THE HUMILIATED GROOM RETURNS AS A DEITY GOD.

Sarah's attack

Alexander Cross dabbed at his swollen lip with a silk handkerchief, his eyes burning with the need for revenge as he watched Diana Sterling's pale, defeated expression. The ballroom still echoed with the aftermath of Marcus's dramatic departure, but Alexander sensed an opportunity to salvage both their pride and their business prospects.

"Diana, stop looking like the world is ending," Alexander said, forcing confidence into his voice despite the humiliation still burning in his chest. "You're worried about the Hudson Valley Development Project, aren't you?"

Diana's ice-blue eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Without the Moon family's backing, Sterling Industries could lose everything. That project was supposed to secure our future."

Alexander's smile turned predatory. "That's where you're wrong. My father spoke with Artemis Blackwood yesterday. From Olympus Corporation."

The name hit Diana like an electric shock. Her eyes widened, and for the first time since Marcus's departure, genuine excitement replaced the despair on her face.

"Artemis Blackwood?" Diana breathed. "You mean THE Artemis Blackwood?"

"The very same," Alexander confirmed, his chest swelling with renewed importance. "She's considering a billion-dollar investment in our joint venture. My family is prepared to offer Sterling Industries thirty percent of our share."

The remaining guests, who had been preparing to leave in the aftermath of the evening's drama, suddenly perked up with interest. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire.

"Did he say Olympus Corporation?"

"Artemis Blackwood is getting involved?"

"My god, the Cross family still has that kind of influence?"

Diana's face transformed, her earlier humiliation replaced by sharp, calculating excitement. "Artemis Blackwood is my idol. She's the most powerful businesswoman in the supernatural world. The woman who made New York's crime bosses kneel and apologize in public!"

"Exactly," Alexander said, his confidence returning in full force. "She built an empire that spans continents in less than five years. Even the supernatural council treats her with respect."

Catherine Sterling, who had been nursing her own wounded pride near the crystal bar, rushed over with renewed hope sparkling in her eyes. "Alexander, are you absolutely certain about this Olympus Corporation connection?"

"My father doesn't make empty promises, Mrs. Sterling," Alexander replied with smug satisfaction. "Artemis Blackwood sees potential in our families' combined resources."

The crowd's attitude shifted again, like sharks scenting blood in the water.

"The Cross family always bounces back!"

"I knew they had connections we couldn't imagine!"

"Olympus Corporation! That changes everything!"

Diana's cold smile returned as her confidence rebuilt itself brick by brick. "Marcus Steele thinks he's so special because the Moons are protecting him. But what is that compared to Artemis Blackwood's empire?"

That pathetic nobody could never compete with someone like Alexander, Diana thought, her earlier doubts dissolving like smoke. The Cross family has real power, real connections. Marcus is just a pretender riding on borrowed influence.

"When I become as powerful as Artemis one day," Diana said, her voice carrying the sharp edge of renewed ambition, "I'll make sure Marcus Steele regrets every moment of tonight. He'll beg for my attention."

Alexander's laughter was cruel and satisfied. "By tomorrow, everyone will remember that the Cross and Sterling families represent true power in this city. The Moons can keep their pet project. We'll show them what real influence looks like."

Catherine clapped her hands together with delight. "This is wonderful news! Marcus will be nothing compared to our new connections!"

Outside the Sterling Industries tower, the winter wind cut through Manhattan's supernatural district like frozen blades. Marcus stood beneath the building's magical aurora, his plain clothes seeming almost comical against the backdrop of supernatural luxury that surrounded him.

Victor Moon approached with the respectful bearing of someone addressing royalty, his silver hair gleaming under the ethereal streetlights.

"Mr. Steele, might I have a moment of your time? There are matters I'd like to discuss privately."

Marcus turned to face the most powerful man in New York's supernatural community. "Mr. Moon, I appreciate your hospitality tonight, but I prefer to handle my own affairs."

"Please," Victor's voice carried genuine gratitude that surprised even his own family members. "What you did for Sarah tonight—and weeks ago during that demon attack—it means everything to our family."

Sarah stepped closer, her midnight gown flowing around her like liquid shadow. Her dark eyes held an intensity that made the air between them crackle with unspoken tension.

"My grandfather speaks the truth," Sarah said softly. "Your protection saved my life. The Moon family would give everything we own to repay that debt."

Victor nodded gravely. "And Sarah's feelings for you—they're genuine, not some political maneuvering. My granddaughter doesn't offer her heart lightly."

Sarah's cheeks flushed pink, a vulnerability that made her seem almost human despite her supernatural power. "Grandfather..."

Marcus studied their faces with the calm assessment of someone who had learned not to trust easily. "I helped because it was the right thing to do. Nothing more."

But there's something about this family, Marcus thought, feeling memories stir in the depths of his consciousness. Something familiar. As if I've known them before.

Victor's expression grew serious. "Mr. Steele, I won't lie to you. The Moon family is facing a significant threat. We could use someone of your... capabilities."

"I don't involve myself in other people's wars," Marcus replied firmly.

Jake Moon, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward. "The winter storm is getting worse. The roads will be impassable within the hour. At least stay the night."

Marcus glanced up at the darkening sky, where supernatural snow was beginning to fall in crystalline patterns that defied natural physics. The storm clouds carried an otherworldly energy that made travel genuinely dangerous.

"Very well. One night."

The Moon family's convoy of armored vehicles moved through Manhattan's empty streets like a parade of predators. Each car was worth more than most people's houses, equipped with both technological and magical defenses that could withstand military-grade attacks.

Marcus sat in the passenger compartment of the lead vehicle, its interior more luxurious than most penthouse apartments. Sarah had positioned herself beside him, her presence filling the space with warmth and the subtle scent of expensive perfume.

"Marcus," Sarah's voice was soft, almost hesitant. "I wanted to thank you again for—"

Marcus closed his eyes, cutting off her words with a gesture that was both polite and final. "Rest. We'll talk later."

But not about what she thinks, Marcus thought as he felt another wave of memories beginning to surface. These fragments of my past are becoming stronger. More detailed. More... dangerous.

Images flashed through his consciousness like lightning strikes: vast armies stretching across dimensional battlefields, weapons forged from starlight and divine fury, supernatural beings whose names were whispered in terror across multiple realms.

Marcus, the God of War. That's who I was. That's who I'm becoming again.

Sarah watched his serene expression with growing fascination, sensing the tremendous power that seemed to radiate from his still form. The car fell into respectful silence, broken only by the hum of magical engines and the whisper of winter wind against reinforced glass.

Suddenly, the convoy ground to a halt with the precision of a military operation.

The lead security officer's voice crackled through the intercom: "Sir, we have a problem. Multiple hostiles blocking the intersection ahead. Armed and enhanced. This looks like Harrison's work."

Victor's face went grim as he activated the vehicle's communication system. "How many?"

"At least twenty. Professional grade supernatural assassins. They're not here to negotiate."

Sarah's hand moved instinctively toward the concealed weapon beneath her gown. "Harrison finally made his move."

Victor cursed under his breath. "We don't have time to wait for backup. They chose this location specifically—no witnesses, no escape routes."