Meanwhile, at the Hawthorn mansion, Luke and Lisa were celebrating in the parlour with drinks. But the mood soured when John Hawthorne strode in, his face like a stormcloud. Without warning, he backhanded Luke hard across the face. Lisa gasped as Luke reeled, clutching his stinging cheek in shock.

60 As Darwin's car curled around the final bend, the imposing structure of The Grand View Resort and Hotel loomed into view, its grandeur unmistakable even from a distance. Clad in nothing fancier than his most comfortable casual wear, Darwin's heart sank a little. His mother's bombshell and th

62 Darwin, for his part, was just as taken aback. He was aware his mother had some clout in the area, given her ownership of the commercial street, but this? This was beyond anything he'd imagined. The thought that his mother could wield enough influence to make someone like Elliot show him defer

64 As Darwin turned to see who had called his name, he instantly regretted his decision to wander down Valila Commercial Street. Standing at the entrance of a karaoke bar was Nick, flanked by Trevor, Jessica, Elise, and a few others from their circle. A group Darwin least wanted to encounter—his so

66 The sudden entrance caught everyone's attention, silencing the room momentarily as all eyes turned toward the newcomer. Trevor's eyes lit up with a wide grin as the man strode into the room. "Dave, my friend!" he exclaimed, hurriedly walking over to greet the newcomer warmly. Dave's stern ex