"You bastard!" Steve's voice echoed through the room, his rage boiling over as he confronted Eric. The sudden intensity of his outburst sent shockwaves through the gathered guests, their conversations falling silent as all eyes turned to the unfolding drama.Eric staggered back, his expression a mixture of surprise and fear as he collided with the wall. His attempt to regain his footing was futile as Steve's fury propelled him forward, his fists clenched in a white-knuckled grip.The guests, previously engrossed in their meals, now watched in stunned silence as Steve closed the distance between himself and Eric with swift, purposeful strides. His coarse words lashed out like whips, each syllable dripping with venom as he prepared to deliver his wrath upon his perceived adversary.But before Steve could land another blow, Jane rose from her seat with a determined resolve, positioning herself between Steve and Eric. Her eyes blazed with a fire of their own as she stood her ground, a bar

Jane's gaze pierced Benjamin like a dagger forged in the fires of fury. Every fiber of her being radiated a tempest of loathing, her eyes ablaze with the flames of wrath. The once pristine canvas of her visage now bore the marks of battle, her makeup smeared in chaotic defiance. Her elegant attire, a casualty of her tumultuous emotions, clung to her form in disarray, a testament to the turmoil within.Tremors coursed through her trembling frame as she raised a quivering finger, aimed like an arrow of retribution, directly at Benjamin's unyielding countenance. In that charged moment, the air crackled with the intensity of her hatred, a storm unleashed upon the unsuspecting shores of his indifference."You wretched scoundrel!" Jane's voice thundered, echoing with the ferocity of a tempest unleashed. "You're the architect of our downfall! Every twist, every turn, orchestrated by your treacherous hand! You plotted and schemed, weaving a web of deceit that has torn apart our very essence!

In the serene solitude of the narrow corridor, Benjamin stood motionless, his ears attuned to the faint echo of Valerie's receding footsteps as they gradually diminished into the distance, eventually fading into the hushed ambiance of the bathroom.Struggling to maintain composure, Benjamin grappled with a rising sense of unease as the oppressive darkness swallowed the hallway, leaving him on edge and hyper-aware of his surroundings. Abruptly, his gaze caught the faint silhouette of a figure lurking beneath the erratic flicker of the light, triggering a surge of primal instincts urging him to brace for impending danger. Yet, before he could react, the deafening silence was pierced by the soundless discharge of a bullet, followed by a searing jolt of agony as pain seared through his arm, shattering the tranquility of the moment.Summoning his inner reserves, Benjamin focused intently, channeling his spiritual Qi energy with a fierce determination toward the site of impact, striving to

"Whoever you are, you're obviously highly trained and exceptionally skilled," Benjamin thought to himself, acknowledging the formidable prowess of his unseen adversary. The shadow paused for a moment, carefully scanning the surroundings with a calculated precision. Sensing an opportunity, Benjamin seized the moment and propelled himself forward with swift, agile movements, darting from one pillar to another like a seasoned warrior. His eyes locked onto his target, he steadied his aim and fired once more, this time with heightened accuracy. The bullet tore through the air and struck the shadow's shoulder with a resounding impact, causing the figure to stagger backward in evident pain and surprise. Despite the swirling chaos and the relentless, throbbing pain pulsating through his wounded arm, Benjamin understood that maintaining his calm and composed demeanor was crucial. He needed to meticulously strategize his next move, every second counting in this high-stakes encounter. It was

Benjamin swiftly concealed his pistol beneath his jacket, a facade of calm settling over him as he fought to suppress the lingering adrenaline coursing through his veins. "It's nothing, Valerie," he replied, offering her a reassuring smile despite the persistent ache in his arm. "Just some rowdy rats having a little scuffle."Valerie regarded him skeptically, her eyes narrowing with concern as she took in his disheveled appearance. "Are you sure?" she queried, her voice laced with worry. "You look injured. Are you really okay?"Benjamin nodded. "I'm fine. Let's get out of here."With a sense of urgency propelling their steps, Benjamin and Valerie walked briskly towards the parking lot, their pace quickened by the palpable tension lingering in the air. Every passing second felt precious, a reminder of the imminent threat that loomed over them, threatening to shatter the fragile peace they sought to reclaim.Benjamin's senses were heightened, his gaze darting