162As Darwin's car pulled up to the imposing facade of the Roberts mansion, the late evening shadows cast long, somber lines across the brickwork. The air was crisp, echoing the tension tightening in his chest. He killed the engine and sat for a moment, gathering his resolve. His hands gripped the
163Arthur laughed, the sound harsh and grating. “This I have to see.”Mrs. Roberts eyed Darwin suspiciously, her arms crossed over her chest. “And why are you so eager to help, huh? What’s in it for you?”Darwin’s gaze shifted back to Lana, his resolve clear. “I owe it to a friend. Simple as that.”
164Darwin squinted against the brightness, his mind racing for a plausible excuse. “I, uh, I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere,” he attempted, his voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through him. He could see the man’s outline now—broad shoulders, a stance that spoke of authority, like
165The boss's eyes hardened at Darwin's response. "You find this amusing, boy?""Not at all," Darwin replied calmly. "Merely an observation. However, I'm afraid 30 million is a non-starter. Might I make a counteroffer?"A dangerous gleam entered the boss's eyes. He nodded for Darwin to continue, th
166"Lay a finger on me," Darwin said slowly, his voice carrying through the room, each word laced with deliberate calm, "and it'll end badly for you. Not a threat, just a fact."The boss, intrigued despite himself, leaned forward, his elbows resting on the polished surface of his desk. His fingers
167Gasps and murmurs rose from the gathered men. The guards shifted nervously, exchanging apprehensive looks. They had never seen their boss treated this way."You overstepped," Maelstrom said coldly. "This man is under my protection. Touch him again, and it will be the last thing you ever do."The
168"You have brought dishonor upon my house with your actions. To harm one under my protection is to incur my wrath." He continued highly disappointed.The boss opened his mouth but no words came out, only a strangled whimper. He could see his fate was sealed."Please, your highness!" he begged, pr
169After a moment, Darwin asked Nick if he could walk. Nick nodded weakly. Darwin helped him up, grasping Nick's arm firmly but gently. Nick's legs shook as he rose. Darwin wrapped Nick's arm around his shoulders and helped support his weight. "Thank you again for standing up for me in there, I do