*Flashback*“So you're not done washing my car you bastard?!”Luke slams his fists into Hardin's face and he spits out blood as he falls to the ground. “Oh. I see you're trying to rile me up huh?! Did you do this to get my attention? You seriously think my sister loves a lowlife like you huh?!"Another punch is thrown at him and he groans in pain spitting out more blood. “You. I'm going to deal with you so much today that you won't be able to fucking walk!!”…Hardin opens his eyes and breathes heavily. He was soaked in sweat as his heart pounded loudly in his chest. He takes a quick look around and sees the familiar paintings on his room walls. He was home and safe. “Sir! Are you awake?”Hardin knew who was speaking before he even turned his head to look. Layla had a worried expression on her face as she stood at his bedside with a weary smile. She lets out a relieved sigh once she saw he was staring at her. She brings a glass of water to his lips which he slowly drinks. Hardin

Hardin places a hand on his chin as he stares at the name written in bold letters on the tablet Layla showed him. “Interesting” …“It seems Luke is going to be alright darling”Karina stares at Dario through the mirror. He had a wide smile on his lips. “What makes you so sure? That place isn't safe for him. They had to send him back immediately after he healed. Those bastards didn't even waste any time shoving him back there"Dario places his two hands on Karina's shoulder and massages it gently.“I took care of the man who stabbed him”Karina looks back so fast she almost got whiplash. “You found him?! Why didn't you let me know? Who the hell is he?!"Dario sighs. “Apparently he was some man who had purchased stocks in the company and it didn't turn out well for him so he resented Luke and threatened him but all of that has been taken care of. Luke will be alright from now on”Karina engulfs Dario in a tight hug. "Oh thank you Dario!"“I'm your husband. I should help take care

“His name was cleared?”Travis sighs placing his glass of whiskey on the table in frustration. “Apparently the suspect confirmed he wasn't the one all of a sudden. It is rather suspicious but there's nothing we can do if there is no evidence that Dario was linked to him and the change in his statement doesn't help matters either”Hardin nods. He knew Dario was a sneaky man and he would do absolutely anything not to get into jail. He hadn't expected anything less from him. “I wonder what made him change his statement. Dario must have something on him”Hardin twirled his finger around the top of the cup as he delved deep in thoughts. “I wonder what it is”Hardin pulls out his phone and makes a quick phone call. “Hello Detective Kim. I want you to do a background check on the culprit. Find out if he had a bad history or any family and report to me tommorow morning”“Yes sir”"Whatever Dario has on him must be greater than him going to jail"…“Sir!”Layla walks into Hardin's office

Natalie’s car came to a slow stop in front of the sprawling, ivy-clad house that her Uncle Scott and Aunt Nina's called home. The evening sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawn, but the sight that once filled her with comfort now brought a bitter taste to her mouth. She stepped out, slamming the door harder than she intended, and stormed up the stone path to the front door.The door creaked open before she could knock. Aunt Nina’s face appeared, all delicate lines and soft concern, but Natalie didn’t miss the flicker of surprise—or was it guilt?—in her eyes.“Natalie, darling, we weren’t expecting you,” Aunt Nina said, her voice tentative.“Clearly,” Natalie replied, her tone sharp. She brushed past her aunt and entered the hallway, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with a new, unforgiving light.Uncle Scott appeared from the study, his reading glasses perched on his nose. “Natalie, what a surprise,” he said, attempting a smile, but it faltered as he caught sight of

“Master, You have a guest”A frown appears on Hardin's face. He wasn't expecting anyone. “Who is it?”“It's Nat!”Hardin looks up from the table where he’s been reviewing documents. His face is a mix of surprise and concern as he sees Natalie. He gestures for her to sit down."Natalie, what are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you”Natalie sighs taking a seat and making herself comfortable. "I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing. I know what Dario did to you, and I want to help. As a journalist, I have resources and connections that could be invaluable."Hardin’s expression hardens. He leans back in his chair, studying Natalie with a skeptical gaze. "I appreciate your offer, but this is dangerous. Dario has powerful connections, and getting involved could put you in harm’s way. You don’t know what you’re dealing with."Natalie leans forward. "That’s exactly why I want to help. I have access to information and a platform to expose Dario’s crimes. I’ve already started digging in