MasukThat afternoon, Edward came by to check on Alissa. She was sitting up in bed when he walked in, looking calmer than before, though the weight of everything still lingered in her eyes. Rose was nearby, quietly scrolling through her phone, but she glanced up the moment Edward entered. Edward didn’t
Outside the hospital, Nicholas stood with his hands in his pockets, watching Alex closely while Edward stepped forward first, far less restrained. “So who did it?” Alex didn’t hesitate. “The mastermind is Alissa’s stepmother.” The answer came clean and certain, leaving no room for doubt. Nicholas
Rose paused and turned to look at Nicholas. " That….one of them is the leader of a loan shark organization that I paid off some time ago.” Nicholas didn't say anything after listening to her explanation. Edward stayed quiet, still holding Alissa. Alex didn’t respond or say anything immediatel
The hospital corridor was quiet, except for the distant sounds of hurried footsteps and the soft beeping of machines behind closed doors. Inside the private ward, both Rose and Alissa had already been treated. Clean bandages were wrapped around Rose’s wrists, and her head injury had been properly
Something changed in his expression, subtle but noticeable to those watching closely, enough for Derek behind him to pick up on it and for Cobra to react without fully understanding why. Alex stepped forward, slow and controlled, while Zane’s men instinctively raised their weapons higher. “Stop ri
The footsteps kept coming, growing louder with each second, accompanied by distant crashes and the sound of something being forced open outside. It was clear now that something was unfolding beyond the warehouse walls. Each step echoed against the concrete, sharp and deliberate, like a countdown th
Their waiter arrived shortly after, handing them both leather-bound menus. They placed their orders — grilled salmon for Mr. Reyes and a plate of lemon herb chicken with roasted vegetables for Rose — along with two glasses of sparkling water. With the formalities out of the way, their conversation
That night. The Anderson estate’s dining room glowed in the soft amber light of the chandelier, casting a warm haze over the polished mahogany table. The scent of roasted chicken, buttered vegetables, and freshly baked bread filled the air, making the evening feel cozy despite the formality of the
Later That Day – School Library, Quiet Section. The library was quiet, filled only with the faint hum of the air conditioner and the gentle rustle of pages. Most students were at lunch, but Rose remained seated at the far end near the tall arched window, surrounded by opened books and notes. She
The next day. It was still early in the school day, just before the second bell. The halls buzzed faintly with the murmur of students heading to first period, but Victoria wasn't in class. She excused herself with the calm assurance of someone used to moving unnoticed—just a quiet nod and a vague







