Romane von Kester

Charlie's fading consciousness was violently dragged back by the excruciating pain crushing his chest. The piercing wail of sirens shattered the storm-filled silence surrounding the gates of Elena's estate. A pair of middle-aged paramedics in neon-yellow raincoats rushed toward him, lifting Charlie's body—already as cold as a corpse—from the rain-soaked pavement."His heartbeat is extremely weak! His blood pressure is dropping rapidly!" one of the paramedics shouted over the roaring wind as they carefully placed Charlie's frail body onto the stretcher inside the public ambulance.Charlie paid no attention to the oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth. His weary eyes drifted downward, staring blankly at the ambulance floor. Clutched tightly within his bluish, stiff fingers was the broken piece of Elena's silver locket. That small fragment of metal was the only anchor keeping him from sinking into eternal darkness.As the ambulance doors slammed shut, not far away, a single sheet of pa

The light drizzle that had blanketed City-B since morning had now turned into a bitter storm. Murky rainwater rushed along the sidewalks, soaking Charlie's shoes and black dress shirt until the fabric clung tightly to his increasingly gaunt frame. Yet he remained standing there beneath the oak tree, which could no longer shield him from the fury of the weather.The brown envelope containing Leo's lifelong scholarship documents had begun to tear at the corners from the rain, but Charlie still clutched it tightly against his chest as though it were his own heart. His body trembled violently, his lips had turned blue, and his vision gradually blurred as he stared at the black iron gate of Elena's residence, which remained as unmoved as ever.Across the street, Aethel Corp's security guards stood firmly at their posts in tactical raincoats, their eyes tracking Charlie's every movement without the slightest trace of sympathy. To them, the man standing on the opposite side of the road was n

The morning sun bathed the elite residential compound of Aethel Corp beneath the hills of City-B. A three-meter-high black iron fence surrounded Elena's mansion, standing firm under the watchful eyes of four tactical security guards stationed at each corner. The peaceful atmosphere was disturbed when an old taxi came to a stop across the street, directly beneath the shade of a sprawling oak tree.The taxi door swung open, and a man slowly stepped out.Charlie Vane looked far thinner than he had just a week ago. His expensive tailored suit had been replaced by a plain, loose-fitting black shirt and a pair of ordinary trousers—clothes he had purchased from a small retail store after all of his bank accounts had officially been frozen by Capital's board of directors the previous night.He no longer owned a luxury car. He no longer had a personal assistant after dismissing Ray from his position using the last of his remaining cash.Charlie was truly alone now.He walked toward the roadsid

News of Charlie Vane's downfall from the throne of Vane Corp spread like wildfire, consuming every major financial media outlet across the country that morning. Inside the quiet study of her new residence in City-B, Elena sat calmly, her eyes fixed on the television screen broadcasting a live press conference from Capital.The opposition board of directors, secretly funded by Aethel Corp, had just announced Charlie's dishonorable removal from his position as Chief Executive Officer. The man who had dominated Capital's economic landscape for more than a decade had officially lost the empire he once ruled."Madam," Aria said as she stepped inside after knocking softly. "The legal coup in Capital is over. Charlie Vane didn't attend the shareholders' meeting or offer any defense. He simply allowed his assets and voting rights to be liquidated without resistance."Elena picked up her teacup and took a slow sip with remarkable composure. Her expression revealed no excessive satisfaction—onl

Night once again enveloped City-B, bringing with it a violent sea storm that churned the waters of the international harbor into a raging frenzy. Inside Aethel Corp's executive office, Elena showed no intention of going home. She stood before a massive monitor displaying the fluctuations of the stock market alongside the latest updates on the port's operations.Aria entered without making a sound, carrying the worst report she had ever delivered throughout her career as Elena's assistant."Madam," Aria said, her voice trembling as anxiety filled her face. "Charlie Vane... he's completely lost his mind. The port acquisition documents were officially approved an hour ago. He sold another twenty percent of his controlling shares in Capital to finance this madness. He is now the controlling shareholder of the City-B Port Authority."Elena's hand, resting on the marble desk, slowly curled into a fist until her knuckles turned white, her nails digging into her own palm. A wave of overwhelmi

The roar of Aethel Corp's private jet faded into the distance as it lifted off toward Geneva, barely audible from Elena's office on the top floor. She stood motionless beside the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the silver aircraft slice through the orange clouds hanging over City-B's evening sky. The report approving the rerouting of the international distribution network had just been signed, marking a decisive victory over the reckless maneuver Charlie Vane had attempted.Yet there was no trace of triumph on Elena's face. Her gaze remained as cold as ice, fixed on the endless sky beyond.Aria stepped into the office, her movements far calmer than they had been a few days earlier."Madam, the entire first wave of cargo has entered international airspace. Just as you predicted, Phoenix Logistics has suffered massive losses because the stockpiled raw materials in the western region have no buyers."Elena drew a slow breath before exhaling, trying to ease the exhaustion weighing on he

“I have video evidence from the moment the incident happened,” Amora continued, her voice trembling slightly, yet carrying an undeniable coldness beneath it. “As soon as my condition improves and I can retrieve my personal files, I will hand the murder footage directly to the investigators.”The two police officers standing before her exchanged glances, then nodded respectfully. “Very well, Mrs. Amora. Your preliminary testimony is already more than enough for us to detain Lucy and Darius without bail. We will wait for the video evidence to strengthen the charges of premeditated murder.”Meanwhile, Vicktor, who had been standing near the door, suddenly froze. His face turned pale, and his eyes widened in disbelief. “Amora... are you serious? Lucy... she really killed your father?”Amora turned toward him, her gaze bitter. “Why, Vick? Do you still refuse to believe that the woman who has been by your side all this time is a monster?”“It’s not that, Amora. But...” Vicktor rubbed his th

“Amora! Stop hiding, you bitch! Did you really think you could escape from me?!”Lucy’s shrill scream echoed violently, bouncing off the damp concrete walls of the abandoned building. Her heavy footsteps grew louder with every second. On the other side of the fifth floor, Darius was busy checking several jerry cans near the staircase, preparing their backup plan with a sinister grin on his face.Amora clutched her stomach tightly behind a pile of worn-out sacks. Her heart pounded so violently that her chest began to ache. This time, she knew Lucy was not bluffing. The woman had completely lost her sanity and was fully prepared to erase her from this world once and for all.Lucy’s footsteps suddenly stopped right in front of the hallway where Amora was hiding. Panic surged through Amora’s body as she tried to shift to another spot. But due to the dim lighting and her weakened condition, her foot accidentally hit an empty paint can.Clang!“Found you!”Lucy emerged from the darkness, he

The sun was already high in the sky, yet the cold atmosphere inside Maverick’s residence refused to fade. After spending the entire night letting anger consume his logic, a knock on the study door finally forced Maverick back to reality.“Come in,” Maverick ordered shortly. His voice was hoarse.Bram, the head of his personal guards, stepped inside with a pale expression. “Sir... we’ve checked the route Madam Amora took last night.”Maverick straightened in his chair. “And? Where is she? Why hasn’t she come home yet?”“Madam’s car was found on the roadside near the intersection leading to the outskirts of the city, Sir. The engine was dead, but the key was still in the ignition. Madam... wasn’t there.”Maverick’s heart seemed to stop beating.The guilt he had tried to suppress since last night suddenly surged to the surface, choking him until he could barely breathe. Flashes of their brutal argument replayed inside his head. His harsh words. Those cheap accusations... He knew he had l

The roar of Amora’s sports car engine tore through the silence of the night. The city streets, now growing emptier, became silent witnesses to the way the woman vented every ounce of suffocation crushing her chest. Her right hand gripped the steering wheel tightly, while her left repeatedly wiped away the tears soaking her cheeks.The silent sobs still hadn’t completely stopped. Her chest rose and fell as she struggled for oxygen that felt painfully scarce.Cheap.That word kept echoing in her ears like a broken cassette tape. This time, Maverick had truly gone too far. The man hadn’t only trampled on her pride—he had shattered the last remnants of respect that had once begun to grow inside Amora’s heart.“Fifty times over?” Amora whispered bitterly, a sarcastic laugh escaping her trembling lips. “I’ll pay it back, Maverick. Tonight, I’ll finally free myself from your hell!”Her mind immediately raced in search of a way out. It didn’t matter if she had to sell most of her personal sha

Maverick finally released his grip the moment they arrived in front of Amora’s car. Without saying a single word, he snatched the keys from Amora’s still-trembling fingers.“Mav, your car—”“My men will take care of it,” Maverick cut her off shortly. His voice was hoarse, cold, and left no room for argument. He gave a subtle signal to one of the men in black suits who had suddenly appeared in the parking area, then opened the driver’s door of Amora’s car and got inside without hesitation.Amora let out a long breath, suppressing her irritation before finally walking around the car and taking the passenger seat.The moment the door closed, Maverick slammed his foot hard on the gas pedal. The sports car shot through the city streets at a speed that made Amora’s heart pound violently. She turned her head and found her husband’s jaw still clenched tightly, his eyes fixed straight ahead as though the asphalt road itself was his greatest enemy.The silence inside the cabin felt suffocating

Vicktor’s grip on Amora’s wrist was forcibly torn away when another large hand yanked him back roughly. Vicktor staggered a step backward, his eyes widening in disbelief when he recognized the unfamiliar man he had briefly seen around the Shane Group office a few days ago now standing firmly before him.That man—Maverick—stared at Vicktor with an icy gaze, as though Vicktor was nothing more than an irritating insect standing in his way.Amora chose to remain silent. From where she stood, she could clearly see Maverick’s jaw tighten and the veins along his neck tense sharply. A dangerous fury burned inside those gray eyes.He’s jealous, Amora thought, a trace of disbelief rising inside her heart at seeing such an intense reaction from someone like Maverick.“Who the hell are you? How dare you interfere in our business?!” Vicktor barked arrogantly. His confidence immediately returned. In his eyes, this stranger was nothing more than an ignorant intruder who knew nothing about his histor

Inside his dimly lit room, Axton paced back and forth like a lion trapped in a cage. His breathing was heavy, his chest tight with the storm of emotions raging inside him. Downstairs, his mother was still laughing happily in front of the television, celebrating Angelina’s suffering without realizing that death itself was sleeping under their roof tonight.Axton stared at the screen of his phone. His fingers trembled, yet his eyes radiated a determination that had suddenly crystallized. Enough was enough. He was tired of being a slave to a devil-hearted man who had used his hatred to destroy the Derox Family all this time. He wanted freedom, even if the price was the greatest betrayal of all.With one press, he dialed the number he had avoided the most tonight.Hans Derox’s number.The call connected on the third ring. The voice on the other end sounded cold, sharp, and full of threat.“Who is this? If this is some prank call, then you picked the wrong person to play with tonight,” Han

The night grew deeper, yet the atmosphere in every corner of the city only became more terrifying. Blue rotating lights from police patrol cars sliced through the darkness at every major intersection. Iron barricades had been erected, forcing every vehicle to slow down and undergo extremely strict inspections.Inside a narrow, shadowy alley beside the crumbling brick wall of an abandoned old house, Baron Cross tightened his black coat around himself. His breathing was ragged, leaving faint vapor in the cold air. The traces of gunpowder on his palms had not even been properly cleaned yet.“Damn it! Carlos has truly gone insane!” Baron Cross cursed under his breath. His sharp eyes darted toward the main road, where rows of police officers were inspecting drivers one by one. “Locking down the entire city just because a chandelier shattered? He’s completely lost his mind!”Baron Cross knew very well that he had reached a dead end. Using the usual routes tonight would be the same as handin

Thin wisps of gunpowder smoke still drifted through the ballroom, which now lay in ruins. The hysterical screams of the guests slowly faded as the Derox family’s security team formed a tight barricade around the area.Mr. Carlos stepped forward into the center of the room, his face as calm as still water, yet his eyes gleamed with a deadly light. He turned toward Paul.“Make sure all the guests are evacuated to a safe area. Not a single one of them is allowed to get hurt,” Mr. Carlos ordered, his voice deep and filled with authority.“Yes, Master. The medical and security teams have already secured the evacuation routes,” Paul replied promptly.Mr. Carlos slipped a hand inside his expensive tuxedo. From beneath the silk fabric, he pulled out a jet-black semi-automatic pistol. A weapon he had prepared even before fastening his bow tie tonight.“Contact all reserve units. Lock this hotel down. I want every inch of this building searched. That intruder must not leave this place alive,” M

Mrs. Wilona wasted no time. Before dawn had even broken, she already had her phone pressed to her ear, contacting the manager of the most prestigious five-star hotel in the capital city.“Mommy, please listen to me first,” Angelina interrupted softly, hesitantly touching her future mother-in-law’s arm. “Wouldn’t it be better if we kept the event simple? Just a family dinner, without a huge party. I… I just don’t want to create too much commotion.”Mrs. Wilona lowered her phone for a moment, then looked at Angelina with an affectionate yet amused gaze.“Simple? Oh, absolutely not, My Dear,” Mrs. Wilona replied firmly but gently. “You are the only future daughter-in-law of the Derox family. Hans’s wedding is a moment we have been waiting for our entire lives. Let Mommy handle everything, alright? Your only job is to look beautiful and be happy.”That very night, both the virtual world and reality were thrown into chaos. Without warning, every private television station broadcast breakin

The atmosphere inside the luxurious sedan cabin felt incredibly silent, a sharp contrast to the storm of emotions that had just erupted in the corridor of The Glasshouse. Hans gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes fixed on the Jakarta streets that were beginning to empty out, yet the tension in his clenched jaw could not hide the turmoil raging inside his chest. Beside him, Angelina rested her head against the window. The black suitcase on the back seat seemed to stand as a silent witness to the end of her dark past with Axton. “Are you still thinking about him?” Hans’s deep voice finally broke the silence. There was a faint bitterness hidden within it. Angelina turned her head, finding Hans’s side profile stiff and unreadable. She let out a long sigh before offering a small smile—a thin smile that had become incredibly rare after all the drama she had endured. “No, Hans. I’m just tired,” Angelina replied softly. “Why are you making that face? So the respected Young Mast

The gentle splashing of the mini fountain in the corner of The Glasshouse did nothing to cool the tense atmosphere surrounding table number twelve. Axton sat with his back perfectly straight, yet his intertwined fingers resting on the table continued to move restlessly. Every time the café’s glass door chimed open, his head instinctively turned toward it. One hour and ten minutes. Axton had almost convinced himself that Angelina would never come. The woman had a thousand reasons to ignore him. Yet just as the last fragments of his hope began to erode, the figure he had been waiting for finally appeared. Angelina walked gracefully in a long cream-colored coat, her narrowed gaze immediately locking onto the medium-sized black suitcase placed beside Axton’s chair. Without offering a greeting, Angelina pulled out the chair in front of him and sat down. “I don’t have much time. Hand over the suitcase, and we’re done here.” Axton froze. He stared at the woman before him—the face that