As Xavier attentively observed Edward, he couldn't help but notice the subtle transformation in his demeanor. The narrowing of Edward's eyes hinted at a shift in his character, adding to the air of mystery that always surrounded him. Edward had always possessed an enigmatic aura, particularly regarding the ancient artifact he possessed. Xavier's mind wandered, contemplating the possibility that Edward might have become entangled with the elusive organization known only as "them," a whispered presence lurking in the shadows. Although Xavier had caught glimpses of Edward's extraordinary abilities, the true extent of his involvement with "them" remained shrouded in uncertainty, an enigma that intrigued Xavier deeply.However, Xavier knew that now was not the time to delve into that mystery. The immediate concern was the upcoming visit from the Petrovich suitors. Xavier had come to a decision—he would entrust the responsibility of receiving the guests to Edward."I have faith in you," Xa

Edward's gaze softened as he tenderly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know this is a big step for you, my dear. But I fell in love with you for who you are, not where you come from. Your strength, kindness, and genuine nature have captured my heart, and I believe my family will see those qualities too."Brenda found some comfort in Edward's words, although a sliver of doubt still lingered in her mind. She knew that meeting Edward's family would be a significant milestone in their relationship, and the fear of being judged or not measuring up weighed heavily on her heart.As the night progressed, Brenda struggled to find sleep. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, preventing her from finding tranquility. She tossed and turned, her uneasiness growing with each passing moment.With the first rays of sunlight peeking through the window, Brenda decided to embrace the new day and face her fears head-on. She rose from bed and quietly tiptoed to the bathroom, determi

Edward's mind was swirling with a mix of shock and realization. The world he thought he knew had suddenly transformed into a web of secrecy and betrayal. The revelation of the Zodiac Files and the hidden conflicts among the Zodiac Families shed a new light on the challenges he faced. "So, our alliance and even Ivy's marriage is not only based on love and friendship between families, but also serves as a tool for surveillance and espionage?" Eloise nodded, her expression grave. "It is an unfortunate reality, Edward. We must be cautious even with our own allies, as trust is a precious commodity in our world. The delicate balance of power among the Zodiac Families requires constant vigilance and strategic maneuvering."Edward's mind was racing, trying to grasp the complexity of the situation. He couldn't help but question Eloise's intentions. "But Eloise, if you plan to kill anyone from the Petrovich family who is coming soon, wouldn't that also escalate the conflict into a full-blown w

Regaining his composure, Ivan reluctantly released his grip, his ego wounded by Edward's unexpected resilience. However, he quickly masked his embarrassment with a boisterous laugh, attempting to downplay the significance of their previous confrontation. "Well, Edward, you certainly surprised me there."Edward's smile widened, understanding Ivan's attempt to salvage his pride. "Appearances can indeed be deceiving."Sensing the need to shift the conversation away from their earlier confrontation, Ivan gestured toward two individuals standing nearby."Allow me to introduce my brothers," he said, his voice regaining some of its former confidence. "This is Alexei and Mikhail."Alexei, the eldest of the Petrovich brothers, was a man of refined elegance and calculated charm. With his sharply chiseled features and piercing gaze, he exuded an air of quiet authority. Mikhail, on the other hand, possessed an intensity that bordered on restlessness. His rugged appearance, combined with a perpet

Ivan burst into boisterous laughter, his initial surprise quickly giving way to genuine amusement. He hadn't expected Edward to be a man who held love and devotion in such high regard, and it brought a strange sense of joy to Ivan's heart. Without hesitation, he agreed to Edward's proposition. "You've surprised me, Edward. Alright then, I accept your offer. A fight to the death it shall be. But before we proceed, I want everyone here to bear witness: this is Edward's initiative, and my Petrovich family will not be held responsible for whatever happens to him in this fight."With the terms set and the agreement witnessed by all, the room settled into a heavy silence. The other Petrovich brothers nodded solemnly, acknowledging the weight of Ivan's statement. They were convinced that Ivan, in terms of physical strength and close-quarters combat, was unbeatable among his peers.At the same time, Brenda's anxiety deepened as she listened to the escalating stakes of the fight. She knew that