alfred to Darlington, who was still gasping against his car door. As much as she hated Darlington for stepping into her way and trying to block her path, she had not expected him to be slapped so hard in front of her parents' house. Sarah rushed toward Darlington, who had not yet recovered from the heavy slap. She held his arm with panicked hands, checking his red, swollen cheek, while George stepped forward and yelled at the top of his lungs. "What the hell is wrong with you?" George roared, his face turning red with anger. "Why are you acting so violently in front of my house? Do you have any idea who you just slapped?" Alfre

When they arrived home, the living room was quiet and warm. Sitting right on the centre table were several expensive shopping bags filled with fresh clothes, imported chocolates, and colourful boxes. Angela stopped near the doorway, looking at the packages in surprise before turning her gaze to Alfred. “What are all these?” Alfred smiled gently as he set the keys on the counter. “I got them for you and Freddie on my way back. When I arrived in town, I called your phone to see if you were home, but it was switched off. So I called your secretary at the site office, and she mentioned you had gone over to your parents’ house.” Freddie gasped with pure excitement, immediately rushing over to the table. He pulled out a large action figure and a remote-controlled racing car from the nearest bag, his eyes shining brightly. “Daddy! You bought new toys for me?” “Of course I did, champ,” Alfred said warmly, patting his son’s head as the little boy giggled and sat down on the rug to unbox