LOGINUnder the cover of night, the open sea churned with towering waves. The black water stretched endlessly, like a beast with its jaws wide open, its surface broken only by the white caps of crashing swells. But in the heart of this dark and lawless expanse, a colossal structure blazed with light, extravagant beyond measure. Its decks were lined with gold and crystal, its hull a fortress of steel against the raging sea.
The morning light of Obsidian City spilled over every spire of Kessler Estate. The city's full security and seas of flowers intertwined, laying a wedding red carpet that stretched for miles. Thousands of blooms lined the streets, their colors vivid against the grey stone of the ancient city. The air was thick with the scent of roses and the hum of excited whispers from the crowds gathered along the route. The distant sound of church bells echoed across the rooftops, calling the city to witness a love that would be remembered for generations. Children perched on their parents' shoulders, straining for a better view, while the elderly wiped tears of joy from their eyes.Inside the master bedroom, Avery stood before the floor-length mirror in her dream wedding gown, adorned with rare black diamonds and pure white silk. The train spread out like a river of stars, making her already striking beauty even more radiant and regal. The gown had been fitted perfectly, every seam a testa
Dawn broke over Obsidian City. The first rays of light pierced through the morning mist, and the entire city stirred to life under a heavy, charged silence. The streets were lined with onlookers, the air thick with anticipation. Security personnel stood at every corner, their postures rigid, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of trouble. The city had not seen such a gathering in decades, and every soul present understood the weight of the moment.In the VIP lounge, Avery stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, carefully adjusting the collar of her mother's formal gown. The fabric was rich and elegant, a deep shade of sapphire that brought warmth to her mother's pale features. She smoothed the fabric with gentle hands, making sure every fold was perfect. Her mother's eyes, still clouded from the trauma of years past, darted nervously at the grand spectacle outside the window. Her fingers curled tightly around the edge of Avery's sleeve, seeking comfort in the famili
On the runway of Obsidian City's private airport, a grand lineup of top-tier vehicles had already formed an impressive formation. The cars gleamed under the morning light, their polished surfaces reflecting the clear sky above. Security personnel stood at attention, their postures rigid and professional, a testament to the importance of the occasion. The atmosphere was one of solemn anticipation, as if the city itself was holding its breath.When the black convoy slowly rolled through the ornate iron gates of Kessler Estate, the entire estate had been transformed. The main building's most comfortable, sun-drenched master suite had been prepared. Top medical teams and the head housekeeper led dozens of servants in a welcoming formation. Their expressions were filled with genuine respect, a far cry from the cold formality of the past.Looking at the grand, sprawling architecture and the sea of flowers outside the window, Avery led her mother and brother by the hand into
Night deepened. The narrow alleys of the old district were damp and cold. A chill wind swirled fallen leaves across the weathered brick walls. The air carried the faint scent of wet stone and distant rain. The streetlights cast weak, yellow pools of light on the uneven pavement. Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked once, then fell silent. The silence that followed felt heavier than any sound.Standing on the balcony, Avery wore Dominic's coat. It still carried the faint scent of sandalwood. The fabric was warm around her shoulders, a quiet comfort against the night chill. Her cool eyes looked down through the night, past the black armored vehicles parked below, to the desperate figures gathered in the alley. Her fingers rested lightly on the railing. The metal was cold beneath her touch. She remembered a time when she had stood in shadows like these, afraid and alone. Now she stood in the light, with the most powerful man in the city at her side.Kneeling on the dam
Outside the VIP express lane of Sunset City, the afternoon sun poured down without restraint, warm and golden.Leaning against Dominic's broad, steady arm, Avery looped her hand through his. Her cool eyes swept over the crowd gathered at the end of the lane. The old nobles of Sunset City had once kicked her when she was down. Now they were dressed in their finest formal wear, craning their necks with ingratiating, false smiles. They were desperate to catch a glimpse of her. Their faces were painted with forced warmth, their hands clasped in front of them as if greeting a long-lost friend rather than someone they had once scorned. The desperation in their eyes was almost palpable."Dr. Clair! Oh, it has been so long! We heard you were coming back..." One of the leading old nobles pushed forward, trying to use their "old acquaintance" status to get close. His voice was oily, dripping with practiced charm.Before he could take two steps, a dozen black-suited elite
The dark night lay heavy over the ancient, somber ancestral hall of the Devereux family.Leaning against the carved antique wooden chair, Avery stood in her crisp white suit, arms crossed. As a witness to this final purge, she could clearly feel the suffocating tension in the air. It was the absolute pressure that preceded the arrival of Obsidian City's ruler. It was like the stillness before a storm. The elders' faces were drawn tight. Their eyes darted nervously, each one trying to read the room and find an escape that no longer existed.In the center of the hall, several of the most senior branch elders of the Devereux family huddled together. Their faces were dark with defiance. Their voices rose in a chorus of protest, each one trying to sound bolder than the last."Dominic! Victor is gone, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want! The family trust funds and core shares are still in our hands. Without our signatures, you have no legitimate claim!
Morning came.Dominic's chair was empty.When Avery woke up, he was already dressed. Hearing her stir, he turned."Let's go. The lab."He didn't give her time to hesitate.Drake stayed behind to watch the house. The car waited at the gate.Dominic walked ahead in a dark tactical jacket. Avery follo
Dorothea lowered her head and went back to drawing. The crayon scratched across the paper."Dorothea." Avery crouched beside her daughter."Who told you that number?"Dorothea didn't look up. "I saw it.""Where did you see it?"The little girl's hand stopped. She put down the crayon, picked up her
A gunshot cracked through the air.Before Avery could react, a hand shoved her head down. She was yanked into someone's chest, hard.The bullet hit the spot where she had been standing. Wall chips scattered everywhere.She looked up. It was Dominic.His chin pressed against the top of her head. His
Dorothea was still standing in the hallway, a tiny, spectral figure in the gloom.Avery walked over and scooped her up. The child’s skin was like ice; there was no telling how long she’d been rooted there."Sweetheart, why are you out of bed?"Dorothea didn't answer. She buried her face in the croo







