Alex prepares a simple dish for Crystal, the aroma of warm spices filling the cozy kitchen. The sound of sizzling vegetables is the only noise until they both sit down to eat and turn on the television. The news flashes on the screen, and a stern reporter’s voice fills the room.“Colonel Kevin attempted to escape with twenty of his soldiers on an aircraft, but the military intercepted and shot down the plane, resulting in a fatal crash in the mountainous area.” The screen displays dramatic footage of the aircraft being struck by two missiles, plummeting towards the rugged terrain below, a fiery explosion marking the end.Crystal's hand freezes mid-air, her fork hovering over her plate as the next segment comes on. “Lily White, Jasmine White, and Rosemary White, owners of Clean Water Company, have been arrested. Authorities reveal their connection with Colonel Kevin and the Gavin family.” The screen cuts to the three women, handcuffed, being pushed into police cars, their faces pale un
“Yes, sir,” the officer replies, his voice cold as he raises his gun toward Alex once more. “You both need to come with us to the station. We’ll get to the truth there.”Alex’s eyes narrow, a dangerous glint flashing in them as his hand subtly moves toward his own weapon. But before he can act, Crystal steps forward, gently placing her hand on his.“Husband,” she says softly, her voice carrying a strange calm, “let them take me.”Crystal knows exactly what Alex is capable of—she’s seen it before. He could easily take down every officer in the room, but she’s tired of running. She wants to face whatever is coming, and perhaps, in a small way, she wants to play along with Alex’s unexpected game, calling him “husband.”Alex looks around at the officers, his expression hardening. “All of you will regret this,” he mutters, the words heavy with a promise of retribution.As they are handcuffed and pushed into the waiting police car, a group of reporters arrives, cameras flashing as they capt
Meanwhile, in a luxurious penthouse, Ava is glued to her computer screen, her eyes scanning the fluctuating numbers as the stock market reacts to Peter Gavin’s death.The chaos in the market presents an opportunity for massive profit, and she’s ready to capitalize on it. The room is dimly lit, the only light coming from the glow of the monitor reflecting off her intense expression.“Ava!” Eva suddenly bursts into the room, her face pale with urgency. “Bad news—Alex has been arrested by the police.”“What?” Ava’s eyes widen in shock, her focus immediately shifting from the market to the unexpected news.“He’s with Crystal Gavin,” Eva continues, her voice shaky. “And you won’t believe it, the news says he’s her husband.”“What?” Ava is taken aback, her mind racing. “Impossible!”“Why impossible?” Eva asks, confusion written on her face.“He was divorced by Lily White! He’s supposed to be clean, without any attachments. I checked his identity myself. He’s supposed to be mine!” Ava stands
Inspector Charlie entered the interrogation room, his eyes narrowing as he carefully studied Alex. “Who are you really, man? Why are so many people demanding your release?”“We military folks stick together. It’s called solidarity, don’t you think?” Alex replied, his tone cool and composed.“Crystal, don’t tell me I haven’t given you enough chances. Where is your brother hiding?” the inspector pressed.“I really don’t know,” Crystal answered.“Then both of you have made your choice.” The inspector’s voice was cold as he reached for his phone. Moments later, the door swung open, and four burly prisoners were ushered into the room.“Listen,” Inspector Charlie began, his tone turning menacing, “these men are the worst kind of prisoners, capable of killing without hesitation. They haven’t touched a woman in a long time. If you two continue to refuse to cooperate, you’ll regret it deeply. And although it pains me to see Crystal ravaged by them, no one will pity a traitor of the empire.”“I
From the front office, about twenty military special forces men stormed in, each armed with heavy weapons. Their presence was deadly, their aura filled with lethal intent.The crowd of people parted like the Red Sea as a gorgeous, alluring woman walked into the room with a serious face.“I warn you, lower your weapons now, or you will face the consequences,” Lavinia on military office uniform coldly commanded. The twenty elite soldiers, each a member of the Royal Empire's special guard, aimed their guns at the police.The police glanced at the special forces, recognizing their authority. These were the chosen ones, far above their pay grade. Some of the officers quickly dropped their weapons in surrender.Yet, a few stubbornly kept their guns raised, defiant. Within three seconds, the soldiers moved with lightning speed.Anyone who still held a gun aimed at them found their hands shot, and then the soldiers struck them down with the back of their weapon, sending them crashing to the g
Six months had passed since Aslan lost the war to the Archlion Empire, leading to its reformation as the New Empire.Vancouver now stood as the capital city of this transformed nation. In this bustling city resided Baron Ashworth.Alex found himself in the grand hall of the Ashworth mansion, standing beside Crystal Ashworth as they attended the 75th birthday celebration of the old Baroness, Lady Ashworth.The hall was adorned with antique chandeliers, their warm light casting a golden hue across the room. The scent of aged wood and vintage perfume filled the air, a nostalgic reminder of the grandeur that once was.Half a year ago, Crystal had received an urgent call from her mother, Tanya Ashworth, summoning her back to Vancouver. Tanya was once the wife of Peter Gavin, a top artist in Aslan.However, ten years after giving birth to Crystal, a scandal involving Tanya and an actor led to a bitter divorce.After the scandal, Tanya retreated to the Ashworth mansion, severing all ties wit
His eyes scanned the crowd. These were ex-Aslan nobility, people who had always looked down on commoners. They still clung to the old ways, even maintaining a slaver system in this so-called New Empire.‘It’s going to take a long time to change their habits,’ Alex thought, suppressing the frustration rising within him.Just then, the man stepped forward, his eyes locked on Crystal. “Lady Crystal, I am Count Cross,” he announced, his gaze lingering on her as if she were a prize to be claimed. “It has been a very long time since I heard your name and saw your beauty. Will you give me the honor of a dance?”“I am sorry, Count Cross, but I am a married woman. Please show your respect to me and my husband,” Crystal said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her dignity.“Oh,” Count Cross replied, raising his hand as if suddenly remembering something. His brown hair glinted under the chandelier lights as he smirked. “Respect for your husband, right. I almost forgot.”He turned and called
Count Cross hurriedly called for his six guards, his voice dripping with fury, “This commoner, I want him dead right here, right now!”Immediately, Count Cross's bodyguards rushed into the banquet hall, their eyes locked on Alex. But Alex moved faster than any of them.With a swift and precise blow, he struck the first guard on the jaw, sending him crashing to the ground, knocked out cold with a single hit.One after another, Alex dispatched the remaining guards, his movements fluid and controlled.Despite facing six trained men, not one of them managed to land a hit on him. To everyone’s shock, Alex knocked them out with a single blow each.“Stop! Stop it!” Lady Ashworth screamed, her voice laced with panic. “You little scumbag, stop hitting Count Cross's people!”Alex turned to her, his eyes narrowing. “What? Are you saying I should let them hit me?” His words were sharp, dripping with sarcasm. “Is your brain functioning properly?”“I am your Baroness! Watch how you speak!” Lady Ash