Andrew and his colleagues were mid-conversation when the door swung open."Finally..." one of the men began irritably, clearly expecting a server. "What took you so..." His voice died in his throat.The woman who stepped through the doorway commanded instant attention. She wore a form-fitting black dress that accentuated her slender figure, her features striking enough to rival any celebrity. Long, graceful legs carried her forward with effortless poise, but it was the aura surrounding her that truly silenced the room: an icy composure that seemed to lower the temperature itself. Every person present froze, their eyes locked on the newcomer.This was no ordinary guest. Claire, president of the Bennett Group and Ashridge's infamous Ice Queen, had just walked in. The very woman these wealthy young heirs could never persuade to attend their gatherings had arrived unannounced."M-Ms. Bennett!" one of them stammered, barely able to form the words.Clair

"You think you can threaten me?" Andrew's voice was ice cold as he stared down at the trembling man before him. "Killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant under my heel. But I won't kill you today. Listen carefully: if you ever come looking for trouble with Nora again, you'd better watch your head. I don't care how many men you have backing you. I'll make sure you die in the most miserable way imaginable."The words hit Cole like a physical blow. His mind went blank, wiped clean by the sheer killing intent radiating from Andrew. In that moment, he felt as though Death itself had turned its gaze upon him. An indescribable terror clawed at his chest, and even the air around them seemed to thicken until he could barely breathe. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but his legs wouldn't move."My name is Andrew," Andrew continued, his tone flat and final. "If you've got a problem with that, come find me for revenge. I'll be waiting."Cole could only stare, h

Claire stopped Andrew in the lobby with a firm gesture, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "You wait here. Unless something comes up, don't go upstairs."She had no intention of letting him anywhere near her sister. Andrew had been planning to head up and see what was going on, but her sudden intervention caught him off guard. It took him only a moment to understand her real intention: she didn't want him spending time with her younger sister."Your sister's birthday party is upstairs. Isn't it weird if I don't go?" Andrew said, his expression earnest.Claire's response was immediate and unyielding. "It's fine. I'll explain it to her later. Just grab something to eat down here and stay put."Andrew tried again, putting on his most serious face. "Don't you know my job is to protect women? Especially beautiful women. Aren't you worried there might be danger up there?"Claire didn't even bother responding this time. She had learned that arguing

Inside the private room upstairs, the atmosphere was lively and carefree. The people gathered there had no sense of the danger slowly closing in on them. The space was filled with young women, all of whom had come to celebrate Tessa's birthday.Colored lights washed across the walls while music drifted in from the bar outside. Half-finished drinks covered the tables, and the students were talking over one another with the careless energy of a birthday party that had not yet been spoiled. For them, the night still promised nothing more serious than laughter, teasing, and staying out later than their parents would approve of."Tessa, it's your birthday today. You better not back out on us again and make us all leave early," one of the male students said, his tone half teasing, half serious."That's right! If anyone leaves, we won't consider them a friend anymore," a girl beside him chimed in with mock severity.But Tessa's expression showed clear hesitation

"Nobody's walking out of here. You're all going to die in this place!" Billy slowly climbed to his feet, unable to contain the rage burning in his chest. This was the first time anyone had dared treat him like this. Without another word, he charged forward.The students recoiled instinctively, their fear returning in a rush. Billy's face was twisted with rage, and the knife in his hand caught the flashing lights as he rushed forward. For all of Andrew's jokes, the danger was real enough that no one in the room could tell whether he would be able to stop the attack in time."Andrew, watch out!""Alternative kid, be careful!"Claire and her sister shouted in unison."Don't move! Put your hands up!" At that exact moment, Andrew suddenly roared, leaving Billy so startled that he stopped in his tracks. He stared at Andrew stupidly, unsure what this guy was trying to pull. He wondered whether Andrew had a gun or some other trick hidden away.With