“Leader, the police are here,” one of the Walkers informed Calvin urgently.Calvin could already hear the wail of sirens and the amplified voices echoing outside.“Attention inside! Surrender immediately, or we will use force!” the police commanded through their megaphones.He turned to two of his men and pointed at Sophia and Chris.“Take these two to join the other guests,” he ordered.“Have all of them text their parents—each demanding ten million dollars within the next thirty minutes, or we start shooting them.”The guards seized Sophia and Chris, dragging them away as Calvin strode toward the front of the hall.Grabbing the microphone connected to Heaven Hall's sound system, he addressed the authorities outside.“I demand the immediate release of my brother, Ethan the Giant, from prison,” Calvin announced.“Bring him here, or we will execute one hostage every hour.”The officers exchanged grim looks.Ethan the Giant was a notorious criminal, a dangerous individual responsible fo
Most of the hostages were young, affluent men and women attending Jasmine's debut.Under the stern gaze of the Walkers, they frantically called their families, voices shaking as they explained the dire situation.Calvin Walker demanded ten million dollars from each family in exchange for their safety.Sophia, too frightened to contact her grandfather, decided to call her grandmother instead."Sophia, I've been waiting for your call," Grandma Lancaster answered, her voice bright with joy and anticipation.“I assume we've secured the partnership with the Kingston family, right? Do you want a grand wedding with Chris tomorrow?”Sophia's heart sank, a lump forming in her throat.She took a deep breath. “Grandma, the Emerson family got the partnership. We lost it.”“What do you mean, we lost it?” Lady Lancaster's voice sharpened with disbelief.“We didn't secure the deal with Kingston,” Sophia repeated softly.“But we paid a hundred million! How could we not get it? Did the Emersons offer
At Heaven Hall, a single word—Execute—turned the room into a graveyard.A sudden, chilling cacophony of shattering glass and bodies hitting the floor echoed through the room.In an instant, all of the Walkers' men—except for Calvin—collapsed, each felled by a single, precise shot.Thirty lives extinguished like candles snuffed out by a sudden gust.Weapons clattered as they slipped from lifeless hands, and their bodies lay sprawled across the marble like puppets with their strings severed.The crowd stood rooted in stunned silence, faces pale and eyes wide, too shocked to react.It seemed the snipers outside had finally taken action.Calvin stared in disbelief at the scene before him.Alex took a step forward."We can always rely on the police, can't we?" he said, even though he clearly knew it was Kingswell who handled things, not the police.Calvin's eyes burned with rage."You bastard!" he snarled, drawing his gun and pointing it at Sophia's head."Stay back, or I swear, you'll only
In the grand Lancaster Mansion, the hall was filled with tension as the entire family gathered.Grandma and Grandpa Lancaster sat at opposite ends of the table, anger burning in their eyes.On the left side sat Sophia, Jack, and their parents, Justin and Florence.On the right side were Malvin, the firstborn, his wife Linda, and their children, Mike and Lily."Now, you tell me, how did the Lancasters lose $100 million of company money and end up with BioHealth Solutions, a company drowning in debt for the same amount?"Abraham started, his voice thundering through the room."This is all because of that boy you forced to marry Sophia!" Amelia spat, her voice sharp. "Chris Roland said we were supposed to get the partnership, but that loser convinced Kingston to do otherwise!""I heard the partnership was supposed to go to the Lancasters because Alex asked Kingston," Abraham shot back, his voice rising. "But since you bribed Roland, whom Kingston despises, they chose the other option!""T
When Alfred Kingston returned home, Jasmine was already waiting anxiously by the front door.As soon as he stepped inside, she rushed forward and embraced him tightly."Thank God you're safe, Father," she whispered, relief evident in her voice.Alfred hugged her back, his grip firm. "And you as well, my dear. I was worried."He pulled back and looked into her eyes."Come inside; there's something important we need to discuss."They moved to the living room, the soft glow of the fireplace casting warm shadows across the room.Once seated, Alfred turned to her with a grave expression."Jasmine, what I'm about to tell you must remain between us. Can you promise me that?"She nodded, concern knitting her brow. "Of course, Father. What's going on?"He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts."You know that our family holds significant influence here in Vancouver. We've always been loyal to the new king, carrying out their directives faithfully."Jasmine nodded, remembering the turbulent
Sophia stood looking at her grandpa's unconscious face.The night before, he had called her in, his eyes filled with a sorrow that pierced her heart.He had expressed deep regret over her betrayal—the choices she had made behind his back.She had sworn to herself that she would never repeat those mistakes.Now, with her grandfather lying in a coma, this might be her final chance to make things right.But her grandmother, Amelia Lancaster, placed the entire blame for the Chris Roland scam squarely on her shoulders, despite orchestrating the scheme herself.She even went as far as forcing Sophia into an arranged marriage with Peter Smith—a man twice her age from the affluent Smith family."Sophia," Amelia's voice sliced through the tense silence, cold and commanding."You will ask Alexander for a divorce. Your grandfather spoiled you, but I am the head of this family now. You'll do as I say for the Lancaster name."Sophia met her grandmother's icy gaze without flinching."Grandfather tol
As Alex weaved through the crowded tables, delivering dishes and refilling drinks, he deftly dodged rude customers left and right.Most of them only knew how to yell, lacking any patience whatsoever.But then again, one couldn't exactly expect gentlemanly politeness from uneducated miners who relied more on brawn than brains, right?The food was cheap, which explained why people came and went in a never-ending stream.Out of the corner of his eye, Alex watched Josephine.She moved with practiced efficiency, but there was a weariness in her every motion, a heaviness that seemed to cling to her like the scent of grease in the air.When the lunchtime rush finally subsided, Josephine leaned against the counter, wiping her brow with the back of her hand."Thanks for the help," she said, her voice softer now."Happy to lend a hand," Alex replied.She studied him more closely, her eyes narrowing. "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"It had been more than a decade since they last saw each
As Alex contemplated his next move, Josephine burst out of the kitchen, wielding a frying pan like a weapon, fury blazing in her eyes."I've had enough of this nonsense!" she shouted.One of the thugs lunged at her, but with a swift, powerful swing, the frying pan connected with his face.The sickening crunch of bone echoed as his nose shattered, sending him sprawling to the floor.Alex watched, a flicker of admiration in his eyes—Josephine was as fierce as ever.She wasn't delicate; she was a storm incarnate, and when she struck, the world felt her wrath."Get her!" the fat man barked at the remaining two thugs.Josephine's eyes narrowed. "I cook alone, clean alone, do the laundry alone, wake up early, and come back late every night—all alone!"She swung again, the pan smacking into another thug's cheek with a resounding crack, knocking him down.The last thug drew a small knife.Before he could act, Alex casually tossed an ashtray across the room. It struck the thug's hand, the knif
“Marry you?” Alex’s eyebrow arched sharply, his frown deepening.The number of women wanting to marry him could fill a line so long, it’d make the biggest encyclopedia look tiny in comparison.“Do you even love me?” Alex asked, his tone flat.“I love money—and especially your money,” Lyra replied, straight-faced.“You know, in the end, women always have to make a choice: marry the man they love or marry the man who loves them and learn to love him later.”Lyra shrugged, her expression unapologetic.“I can let you stay around me, love me, and pamper me. Just like you did with Sophia. Your love is so... unattached. I’d even give you the honor of loving me.”“Has anyone ever told you that you have an unbelievably thick face?” Alex said, his tone laced with incredulity.‘This woman is sometimes fugitive, deceptive, sharp, ravenous, fierce, and cruel; she also possesses a great spirit.’Lyra’s lips curled into a teasing smile, her gaze unflinching.“With all the layers of makeup I wear, I’
That morning, the Lancaster mansion was anything but peaceful.In the grand living room, Florance stood in front of Justin, practically shaking with anger.“You’re worthless as a father!” she shouted. “All you do is sit around watching garbage on TV!”Justin frowned, more irritated than surprised. “What do you want from me?”“How about acting like a dad for once? Our daughter is in trouble over that massive loan. You need to help figure out a solution!” Florance’s frustration bled through her every word.Justin let out a tired sigh. “And what exactly do you expect me to do?”“Look at the bigger picture! Your brother is already waiting for Sophia to fail so he can give Mike her position in the company. We can’t let that happen!”Rolling his eyes, Justin scrolled aimlessly on his phone. “I don’t have that kind of money, and you know it.”Florance glared at him. “You’re good for nothing except your so-called manhood!”“Fine!” Justin snapped. “What do you want me to do?”“Marco Ashford,”
Sophia picked up the menu and glanced over at Lyra, her mind spinning with confusion.There was Lyra, practically leaning against Alex, an intimacy that would make any observer assume they were the married couple, not her and Alex.“Alex, I bet this is your first time here,” Lyra said brightly.“Sophia and I have VIP status at this place. Let me recommend a few dishes—I’m sure you’ll love them.”Alex managed a polite smile. “Thanks.”Lyra beamed, flipping through the menu. “Order whatever you like. Don’t worry about the bill, I’m covering it tonight.”Sophia nearly choked.Lyra—stingy, penny-pinching Lyra—offering to pay? For a man, of all people?Lyra never spent her money on men.Every luxury in her possession was typically gifted by them.This was the first time Lyra had ever offered to foot the bill for a man.Sophia narrowed her eyes. “Lyra… are you feeling alright? Did you forget to take your meds this morning?”Lyra raised a cool eyebrow. “What’s with the shock, Sophia? I’ve al
Inside the car’s quiet interior, Sophia leaned her head against the window, her mind drifting back to the stranger who’d come to her aid earlier.Could it be fate?Was this mysterious figure the soulmate she’d always dreamed about—the one who would stand by her forever?She breathed out heavily, shaking the thought away.She didn’t even know him.“You don’t look happy,” Alex said, breaking the silence.Sophia managed a faint smile.“On the contrary, I’m very happy. Someone paid a hundred million for me, clearing the loan that haunted me and the Lancasters.”Alex smiled, his heart lightening.He was glad to see his wife finally accept the help.Later this noon, as she drifted into sleep, he gently healed her and pulled a blanket over her, making sure she was warm and comfortable.Meanwhile, behind the scenes, he’d ordered Carlos to take control of the entire Black syndicate.Charles Cole, Cathy Black, Bruno Black—their fortunes and futures now lay quietly in his hands.“I’m glad you’re
Alex burst into Kingston’s penthouse office, heart pounding.Just moments earlier, Jasmine had called him in tears—something he never thought he’d witness from her.Inside, the tension felt thick as smoke.Jasmine was curled up on the plush leather sofa, her face buried in her trembling hands.Nearby stood Kelly, tapping briskly on her smartwatch.The instant Jasmine spotted Alex, she sprang from the sofa and flung herself into his arms, sobbing so hard he could feel the quake of it through his chest.This wasn’t the poised, controlled Jasmine he knew; this was someone shattered, clinging to him like he was her only lifeline.“Jasmine,” he murmured, fighting to keep his voice steady, “what happened?”She couldn’t answer, her sobs stealing her words.Instead, he turned to Kelly, who regarded them both with a cold detachment.“Kingston just lost about a billion dollars,” she said flatly.A billion?The number slammed into Jasmine like a punch. Her cries intensified, her grief pouring ou
A few minutes earlier, Bruno Black had been furious the moment he received the text message from his sister.“Who dares to threaten my sister? Do they not fear the Black Syndicate?” Bruno growled angrily, seated in the back of the limousine.He turned his rage toward his private bodyguard.“Brad, we need to show them who we really are and take control of Vancouver's underworld!”“Yes, Sir,” Brad replied meekly.“It’s because of your meek personality that people look down on us!” Bruno snapped, glaring at him.Brad nodded. “I am sorry, boss.”“You... If it weren’t for your big body, no one would hire you!” Bruno’s anger grew sharper. “Talking to you is like talking to a big, stupid bull!”“Yes, sir.”Bruno angrily slapped Brad. “Just shut your mouth. You’re pissing me off!”Brad only nodded again, silent as ever.If Brad weren’t over two meters tall and didn’t move like a freight train, Bruno wouldn’t have kept him around.The man could act as a meat shield when needed, and that was re
Alex hesitated. "But—""No buts. This is a family matter," Charles cut him off sharply."Alright," Alex sighed, stepping back, unwilling to get involved in what he now saw as a tangled web of domestic chaos.Charles turned his attention back to Cathy, yelling furiously, "Don’t you think I don’t know what you’ve done behind my back? You threatened and tortured everyone connected to me! Including my ex-girlfriend! You’re nothing but a sadistic monster!"His fists slammed into her motionless body, each blow carrying years of pent-up anger."Do you know how much pain you’ve caused me? You think money can fix this? What’s the point of money if I can’t find happiness?!"He picked up a vase from the corner of the room, his face twisted in pure hatred. "You think I’m your worker, your slave, your damn toy?!"With a final roar, he smashed the vase against her body, shards scattering across the floor.As the silence settled, Charles stood over Cathy’s limp form, chest heaving.The room was litt
Cathy Black laughed as she fired all of her shot, yet only to freeze in disbelief.Alex stood before her, unscathed—no bullet hole, not even a scratch."Impossible," she gasped, her eyes widening.She glanced at her gun, empty now, as the hollow click confirmed her worst fear.Alex’s lips curled into a cold smile. "You’re truly lucky, I don’t hit women."He turned away, striding toward Charles, who was trembling near the wooden table."But you," Alex continued, grabbing Charles by the shoulder, his grip firm as iron, "you hit my wife. Seems like you’re good at hitting women.""No! No, I’m not!" Charles stammered, his body quaking like a leaf.Alex’s voice dropped, a venomous edge creeping into his tone."Your wife hit my wife. Don’t you think it’s only fair you take the hit as payment?"Without waiting for an answer, Alex slammed his fist into the sturdy wooden table beside him.The deafening crack echoed in the room as the table split clean in two, the pieces scattering across the fl
“Who the hell are you?” Charles snarled, voice cracking into a shrill pitch.“If my wife says she’s going to die, then she’s going to die!”Alex stepped into the office, calm and deliberate.His eyes swept over the scene before settling on Sophia.Even from across the room, he could see her condition was anything but normal.She looked drugged, unsteady, and vulnerable.“Get your filthy hands off my wife,” Alex said quietly.His voice was steady and low, yet it carried a firm authority that made everyone pause.Cathy almost laughed out loud, disbelief flickering in her eyes.She prided herself on never feeling fear, but when she met Alex’s gaze, a strange chill gripped her.For the first time in years, her knees weakened, and her hands trembled.She released Sophia’s hair, letting the young woman slump back onto the sofa.“Good,” Alex murmured, moving closer to Sophia.Cathy studied him, unsettled.He seemed like any fit young man—handsome, maybe—but nothing special.Still, something