Sandra Banks sat at the head of the table, watching the ladies around her chat and laugh. The light filtering through the windows of the upscale restaurant gave everything a warm glow, but it did little to ease the simmering frustration that had been gnawing at her all afternoon.Jessica Cochan had excused herself to take a call, leaving Sandra with Cynthia and the others, but Sandra’s mind was elsewhere.Cynthia’s earlier comment about receiving a new backer for their failing mall echoed in her ears. It didn’t sit right. Sandra knew the financial scene in Jinstain better than anyone.The Banks family ran Jinstain Bank and Trust, the city's largest financial institution, and if Cynthia’s family was struggling, it would have been Nyman who would’ve told her about any new deals. But there had been no mention of a new backer or loan.Sandra excused herself and took out her phone and dialed Nyman. He picked up after the third ring, sounding slightly annoyed.“Mom, I’m busy,” Nyman said, h
The team arrived at the original community center, a modest, weather-beaten building that stood in stark contrast to the new, nearly finished structure a few blocks away.The old center had seen better days; its faded paint, cracked windows, and the worn steps at the entrance were testaments to the years of service it had provided to the people of Jinstain.Despite its rundown appearance, the building buzzed with life, and the spirit of the community’s youth thrived within its walls.Conor stepped out of the car first, taking in the sight with a mix of nostalgia and determination. This was where it all began for his mother—her vision of a place where children and families could find support, learn, and grow.Kerrigan followed close behind, her eyes scanning the surroundings, always alert but softened by the familiar warmth of this place. Faolan bounded out, sniffing the air with her usual curiosity, while Sorcha and Reilynn moved to take their positions, staying vigilant yet discreet.
Kelan Benedict sat in the dimly lit VIP lounge of his private club, a cigarette burning low between his fingers, the smoke curling lazily upward.The music thumped in the background, a hypnotic beat that was meant to keep patrons in a trance, spending money, losing themselves in whatever vice he had to offer. But tonight, even the pounding bass couldn't drown out the rage simmering inside him.The club was housed in a forgotten warehouse on the outskirts of Velyki, officially owned by Dragon Corporation. Of course, no one at the company knew that Kelan had repurposed the space into an exclusive and highly illegal nightclub, a haven for the city’s elite to indulge in whatever their hearts desired—drugs, gambling, women, and every excess that came with them.Kelan glanced at the array of newspapers spread out on the table in front of him. He slammed a fist down, rattling the crystal glasses as his eyes fixed on the damning headlines."David Grain Arrested in Velyki—Charges Include Drug
Nyman Banks entered Kelan’s private box in the dimly lit nightclub, the air thick with the smell of expensive cigars and spilled liquor. Music thumped in the background, but inside the glass-walled room, the sound was muted, creating a bubble of tense quiet. Nyman’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the opulence—the plush leather seats, the low amber lighting, and Kelan Benedict lounging like a king on his throne.Kelan didn’t bother to look up as Nyman entered. Instead, he tossed a crumpled newspaper across the table. The headline screamed back at Nyman: DRAGON CORPORATION BOARD MEMBERS INDICTED—CORRUPTION AND CRIME EXPOSED. The photos of David Grain, Walter Kagan, and Ron Sophel were plastered under the bold letters, their faces marked with the wear of men whose dirty secrets had been dragged into the light.“That bitch Kerrigan is mucking up my plans,” Kelan spat, his voice dripping with fury. “Please tell me you have some good news.”Nyman hesitated, feeling the weight of Kelan’s a
The sun was high in the sky as Conor and Kerrigan entered the offices of Dreadnaught Law and Vokrizin’s current headquarters, their steps light with anticipation. Today’s agenda was packed, but Mr. Nuri’s urgent call had shifted their plans.The office buzzed with the usual hum of legal staff rushing between meetings, but there was an unmistakable air of excitement in the air. Mr. Nuri rarely sounded this energized, and that alone was enough to stir their curiosity.Sorcha was on duty, sticking close to Kerrigan’s side as her vigilant shadow, while Parker kept a watchful eye on Conor. The team was sharp and attentive, the weight of recent events leaving no room for complacency. They all knew that every small victory mattered in their fight against the Benedicts.The pair was led through the sleek, glass-walled corridors of Nuri’s law firm, past assistants and paralegals who paused to give respectful nods. They finally reached Nuri’s private office, a space that was both grand and inti
Nyman Banks pulled into the driveway of his parents’ sprawling estate, the setting sun casting long shadows over the meticulously manicured lawn. The house, a stately mansion that screamed old money, stood tall and proud against the backdrop of Jinstain's urban sprawl. To the untrained eye, it was the epitome of luxury, but Nyman knew better. The foundation was beginning to crumble, and he wasn’t just talking about the building.As he stepped out of his sleek, black sports car, he noticed something unusual—boxes. Lots of them, stacked haphazardly on the front porch. The front door was ajar, and through the opening, he could see more boxes scattered across the foyer. His mother, Sandra Banks, was known for her composure, her relentless control over every aspect of her life, and for always maintaining an appearance of calm, no matter the circumstances. Seeing the house in disarray was a shock.Nyman frowned as he approached the door, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.
Kerrigan leaned back in her seat, glancing out the tinted windows of the SUV as it weaved through the bustling streets of Jinstain. Today’s plans were a deliberate escape from the relentless tension that had gripped their lives—meetings, lawsuits, and the looming threat of the Benedicts.She needed a reprieve, a chance to reconnect with something that brought her peace. Today, she was determined to take that break, and she knew just the place.Sorcha sat beside her, ever vigilant, her sharp eyes flickering between the road ahead and the side mirrors. Evelynn was driving, her usual carefree demeanor tempered by the gravity of their surroundings.Kerrigan couldn’t help but notice how Sorcha’s posture softened slightly, the tension easing just a bit as they moved farther from the heart of the city.“Where are we headed today, my lady?” Sorcha asked, her voice laced with curiosity.Kerrigan smiled, turning to her with a lightness that had been absent for weeks. “A small violin shop I ador
Kerrigan woke in her Jinstain estate bed, the morning light filtering through the sheer curtains, casting soft patterns across the room.She stretched, feeling the slight ache in her muscles, but as her hand swept across the sheets, she frowned. Conor’s side of the bed was cold. Disappointment tugged at her as she sat up, rubbing the last remnants of sleep from her eyes.She dressed quickly, pulling on a loose blouse and fitted jeans. The house was unusually quiet as she made her way down the grand staircase, the faint hum of voices pulling her toward the kitchen.As she rounded the corner, she found her entire team gathered, hunched over Reilynn's tablet, their faces illuminated by the screen’s blue glow. The air was thick with tension, the usual morning banter replaced by somber silence.Kerrigan’s heart quickened. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice breaking the uneasy quiet.The team parted slightly, allowing her to see the video playing on the tablet. It was a news report from