جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

“It’s a surprise to see you here.”The voice cut cleanly through the quiet field.The man stepped onto the soccer pitch, brows knitting slightly as he took in the bright floodlights. At this hour, the place should’ve been empty. Silent. But instead. A ball slammed into the net.Then another. And another.Inside the goal, several balls lay scattered like casualties of frustration. Whoever was here had been at it for a while.“Why are you playing alone?”At the sound of the newcomer’s voice, the player stilled. The ball at his feet rolled lazily before coming to a stop. He turned.Rafael faced him, his gaze landed on the approaching figure, dressed in a blue polo shirt, sleeves casually rolled up as he walked closer, unhurried, almost amused.“You’re back,” Rafael said.A faint smirk touched the other man’s lips. “I thought you’d miss me. I heard things have been difficult for you after I left.”Rafael let out a quiet scoff. “What, you think I can’t function without you?” His eyes harden

Miguel shot to his feet. “What are you doing here?”But the words died in his throat.Rafael hadn’t even spoken yet; he had only looked at him. That single glance was enough. Miguel froze, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, before slowly sinking back into his seat like a reprimanded child.Rafael didn’t spare him another look.He walked past him, straight toward the girl.Seren quickly hid her hand behind her back, but Rafael was already in front of her. Without a word, he reached for it and pulled it into view.“When did you get here?” Dean asked, stepping forward to intercept him. “What are you doing---”Rafael ignored him completely, as if he didn’t exist.“You’re clumsy,” he said flatly. “And careless.”He wrapped a handkerchief around Seren’s wounded hand with practiced ease.“I won’t ask what happened,” he added. “I can already tell.”Only then did he glance at her.Seren swallowed. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice trembling despite her effort t

“Why did you save us?” Lucas asked, his voice unsteady.Rafael didn’t even look at him.“Don’t misunderstand,” he said coldly. “I didn’t save you. If Seren hadn’t been dragged into this, I would’ve left you to rot.”His gaze finally shifted—sharp, cutting.“Your lives mean nothing to me,” he continued. “The only reason you’re still breathing is that she was willing to throw herself into danger for you.”A pause.“For people she still calls family.”Lucas and Lena lowered their eyes.“You sold her,” Rafael went on, his voice quieter now, but far more dangerous. “Used her. Traded her freedom for money. Hurt her over and over again.”His jaw tightened.“And yet, she still chooses you.”Silence pressed heavily between them.“People like you don’t deserve to be called her family,” he said flatly. “Unfortunately, that foolish girl still clings to that illusion.”He stepped closer, just enough to make them flinch.“So listen carefully,” he added. “If you hurt her again…” A brief pause. “I’ll

“Anna.”Seren’s voice came out softer than she intended, almost lost beneath the music and murmurs of the hall.She had been watching her sister for a while now, waiting, searching for a moment when Vincent wasn’t glued to her side. The instant the opening appeared, Seren moved without hesitation.Anna turned at the sound of her name.“Seren.” Relief flickered across her face, then quickly shifted into something else. Worry. Confusion. “What are you doing here?”Seren didn’t answer that.Instead, her gaze dropped briefly to Anna’s hands,  then back to her eyes.“Why are you with him?” she asked, her voice tightening. “What happened? What did Father do this time? How much did he lose? How did you end up---”“These people---” Anna cut in, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay composed. “All they do is take advantage

From the very beginning, this had been part of the plan.Rafael saw it the moment Seren looked at her sister—saw the determination, the quiet desperation. He knew that even if he refused, she would still find a way. She would still walk straight into danger if it meant saving Anna.So he told her everything. Even the part where she would have to approach Vincent herself. Even knowing how dangerous it was.He gave her a choice, told her they could find another way if she didn’t agree.But Seren didn’t hesitate. Not even for a second.When she followed Anna to Vincent’s car, Rafael stayed hidden at a distance, watching.Waiting.Every movement is measured. Every second accounted for.Seren sent Anna away, telling her she would handle the rest—that she would find a way to save their parents. Kim took Anna and brought her to a secure location, just as Rafael had instructed.And from there. The real game beg