Chapter 96

I stared at the masked man, my face a mask of cold composure. He was doing his best to provoke me, to get under my skin, but I wasn't about to give him the satisfaction. Around us, the room was tense with anticipation, eyes flicking between us as if expecting a fight to break out any moment.

"You think you can protect your family from us?" the masked man sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "You're far from home, Romanov. Here, you're just another player in our game."

I kept my expression neutral, my eyes boring into his. "And you think you're in control?" I replied evenly. "That's cute."

Helios, standing nearby, let out a booming laugh, clearly enjoying the exchange. But I wasn’t here for his amusement. The masked man took a step closer, his attempt at intimidation almost laughable.

"You’re just a puppet," I said, my voice low and steady. "Following orders without a mind of your own. Tell me, how does it feel to be nothing more than someone’s errand boy?"

The man's ey