MasukClara followed quietly behind Eli, her heels clicking faintly against the polished marble as she moved through the backstage hallway. The little girl, completely oblivious to the danger trailing her, hummed softly—a light, airy tune that echoed off the cold bathroom tiles as she pushed the door open. Clara’s pulse thudded with anticipation. She paused outside the bathroom door, listening to the faint splash of running water and Eli’s innocent humming. Everything was unfolding perfectly. The chaos of the fashion show had created the distraction she needed—models rushing to change outfits, stylists sprinting across the wings with garment racks, assistants juggling last-minute alterations, reporters swarming the entrance, and Evelyn… busy being Scarlett on stage. Clara’s lips curled. Her fingers flew over her phone screen. I have eyes on the girl. Get your men ready. Once she’s under control, I’ll signal you. She sent the message and slipped her phone into her purse, breath steady,
Clara got wind of the fashion show two days before the event. She had been quiet all this while, observing from the shadows, waiting… calculating. She needed the perfect moment to strike, and this day seemed carved out for her. Evelyn would undoubtedly be overwhelmed running the show, Isa would definitely be on the runway, and Alex and the Montgomerys would be scattered, busy managing guests and logistics. If she ever needed to attack without raising suspicion, today was the most flawless opportunity. Picking up her phone, she dialed Mark. “We move that day,” she said coldly. And together, they mapped out a sleek, silent, perfect attack plan. --- The venue buzzed with the kind of excitement only the fashion world knew—camera flashes, murmuring reporters, perfume-heavy air, and the soft hum of backstage sewing machines completing last-minute hemming. LED runway lights glowed like molten gold, casting warm reflections against the polished marble floor. Evelyn, standing near the e
The warehouse fell silent. The only sound was the soft echo of Adrian’s boots against the cracked concrete floor, and the faint metallic rattle of chains still swaying from the ceiling. Dust floated through the dim rays of sunlight filtering in through broken windows, turning the atmosphere heavy, suffocating… and final. Adrian watched as the three captured men convulsed violently on the ground. Their bodies jerked, their breaths came in short bursts—until, one by one, the movements slowed… then stopped completely. One of Adrian’s men knelt beside them. He pressed two fingers to the necks of each man, checking for a pulse. After several seconds, he exhaled sharply. “They’re dead,” he said grimly. Adrian’s jaw clenched. His fingers curled into fists. “Damnit,” he muttered under his breath. Just when he thought he finally had a lead—something solid enough to pull the strings from the shadows—the line snapped yet again. He knelt beside the bodies, staring at their stiffening faces
— Shadows of Ellington City —The outskirts of Ellington City were a wild stretch of forgotten land—abandoned train tracks, half-collapsed warehouses, and weeds tall enough to brush the windows of deserted buildings. The sky hung low with thick grey clouds, casting the entire landscape into a gloomy canvas of shadows.Inside one of these abandoned warehouses, a man in his mid-twenties paced like a caged animal. The dim light from the single flickering bulb overhead caught on the sharp angles of his face. His features—striking, aristocratic, almost too perfect—were twisted now with pure rage.Crates rattled as he kicked them aside, metal rods clattered to the ground, and dust rose in the air like smoke from a fire. His breaths came out harsh, each one vibrating with fury.“Calm down, Charles,” came a timid voice from the far end of the room.Andy—two years younger, leaner, and visibly shaking—stood with raised hands as if approaching a wild beast.Charles whirled, eyes blazing.“Don’t
Ethan, having heard the assistant’s words, rose quietly from his seat, careful not to attract attention. “I’m going inside,” he said, his tone calm yet resolute as he walked briskly upstairs, every step measured and deliberate. “Where is he rushing to?” Mrs. Montgomery asked, concern knitting her brows as she watched him disappear around the corner. “Probably to check out what’s going on on Adrian’s side,” Evelyn replied, sinking deeper into the sofa cushions. She had begun to feel an unfamiliar attachment to Adrian—an unease she struggled to suppress. Imagining the worst if Adrian’s nonchalance toward the situation persisted. She exhaled heavily, frustration and apprehension twisting together in her chest. Meanwhile, across the city at Nexus Corporation, a storm of controlled chaos unfolded. The server room hummed with a low, mechanical drone that seemed almost alive, punctuated by the hurried footsteps of engineers racing across the polished floor. Screens flickered with lines o
Evelyn had been in an unusual high spirits that morning. For once, the world felt a little lighter. Isa had called earlier to inform her about the new security protocols Adrian set up at the children’s school. According to her, no one went in or out without a thorough search—not even teachers. The school gate was swarming with discreet but heavily trained guards, and the principal himself supervised the entire process. Knowing her children were safer than ever settled something restless in her chest. With the materials for the upcoming fashion show secured and the children well protected, Evelyn felt she finally had room to breathe—just a little. --- The Montgomery Manor was calm that afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, casting warm golden streaks across the marble floor. The garden outside smelled of fresh roses carried in by the soft wind each time the front door opened. The moment Evelyn stepped inside, a familiar voice pierced the silence. “Mommy!







