114As the tension simmered between them, Lydia couldn't hold back any longer. "We know what you're up to, Darius," she hissed, her eyes ablaze with accusation.Darius raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "And what, pray tell, am I up to?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.Howard stepped forw
115 Lydia and Howard exchanged furious glances, their anger fueling the fire within each of them.Lydia's voice dripped with scorn as she shot back at Darius, her words laced with venom. "Darius, we'll see about that. No amount of deception can cloak your true nature forever."Howard's fists clench
116Despite the seething rage bubbling within him, Darius forced himself to take another deep breath, his mind racing for a way to defuse the situation without resorting to violence. With Nathan's smug grin etched into his memory, he knew any rash action would only serve to escalate things further.
117Back at the center of the confrontation, Darius continued to hold his ground against Nathan's barrage of threats. His calm demeanor seemed to infuriate Nathan even more, fueling his desire to assert dominance over his perceived rival.Darius took a deep breath to calm himself, though his hands s
118As Howard's voice pierced through the murmurs of the crowd, Darius felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He had hoped to slip away unnoticed, but it seemed fate had other plans.He turned to face Howard and Lydia, his expression a mask of indifference, though inside, he braced himsel
119Lydia and Howard exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles turning into smirks. "Of course, Nathan. We wouldn't dream of interfering," Howard replied smoothly, though the gleam in his eyes betrayed his true intentions.Nathan's expression hardened as he watched them, his suspicions growing with e
120Nathan's sneer faltered for a moment, taken aback by the sudden change in Darius's demeanor. His eyes narrowed, trying to decipher this unexpected defiance. "Oh? And what will you do about it?" he challenged, stepping closer, his own hands balling into fists, as if preparing for a confrontation.
121Lydia, unable to contain her simmering rage, stepped forward with a venomous glare. "You have some nerve, Darius, thinking you can waltz in here and challenge us," she spat, her words laced with venom. "But mark my words, you'll regret ever crossing paths with us."Howard, sensing an opportunity