That morning, as the first rays of sunlight began to pierce the horizon, the city slowly awoke from its slumber. The golden light spilled across the still-empty streets, casting a warm glow that chased away the lingering shadows of the night. The reflective surfaces of glass buildings and wet pavement shimmered, creating a dazzling display of light that hinted at the promise of a new day.As the sun continued its ascent, the city's familiar landmarks emerged from the darkness, bathed in the soft morning light. The streets, momentarily devoid of the usual hustle and bustle, felt serene and almost otherworldly, a brief respite before the inevitable rush of daily life resumed. The tranquil scene belied the tension and danger that had unfolded in the quiet corridors of the mall, a stark contrast to the calm now settling over the awakening city.Benjamin sat at the kitchen table, a steaming cup of hot coffee resting in front of him. He gazed out the large window beside him, taking in the t

On the other side of the city, in a damp and dark alley, Dolan Xylon stood facing a person in a black cloak and mask. The dripping water from a leaky pipe was clearly audible in the silence. Dolan grinned slightly, handing over a suitcase to the cloaked figure."You must ensure Benjamin's life is ended," Dolan said in a cold tone.The Black Mask, as the person was known, nodded. "Don't worry, Dolan. My reputation for killing is beyond question."Dolan nodded, satisfied. "Good. Make sure no trace is left behind."Without saying more, The Black Mask turned and stepped into the darkness, disappearing completely into the shadows.Dolan turned, but was surprised to see his stepbrother, Dylan, standing there with a worried expression."Dolan, what are you doing?" Dylan asked tensely. "Why do you want to kill Benjamin? Father clearly warned us that killing is the last resort."Dolan grinned again, this time more cynically. "Father is old, Dylan. His mind is starting to falter. He doesn’t see

Dylan fixed Benjamin with a sharp, probing gaze, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. Despite his unease, he made a concerted effort to maintain his composure."What do you really want from me, Benjamin?" he demanded, his voice firm and unwavering. "I don't appreciate deceit, so be straightforward with me." His words held a hint of caution, a warning that he expected nothing less than complete honesty from Benjamin.Benjamin's smile tightened into a thin line before he clapped his hands once, a calculated gesture that broke the tension in the air. "This is the question I've been waiting to ask you," he responded evenly. "But it's not me who will answer your question. It's Lebron."With that cryptic statement hanging in the air, Benjamin turned slightly, indicating that someone else would provide the answers Dylan sought.From the dark corner of the interrogation room, Lebron emerged like a specter materializing from the shadows. Standing tall and muscular, he exuded an intimidating pres

As darkness descended upon the sprawling metropolis, Benjamin finally reached the comfort of his residence after a long and arduous journey. The unwavering rhythm of his footsteps reverberated through the narrow hallway, blending harmoniously with the distinctive, crisp scent that characterized the cold night air. With a gentle push, he opened the heavy wooden door, and was immediately embraced by the mouthwatering and inviting aroma of a delicious meal being prepared. Standing gracefully in the warmly lit kitchen, Valerie turned to face him, her face illuminated by a sweet and welcoming smile that exuded warmth and affection."Hi," Benjamin greeted, his face lighting up with an equally sweet and affectionate smile, mirroring the warmth and joy radiating from Valerie's expression.Valerie turned gracefully, their eyes locking for a brief, tender moment, before she returned her attention to the simmering pot in front of her. "Hi, Ben," she said, her voice soft and welcoming. "I'm almo

Frederick raised his hand, signaling Dylan to stop talking. The room fell silent instantly, with only the ticking of the wall clock breaking the stillness. Frederick turned to Dolan, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. "Dolan," he said authoritatively, "I want you to take over the task I previously assigned to Dylan." Frederick voice brooked no argument, the decision clear and final. The shift in responsibility underscored Frederick's expectations and the urgency of their ongoing endeavors.Dolan raised his eyebrows, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "What task is that, Father?"Frederick took a deep breath, his expression grave as he began to explain. "We need a renowned artist to approach and seduce Benjamin. There are three things that can either lift a man from ruin or plunge him into it: wealth, power, and women." His words hung heavily in the air, emphasizing the strategic importance of this delicate task. "Your mission is to ensure that Benjamin is swayed,