LOGINThe space inside was wide and as big as the casino floor, but far more chaotic. At the centre were white lights hung above a large fighting ring, surrounded by metal barricades.The crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, shouting, betting, and drinking. Some people sat on chairs, some people leaned against the railing, while other people waved cash in the air like it meant nothing.In the ring, two men were present. They didn’t look like they had rules or a referee present as they fought. Pure raw violence could be seen.I heard the crack even against the noise as the first person landed the punch hard on the second person.I didn’t react. I simply watched. Beside me, the young man grinned, clearly either enjoying my reaction or perhaps seeing I lacked reaction. He lightly spread his arms as he said casually, “Welcome to the real heart of this place.”I glanced at him, “Impressive.” I wasn’t impressed by the violence, but by how lawless they were. They had rules, but of their own.He smile
Several people paused their games for a brief moment. Some of the gamblers gasped nervously and continued playing their games, pretending they hadn’t seen the man. Others lowered their head and gulped their drinks.The young man slowly walked across the room, “Alright. You all know the rules,” He glanced calmly around the room, twisting the gold chain around his hand.People paused in their moment, but no one dared to reply.A second later, one of the dealers stood up quietly and placed several chips into his leather bag without any argument. A few gamblers followed right after. Others looked around and, with a deep sigh, paid the amount. It was their protection money.Even if they lost a certain percentage, they clearly won more than that.I leaned against the bar calmly and took a sip of my drink. The young man moved from table to table, collecting money with a slow but smug smile. His eyes had the sharpness that didn’t match his careless look. Soon, he reached the table I had been
Raven Blackwood’s POV:The restaurant owner didn’t come to the dock. My men tried to find him at his address or possible places, but it was like he vanished, or someone made him vanish.So here I was at the underground casino at night, which was hidden beneath an old warehouse near the harbor. From the outside, the building looked abandoned with broken windows and a rusted metal door. Anyone passing by would think it had been empty for years now. But the moment you step inside, everything changes.A narrow staircase was connected to the underground floor. Loud music was getting clearer with every step I took. The smell of alcohol, cigarettes and perfume filled my senses as I glanced around the view in front of my eyes. Bright neon lights flashed across the room. Several large tables were spread across the hall. Some people were playing cards, and some were drinking and laughing loudly. A couple of men were standing around the bar, discussing business in soft murmurs.Overall, the plac
I shook my head, “No. I don’t believe everyone would be in such an area for too long, especially Raven.”Eliot didn’t answer immediately. His jaw tightened slightly in unease. Something was wrong. “Call Jeremy again,” I said some minutes later.Eliot nodded and dialed his number immediately. He placed the phone on speaker so I could hear the bell ringing too. The bell rang for once… twice… until it disconnected on its own.My chest tightened. It was still not getting received. I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed Raven’s number again. My gaze didn’t wander from the screen as I watched the call trying to get through.For a second, I felt hopeful, maybe he would pick up his damn phone, but I only heard the automatic message, ‘The number you’re trying to reach is currently unavailable.’I closed my eyes and whispered to myself, ‘Try again. It might connect.’So, I dialed his number one more time and heard the same unavailable message again. I clenched my fingers around the phone.Eliot
Valerie Thorne’s POV:It had been three days since Raven had left for Europe. He said it was for a private business meeting, and he would be back in a week's time.I watched Reign as she played with her toys in her crib.My phone rang some minutes later. I quickly picked it up, hoping it would be Raven’s, but then I saw the name on screen. Elvis. I paused. I hadn’t heard from him in months now. Only the text I got from him was from months ago, that he was going home.“Hello,” His voice came through the speaker. I could hear some music from his background. I guess he was out somewhere.“How are you, Elvis?” My voice broke as I asked.“I am good. I was worried about you,” He answered.“I am fine,” I said with a nod.He remained silent for some seconds. I watched Reign for another second, “I have a daughter now.”“Congratulations, Val,” He said after some seconds.I smiled to myself before I asked, “How is everything going there?”“It’s tiring here. Just dealing with lots of mess every d
Raven Blackwood’s POV:Two months later…I got the news. Nolan Rochefort was seen in Greece two days ago. Without wasting my time, I made Jeremy get the jet ready. I assigned my duties to Eliot, including protecting my Wife and daughter for the time being.Taking the men, about four to five, we departed for Greece.When we reached Greece, it was still early morning. I had already alerted my contact about my arrival in advance.The cool air hit my body as we stepped out of the jet. The sky above was filled with the colors of early morning, but I had no mood to enjoy it. If Valerie were here by my side right now, she would definitely love it.I walked down, adjusting the sleeves of my coat. Jeremy followed after me with our other men. They were all trained in intelligence, weapons, and martial arts.A black SUV was already waiting for us near the runway with a man leaning against the car, his hands inside the pockets of his jacket. As his eyes met mine, he immediately straightened his b
A few moments later, more and more students arrived in the classroom. They all looked excited just like me. The room became a little noisy, but it didn’t feel bad in any way. It felt like energy, like life.I sat in the middle row, and Ginevra sat in the right row. And nothing happened as Rave expe
Valerie Thorne:The moment the plane wheels touched down the runway, I felt my heart race with joy. I was finally here. In Milan, Italy. The Fashion Capital of the world.This was supposed to be the beginning of the best chapter of my life, my dream was finally happening, but..I looked at Raven Bl
Raven Blackwood POV:I was expecting this. The moment I landed in Milan, Italy, I knew I would have already been notified to the Man who controlled Milan, Italy from the shadows.I picked up my phone and walked out of the restaurant, and answered the call. “Hello.”Soon, the voice came over the spe
I turned back from the window slowly and looked at Raven Blackwood. He was still standing there, right at the door of my bedroom, not moving an inch. His face showed no signs of leaving."When are you going to leave?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual, like it didn’t matter, like I wasn’t sca







