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
Zayne clenched his jaw, his body taut with tension. "I will never apologize to her," he spat, his words biting, full of venom. "You think just because you’ve beaten me down with your *presence*—that you’ve won? It’s all a game to you, isn’t it? You—” The stranger interrupted him before he could fin
“Yes, you do,” he said firmly. “This isn’t about what you think you deserve. It’s about doing what’s right. And letting you waste away in this cell isn’t right.” Zoe’s hands trembled as she reached for the check, her fingers brushing against his. When she finally took it, she stared at it for a lo
668 Final The quiet night air carried a chill as Darwin made his way toward the old estate where Zoe was being held. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow over the gravel path. Each step felt heavier than the last, his thoughts swirling with memories of Zoe—the laughter they once share
667 The cool evening breeze swept over them as they exited the facility. The tension of the confrontation still lingered, though the small taste of justice had given everyone a fleeting sense of relief. Lady Margaret walked ahead of the group, her usual poise masking the storm brewing within her. D
Julius’s lips parted, but no words came. "Answer me!" she snapped. "I—" he stammered, his voice trembling. "I didn’t mean to—" The slap came before he could finish, her gloved hand connecting with his cheek in a resounding crack. "You didn’t mean to?" she repeated, her tone dripping with dis
666 The tension in the air was palpable as Lady Margaret, Darwin, William, James, Dencia, and Mia stepped into the observation chamber. Beyond the reinforced glass, Julius and Harrison Blackwood sat shackled to their chairs in the interrogation room. Blackwood, tall and imposing even in chains, l
William flinched at her words but didn’t argue. Instead, he gave a small nod, his expression a mixture of guilt and regret. --- When they arrived at the facility, it loomed over them like a fortress. High walls surrounded the compound, and armed guards patrolled the perimeter. The air was cold an
665 The following morning, Lady Margaret stood in the grand foyer of the Blackwood estate, her figure composed but radiating authority. She had summoned Darwin, William, and James for what was to be a defining day. The air in the room was heavy with tension, the weight of what lay ahead pressing do
664 Darwin made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders. The halls were quiet, save for the faint crackling of a distant fire and the muted hum of wind outside. His thoughts churned as he approached the chambers he had prepared
663 Lady Margaret sat in her private quarters, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to compose herself. The events of the day—William’s shocking return, Darwin’s desperate pleas, and the tidal wave of emotions that came with it—had left her drained. She stared out of the window at the darkened