Selena moved carefully, balancing a tray of drinks as she approached the impatient customer’s table. The man, dressed in a sharp navy suit and gold cufflinks, was already tapping his fingers loudly on the table. His impatient demeanor and piercing gaze made Selena feel even more nervous as she placed the coffee in front of him. “This better not be cold,” he muttered, snatching the cup from the tray. He took a sip and froze. His face twisted into a look of disgust, and Selena immediately knew something was wrong. “Cold coffee?” he barked, his voice loud enough for the entire café to hear. “Are you even capable of doing your job?” “I—I’m sorry, sir. I’ll fix it right away,” Selena stammered, trying to take the cup back. Before she could reach for it, the man stood up and poured the cold coffee over her, the liquid splashing onto her shirt and soaking her uniform. Gasps rippled through the café as all eyes turned to the commotion. “This is unacceptable!” the man shouted again,
Selena struggled desperately, pulling and twisting her arm, but the man’s grip was firm, like iron shackles clamping her down. Her heart pounded wildly, and her throat burned from screaming, yet the men surrounding her seemed like they were having fun with everything. They exchanged smirks, their eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. “Don’t do this!” she cried, her voice cracking under the weight of her desperation. “Please, don’t!” Her father, standing just a few feet away, looked down at the ground, his face pale with shame. He fidgeted, his hands trembling, but he refused to meet her gaze. His betrayal cut deeper than anything else. “Dad, help me! Please!” Selena’s tear-streaked face turned to him, searching for a glimmer of the man who had once protected her. Instead, her father mumbled, “Selena, this… this is the only way. You have to understand. Do this for me. For us.” His voice was hollow, devoid of the love she had once trusted. Selena’s breath hitched, and her visi
Adrian watched her closely, the way her shoulders stiffened, her eyes darting toward the exit like a trapped animal seeking any way out. He had expected this reaction—her defiance, her determination to fight even when the odds were against her. It was one of the things that had drawn him to her in the first place. But now, her fire only fueled his anger.She thought she could leave him. After everything. After making him fall for her, she vanished without a word, leaving him to piece together the shattered remnants of his heart. And now, seeing her again, disheveled and desperate, was both a balm to his wounded pride and a spark to the fury simmering beneath his calm exterior.Adrian took a step closer, closing the distance between them. "Do you have any idea what it felt like, Selena?" he asked, his voice low but charged with emotion. "To wake up one morning and realize you were gone? No explanation, no goodbye—just emptiness." Selena met his gaze, her own eyes blazing with unshed
Chapter FourSelena struggled against the grip of the man who led her up the grand staircase of Adrian’s mansion. His hold was firm, but not harsh, as though he had been given strict orders not to hurt her. That realization didn’t comfort her. It only made her more aware of how much control Adrian had over her situation. The mansion was a mix of old-world elegance and modern luxury. Chandeliers sparkled above her head, casting golden light on polished marble floors and ornate walls. But Selena barely noticed the beauty around her. To her, it felt like a prison, no matter how gilded. “Let me go,” she snapped, her voice sharper than the heels of her boots clacking against the floor. The man didn’t stop walking, nor did he look at her. “You’ll only make things worse for yourself if you resist,” he said flatly. Selena bristled. “Worse? Being locked up in his house isn’t bad enough?” The man glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable. “You think Adrian
Selena woke up to sunlight streaming through the iron-barred window of her room. She had barely slept. Her mind had been restless, filled with thoughts of escape, frustration, and Adrian’s unnerving presence. Her hands clenched into fists as she sat up in the oversized bed, its soft sheets offering little comfort. Today, she decided, she would learn more about this mansion. If she was going to escape, she needed to know its layout and weaknesses. Adrian couldn’t keep her caged forever, no matter how smug he seemed. After a quick breakfast delivered by a silent guard, Selena began to explore under the guise of compliance. She acted like she had accepted her situation, letting her movements appear curious instead of desperate. The guard stationed outside her door didn’t follow her too closely, giving her a small measure of freedom. She wandered the wide hallways, taking in the opulent decor: tall mirrors, rich tapestries, and intricate carvings on the wooden panels. But Selena was
The morning light cast long shadows across Selena's room as she stood at the window, her fingers tracing the iron bars that kept her caged. Last night's dinner with Adrian had left her unsettled, his words about protecting her from a “danger” swirling in her mind like autumn leaves in a storm. She couldn't shake the way his eyes had followed her every movement, as if searching for something he'd lost long ago. Above all, she couldn't forget his warning about Dmitri, the unnamed threat that seemed to lurk just beyond these gilded walls.A sharp crack echoed from somewhere in the grounds, making her flinch. Her heart raced until she realized it was just the guards doing their routine patrols. Their presence had increased lately, their movements more alert, more purposeful. Something was brewing beneath the surface of Adrian's carefully controlled world, and Selena could feel it in the air like the static before a storm.A knock at her door startled her from her thoughts. It wasn't the u
Selena moved quickly, her bare feet making no sound against the cold tiles of the corridor. Every creak of the old mansion felt amplified in the silence of the night. She clutched a small bag to her chest, its contents hastily gathered over the past few days: a water bottle, some bread wrapped in cloth, and a map she’d managed to find in one of the old storage rooms. It wasn’t much, but it was all she had. Adrian’s men were stationed everywhere, their stern faces and sharp eyes making her feel like a mouse trapped in a maze full of predators. She had to time her movements carefully, slipping between shadows when their backs were turned. But no matter how cautious she was, the feeling of being watched never left her.Earlier that evening, she had overheard two guards whispering about Dmitri. The tension in their voices had confirmed what Adrian refused to tell her: Dmitri was more than just a threat. He was dangerous, and he was close. Selena wasn’t sure what Dmitri wanted from her, b
Selena sat by the window, staring out at the gray morning sky. Rain dripped steadily from the edges of the roof, creating small puddles on the cobblestone paths below. She wrapped her arms around her knees, feeling more trapped than ever. Viktor’s warning last night had shaken her, but it hadn’t made things any clearer. If anything, she felt even more confused. Dmitri was dangerous—that much she believed. But Adrian wasn’t safe either. His mood shifted so quickly, like a storm rolling in without warning. One moment, he seemed almost kind, the next, he was cold and controlling. How could she trust someone like that? Her mother’s sudden appearance had only added to the confusion. When she had appeared in Selena’s room the night before, Selena had been too stunned to speak at first. Her mother had been in hiding, waiting for the right moment to talk to her. “Adrian is dangerous,” her mother had said in a low voice, her eyes darting toward the door. “But Dmitri is worse. Whatever yo
The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Selene stirred, her body sinking deeper into the warmth beside her. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close, a steady heartbeat beneath her palm.Adrian.A small smile touched her lips as she shifted slightly, only for his grip to tighten. “Where do you think you’re going?” His voice was thick with sleep, rough and possessive.She tilted her head up to meet his gaze, his stormy eyes still heavy with sleep but no less intense. “I wasn’t going anywhere.”“Good.” His hand slid down her back, keeping her pressed against him.Selene traced slow circles on his chest. “You’re always up before me. This is the first time I woke up before you.”Adrian smirked, fingers brushing over her bare shoulder. “Maybe you finally tired me out.”She chuckled, shaking her head. “Highly doubtful.”His grip on her waist tightened. “Want to test that theory?”Heat curled low in her stomach, but she rolled h
The training grounds were already buzzing with activity when Adrian arrived. The sun had barely risen, but the air was filled with the sounds of fists hitting punching bags, feet shuffling in the dirt, and men grunting as they sparred.Adrian stood with his arms crossed, watching in silence. Matteo was beside him, doing the same.“You are here earlier than usual,” Matteo commented.Adrian didn’t respond. His sharp eyes followed the movements of the new recruits, studying them. Some looked promising. Others… not so much.Rosco walked up to them, smirking. “What do you think of our fresh blood Boss? Adrian’s gaze remained on the fighters. “How many of them are actually worth keeping?”Rosco shrugged. “Maybe half. The rest? Weak.”“Then get rid of the weak ones,” Adrian said simply.Damon grinned. “I was hoping you would say that.”He turned back to the men, already planning how to test them harder just then his eyes caught a woman among the recruiters. Wow! So, we finally have a fema
Adrian sat in his study, surrounded by stacks of old documents, photos, and files he had retrieved from a hidden safe in his father’s old office. His expression was unreadable as he read through them, his mind piecing together fragments of a past that had long been buried.He had always known his parents were powerful, but what he was uncovering now proved they were far more influential than he had ever imagined. They had been feared by many, yet they had been careful, too careful. They left behind almost nothing that pointed directly to their secrets.But Adrian knew better.The secret they hid wasn’t lost, it was within him. Somewhere, buried deep in his past, was the key to unlocking it. Something that important, his parents would never have left in plain sight.Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes, forcing himself to remember. His childhood had been disciplined yet playful. His father had always portrayed himself as a businessman, always professional. His mother was gentl
Adrian stepped out of the specter's estate without looking back. Specter’s mocking words still lingered in his mind, but he pushed them aside. There were more important things to handle now. If what Specter said was true, this wasn’t just a personal war between him and Ghost. Since there were others lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.He had to move carefully.As he walked through the hallway, Matteo and Rosco followed behind. The silence between them was heavy, each of them lost in thought.“We are not going to the safehouse yet,” Adrian finally spoke, his tone calm but decisive.Rosco nodded. “You want to prepare first.”Adrian glanced at him. “If this is as big as Specter claims, then I need to be ahead of everyone. I’m not walking into this blindly.”Matteo smirked. “Smart move. But you know Ghost won’t wait around, right?”Adrian’s expression remained unreadable. “Let him come. He won’t find what he is looking for.”He pushed open the door to his car, sli
The room was filled with tension. Specter’s smirk never wavered, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes calculation, anticipation. He wasn’t afraid, which meant he knew something Adrian didn’t.Adrian didn’t loosen his grip. His gun pressed firmly against Specter’s temple. “Where is Ghost?”Specter chuckled, his lips curling. “You think I will just tell you his whereabout?”Adrian didn’t respond. Instead, he pulled the trigger.Click.Empty chamber.Specter’s smirk faltered for just a second. Adrian had done it on purpose, to make a point.“The next one won’t be empty.” Adrian’s voice was calm, but his eyes were ice-cold.Specter let out a slow breath, regaining his composure. “You’re wasting your time, Adrian. Ghost is already ten steps ahead of you.”Adrian pressed the gun harder against his skull. “Then let’s see if he still stays ahead when his right-hand man is dead.”Specter swallowed, but he still held his smugness. “Kill me, and you lose the information you needed.”
The factory was silent. The only sound was the slow drip of blood hitting the cold floor. Adrian stood over the body, his gun still in his hand.It was done.Ghost was dead.He exhaled slowly, staring at the lifeless man at his feet. It had been too easy. No struggle, no tricks. Just one bullet, and it was over.Something didn’t feel right.Matteo’s voice came through his earpiece. “Boss, we need to move.”Adrian didn’t reply. He took one last look at the body, then turned to leave.His phone rang. Unknown number.He answered. “What?”A low chuckle came from the other end. “Tsk tsk, Adrian. That’s no way to greet me.”Adrian’s steps slowed. His grip on the phone tightened. The voice… it wasn’t familiar. But there was something about the way the man spoke calm, amused, like he was enjoying a private joke.“Who is this?” Adrian asked, his tone cold.The man laughed softly. “Oh, come on. I think you know.”And then, he said the name.“I’m Ghost.”Adrian froze. His eyes snapped back to th
Selene sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers lightly grabbing the fabric of her dress. The room was quiet, but her thoughts weren’t.Her father was in Ghost’s hands.Yet, she felt no panic, no overwhelming urge to act. She had learned long ago that he was never really a father to her only a man who happened to share her blood.And if there was one thing she understood, it was that Adrian would handle this.A soft knock interrupted her thoughts, and the door creaked open. Adrian stepped inside, his presence filling the space effortlessly.“You should get some rest,” he said, his voice calm.Selene met his gaze. “I will.”She didn’t ask about plans or demand to be involved. She wasn’t reckless or foolish enough to think she could change anything.Adrian studied her for a moment before giving a small nod. He didn’t try to reassure her with empty words he didn’t need to.Have you been training all this while alone? he askedYes, but it was somehow hard and interesting. Training start n
Silence stretched between them.Selene stared at Adrian, her mind spinning from his words. She wanted to speak, to demand answers, but nothing came out.Adrian watched her carefully, his expression unreadable. Then, as if deciding she deserved the truth, he leaned back against the chair and exhaled.“There were spies inside the estate.” His voice was calm, but the weight of his words made her chest tighten.Selene’s brows furrowed. “I guessed so"“They were caught.” Adrian’s tone darkened, his jaw clenching slightly. “And when they were tortured, they confessed.”Selene’s fingers curled into fists. “Who sent them?”Adrian’s gaze didn’t waver. “Ghost.”A cold shiver ran down her spine.Who is ghost? She asked. Ghost is the perpetrator behind the issues we had with the warehouse. He was the one that fooled us and get away with it. “When I had issues with the warehouse, they saw it as an opportunity to infiltrate the estate. That is when they planted their people inside.” Adrian’s voic
After selene left the control room, she went to her room feeling dejected. Who could have done that? Definitely it is not an outsider, the person must have took the advantages when Adrian, Nathan and Matteo were not around. But who is after her? Is it Adrian's enemy or she has enemy herself. She looked up from where she was sitting when she heard footsteps. Matteo stood at the doorway, his expression neutral, but Selene knew better. He had come to deliver a message, one that likely came from Adrian."You should limit the way you walk around alone," Matteo said, his voice calm but firm.Selene crossed her arms. "I’m in Adrian’s estate, Matteo. Am I not supposed to feel safe here?"Matteo didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he stepped inside and shut the door behind him, lowering his voice. "Boss doesn’t want you involved in this." And also it is this same estate you are being watched. Selene let out a dry laugh. "Of course, he doesn’t. He never does."Matteo sighed, his stance un