Brayden sat in his office, his fingers lightly tapping against the surface of his desk as he stared at the computer screen before him.
The deal he had spent weeks orchestrating was finally coming to its conclusion.The Royal Castle’s owner had agreed to meet and finalize everything, and with that, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle would fall into place.He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly as he considered every angle.This deal wasn’t just another business transaction—it was a carefully calculated move to dismantle the Black Serpent’s influence.He had spent years gathering information, waiting for the right moment to strike. The Royal Castle’s owner had his hands in many things, including the media, and that made him a valuable asset.But even valuable assets had their weaknesses, and Brayden had found his. The owner had been desperate to secure a certain media station abroad, something that would expand his influence and pPenelope smiled as she walked into the room, holding a small white envelope in her hands. She had been holding onto this secret for a few days now, unable to wait any longer to share it with Brayden. Her heart raced with excitement. She had been nervous about the right moment, but she knew this was it—today was the day.Brayden sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone, his expression soft as he looked up when she entered. His face lit up with a smile at the sight of her. “Hey, you look beautiful,” he said, his voice warm and full of affection. He always made her feel like she was the most important person in the room, like nothing else mattered but her. Penelope’s heart fluttered.“Thank you,” she replied, her voice a little shaky as she approached him, holding out the envelope. She could barely contain her excitement. “I have a surprise for you.”Brayden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A surprise? What is it?” he asked, sitting up a little s
Inez walked into the Royal dinner venue, her heart racing but her face completely composed. She had been carefully briefed by Brayden, and she knew the weight of what she was about to do. Dressed in Penelope’s exact outfit—a dark red gown that flowed gracefully down to her ankles—she blended in seamlessly. Her long, black hair was styled in loose waves, and her makeup was subtle but elegant, matching the look Penelope often wore.As she entered the grand hall, she noticed a few eyes following her. People whispered amongst themselves, probably confused by the woman who looked so much like the elusive Penelope. Inez kept her cool, walking with confidence as though nothing were amiss. She acted like she belonged.Approaching the reception desk, she gave the hostess a polite smile, her heart pounding beneath the surface. The receptionist glanced at her, clearly expecting someone else.“Your booking name, miss?” the receptionist asked, her voice
The cool morning air hit Brayden’s face as he stepped out of the bathroom, his body still trembling with the weight of what had just happened. He was trying to pull himself together, to push past the feelings of heartbreak, rage, and helplessness. He couldn’t afford to break down any more. He had responsibilities—people who were counting on him.Brayden ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady his breath. He forced a smile onto his face, even though it felt like the hardest thing in the world. He couldn’t let Ryder see him like this, couldn’t let anyone know how much the loss of Anya was tearing him apart. He had to be strong.“Brayden?” Ryder’s voice echoed from the hallway as Brayden walked downstairs.Brayden took a deep breath before turning to face him. “I’m going out,” he said, his voice strained but firm. “I’m inviting Penelope to the Royal dinner. I’ll be back later.” His words were carefully chosen, but Ryder gave him a suspicious g
The sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently waking Brayden. He stretched his arms above his head, his body feeling unusually light. After all the chaos, the violence, the threats, and the emotional rollercoaster, it was finally a morning where he felt like he could breathe again. He hadn’t realized how exhausted he’d been until now, when a sense of calm washed over him.He swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet touching the cool floor. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He felt…refreshed. Maybe it was the fact that the worst was behind him, at least for now. The enemies were cleared out, Ryder was safe, and the looming danger of Vernon was gone. For the first time in what felt like forever, Brayden was hopeful. He wasn’t entirely sure of what was coming next, but he wasn’t going to let that steal his peace.Brayden stood up, made his way to the bathroom, and washed his face. He looked at himself in the mirror for a
The tension in the room was unbearable, the air thick with unspoken accusations and bitterness. Vernon’s cold eyes bore into Brayden as he shook his head slowly, his lips curled into a bitter smile. “You think I’m going to believe your lies now, Brayden?” Vernon’s voice was low, but it was filled with venom. “It’s too late for redemption. You can spin your lies all you want, but I’ve heard enough of them already.”Brayden’s heart clenched at the sight of the man he once called a comrade, now standing before him as a bitter enemy. He had hoped, deep down, that there was still a way to reach Vernon—that he could make things right. But now, all Brayden could see in Vernon’s eyes was rage and betrayal, a deep-seated pain that had been festering for years.“I’m not lying, Vernon,” Brayden said urgently, his voice raw with emotion. “I swear to you, I’m not. Just… give me a second chance. Please.” Brayden’s words hung in the air, a desperate plea for m
The room was heavy with the scent of gunpowder, the air thick with tension. Brayden stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at Vernon, who stood across from him, cold and unmoving. Ryder’s painful cry still echoed in Brayden’s ears, and every instinct inside him screamed to save the young man, but Vernon’s words hung like chains around his neck.“What do I need to do to save him?” Brayden’s voice trembled as he asked, every word laced with desperation.Vernon didn’t flinch. His gaze remained unyielding, his voice as cold as steel. “You want to save him, Brayden?” he said slowly. “Then give up your life for him. That’s the price.”Brayden’s stomach churned at the thought, but he didn’t hesitate. His hand dropped the pistol, the weapon clattering to the floor with a heavy thud. His fingers trembled as he unstrapped his belt and dropped all his weapons onto the ground, kicking them away from him in a gesture of complete surrender.