A Bitter Truth

That night, a thin drizzle fell, washing over the asphalt of the deserted suburban streets. Michael stepped out of the black sedan, leaving the car door hanging open. Standing before him was an abandoned textile warehouse—the exact coordinates extracted from the maid the night before.The heir strode inside without a moment's hesitation. His leather shoes made a sharp, rhythmic clicking sound that echoed across the damp concrete floor. Behind him, Sapphire and Efrosina followed in absolute silence."Are you certain she gave you the correct location?" Michael asked Sapphire."Yes, Master. The woman bartered her life for her child’s safety. There is no reason for the information to be fabricated.""Search every square inch, then."

Another Crown

The iron steps were rusted, groaning underfoot with every descent. Michael went down first, his hand clamped tightly around his pistol, alert and ready despite having no clear idea of what was waiting for them below.Sapphire followed directly behind his heels. Efrosina brought up the rear, with a handful of operatives flanking her."Master, there might be a trap. Let me clear it first," Sapphire offered.Michael swept his tactical flashlight across every corner. Empty. Not a soul in sight.The basement was far larger than it appeared from above, choking with a damp, stifling humidity. The only contents were a few rusted metal shelves—most of them collapsed—and a solitary wooden desk in the far corner. Atop it sat a padlocked black iron box.

A Deadly Love

Twenty years earlier…The sweet scent of bluebells drifted through the air with every step Liana took. The beautiful woman smiled, reaching for Yohan’s hand. Carefully, she stepped onto the boat, lifting the hem of her gown."This lake is as beautiful as my wife," Yohan said. "You should surround yourself with beautiful things, so our baby turns out beautiful too.""What if it’s another boy?""Then Michael will have to study harder because he’ll have a rival.""Don't be like that. You’ve been too hard on him lately.""He needs to be strong so he can take my place running Blue Blood. But don't worry, Liana, I'll make sure our child grows up to be as t

Hell Breaks Loose

Just like his mother, little Michael despised thunderstorms.On nights like this, he would usually sneak into Liana’s room, tuck himself beneath her heavy blankets, and beg her to tell him nonsensical fairy tales until they both drifted off to sleep.The seven-year-old boy slid off his mattress.He caught a fleeting glimpse of his mother walking down the hall, but his voice was swallowed by the roaring rain. Michael trailed after her, quiet as a shadow, until he came to a halt at the top of the stairs."How could you..."The words echoed with terrifying clarity. He watched, unable to fully comprehend what was unfolding before his eyes.He saw his mother turn to run,

The Old Lion

The clock struck five in the morning, and Luna finally surrendered to her sleepless eyes. For nearly an hour, she had done nothing but lie down and stare at the ceiling, listening to the fading patter of last night's rain.Restless, the woman in the cream-colored dress finally got out of bed. She stepped quietly out of her room and pushed open the door to Michael’s room, which turned out to be unlocked.Her lover was still sitting in the exact same chair. He hadn't even changed out of his suit jacket.The man did not look up when Luna walked in, nor did he offer the usual morning greeting he always gave her."You didn't sleep?" Michael asked as Luna rested her head against his knees."You never came, even though you sai

Suspicion Between Them

Michael remained silent, casting a glance at his wristwatch as a silent cue for Yohan to leave. Both men were unyielding, stubbornly refusing to give the other the satisfaction of hearing what they wanted."Get rid of your enemies before they ruin you." Yohan picked up his coat, which was neatly folded over the back of the chair. "Or I will be the one to get rid of that girl.""Have a safe trip, Father. Don't bother visiting me next time," Michael replied, standing up with a tight, hollow smile."You really are just like me," Yohan muttered under his breath before walking out.The room abruptly fell quiet, leaving behind an eerie, suffocating silence. Michael stared at Sapphire, who had just turned around after locking the door.