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BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 81
The silence in the penthouse was deafening.Samuel stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city. It was past midnight, and yet, the world outside never slept. Neither did he.His fingers curled into a fist as he thought about the Solberg family. The warning they had sent. The blood they had spilled.They thought they could intimidate him.They thought wrong.Behind him, Victoria poured herself another glass of wine, her movements slow and deliberate. Rhys sat on the couch, tapping his fingers against his knee, restless.Elijah had sent them a clear message—retaliation was coming.But Samuel wasn’t satisfied with simple revenge. He wanted destruction."They expect us to make a move tonight," Victoria said, sipping her wine. "Which means we do nothing."Rhys scoffed. "Since when do we sit back and take hits?""We don’t," Samuel said, turning to face them. "But we don’t act like amateurs either. The Solbergs want us to react. They want us to be predictable."Victoria nod
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 82
Samuel sat in his penthouse, staring at the city below. The skyline was a maze of blinking lights, but his mind was focused on only one thing—revenge.Victoria sat across from him, legs crossed, swirling a glass of bourbon. Rhys leaned against the counter, his jaw tight with frustration. They were waiting.And Samuel hated waiting."Dominic should have called by now," Victoria said, checking her watch. "It's been twenty-four hours."Rhys exhaled sharply. "What if he backed out?""He wouldn’t," Samuel said, his voice cold. "He knows what’s at stake."Before anyone could respond, Samuel’s phone buzzed.Unknown Number.He answered immediately. "Talk."Dominic’s voice came through, smooth but laced with urgency. "We have a problem."Samuel’s grip tightened on the phone. "Explain."Dominic sighed. "I got into their accounts. But the Solbergs were ready for it. The moment I accessed their offshore holdings, their cyber team locked down everything. They knew someone was coming for them."Sil
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 83
A convoy of sleek black cars sped through the streets, their presence sending a wave of tension through the city. The Brooks weren’t just another business rival—they were the only ones who could challenge Samuel’s empire, not just in wealth but in power. And tonight, they were done playing in the shadows. "They’re getting reckless," Lucas said, standing beside Samuel. His usually calm demeanor was strained, his fingers curling into fists. "They wouldn't make a move like this unless they were sure they had something to counter you." Samuel smirked, his sharp features illuminated by the city lights. "Let them come. If they think they can corner me, they’ve severely underestimated the difference between power and control." Down below, the streets were no longer just filled with mortals. Shadows flickered unnaturally, warping and twisting as figures emerged from them—warriors bound by old magic, creatures that belonged to a realm most humans had no knowledge of. Samuel recognized t
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 84
Damian Brook was strong, but Samuel had never been one to play fair. "You always believed power was something to be inherited," Samuel said as he dodged a blast of dark energy, the force of it shattering the marble tiles beneath him. "But power is something you take." Damian wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, eyes glowing with restrained fury. "And yet, here you are—struggling to keep up." Samuel smirked, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for the next move. "Am I?" Before Damian could react, Samuel flicked his wrist, and suddenly, the air around them shifted. The suppression barriers Damian had set up crackled violently as Samuel exerted his will against them. "You think I didn’t come prepared?" Samuel’s voice was almost amused. "You’re not the only one who understands ancient magic." A surge of energy erupted from him, and the barrier that had been suppressing his abilities shattered like glass. The force sent a shockwave through the estate, knocking Damian’s men o
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 85
Lucas adjusted his coat, watching the inferno with a smirk. “Never thought I’d see the day the Brook family fell.” Isabella, standing beside him, let out a slow breath. “We should be careful. A family like theirs doesn’t disappear without consequences.” Samuel remained silent, his gaze fixed on the destruction. He knew Isabella was right. This wasn’t the end—only the beginning of something far more dangerous. The Brook family had allies, connections that spanned across continents. Someone would come looking for retribution. And he would be ready. Before he could speak, a voice echoed through the smoke. “Samuel.” They all turned. From the remains of the estate, a lone figure emerged. Bloodied, barely able to stand, yet his eyes still burned with unrelenting rage. Damian Brook had survived. Samuel tilted his head, amused. “Still breathing?” Damian coughed, his hand pressed against a wound on his side. “You think this is a victory?” His voice was hoarse, but his determin
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 86
The city was eerily silent after the battle. The ruins of the Brook estate smoldered, ashes floating into the night air like lost souls. Samuel stood in the wreckage, his mind sharp despite the exhaustion gnawing at his bones. He had won—for now. But he knew Damian’s words weren’t empty threats. Something darker had awakened. Lucas kicked a broken piece of stone. “So, what now? We wait for another monster to crawl out of the ground?” Isabella crossed her arms. “You felt it too, didn’t you, Samuel?” Samuel nodded, his jaw tightening. “Damian wasn’t just bluffing. The magic he used—it wasn’t just a summoning. It was a gateway.” Lucas groaned. “Great. More supernatural nonsense.” “This isn’t just nonsense,” Isabella snapped. “This city was built on ancient power, and we just shook the foundations. The Brook family was guarding something, whether they knew it or not.” Samuel turned away from the wreckage, his expression unreadable. “We need information.” Isabella frowned. “W
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 87
The darkness twisted around them, shifting and morphing into grotesque figures. Shadows came alive, forming humanoid shapes with glowing eyes, their movements eerily fluid, like smoke given form. The air hummed with unseen energy, sending shivers down Samuel’s spine. Lucas swore under his breath. “I hate magic.” Victor smirked, but his hand was already on his cane, a sure sign that things were about to turn violent. “Then you’re going to have a miserable time, my friend.” Samuel stepped forward, his muscles coiled, ready for whatever this cursed place threw at them. “Enough stalling. If they want a fight, we give them one.” The shadowy figures lunged. Samuel reacted instinctively, dodging the first strike as a clawed hand slashed through the air where he had been standing. He countered with a punch, his fist connecting with something solid despite the creature being made of pure darkness. The thing screeched, recoiling, but more of them were already closing in. Isabella mo
BENEATH THE MASK: REVENGE OF SAMUEL HAYES 88
Eleanor stepped away from the fireplace, her sharp green eyes scanning each of them. “You need to understand something before we move forward. The Brook estate isn’t just heavily guarded—it’s enchanted. There are spells woven into its very foundation, layers upon layers of magical defenses that have been in place for centuries.”Lucas let out a low whistle. “Great. So we’re breaking into an impenetrable fortress. Sounds like a suicide mission.”Victor chuckled, leaning on his cane. “You’re forgetting, dear Lucas. The best locks are only as strong as the one holding the key.” He turned to Eleanor. “Tell me, does the Brook family still have their infamous bloodline wards in place?”Eleanor nodded. “They do. Only a direct descendant can bypass the first layer of enchantments.”Isabella’s expression darkened. “Then we need a Brook.”Silence fell over the room as the realization sank in. They would need someone from the very family they were trying to stop.Samuel folded his arms. “There’s
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\The road to the Vale of Remnants wasn’t marked on any map. It was hidden, buried beneath centuries of secrecy and natural camouflage. Eli had given them a tattered scroll, ink faded but still legible, containing coordinates only someone with the sigil could decipher. As they left the last paved road behind, the air grew heavier, laced with static. Trees loomed taller here, their twisted trunks like sentinels watching every move.Samuel sat in the backseat, staring out at the encroaching forest, his mind reeling. The Mark of Ascendance pulsed under his sleeve with quiet insistence, as if reacting to their proximity to the boundary. Every time he blinked, he saw that throne again—ancient and immense, its surface etched with glowing veins of light and shadow.Joey drove in tense silence. He had stopped cracking jokes two hours ago, when the GPS died and the radio began spitting out bursts of static mixed with those same whispered voices Samuel had been hearing. Sarah sat beside him, ey
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The handshake lingered longer than it should have, and when Marcus finally let go, Samuel wiped his hand on his coat, as if trying to rid himself of something foul. The warehouse hit had gone clean, precise, but that didn’t matter now. Callahan’s warning refused to quiet in Samuel’s head. The real players—the ones who truly run this city—are still out there.Back at the safe house, the atmosphere was no warmer than when they had left. Olivia was asleep on the couch, her breathing shallow but even. Rafael stood by the window, watching the street, while Evelyn leaned against the wall, arms crossed, the lines of tension etched deeper into her face.“You okay?” Samuel asked, stepping beside her.She didn’t answer at first. Then, quietly, “We just shot a man in cold blood, and I don’t feel a thing. That’s not normal.”Samuel glanced at her. “Normal left the building a long time ago.”Rafael spoke up. “We’ve stirred something up. Marcus might be useful, but he’s no ally. He plays sides, not
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'Hey, how about now? I am hungry'.There really was no other choice but to send a message to Gelael and go out with him. I couldn't possibly have to whine to Adrian, he might get really angry with me, because earlier he had offered to buy food straight away.Luckily, in no more than five minutes, Gelael arrived. I immediately got down and opened Gelael's car door when I saw that he had come with his friend. I immediately closed the front door and moved to the back. Unlucky! It's really embarrassing."Eh, sorry Emma, I forgot to tell you that I invited my brother, his name is Bon," said Gelael, Bon then extended his hand towards me."Emma," I said, shaking Bon's hand."Where are you going, sis?" Bon asked Gelael."Whatever, just a place to eat, a relaxed cafe, something delicious, if possible with live music," said Gelael.I sent a message to Gelael.'Why didn't you say that you would invite your brother, I was embarrassed because I suddenly opened the front door''Why should you be em
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"Why did you bring your brother? That's really cool," I asked."He was the one who wanted to come, he said he was bored at home, lazy about being told by his older brother, so I just invited him, do you feel bothered?" Gelael asked back."No, it's up to you, whoever you want to invite," I answered.Gelael smiled, he kept looking at me, I became uncomfortable."What now?" I asked Gelael."Nothing, I'm just happy to see you again, forgive all my stupidity yesterday, I think I was possessed by the ghost of a woman, that's why I acted so annoyingly," said Gelael."There's no need to discuss it any further, just assume that if you're crazy, I understand," I said.Gelael laughed, he looked back at me while supporting his chin. A very annoying pose for me, I ignored it and immediately played with my cellphone.Adrian sent photos of the food being served at Sandra's house, lots of it. It looked like they were having a luxurious party, Sandra was also seen smiling holding a lobster. I'm gratef
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“Why, just because I said something wrong earlier? "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, don't be angry like this, we can discuss other things that are more interesting," replied Gelael."What else can I discuss with you?" I asked."What, I don't know either, there are many things I could tell you but you won't hear them, you understand what I mean," said Gelael, he looked at me sharply."Yeah, thank you, I don't want to hear it one bit," I answered.Gelael raised his eyebrows, he then opened his cellphone. Likewise with me. I also kept myself busy by opening my cellphone.I looked around, people seemed to be chatting with each other, sharing stories, laughing, and making memorable memories. Meanwhile we were both just busy with our own affairs. There are no more words, no more stories that we can talk about, it's all over.Likewise with this relationship, it should be completely over, it cannot be forced. Between the two of us we still have wounds and hopes, I have wounds that have not yet h
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Adrian sat on the sofa in front of the television, leaned his head against the sofa cushion, he closed his eyes, from his expression I could tell that Adrian felt very tired and depressed."Sandra apologized to me earlier, she told me about how all this could happen, I was very touched," said Adrian, still with the same expression."That's all he said?" I asked.Adrian opened his eyes, he squinted at me."What else did he tell you? Is there anything else?” Adrian asked me with a confused and curious face."Yes, she told me how she broke up with Hudson, and how all this madness started," I answered, I sat next to Adrian.“Hudson? What did he tell you? "He just said that, all of this has nothing to do with me, all the mistakes that exist are proof that he was guilty and negligent, he was just being hit by anxiety and worry about his life, so he finally chose a shortcut to calm himself down," said Adrian."I don't want to talk about this problem because it is Sandra's personal matter, bu
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"Whoever is stressed, it seems like he is talking about himself," I said quietly. I then closed the door and locked it.What should I do now, it was still very early, I looked in the refrigerator, there was some ice cream that I hadn't eaten. Because I was hungry, I decided to cook instant noodles.After a few minutes, the instant noodles I made were ready and I brought them in front of the television. I turned on the television and ate the noodles I made. It's really delicious.Days like this are sometimes very enjoyable, maybe you know what I mean, I haven't lived a normal life like someone without problems for a long time, so this sometimes becomes an interesting habit.Gelael sent me a message saying good morning, I ignored it. I've really decided to keep my distance from Gelael, I don't want to have to play with everything at my young age all the time.By the way, it's December 28th, it's great that Adrian is still working at the end of the year, what a busy businessman. Sometime
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We arrived at the mall where Gelael and I met again for the first time after we separated."Let's just go straight to the salon, okay? My head feels very heavy," said Sandra, she then took my hand and we started walking along the mall."So how did that happen, I really can't comment reading what you just showed me, I'm very happy," I said, Sandra's smile couldn't hide her feelings which were also very happy."Why did I ask Adrian to come home last night? Because I really opened my mind, I apologized to Adrian and asked him not to think about all the things I did, I thought there were things I had to finish before it was too late. So after Adrian came home, I immediately called Tommy and talked to him. Including my meeting with Adrian, Hudson and what just happened, maybe we talked for almost three hours, I have become relieved and open since telling you, so I am really grateful that because of you I can have the courage to admit those things. At first I was hesitant to call Tommy, but
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The safe house felt colder than usual. The air was thick with tension, the kind that settled in your bones and refused to let go. Samuel sat in the corner of the dimly lit room, his fingers lightly tapping against his knee. Evelyn was across from him, tending to Olivia, who lay on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her.Damon paced near the window, his agitation barely contained. “This doesn’t feel like a win,” he muttered. “We took out Vincent, got Olivia back, but something feels... off.”Samuel knew exactly what he meant. The words of the dying man at the warehouse still echoed in his mind. There are worse monsters coming.“We don’t have time to celebrate,” Samuel said finally. “Vincent may be dead, but that doesn’t mean we’re safe. Power like his doesn’t just disappear—it shifts.”Evelyn looked up, her expression tired but determined. “Then we make sure no one else takes it.”Damon scoffed. “That’s a nice thought, but how? We’re just four people against an entire city of crim
