629 The air was thick—heavy with hostility. Margaret’s fingers clenched at her sides as Zayne’s smirk started to falter. The amusement that once danced in his eyes darkened to something far more menacing. His patience was unraveling, thread by thread, and it showed in the way his movements grew sha
630 The two of them attacked in brutal sync—one aiming low, the other high. James fought back fiercely, his movements sharp and practiced, but Margaret could see it: exhaustion was starting to take its toll. His breathing grew heavier, his movements just a fraction slower. A hard blow from Felix’s
631 Zayne stood over them, dark eyes flicking between James and Margaret. James was on his knees, breathing heavily, blood streaking his sleeve. Margaret sat next to him, her fury burning bright despite the bonds digging into her skin. “Well,” Zayne drawled, “what should we do with them now? Killi
632 The room hung in a charged silence, tension crackling in the air like a brewing storm. Zayne Oakbar stumbled back, his usual bravado faltering under the sheer, commanding presence of the masked man. The sight of Felix and Micah sprawled on the marble floor, groaning and nursing their wounds, on
Felix’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his glare seething with hatred. “Let me tell you something.” The masked man leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “The Broker doesn’t scare me. He’s just another man hiding behind a network of pawns like you. And you? You’re not even w
633 The cold wind cut through the narrow alleyway, its bite harsh against the bruised bodies of the Oakbar brothers. Micah groaned in pain, his head lolling to the side as his eyes struggled to stay open. His limbs felt like lead, every movement an effort. He barely registered the presence of the s
The brothers fell silent. The air between them became thick with dread, the coldness of the alley now nothing compared to the palpable fear that had settled in their bones. Felix opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Micah glanced at his brothers, his eyes narrowing in contempt, but the fear in t
634 The tension in the clearing hung like a thick fog, suffocating everything in its path. The Oakbar brothers—hulking figures who had terrorized the region for as long as anyone could remember—stood before Margaret and the stranger, but now, instead of their usual sneers and threats, there was a r
James watched the exchange, his confusion growing. He rarely questioned Darwin’s motives, but this situation was unusual even by his employer’s standards. The two women climbed into the backseat, their small bags placed carefully at their feet. Darwin followed, settling beside them. As the door cl
659 "You know why I’m here," Darwin said, his voice hard. Zoe nodded, her hands still trembling in her lap. "Yes." Darwin’s gaze didn’t soften. "Then tell me," he said, his voice low and cold. "Why did you do it? Why betray me after everything I’ve done for you?" Zoe’s lip quivered, and for a lo
658 Darwin woke with a start, the faint light of dawn creeping through the heavy curtains of his chamber. His body ached from the tension of the night before, and for a brief moment, he wished he could retreat back into sleep. But the weight of his unresolved plans and Zoe's betrayal pressed down o
A sudden knock broke him out of his thoughts. He groaned. “What now?” “It’s me.” The voice was familiar, sharp and confident. **Dencia.** Darwin hesitated before answering. “What do you want, Dencia?” “Let me in, and I’ll tell you.” With a sigh, Darwin opened the door. Dencia strolled
657 Darwin trudged to his room, his footsteps echoing heavily against the marble floor. The Blackwood mansion, once a place of pride and grandeur, now felt like a gilded cage. Each step down its endless corridors seemed heavier than the last, as if the weight of his thoughts were pressing him furt
A sudden knock broke him out of his thoughts. He groaned. “What now?” “It’s me.” The voice was familiar, sharp and confident. **Dencia.** Darwin hesitated before answering. “What do you want, Dencia?” “Let me in, and I’ll tell you.” With a sigh, Darwin opened the door. Dencia strolled in,
656 Darwin trudged to his room, his footsteps echoing heavily against the marble floor. The Blackwood mansion, once a place of pride and grandeur, now felt like a gilded cage. Each step down its endless corridors seemed heavier than the last, as if the weight of his thoughts were pressing him furth
655 Margaret slammed her hand on the armrest, her face flushed with anger. “This isn’t the first time, Darwin. Do you hear me? It’s the second!” Darwin stopped pacing, his head snapping toward her. His eyes narrowed, his voice low and laced with disbelief. “Second? Are you telling me this happene
Margaret’s face crumpled, her shoulders shaking. “But he’s family…” “Family doesn’t do this, Mother!” Darwin snapped, spinning around to face her. “Stop clinging to that excuse. Julius doesn’t care about us. He never did.” Margaret looked at him, her lips parting as if to protest, but she falter