At precisely 7:00 p.m., Tessa arrived at the Golden Club, her heels clicking against the polished marble floors. The club, once notorious as the Darkclaw Club, had been a haven for the infamous Darkclaw Group, a criminal syndicate feared across the city. After their downfall, the property was purchased by one of their former enforcers, rebranded, and reopened under a seemingly respectable new name. Yet, the air of danger lingered, making Tessa uneasy as she approached the entrance.She hesitated before the imposing doors, flanked by two tall bodyguards wearing dark suits and sunglasses. One of them turned toward her, his voice curt and professional.“Are you Ms. Armand?”“Yes, I am,” Tessa replied, her tone steady despite the knot tightening in her stomach.“This way, please,” the guard said, pulling the door open with a smooth motion.As the door swung open, Tessa stepped inside, her breath catching in her throat. The luxurious room exuded opulence, but her gaze immediately locked on

Mark’s sneer deepened, his arrogance unchecked as he marched toward Adam. “You trash! You’re already halfway to the grave, and yet you still dare to act tough? Let me put you in your place. I’ll smash your mouth first!”Tessa stepped forward in panic, trying to shield Adam. “Stop it! Haven’t you done enough?”But Adam grasped her wrist gently, pulling her behind him. His voice was calm but firm. “Stay back, Tessa. I’ll handle this.”Mark’s lips curled into a malicious grin. “Handle this? Let’s see how you handle a broken jaw!” He raised his hand, his intent clear, and swung it forcefully toward Adam’s face.What happened next left everyone stunned. Adam didn’t flinch. Instead, his hand shot up with lightning speed, catching Mark’s wrist mid-swing.Mark froze, his expression twisted in disbelief. He tried to yank his hand free, using all his strength, but Adam’s grip was like an iron vice, unyielding. His arm trembled as he struggled, but it was no use.With a sharp, deliberate motion,

The tension in the room snapped like a coiled spring as Robert’s patience reached its limit.“Damn you!” he bellowed, raising his massive hand and delivering a resounding slap across Mark’s face. The sharp crack of the blow echoed through the air, silencing everyone in the room.Mark stumbled back, clutching his reddened cheek, his expression a mix of shock and indignation. “Mr. Diego, why did you hit me?” he stammered, his voice tinged with both anger and confusion.Robert’s glare could have pierced steel. “Damn it! Do I need a reason?” he roared, following up with an even fiercer slap that sent Mark reeling.Not content with his blows, Robert drove his boot into Mark’s stomach with such force that Mark crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.Ethan, equally stunned and panicked, spoke up hesitantly. “Mr. Diego, are you hitting the wrong people? We’re the ones who called you for help against this trash!”Robert’s rage only deepened at the words. “Go to hell!” he barked, spinning aro

Robert knelt frozen in place, his trembling lips forming the words, “Mr. Adam, I—” But the words caught in his throat as Adam’s sharp, icy gaze met his. The unrelenting pressure of Adam’s stare rendered him utterly speechless, his fear mounting by the second.“Mr. Adam, I’m sorry!” Robert stammered, his voice quaking as he lowered his head in submission.Mark, despite his injuries, barked out defiantly, “Robert, don’t you dare! Do you think my uncle won’t tear you apart for this? You’ll regret it!” His voice quivered, a mix of rage and terror as he clung to the only leverage he believed he had.Robert’s expression hardened as he turned to Mark. “If I don’t do this, I’ll be the one who dies now. I’m sorry,” he muttered before lifting his leg and driving a brutal kick into Mark’s groin.A sickening crack echoed in the air, sending a collective shudder through the onlookers. Mark’s eyes bulged wide with disbelief and agony as he collapsed, clutching at himself. His scream, shrill and pai

Tessa’s eyes widened in shock as the weight of Gregory’s words sank in. “What?” she stammered, unable to mask her disbelief.Gregory’s declaration that he was the son of the vice president of Bulgart Industry carried a heavy significance. Bulgart Industry was a powerful corporation with vast influence, and while Gregory wasn’t from one of the prominent families that controlled the highest levels of power, his position as the vice president’s son still made him a figure they couldn’t afford to cross.To offend Gregory, especially given his close ties to Bulgart Industry, was practically equivalent to crossing the vice president himself. The repercussions would be severe—possibly devastating.“Mr. Gregory, I’m so sorry,” Tessa quickly apologized, bowing deeply in an effort to de-escalate the tension. Her voice trembled slightly, but she maintained her composure. “I apologize on his behalf.”Gregory waved her off dismissively, his gaze narrowing at Adam with palpable disdain. “It’s fine,