The warehouse felt colder now, darker. Stephen's heart was racing while he stood frozen, following every movement Michael made. Ariane was crying; her eyes were wide with terror, but her lips did not open. Stephen could feel her fear; it radiated across the room, tightening his chest."Why are you doing this, Michael?" Stephen asked in a hoarse voice. He must remain calm, must buy time.Michael smirked, circling Ariane like a predator playing with its prey. "You don't get it, do you? You've been a thorn in my side for years. You thought you could just move on after what you did, live your life like nothing happened?""What did I do?" Stephen's eyes narrowed, trying to keep his focus sharp.Michael's eyes flashed with anger. "You killed my brother."Stephen recoiled. There were faces from his past, but this… he couldn't let the past take Ariane from him. Whether she was his daughter or not, she was innocent in this."I didn't know," Stephen said, trying to even out his voice. "I didn't
Stephen's finger quivered on the trigger, its weight heavy in his hand. Michael lay on the cold warehouse floor, a trickle of blood oozing from his lip, his eyes ablaze with anger. Time seemed to freeze, the silence thick between them. "Go ahead," Michael goaded, his voice hoarse but defiant. "Pull the trigger, Stephen. End this. Or are you too weak? Stephen's heart pounded. Every fibre of his being screamed to shoot, to end the nightmare Michael had dragged them all into. But something held him back. He wasn't a killer. Not like this. Victor, now that Ariane was free, bounded to stand beside Stephen. "Don't," Victor whispered, his voice urgent. "He's not worth it. Stephen's hand closed tighter on the gun, his breathing shallow. He couldn't let Michael get his way, but he just couldn't cross that line. His hand moved down, inch by inch. "That's what I thought," Michael said to himself with a sneer, pushing himself up. "You're weak, Stephen. Have always been." Incensed, Step
Stephen stood by the door, his gaze fixed on Ju Won. "Stay here with Ariane," he said, tucking a handgun into his jacket. "I have to go."Ju Won frowned and shook his head. "It's too dangerous, Stephen. Going into the station like this? You'll get yourself killed.Stephen's eyes met his, his expression hard. "I know it's risky. But Clarke's the key to all of this. If I don't get answers, we're done."Ju Won was silent for a moment. "And if you don't come back?"Stephen exhaled, looking over at Ariane, still sleeping. "If I don't make it… you take care of her. Get her somewhere safe. Don't wait for me.There was a long pause before Ju Won finally nodded. "Fine. But be on your guard."Stephen said nothing. He grabbed his keys, slipped out of the motel room into the night. The streets were empty as he drove, silence weighing heavy. When he arrived at the station, he knew something was off. The parking lot was deserted. Not one policeman in sight."It's just evening," Stephen grumbled to
They had been seated in a small dingy room with a metallic chair each, hands cuffed behind their backs; the smell of sweat and blood hung in the air. Enoch's head was hung low, dripping blood from his split lip. Bruises were beginning to swell on Victor, but he kept his eyes fixed at the door.It creaked heavily open, and the two men tensed at once. Michael stepped in, his dark coat swaying with each movement; there were two on either side of him. He glanced at the two men and nodded to one of his guards.The latter stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "I'm only going to ask one more time," Michael said coldly. "Where's my crate?"Neither Enoch nor Victor spoke.Michael breathed hard and tapped his temple as if he was dealing with children. "Tough guys, huh?" He waved his hand at the guard. "Show them I mean business."The guard strode over to Enoch and punched him in the pit of his stomach. Enoch grunted, doubling over, but the ropes kept him upright.Michael angled his face close
Michael sat on a chair while the jacket hung on his shoulder, as Ju Won painfully dressed and bandaged the bullet wound. His teeth were clenched as Ju Won pressed a bandage against the injury and the smell of herbs filled the air.It creaked open, and a small figure ran in. "Daddy!" Ariane ran up to him and buried her face into his waist. She looked up; her big round eyes were full of worry. "What happened? Are you hurt?"Ju Won cast a glance at the little girl. Immediately the hardness in his voice dissipated. "Your daddy's going to be fine. Don't worry.Stephen sat back in the chair, grunting as Ju Won pressed the treatment leaf onto his wound. "I'm all right, sweetheart," he said, his voice a little strained. "It's just a little pain."Yuna came quietly into the room, carrying a basket. She laid it on the table and drew out more leaves Ju Won had ordered earlier. She watched as he took them, chewing on a few before pressing the pulpy mixture onto Stephen's shoulder."This will help
He stood next to the park, his hands deep inside his pockets. He scanned the crowd, watching people stroll past, laughing and chatting. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease settling in his stomach. Where is Voss? he thought, looking down at his watch. The sun had begun to sip below the trees, casting long shadows across the park.He shifted his feet, fighting the nerves. A few feet away, some kids were playing on the swings, their giggles carrying across like a reminder of a distant past that no longer applied. *This is no game, he told himself as he pushed the thought away.From his vantage point, he saw some men in the crowd who seemed to stare at him. Out of place, they appeared too serious for a park. The instincts kicked in for Victor. He turned his back towards them, fiddling with his shoelace as if tying it while sizing up the situation. They were Michael's men, and he knew they were here to make sure everything went according to plan.Where is Voss? he thought again mor
Victor watched, heart racing, as the tension mounted. Stephen stood tall, and in the midst of the chaos, a ray of hope fluttered in his chest. "Stephen, you gotta go!" Victor yelled, voice hoarse."I'm not leaving without you," Stephen replied steadfastly, eyes scanning the scene. "Where's Enoch?"Michael's smirk tugged off for a moment. "Still caught," he said nonchalantly-as if it didn't matter leastwise.Damn it," Stephen swore, as frustration welled up. He took a deep breath and refocused on the standoff. "Listen, all of you need to leave now. Drop the package and get out. I won't hesitate."Voss scowled; incredulity crossed his face. "Are you threatening me?"I'm serious," Stephen finally replied, pulling back his jacket to reveal a vest loaded with explosives. "It's a timer. If you don't disconnect this in three minutes, I'll blow this whole place to hell."Michael laughed, the slightest trace of mirth creeping into his voice. "You're nuts as always, Stephen."Voss shot a glare
The narrow corridor around him exploded with the sound of gunfire, and Enoch's legs almost buckled under him; his breath caught in his throat, his fear clutching at his throat like a vice. Whether the shot was meant for him or wide, he didn't know, but he couldn't afford to stop and find out. He kept on running.His lungs burned and his heart jackrabbited against his ribcage as he sprinted toward what he hoped was an exit. Behind him, he could hear the heavy footsteps of Michael's men closing in, the shouts of anger and frustration cutting through the air. Enoch's mind raced, searching for any way to gain the upper hand, but he felt cornered, out of options. *If I don't find a way out soon, I'm dead.*He whipped around a corner, his feet skidding on the slick concrete floor. Ahead of him now, he saw the first sign of hope: a narrow staircase headed down. Without a second's hesitation, he launched down the stairs two at a time. Pure adrenaline coursed through his body; his muscles shri
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not sa
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late.The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late.The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face."Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen.Stephen did not say anythi
Stephen stood by the door, watching as Victor’s car grew smaller in the distance. The rumble of the engine slowly faded, leaving nothing but the usual quiet that hung around the small neighborhood. He let out a breath, resting his hand on the doorframe. The last two months had been tough—tougher than he ever imagined.Without the system—the network of contacts and favors that once made his life easy—Stephen had to figure out a way to survive on his own. And it wasn’t glamorous. Every day was a grind, a constant scramble for enough money to cover the basics. Work wasn’t easy to come by, not when you’d burned as many bridges as he had. But he’d managed to find some odd jobs here and there—just enough to scrape by, though never enough to truly get ahead.He closed the door softly, the sound echoing through the small room. Glancing around the cramped space, he couldn’t help but think of the penthouse he once called home. The stark difference between his old life and this one weighed on hi
Stephen stood in the door and watched as Victor's car dwindled to a dot on the horizon. The rumble of the motor died out, leaving only the silent night air hovering over the little neighborhood. He exhaled a breath, his hand falling to rest on the doorframe. The last two months had been rough-tougher than he ever imagined.No system to fall back on now-the network of contacts and favors that oiled his life-Stephen was forced to scrounge some means of survival for himself. Not quite glamorous, the daily fight, the eternal hustle just for the real basics. Jobs were not easy to find, not when one had burned bridges as he had. But he'd been able to find odd jobs here and there, enough just to scrape by, never enough to get any further ahead.He closed the door behind him with a quiet click. The softness echoed inside the tiny room. Glancing around at the cramped quarters, his mind strayed to the penthouse he once called home. The stark dissimilarities between where his life used to be and
Two months later, Victor stared at the address on his phone, then at the small, run-down building in front of him. It didn’t look like a place Stephen would be living. The paint was peeling off the walls, and the grass in front was overgrown. This was far from the sleek, modern apartment Stephen used to own.Victor killed the engine, stepped out of his car, and walked toward the house. It was a self-contained unit—cheap, cramped, and barely enough for one person. He checked the address again. Room number 9. It matched. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.When he reached room 9, he knocked hard. The wood felt thin under his knuckles, like the door could break if he wasn’t careful. He knocked again, louder this time.After a moment, the door creaked open. Victor’s eyebrows shot up. Standing in front of him was Stephen, but he was almost unrecognizable. His hair was longer, his face covered with a scruffy beard, and he’d gained weight—his old sharp features now s
Standing beside Ariane's bed, his mind was spinning as he stared down at the screen of the system on his phone. His fingers trembling, he hit the icon for healing skills. He muttered under his breath, "Why can't this work on her? Why can't I save her?The system kept mum-no explanation, no solution. The shallow breathing of his daughter echoed in the room; every weak breath made him helpless. Stephen swallowed hard as his throat went dry. He could fix deals, he could manipulate numbers, but here in this hospital room, he was powerless.The door creaked open, and Stephen turned to see Enoch step in. Gone was Enoch's usual smug expression, replaced with a concerned frown. "What are you doing here?" Stephen's voice was low, edged with suspicion.Enoch shrugged, glancing over at Ariane. "Heard she was sick, so I decided to come by. How's she doing?"Stephen stared at him for a long moment, unsure of how to reply. His mind flashed back to his earlier doubts. Ariane wasn't his daughter, at
Stephen sat cross-legged on a soft mat, his eyes closed to focus on the calm voice of the guru. The air around him was scented with burning incense; a low hum of chanting echoed softly from the walls. He had called in the guru in a last-ditch effort to clear his mind, escape the relentless pull of the system. It had started to devour him, bit by bit, till it was all he could think of, all he could perceive.He was losing his grip, and he knew it.The guru's voice came, calm: "Breathe in. breathe out. let your thoughts flow like water. Do not cling to them."Stephen sucked in an enormous breath, then let it slowly out again, as if to expel everything at the same time: the market crash, the system, the deals that went right past him. The tension between him and Enoch was endless. He'd gotten pulled into something so much bigger than he was that he couldn't possibly control it himself, and however hard Stephen fought his way free of it, he felt ensnared.Then, though, as his breathing st