LOGINThe next day, every corner of the country was broadcasting the major headline about Renee’s arrest, which also implicated Richard. “Corruption Scandal, City Hall Arson, and Eastbourne Attack Exposed.”In front of Anthony’s shop, several police cars were parked along the street. Meanwhile, Anthony, Peter, Kyle, and Eve were inside the shop, safe, though covered in injuries. Tobias came there with several lawyers who were ready to represent the entire Blackfist gang.“Do we really need lawyers? We’re witnesses,” Anthony said.Tobias chuckled. “Just in case. And this is good experience for my junior associates, you don’t mind, right?”“Yeah, sure.”The front door opened, and Belle and Bastian walked in, their eyes meeting Tobias’s. They had just finished speaking with the police officers outside.“So,” Tobias left the word hanging in the air.Belle smiled. “Thank you for trusting me, Tobias.”The day Belle and Eve decided to run away, they had actually left with Tobias’s knowledge. Tobia
“Belle, come on,” Eve whispered. “We have to do something. We can't let Renee see us.”“But—”“Quick!” Eve urged.Up in the ring, the match bell rang loudly.Renee watched Bastian, who was now fighting his opponent. Every now and then, Renee glanced at her phone, waiting for her plan to be carried out that night.Meanwhile, in the ring, Bastian moved swiftly, dodging his opponent's attacks. He countered with a brutal elbow strike that knocked his opponent down in less than three minutes.The crowd erupted into hysterical cheers at Bastian's victory.The match was far from over. Another challenger entered, a massive man whose terrifying presence radiated dominance. He carried a chain in his hand, while Bastian had nothing but his bare hands.The crowd immediately started booing, feeling that the match was unfair. It was unfair because anyone who brought in a new fighter and paid enough money had privileges. Meanwhile, Bastian was fighting as the defending fighter in the arena.He was o
Eve and Belle walked down the sidewalk with their heads lowered beneath their hoodies. Eve had deliberately parked the car a good distance away from the building where the exclusive underground matches were being held.The two of them headed to the back of the building and went down into the basement. And just as the underground social media channels had described, they stopped in front of a single door.It immediately caught their attention because a security guard was stationed there while the other doors were unguarded."Where are you ladies headed?" the guard asked. He wasn't hostile, only friendly. "I think you've taken a wrong turn. If you're trying to get upstairs, use the entrance over there."Eve flashed him a bright smile. "We're here to see Team Blackfist."The guard stiffened immediately. "I don't know what you're talking about, young lady.""Look, sir. They're my brothers. Do I need to show you my ID and family registration card?" Eve turned to Belle. "Do you have your ID
The idea of an underground fight arena?Bastian hesitated for a moment because it was the very thing Renee despised the most. There was no guarantee she would even think to look there. Besides, showing up in public, even at an underground venue, meant someone could recognize Bastian or the others.Bastian swallowed hard. "Do you really think this will work, Viper?""There are plenty of wealthy people there, and chances are they have connections to your target. If you can put on a good fight, word about you will spread," Viper said over the phone."I'll take down anyone they put in front of me.""I don't doubt that for a second. Just remember, that's a lion's den. You're not walking in there just to make money. You're risking your life, Bastian."Bastian fell silent for a moment. His mind was made up. He had to lure Renee out."I don't care how dangerous it is. Get me the contact and sign me up right away," Bastian said. He took a deep breath. "We'll survive that arena.""We?""Blackfi
Eve glanced toward the window, where Belle was still deep in conversation with Tobias. At the same moment, the phone inside her purse vibrated softly. Casually, Eve reached for it, but her expression instantly changed to shock.It was an unknown number, but Eve had a feeling she knew exactly who was calling.She quickly stood up from her chair and walked toward the window, turning her back to Belle and Tobias. Without hesitation, Eve swiped the green button to answer the call."Hello?" Eve said softly.A few seconds of silence followed before the familiar baritone voice came through."Eve?""Bastian." Eve took a deep breath. "You finally called.""It's not easy finding disposable phones, Eve. Is everything okay over there? I can't stay on the phone long. I just wanted to make sure you're all safe.""We're okay, Bastian. And we have good news. Nick woke up."Eve glanced toward Nick, who was sleeping peacefully. On the other end of the line, she heard Bastian struggle to hold back his e
"Nick? Can you hear me?" Belle called, holding her breath.Tears streamed down Belle's cheeks as her trembling hand reached for Nick's fingers again. Slowly, Nick tried to squeeze her hand. A faint groan escaped his lips.At the same moment, the nurses rushed into the room. They immediately surrounded Nick, making sure he was stable. They were worried he might suffer a seizure from the shock.But Nick really did open his eyes, even if only halfway. All he could manage were weak groans. He couldn't form a single word.Nick reached out with shaky hands, panic beginning to show on his face. Especially when he looked at Belle. It was as if he was desperately trying to tell her something but couldn't get the words out."Mr. Nick, everything's okay. Stay calm and breathe. You're in good hands," one of the nurses said.Belle and Eve had no choice but to step outside because Nick was becoming increasingly agitated. They waited in the hallway until he had calmed down.Belle couldn't bear to wa
The Eastborough pier wasn’t beautiful at night. The lighting was poor, relying only on a dying streetlamp flickering at the entrance. But for Belle, that only made her adrenaline spike.At least it was safe. And it offered one thing no other place did: privacy.Belle walked carefully, pulling her h
Belle glanced at Bastian. His jaw was clenched so tightly that the tendons in his neck stood out.Bastian said nothing. He remained standing there, beside the woman holding the chain to his freedom.And his silence hurt more than anything Renee had said.“Come on, Belle,” Anthony’s voice cut throug
Bastian acted within seconds. Just before Renee’s shadow was about to cross the black partition, he grabbed Belle’s arm. Quickly, he pushed her—gently but firmly—toward the emergency door behind the refrigerator.“Go out through the back alley. Don’t run until you’re far away.”Bastian’s whisper wa
“Oh my God…” Bastian exhaled in regret.In those five short minutes, Belle told him everything that had happened without holding anything back. It only made Bastian’s guilt heavier, because he hadn’t known Anthony had been pressured by his father.Out of everyone in his life, the last people Bastia







