Ashton's lips curved into a sly smile.With no sign of the Sullivan family and, by extension, Kendra, Ashton felt a playful urge. It was a perfect time for pregame antics, especially with the distasteful Segal family.Lounging with an air of authority on a plush leather sofa, Gale mused, swirling his wine. "Seems we might see some action before our discussion begins."His gaze was not on the well-renowned Michael Dunn but settled with a touch of pity on a young man across the room. The young man probably thought his Scanfort medical degree made him invincible. On Harbor Island, when it came to modern medical prowess, who could hold a candle to Michael Dunn?Retaining Michael Dunn's services took a fortune each year, but what was money when lives were on the line?Michael slid on his glasses, their lenses catching a soft gleam. Unclasping his briefcase, he revealed an array of medical instruments designed for immediate diagnostics. As long as the patient was not near death, he coul

A calm voice said, "Miss MacCallum, since Madam MacCallum is fine, can we consider this matter closed? Michael's loyalty has been unwavering over the years. If not for his achievements, then at least for his dedication. May you consider this for my sake?""If I weren't respecting you, Mister Segal, he'd already be a dead man!"You have a unique taste, Mister Segal, valuing someone who's more a liability than an asset." Astrid's voice dripped with sarcasm as she drew the MacCallum's Mini Stiletto from her waist.Gale, trying to mask his discomfort, attempted a peace offering. "Perhaps in our future dealings, the Segal family will part with an extra share of the profits. Surely, that's worth more than the arms of someone as insignificant as Michael?"That share might equate to billions, but to Astrid, it was about more than money. The possibility of her grandmother living a few more cherished years was a treasure no amount could purchase."Astrid, let it go," the old lady gently sai

Faedra's joyous expression abruptly froze, a change that did not go unnoticed. All eyes were drawn to her, but none more piercingly than Gideon Sullivan's.Clad in a tailored suit, he exuded leadership and charisma. However, at that moment, his radiant confidence vanished. He seemed deflated, reminiscent of an old-world servant prostrating before a mighty emperor, his face a blend of reverence and dread.The rest of the Sullivan clan seemed equally on edge.To many, Ashton might have been an enigma. To the Sullivans, though? His menacing reputation was etched into their very being, a haunting dread legacy.Gale, blissfully ignorant of the storm about to break, basked in his fury and dominance."Alright, Mister Jenkins," he said, a sly grin pulling at his lips. "Time to begin. Let's give the Sullivans a little pre-meeting entertainment."He was playing a cunning game—seeking revenge while flexing his strength in front of the MacCallum and Sullivan families. By showing off, he hope

The maid breathed deeply and said, "Then I'm with you." She did not want a life of treachery. Her conscience was tarnished by her forced entry into the Sullivans' dark world as a housemaid. The Sullivans' reach was deadly, so survival required desperate measures.Given the promise of safety and the chance to escape the Sullivans, she was willing to gamble. Any sane person knew the choice between a grim fate and a glimmer of hope.Kendra was soon elegantly dressed and entered the grand hall with an escort."Sister!" Kaia's eyes lit up, and she darted toward Kendra.Catching sight of Kendra, Ashton could not resist a jest. "So, you sneak off to Norvanta Port County, aiming for wedding bells, but nearly face disaster instead. Was it all worth it?"Kendra parted her lips but said nothing.Pausing briefly, she asked, "Did you chase me all this way because of your feelings for me?"Ashton laughed lightly. "What's your guess?" He continued with a playful tone. "Women, forever the enigm

"Am I afraid? Naturally. Every human harbors a primal fear of death, and I'm no exception," Ashton said, his voice laced with amusement. "But surely, you don't think you can make me a puppet just for that remote?"Ashton's shift in focus caused a tense atmosphere. It felt like an unseen force controlled their every move."Go on, try pressing that button now."Gideon's face was a mask of determination, beads of sweat forming on his brow. Despite his desperate attempts, his thumb seemed tethered, immobilized. His fingers, limbs, his very being—it all felt dominated by an external force. He was trapped in his body, a marionette without strings.The sensation was nightmarish, beyond any human capability.Such prowess was not exactly unheard of. Those who delved into the intermediate teachings of the grandmaster could deftly harness and project their energy. Regrettably, Gideon's understanding was superficial at best. He mistook the deep well of power for mere combat skills, woefully u