Paul came to the rescue, shielding Ethan from the relentless paparazzi. Ethan wanted to keepthis tuxedo clean through and through. Suzan handpicked the suit herself. She should be here,Ethan thought guiltily. It wasn't healthy for such a woman to be at home. Yes, it was her duty tokeep him professionally satisfied, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that Suzan should be herewith him."Are you missing her?" the old man inquired, gesturing towards the camera. He gave a dazzlingsmile that almost blinded Ethan.Instead of responding, Ethan sighed and rolled his eyes. If he hadn't been certain of the oldman's loyalty, it might have seemed like the old man was stealing the spotlight. He, too, raisedhis hands and smiled.He didn't know what his smile did to the paparazzi.They all swarm around him with their cameras. As the flashes of the cameras blinded him,Ethan tried to maintain his composure.“Jesus Christ!” He muttered under his breath, not used to such attention. On
As expected, the press erupted into a frenzy, their cameras clicking furiously as they tried tocapture every word.Ethan felt his smile grow. He felt a sense of satisfaction at finally taking control of the situation,even if just for a moment. Clearing his throat, he ignored the old man's curious look.Just as he entered the large hall, someone bumped into him. He just wasn't expecting thatperson to be Rebekah. Ethan threw the old man an annoyed look. He should have taken care ofher that day. What the hell was she doing here?“Oh my God!” Rebekah yelled, but then she paused at the sight of him. Her face lit up with falsecheerfulness. Ethan swore he knew what she was going to do next.Humiliate him for the other day."Ethan? If it isn't, Ethan! I fancy seeing you here. How on earth did you manage to snag aninvitation to this event?" Ethan raised an eyebrow at her overly cheery greeting. He felt repulsedwhen her gaze raked over his suit hungrily.Was that the first th
There was something about Ethan, and the people could see it. He wasn't an ordinary man whochose to go after some thief. No. He was a man who had lived among thieves before. It knewthe man's every move, and soon they were circling a large table. Ethan took a deep breath tosteady his nerves.Clever, old man, clever. Ethan had three things the others didn't have—instincts, lightningspeed, and a dramatic confrontation.The thief, on the other hand, wasn't happy with the turnout. Earlier this afternoon, he received agreat tip about some donations going on. He knew rich people cared less about donations. Healso knew that if he took the box, nothing would happen. The thief didn't expect someone likeEthan to be there at the right time. While they were thinking of escape routes, Ethan sprang intoaction with the three things he’s got. First, his instincts kicked in as he moved in the oppositedirection to intercept the thief. Not expecting it, the thief tried to jump over th
Meanwhile, desperate screams bounced off the walls of a basement."Let me go!" Suzan's voice rang out, filled with fear and desperation as she struggled againstthe grip of the mafia boss.“And why would we do that?” The Mafia boss snarled. His expression twisted into a cruel sneeras he tightened his grip on Suzan's arm.Suzan coughed out in pain. “ “What do you want from me, you brutes?”With a savage grin, the mafia boss landed a heavy blow to the side of her face, the force of theimpact sending her staggering backward. She slammed her forehead against the wall, gaspingas reddish liquid trickled down her face.“Call Ethan. Tell him we have her.” The Mafia boss instructed his minions.______________“...and your worst nightmare.” The buff man growled, pulling Ethan into a bone-crushing hug thatelicited a deep groan from the young man.Ethan didn't expect a bear hug at first glance. He swore he heard his bones crack. "Well, theregoes my suit," he grimaced, his voice
The pathway seemed to clear, revealing Sandra Walton seated at a nearby table, sipping redwine. There was no difference between the swirling reddish liquid and her dark lips. It gave hera haughty look that taunted Ethan.Her attire was impeccably tailored, and with every word she spoke, she seemed to grow moreconfident. Her piercing gaze left Ethan feeling exposed and vulnerable. It was as if she knewsomething he didn't.That unsettled him greatly.She seemed to enjoy the stunned silence that followed her statement. "You may think you're thehero of the day, Ethan, but I see right through you," Sandra declared, her tone filled with aniciness that made Ethan shiver involuntarily.He has prepared for everything, but not this. She was damn unpredictable! "You've orchestratedthis entire charade, haven't you? You're not fooling anyone with your false smiles and emptypromises."Ethan felt a cold sweat bead on his forehead as Sandra's piercing gaze bore into him, strippingaway
The old man and Paul stopped in their tracks, their faces frozen with shock."What do you mean by 'old ways'?" The old man asked urgently. The news about Suzan hadthrown into the gutter what had otherwise been a successful event, and he wasn't happy aboutit.Unshed tears brimmed in Ethan's eyes as he spoke. "I have to save her."The old man's frustration radiated off him. "Can you give us a moment, Paul?" Once they werealone, he pressed Ethan for more information. "What do you mean by 'old ways'? You barelyknow this woman!""But you chose her to work for me for a reason!" Ethan's voice was filled with desperation. "Youmust tell me why!"The old man seemed to shrink under Ethan's intense gaze. He could no longer deny it. "You'reright. I selected your staff carefully."Ethan's heart ached at the thought of Suzan. She was more than just a servant. She was afriend who had always been there for him. Her unwavering support and understanding hadmeant the world to him. "S
“We need to invite him over and hear what he has to say,” Ethan insisted. Of course, Ethanwasn't fond of Alex, not after the way he had treated Lauren when they were still together. Whywould Alex sleep with Lauren knowing she had a boyfriend if not to spite him? But if there was achance Alex had valuable information about Suzan's whereabouts, Ethan was willing to putaside his personal feelings for the greater good. His mind didn't consider the fact that Alex couldbe pulling his legs or trying to get back into his good graces. After all, Ethan had fired him on thespot. This time, Ethan would do more than fire him if he came here with intangible news.On the other hand, the old man didn't think it was good to invite an enemy into the house. Itcould be all his plan! His disapproval was evident on his face even as Ethan made his decision.His brows wrinkled in skepticism. “I don't think so."“What?” Ethan inquired, meeting the old man's gaze with confusion. “What do you m
We should ask him how he knew we were searching for her! Even the cops are not aware ofthis," the old man insisted, still holding onto his suspicions about Alex. “Those vile peoplehaven't contacted you in weeks! How do we know he hasn't harmed her yet?”“He hasn't,” Ethan reassured calmly, though the old man remained unconvinced. "What do youknow? I have lived on the streets more than you, so I know when a man is being insincere," hecountered. “Alex isn't lying.” Ethan took a gulp of water to steady his nerves, continuing. "Alexhas been spying on me. He wants revenge for firing him from the company."The old man's eyes widened in shock at the revelation. "Spying on you? This is worse than Ithought,” he exclaimed, sounding worried.Ethan nodded solemnly. "And I have a feeling that Alex is connected to a much larger operation,possibly even with the Mafia boss," he added, his voice low and serious.The mention of the Mafia sent a shiver down the old man's spine, his exp
The warmth of a quiet morning bathed Rhys and Denera in soft golden light as they sat together on a wide sofa in their tastefully decorated living room. The chaos that had consumed their lives for months felt like a distant memory. Denera rested her head on Rhys’s chest, his arm draped protectively around her. Their hands were intertwined, fingers lightly brushing against each other—a silent vow to never let go. "I still can’t believe we’re here," Denera murmured, her voice carrying a blend of disbelief and gratitude. Rhys tilted her chin up, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "We fought for this, Denera. We’ve been through hell, but we came out stronger. I don’t just love you—I’m in awe of you." She smiled, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "And I’m in awe of us. Let’s promise to never let anything or anyone come between us again." Rhys leaned down and kissed her gently. "Not a chance. We’re unbreakable now." The two sat in silence for a moment, basking in the tranquility
The morning sun bathed the city in a golden hue as a soft breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers. A week has passed and normalcy has somewhat returned. It was a perfect day, fitting for an event of such grandeur. The wedding of Paul and Rachel-the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. The venue was a masterpiece: one of the most magnificent halls in the city, renowned for its towering crystal chandeliers and intricately carved marble pillars. From the outside, the building glistened with a mix of modern architectural elegance and timeless charm. Inside, the hall was transformed into a dreamland. A canopy of white roses and orchids draped across the ceiling, interspersed with tiny, twinkling lights that mimicked a starry night. Golden chairs lined the aisle, their backs adorned with silk ribbons and floral arrangements. At the center, a raised platform housed an altar framed by cascading vines and glittering drapery. Guests began to arrive, dress
The dim light of Alex’s makeshift room flickered, casting shadows on the cracked walls and the scattered remnants of his old life. He sat on the edge of a wooden crate, methodically strapping his gear into place. His breaths were steady, but his eyes burned with purpose. Tonight was the night. This was what he had been training for—the moment he would finally free Laurel and eliminate Jason. Alex picked up his blade, its polished steel glinting in the faint light. He ran his fingers over the edge, testing its sharpness. A small scar on his knuckle caught his eye—a reminder of all the battles he’d fought leading up to this. He glanced at the photo of Laurel taped to the wall, her smile a beacon of hope amidst his darkened world. “This is it,” he muttered to himself. “For you, Laurel.”With his weapons secured and resolve hardened, Alex stood, pulling his hood over his head. He left the room without a glance back, the door creaking shut behind him.---The screen went black, the t
The sound of tires crunching over the gravel driveway broke the stillness of the evening as Rhys and Denera pulled up to Gerald’s sprawling mansion. The mansion stood like a fortress, its grand columns illuminated by golden lights that cast long shadows across the well-manicured grounds. As their sleek black car came to a halt, the doors swung open, and the pair stepped out, their presence commanding the attention of everyone nearby.Rhys adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit, his sharp features set in a calm but deadly expression. Beside him, Denera exuded quiet confidence, her heels clicking against the pavement as she moved. She wore a crimson trench coat, her eyes glinting with a dangerous mix of fury and satisfaction.The heavy front doors of the mansion creaked open, and Gerald emerged with his ever-present smirk plastered on his face. He was flanked by a small squad of armed guards, their weapons gleaming under the lights. Gerald was impeccably dressed, his dark green sui
The Anderson mansion was eerily quiet, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the scene of destruction. Ethan and Paul stood amidst the chaos, their eyes fixed on the lifeless bodies of Jackson and Sebastian sprawled across the bloodied garden. The heavy scent of iron lingered in the air, mixing with the faint rustle of leaves. Ethan’s chest heaved as he struggled to steady his breath, his shirt torn and stained with sweat and blood.Paul glanced at Ethan, concern etched on his face. "You good?" he asked, his voice low but steady.Ethan nodded, though exhaustion weighed on every inch of his body. He pulled out his phone, his hands trembling slightly, and dialed Sandra’s number. The ringing seemed to stretch on forever until her voice finally came through.“Ethan…” Sandra’s voice was weak, barely a whisper. Ethan’s stomach tightened. “Sandra, what happened? Are you okay?” he demanded, his tone laced with panic.There was a pause, and then she spoke again, her words strained. “Sebas
The Walton Mansion stood as a fortress of elegance, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, its high walls and elaborate architecture a testament to wealth and power. But tonight, the serenity of the estate was shattered. The elite strike team, led by Kiara, moved like shadows through the sprawling grounds, their movements silent yet deliberate.A muffled cry broke the stillness as one of the outer guards was taken down swiftly. Kiara stood in the shadows, her piercing gaze fixed on the mansion ahead. Her dark combat attire blended seamlessly with the night, and a wicked smile played on her lips. **This would be a night the Waltons would never forget.**“Move in,” she ordered, her voice low but commanding. Her team obeyed without hesitation, their precision and ruthlessness evident in every step. Inside the mansion, alarms blared as guards scrambled to defend their employer’s home. Shots were fired, echoing through the grand hallways, but the elite team was unrelenting. They moved w
The garden lay in eerie silence after the brutal fight between Ethan and Jackson. The once-pristine space was a battlefield, littered with trampled flowers and streaks of blood. Ethan leaned against the marble fountain, his chest heaving as he wiped sweat and blood from his face. His body screamed in protest with every movement, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.The cool night breeze did little to calm the storm within him. He glanced at Jackson’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breathing. **One battle down, but this war is far from over.**The sound of measured footsteps shattered the silence.Ethan’s eyes snapped open, his body tensing as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Sebastian. Dressed in a dark suit, the Tree House leader carried himself with the air of a predator who had finally cornered his prey. His piercing gaze fell on Jackson’s corpse, and his expression twis
The Anderson mansion loomed like a fortress under the moonlight, its pristine marble façade glinting ominously. The sprawling gardens surrounding it were immaculately kept, their beauty now cloaked in shadows as the night deepened. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, but the tension hanging in the air was palpable.Jackson stepped out of the black SUV parked just beyond the gates, his heavy boots crunching against the gravel. He adjusted his leather gloves, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin that promised violence. The security guards at the gates eyed him warily, but he had been granted access. The intercom buzzed before one of the guards spoke, “You’ve been cleared to enter. Proceed to the garden.”Jackson raised an eyebrow, intrigued.” So, Ethan knew I was coming. Typical. The man had a flair for theatrics, after all.” Jackson strode confidently through the gates, his hand brushing against the hilt of the blade strapped to his side. The adrenaline surged in his vein
The grand hall of the Tree Symbol House was bathed in the warm, flickering glow of the fireplace, but the heat from the flames was nothing compared to the tension simmering in the room. Sebastian sat at the head of the long mahogany table, his sharp features etched with anticipation. Around him, the inner circle of the Tree Symbol House sat silently, their faces illuminated by the massive flat-screen television mounted on the wall. Kiara, Sebastian’s second-in-command, leaned back in her chair, her sharp, calculating eyes fixed on the news broadcast. Jackson, the most aggressive of the enforcers, stood near the window, arms crossed, his reflection distorted against the glass as he waited for orders like a loaded weapon. The rest of the members sat quietly, their unease palpable in the dimly lit room.The anchor on the television wore a neutral expression, but her words carried the weight of a bombshell. “Breaking news tonight: The court has found Ethan Anderson innocent of all cha