They would protect Ethan and Sandra, no matter the cost. The gala had been a test, and though battered, they had emerged victorious. For now.***The gala had descended into chaos, and Ethan and Sandra were sprinting through the maze-like corridors of the Geralt mansion, racing toward the backdoor. The distant sounds of battle echoed through the opulent hallways—clashing metal, grunts of effort, and the occasional cry of pain. Each step they took was a step away from the danger behind them, but the danger ahead remained unknown.Ethan’s mind raced as fast as his legs, not for himself, he could hold out on his own, rather his thoughts focused on the urgency of their escape because of Sandra who was with him. Beside him, Sandra’s breathing was heavy, her determination driving her forward. They turned corner after corner, the path to safety seeming longer with each twist and turn.“Just a bit further,” Ethan panted, casting a quick glance at Sandra. “We’re almost there.”Sandra nodded

Ethan pushed open the door to Sandra’s hospital room with a mix of trepidation and relief. The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows on the walls. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh flowers someone had brought in, a desperate attempt to bring some cheer to the otherwise clinical environment.He walked quietly to Sandra’s bedside, his heart tightening at the sight of her. She lay there, pale but peaceful, her breathing steady. The bandage on her side was a stark reminder of the previous night’s violence. Ethan reached out, gently stroking her cheek, the memory of their shared kiss at the gala flooding his mind. The intimacy of that moment contrasted sharply with the chaos that had followed.Sandra stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked a few times, disoriented, before focusing on Ethan. A soft smile touched her lips. “Ethan,” she whispered, her voice weak but filled with relief.“Hey, you,” Ethan s

But for a few moments longer, he allowed himself to sit there, absorbing the strength he drew from his conversation with Rachel, readying himself for the battles yet to come.***Ethan gently closed the door to Sandra’s room, his mind still replaying the attack and their subsequent escape. The hospital hallway was a stark contrast to the chaos they had narrowly survived—sterile, quiet, and deceptively peaceful. As he stepped into the hallway, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked the screen and saw “Old Man” flashing. Taking a deep breath, he answered.“Hello” Ethan said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion.“Ethan, my boy,” the Old Man’s gravelly voice came through, filled with concern. “How are you holding up? I heard about the attack.”Ethan leaned against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. “I’m alright, more or less. A few bruises, but nothing major. Sandra took a nasty hit, though. She’s recovering now.”“Damn,” the Old Man muttered, a hint of anger seeping i

With renewed determination, Jackson returned to his workout, each punch and lift fueled by a sense of urgency. He knew the stakes were higher than ever, and there was no room for hesitation. The game was on, and he intended to win, no matter the cost.***The morning sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the expansive grounds of Gerald’s mansion. The reporters, their cameras and microphones at the ready, had gathered in droves, the anticipation already visible in the cool air. The ornate gates of the mansion opened slowly, revealing a pathway lined with meticulously trimmed hedges leading up to the grand entrance. At the center of this spectacle stood Gerald, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his demeanor a blend of composed authority and genuine concern.He stepped up to a hastily erected podium, flanked by two burly guards whose eyes scanned the crowd with an unwavering vigilance. The murmur of the assembled press hushed as Gerald approached the microphone, hi

For now, they would wait, biding their time, gaining the trust of their enemies, and preparing for the final act of their elaborate play. The shadows were their ally, and in the darkness, they thrived.***Denera walked briskly through the iron gates of the Lockwood mansion, the gravel crunching beneath her designer heels. The sprawling estate was bathed in the late afternoon sun, its grandeur a stark contrast to the shadowy meeting she had just left. She could feel the weight of the conversation with Gerald lingering in her mind, but she pushed it aside as she approached the grand entrance. There were other matters to attend to, namely her brother Jason.As she stepped into the cool, marbled foyer, she heard the faint strains of classical music playing from the living room. The air was scented with the faint aroma of fresh roses, likely a new addition from their housekeeper. Denera walked with purpose, her heels clicking against the polished floor, until she reached the thresho