The Midnight Thief

Chapter 7

“Why did you stop me?” Laurel’s voice cut through the air like broken glass, her sharp gaze boring straight into Leo.

“She apologized, didn’t she?” Leo fired right back, his dark eyes meeting hers without a trace of fear.

Laurel bit her lower lip, fighting down the sudden surge of anger before yanking her wrist out of his grip. Picking a public fight with a high-stakes billionaire like Charles at a major society gathering was bad for her reputation. Instead, she shot a freezing glare toward the retreating girl and snapped, “Watch where you’re going, clumsy, or what’s the point of wearing big, stupid glasses?” With a huff, she turned on her heel and hurried upstairs to change into a fresh dress.

Leo watched her leave, then shifted his gaze toward the shadows where Nora had vanished. (Not even a word of thanks...) he muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly. (Though I didn’t expect one. She really has changed since the last time I saw her around the estate. So thin, so quiet... almost unrecognizable.)

What Leo didn’t know was the horrifying reality of what the Vance family had done to Nora behind closed doors, locking her inside a freezing dog cage for weeks, starving her until she was skin and bones, and only feeding her scraps just to keep her alive for public events. Even though they temporarily released her so the family wouldn't look bad at grand parties, the abuse never stopped. They still treated her like garbage. Leo remained completely unaware of the full extent of her suffering, yet watching her cower in fear had struck a raw nerve deep inside his chest.

Nearby, in one of the private resort bathrooms, Leo stood alone in front of the marble sink, gripping the edges tightly as a dark, inner turmoil threatened to tear him apart.

A cruel, whispering voice echoed inside his head: Why did you protect a member of the Vance family? Have you forgotten what they did to your knees? What they did to your life? Sure, Nora didn't pull the trigger, but she carries their toxic blood. You should have let Laurel crush her, or better yet, you should eliminate every single one of them!

“Shut up!” Leo growled aloud, startling a passing guest who was busy washing his hands at the adjacent sink.

The man gave him a strange, unsettled look. “Pardon?”

Leo didn’t answer. He turned away and marched out of the restroom, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. I am not a killer, he repeated to himself like a mantra, fighting the rising tide of his supernatural instincts. I am not a monster. I will bring the Vances down through pure power, money, and justice, not by sinking to their savage level!

Back in the ballroom, the speeches honoring the late family patriarch resumed. Gregory Vance stepped up to the microphone, putting on a sickeningly fake, somber expression.

“Benedict was a dear friend,” Gregory lied smoothly, even though he had spent his entire life stepping on his rivals. “Not just our family, but the entire city misses his great leadership.”

His hypocritical words managed to draw real tears from Caroline, who nodded gratefully. When it was Leo’s turn to raise a toast, he stepped into the light with a calm, dangerous smile.

“He was a true role model,” Leo said, his voice echoing smoothly across the hall. “I would gladly give away all my wealth if I could find a wife as loyal and loving as Mrs. Caroline.”

Across the room, Victoria Vance narrowed her eyes, watching the handsome newcomer with sudden, calculating interest.

“This man...” Victoria whispered to Sophie beside her. “Who is this wealthy fellow with such sharp brains?”

“Charles. A professional poker player,” Sofia replied, having already checked his background on her phone. “His estimated net worth is over two hundred and fifty million dollars.”

“Oh, how wonderful,” Victoria smiled coldly. “He would make a perfect husband for Nora, don’t you think?”

Sofia hesitated, a flash of possessive jealousy crossing her face. “Actually... I was thinking of going out on a date with him myself.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow in surprise. “What about Andres?”

“I’m getting tired of him,” Sofia shrugged dismissively. “He’s lost his edge.”

“If you want the blonde billionaire, go ahead and charm him,” Victoria advised quietly. “But keep Andres around for a little longer.”

“Why?”

“Because you are still legally married to that pathetic stray dog, Leo, assuming he’s somehow still breathing out there in the world. We need to get him to sign official divorce papers so our assets remain protected, and our loyal dog Andres is the best tool for hunting him down.”

Sofia smirked, a wicked glint in her eye. “Fine. I’ll have Andres dig up whatever is left of Carlos. Once he signs the papers, I’ll toss him away for good.”

Unbeknownst to them, standing just a few feet away near a massive pillar, Leo heard every single word through the crystal-clear hearing granted by his new abilities. A slow, chilling smile spread across his face. They were still treating him like property. They were still plotting to use him.

Keep looking for me, Sofia, Leo thought, his eyes flashing with a brief, terrifying hint of crimson in the shadows. You won't have to search very long.