His voice was soft but insistent as he asked, “Where did you learn to wield a gun like that?” He kept his tone gentle, his eyes warm and steady as they held hers, a silent reassurance that she was safe with him. He hoped, prayed, that his open expression would draw her out, that she’d finally trust him enough to let him in.The quiet intimacy between them stunned his younger siblings, who stood watching, wide-eyed. Nathalia had already glimpsed this side of her brother, the softness and vulnerability he reserved only for Eva, yet seeing it again still took her by surprise. Beside her, Edwin was speechless, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. He’d never thought his usually stoic, no-nonsense brother was capable of this kind of gentle devotion. Who would have guessed that beneath his brother’s composed, polished exterior was a man willing to give his whole heart to someone like Eva?“I-” Already knowing what was going to come out of her, his voice grew firmer as he cut her off, “Don’t tr
Across from her, Edwin leaned forward, anticipation lighting up his expression. He’d long been curious to know about this crazy lady. Ever since the warehouse incident, he was now incredibly wary of Eva due to her abilities. Most of her kills of the men were clean shots that resulted in instant deaths! Also given the mysterious influence she held over his brother. Hearing her story now, he felt a strange, nervous excitement, almost as if he were about to glimpse a secret hidden from everyone else.This type of woman would be suitable to be the future Madam of the Cross family. Even though they were not part of the underworld, the power the Cross family possessed was enough to have a strong-willed woman beside Damien. It has been a long time since he came across someone that seemed experienced to go on a ruthless rampage. However, seeing how possessive and overprotective his brother was of this woman, he doubted Damien would ever allow her to take even a single step towards any kind
“What?” Nathalia was shocked and surprised at the same time when she heard her best friend. She was not a country bumpkin to not know who the Black family was in california. “I never heard of the Black family having a direct granddaughter in their family except for the granddaughter from the extended family. So you’re telling me that Aunt Evelyn is the only daughter of the patriarch that died a few years ago. How come I wasn't able to figure this out.” “That's because you are a bit slow when it comes to using your head, little sister.” Edwin suddenly remarked with a taunting smile as he patted her on the head.“How dare you insult me like that, you brute!" Nathalia angrily smacked his hand away, making him chuckle at her.“After we finished highschool, I was sent here to live with my maternal family because of my father's selfish wish for me to become an heir. I'm sure It's no surprise for you guys that the Black family is involved in the underworld and they are one of the top fami
She remembered that night clearly, stepping into the same familiar black helicopter on the top floor of the building, carrying nothing but the clothes on her back, the cold seat pressing into her shoulders. “I wasn’t thinking straight. I didn’t care where I was going, didn’t care what I would do—I just needed to get away. I wanted to leave Miami behind and never look back.”Her hand clenched, nails digging into her palm as she remembered the desperation in her decision. One day, she had looked into a mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back—haunted eyes, thin and gaunt, an almost feral determination to chase after Mark. She was a shadow of herself, driven mad by heartbreak and despair.“Grandpa Smith noticed my condition,” she continued, her voice steadier now. “He arranged for me to disappear, to heal somewhere where I wouldn’t be found.” She looked at each of them, her eyes darkening as memories resurfaced. “For the next few months, I went back again and lived within the
Eva closed her eyes, as though gathering the strength to reveal the rest. When she spoke, her voice was barely audible, laced with a heaviness that seemed to age her.“Grandpa Smith needed me back. He called me one night and gave me an order, really, that I couldn’t refuse. He said he wanted me to work as a consultant.” She swallowed, her throat tightening. “But that wasn’t all. He knew what staying there was doing to me. He knew that if I stayed hidden away, wrapped up in missions and buried under orders, I’d lose myself completely.” Her gaze softened, though she kept her eyes closed, lost in the recollection. Really she was just trying to avoid any kind of eye contact. That wasn't the only reason why she came back, but it was the most important one.Unlike both Nathalia and Edwin who did not pick up on this as they were both preoccupied in putting the pieces together in their minds.Damien watched her, his brow furrowing slightly, understanding dawning in his eyes. He could tell th
Eva let out a small, humorless laugh, shaking her head. “It’s not as impressive as it sounds, trust me,” she said, voice bitter. “Some days, it feels more like a burden than anything else. I still carry those memories, the things I did, the person I became… even now, it’s hard to separate myself from all of that.”Just as she said that finish, she felt Damien squeeze her hand, his grip gentle but unwavering. “But you came back,” he murmured, his tone carrying a quiet intensity that drew her gaze back to him. “You didn’t stay in that darkness. You returned, you’re here, and that matters. Whatever happened in the past, whatever choices you made… you’re here now.”She searched his face, trying to find the catch, the hint of judgment or doubt that she expected, but there was none. His gaze was as steady as ever, holding her together when she felt she might fall apart.“You’re stronger than you think, Eva,” he continued, his voice low. “No one would go through what you did and come back as
Though he had known her since childhood, Edwin wasn’t entirely convinced that Eva was fit to stand alongside his brother, Damien as Madam Cross. He wanted to know what other benefits she could bring to the family, beyond simply being Lawerence Smith “favored granddaughter.” in Miami. Though he was now able to confirm that she is also the beloved granddaughter of the Black family.The tension barely had a chance to settle before Nathalia, always quick to protect her best friend, whacked her brother sharply on the shoulder. “Are you implying that my Eva needs ‘connections’ to be worthy of joining this family?” she snapped, her voice heated. “She’s amazing as she is!”Eva merely raised an eyebrow, unsurprised by Edwin’s question but quietly amused by Nathalia's fierce defense. Her response, however, was clipped, emotionless. “I did.”Edwin's face flickered with a brief smirk, the hint of admiration barely concealed. ‘So she’s not as helpless as I thought.’ he mused, leaning forward wit
“Well?” Edwin leaned forward again, seizing the moment. “Would you reconsider helping us out in the future? It’s only fair, given what we’ve done for you. We’re family, after all,” he added, his tone almost a challenge.Eva sighed, her eyes softening as she realized the depths of their unspoken expectations. She thought back to the contacts she’d made, the alliances she’d formed. “Though I made quite a few useful ones now, most of my connections in the military aren’t powerful… yet. They’re acquaintances with the sons and daughters of high-ranking officials. In time, some of them will inherit positions that could be helpful.”Damien listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face, but he didn’t show any sign of concern. He seemed calm, almost indifferent to the information, as if her inability to pull strings didn’t matter. And yet, she thought she caught a flicker of something in his gaze—an uncertainty that sent a pang through her.She hesitated, swallowing the nervousness rising