397 The hours passed quickly as they regrouped and planned their next moves. Despite the danger, Darwin felt a sense of hope. They were making progress, and with each step, they were getting closer to bringing Blackwood down. As the night wore on, the team gathered once more in the sitting room, r
398 Max still lay crumpled on the floor, wheezing in pain. The sight of the pathetic man fueled Harrison's fury once more. With a wordless shout, he kicked over an armchair, sending it crashing into the wall. "Get out!" Harrison bellowed at Max, flecks of spit flying from his mouth. He clenched h
399 The next morning, Darwin arrived at his mansion with a sense of renewed determination. After a restful night, he felt ready to dive back into planning their next steps. The mansion was abuzz with activity as preparations for the evening's grand party were in full swing. Servants bustled about,
400 James considered this, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It's risky, but it could work. We'll need to be careful, though. One wrong move, and it could all blow up in our faces." Darwin nodded. "We'll have to be meticulous. Every detail needs to be planned out. And we'll need everyone on board."
401 He stopped pacing and stared out the window, his jaw tightening. The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the estate. The party would start in a few hours, and he had to be there, had to play his part. But once the party was over, he would make his move. Darwin took a deep bre
402 “I promise I’ll be careful,” he said instead, knowing it was the best he could offer. Lady Margaret pulled back, searching his eyes for any sign of deceit. “Don’t you dare do that again,” she whispered, her voice shaky with emotion. “Fortunately, King Maelstrom was there the last time. You won
403 **The Wettin Estate** The grand ballroom was a symphony of elegance, adorned with crystal chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds against the marble floors. The guests, draped in their finest evening wear, mingled beneath the vaulted ceilings, their laughter and conversation a low hum that fil
404 Darwin’s breath caught in his throat as he recognized the younger Pennington. A wave of memories flooded back—Alexander had disrespected him countless times. First at the park, then at a party, and finally at a restaurant. Darwin’s jaw clenched, the muscles in his face tightening as the anger b