The neon glow of the Dragun Ash sign cast an ominous red hue across the narrow alleyway, illuminating the graffiti-streaked walls. Lloyd glanced at Jacob as they approached, noting the tension in his old friend’s clenched fists and tightened jaw.“This place still feels like a prison,” Jacob muttered, his voice low. “Camren trapped me in debt, dragged me into his dirty work… If this is where I’ll lead them, they’ll need to see that Camren’s hold over me is over.”“They will,” Lloyd replied, his voice calm yet commanding. “But it won’t be simple, they still view you as Camren’s pawn, that’s why I’m here, to make sure they know what's up”Jacob nodded, glancing warily at the entrance. He’d worked under his uncle for years, moving through the Draguns’ ranks under the constant weight of obligation and intimidation. But now, with Camren dead by Lloyd’s hand, the power vacuum needed to be filled.As they entered the bat, the conversations that filled the bar slowly evaporated, and eyes

The streets of Hilburg were eerily quiet under the pale glow of streetlights, save for the hum of a distant car engine and the faint buzz of fluorescent signs. Lloyd leaned against the brick wall of a building across the street from the Hilburg Police Department, his arms crossed as he watched the building intently. Ivan stood beside him, chewing absently on a toothpick, his sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. “This makes seven” Ivan muttered. “Seven nights of the same patterns, same rotations, same blind spots, either Mason gave us the real deal, or we’re walking straight into a trap” “It’s real,” Lloyd replied quietly, his voice carrying the cold certainty of a man who trusted his instincts. “Every detail Mason gave us checks out, if this were a setup, we'd have probably sniffed it out” Ivan flicked the toothpick to the ground and stepped forward, narrowing his gaze at a patrolman casually walking past one of the station’s side entrances. “Still, feels too clean... Can’t

Chapter 15The smell of fresh pancakes and brewed coffee spread through the room, nudging Lloyd awake.His eyes open to see Lisa standing at the edge of his bed, a tray balanced delicately in her hands.The sight caught him slightly off guard... it was usually him in this position, as Lisa had always felt nervous coming into his room.“Good morning” Lisa said softly, placing the tray on the small table by his bed.She looked radiant despite the early hour, her smile warm but faintly nervous “I thought I’d surprise you”Lloyd sat up, adjusting the pillow behind his back “You didn’t have to do this” he replied, his tone carrying a mix of gratitude and confusion.Lisa shrugged, taking a seat on the chair beside him. “I wanted to... After last night, I thought we both deserved a calm start to thee day”He picked up the cup of coffee, taking a small sip “Thank you” he said sincerely. “And... about last night, Your parents...”“Don’t” Lisa interrupted, shaking her head “You don’t have to ex

Eric West sat in the opulent study of his massive mansion, a glass of expensive whiskey resting in his hand. The room was a sanctuary of success, filled with dark oak shelves brimming with leather-bound books, a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow, and a sprawling desk that symbolized his empire over Western Steel... the largest steel company in Tekka.The whiskey burned pleasantly in his throat as he leaned back in his chair, savoring the rare moment of solitude. His world was built on control, precision, and calculated moves, few things rattled Eric West.And then his phone rang.The sharp sound shattered the peace and tranquility of the room. Eric frowned, setting down his glass and glancing at the sleek, high-tech device on his desk. Only a handful of people had this number.Deep down he wished he had turned off the damn device, but didn't since no one ever called him on it.He picked up the phone, and the screen displayed a single name.*The Dragon Duke*The blood drained fro

The room fell silent, the weight of his presence stifling.“I asked a question” Eric said, his tone sharp and impatient. “What is the meaning of this commotion?”"Who said you could start a fight in my office"Eric West’s piercing eyes swept over the office, his expression a volatile mix of anger and suspicion as the room remained silent.The CEO of Western Steel stood tall, his presence dominating the room as he surveyed the scene.The sight of his COO, Woodrow Taft, the disheveled guards, and the strangers standing in his office was enough to set his jaw tightly.“What.. I ask again” Eric said, his voice sharp and cold “is going on here?”Woodrow was quick to step forward, smoothing his suit as he gestured toward Lisa, Lloyd, and Grace. “These... individuals are trespassers, Eric” he said, his tone oozing disdain “They were just about to be removed.”Eric’s eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to the strangers in question. Before he could speak, the door burst open, and more security