Debbie tightened the ropes around Mia's wrists until the skin reddened beneath them.
Satisfied, she picked up the knife from the blood-stained floor and walked toward the man treating his wound near the table.
"It's done," she said casually. "How should we proceed?"
The man didn't even look at her.
"Bitch, shut the fuck up. Do I look like I'm in the mood?"
His fist slammed against the table—
—but before he could pull back—
Thud.
Debbie drove the knife straight through his palm, pinning his hand to the wooden surface.
The scream that followed tore through the warehouse.
Tears instantly gathered in his eyes.
Both hands ruined.
Debbie stared at him…
Then burst into laughter.
He struggled desperately, trying to pull free using his injured arm, only worsening the agony.
The sound amused her.
She grabbed the iron rod again.
Bang.
Once.
Bang.
Twice.
Again and again—
Until his resistance weakened.
Then—
She drove the rod straight through his throat.
Blood sprayed across her face and clothes.
Silence followed.
Debbie exhaled shakily, running her fingers through her hair like someone finally relieved.
Laughing.
She turned toward Mia.
"Don't worry," she said sweetly. "Your death will be much worse than his."
She dragged Mia upright and forced a pen between her fingers.
Transfer documents spread across the floor.
Debbie pressed Mia's bound hand down.
"Sign."
The signature came out messy—but valid.
Debbie smiled brightly.
"After everything you did for power… your father is willing to pay one hundred million for your death."
She crouched closer.
"What a pity."
Her expression twisted.
"At least your father pays."
Her voice broke into rage.
"My parents threw me away for free."
Her laughter cracked into something hysterical.
"I listened to you! I obeyed everything so you wouldn't hurt my family!"
Her eyes burned.
"And they still abandoned me."
She stood abruptly.
"They'll join you soon."
And walked out of the warehouse.
Minutes later—
Headlights cut through the darkness.
A car stopped outside.
Debbie's brother stepped in casually.
"Mia! I saw your message—tsk, I thought you'd pick somewhere nicer. A hotel maybe?"
His voice echoed as he searched room after room.
"This better not be a prank—"
He entered the main hall.
And froze.
Mia sat tied to a chair.
Blood everywhere.
"The fuck?!"
He rushed forward, quickly untying her.
"What happened—?"
Footsteps echoed behind him.
He turned.
Debbie stood at the entrance.
Gun raised.
Bang!
The bullet struck the ground beside him.
He collapsed instantly, scrambling backward.
His hand landed in something wet.
He looked down.
Blood.
Slowly… he turned.
The dead man lay behind him, iron rod piercing his throat.
A broken scream escaped him.
He curled inward, sobbing uncontrollably as fear overtook him—
His pants darkened.
Debbie laughed loudly.
"Tsk. What a disgrace."
She glanced at Mia.
"This is the only brother I have. We'll have to make do."
Her smile widened.
"For my plan."
She pointed the gun.
"If you want to live, brother… beat her. Force yourself on her."
Silence.
"Are you insane?!" he screamed. "What are you saying?!"
Bang!
The bullet tore into his leg.
He howled.
"DO IT!" Debbie shrieked.
Terrified, desperate, bleeding—
He lunged at Mia.
They struggled violently.
Debbie filmed everything with excitement.
"This is getting boring," she muttered
.
Another shot hit the ground near Mia—
creating an opening.
He shoved Mia down.
Debbie laughed in delight—
—but the moment shifted instantly.
Mia grabbed his phone and hurled it toward Debbie.
Debbie dodged—
Her brother seized the chance and tackled her despite his injured leg.
He punched her head wildly and knocked the gun aside.
Mia calmly walked to the corpse.
Removed the knife.
Returned.
She tossed it beside him.
"Kill her."
He froze.
Debbie didn't.
She stabbed his wounded thigh viciously.
Laughing.
Gunshot.
One clean sound.
Mia fired.
Debbie's laughter stopped forever.
Her body collapsed.
Dead.
The brother trembled violently.
Mia helped him toward the car outside.
Gentle.
Almost kind.
Then she returned briefly to the warehouse—
wiping surfaces.
Removing traces.
Erasing existence.
When she finally sat in the driver's seat barefoot, heels discarded earlier—
A hand suddenly wrapped around her throat from the back seat.
"Just die," her brother hissed weakly.
"This is your fault too… I saw the transfer papers. If I sell them—or blackmail your father—I'll be rich…"
He laughed greedily.
Mia laughed too.
Softly.
Her hand slipped beneath her skirt.
The hidden gun rested against her thigh.
Bang.
His head snapped back.
Silence filled the car
.
"I knew you'd choose greed," Mia whispered calmly.
"like brother Like sister ."
She dragged his body back into the warehouse.
Brother and sister lying not far apart.
She looked down at them.
"Debbie… your family really will go bankrupt."
She turned and left.
One call later—
her men would erase every trace linking her to the scene.
As she entered her car again—
her phone buzzed.
Message received.
Information about Asher's identity.
Mia's eyes widened.
Then—
she burst into laughter.
"Yes… yes… finally some good news."
The engine roared to life.
She drove into the night.
From the shadows overlooking the warehouse—
Luis watched everything unfold.
A slow smile formed.
"I knew," he murmured,
"this would be an excellent show."
Mia's car rolled quietly through the iron gates of the Atlas residence.
The mansion lights were still on.
Of course they were.
Someone inside was waiting for good news.
Waiting for her death.
Inside the living room—
Atlas paced restlessly, phone clenched tightly in his trembling hand.
His patience was already gone.
"Darling, calm down," his second wife said gently from the couch. "These things take time. Maybe that Debbie girl is being careful after what happened—"
"I don't give a fuck!" Atlas roared.
"I want confirmation! Is she dead yet?! Is the property transferred already?!"
His breathing grew heavier.
"If she had just listened to me and handed over the shares instead of threatening me with that fire incident—none of this would've happened!"
His face twisted with hatred.
"She's a bitch. Just like her mother."
Notification.
Atlas froze.
A message arrived.
His lips slowly curved into a smile.
Finally.
He opened the video—
And the phone slipped from his hand.
It hit the marble floor with a sharp crack.
Atlas collapsed into the chair behind him, face draining of color.
His mind went blank.
His only son…
On the screen—
The boy screamed while being beaten.
Crying.
Begging.
Until the sound stopped forever.
"What happened?" his wife asked nervously.
She picked up the phone.
Watched.
And screamed.
A sound so broken it barely sounded human.
"No—no—no! That's not true! That's not my son!"
She hurled the phone away, collapsing to her knees, sobbing hysterically.
"It can't be real! It can't—!"
Click.
The sound of heels echoed through the silent hall.
Slow.
Measured.
Elegant.
Both heads turned.
Mia walked in like she owned the world.
Blood stains still faintly marked her skin beneath freshly changed clothes. Her expression calm… almost pleased.
She moved gracefully toward the bar.
"What a touching family reunion," she said lightly.
She poured herself wine.
Took a sip.
Atlas stared as if seeing a ghost.
"You—"
His wife's grief instantly turned into fury.
"You killed my son!" she screamed, rushing forward.
Mia laughed softly.
"Kill?" she repeated innocently. "Why would I do something so crude?"
She tilted her head.
"That would damage the family reputation."
Her smile sharpened.
"Instead… tomorrow's news will say something much cleaner."
She raised her gun.
Bang.
The woman dropped instantly.
Dead before hitting the floor.
Atlas screamed.
Mia calmly continued speaking as if narrating television headlines.
"Breaking news," she said conversationally.
"The only son of Mister Atlas from his second marriage tragically dies in a late-night car accident."
She walked slowly toward her father.
"Unable to bear the grief… his mother commits suicide."
Another sip of wine.
"And Mister Atlas, devastated by consecutive tragedies, suffers a stroke."
She crouched before him.
"Before losing consciousness, he transfers all company assets to his legitimate daughter—"
Her smile widened.
"—the only child of his first wife."
Atlas trembled violently.
"You… you can't…"
His voice broke.
"I'm your father… please… spare me…"
Tears streamed down his face.
Mia looked genuinely thoughtful for a moment.
"The moment you chose my property over my life," she said quietly,
"You stopped being my father."
She stood.
"You forgot something."
Her eyes darkened.
"You raised a crazy daughter."
From her bag, she removed two documents.
The forced transfer Debbie made her sign—
Rip.
Destroyed.
Then the real ownership contract.
Atlas suddenly tried to crawl away.
The wine bottle flew from Mia's hand—
Crash.
It struck his head, dropping him instantly.
She walked forward calmly and injected something into his neck.
His body convulsed.
Breathing collapsed.
A stroke—perfectly timed.
She guided his shaking hand.
Pressed his fingerprint.
Signed everything.
Legal.
Clean.
Irreversible.
Mia wiped her hands.
Adjusted her sleeves.
And walked toward the exit without looking back.
Behind her—
A dead woman.
A broken man.
A destroyed family.
Outside, the distant sound of sirens began to rise.
Ambulances.
Police.
Chaos arriving exactly on schedule.
Mia stepped into the night air.
Peaceful.
The next morning—
The world exploded.
Every major news channel, financial platform, and social media outlet carried the same shocking headlines.
Two devastating incidents.
Two powerful families.
One night.
Total destruction.
Breaking News One — The Debbie Family Tragedy
Authorities confirmed that Debbie and her elder brother were discovered dead inside an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city.
Early reports claimed internal family conflict.
According to investigations, Debbie had allegedly kidnapped her own brother in an attempt to extort property and financial control after being disowned by her family.
The situation escalated violently—
Resulting in both siblings dying during what police described as mutual confrontation.
With their already collapsing businesses, the scandal became the final blow.
By noon—
The Debbie family officially declared bankruptcy.
A once-respected household reduced to nothing overnight.
Breaking News Two — The Fall of the Atlas Family
But that news quickly became secondary.
Because the business world received something far bigger.
The Atlas Group.
One of the largest conglomerates in the country.
Collapsed in a single night.
Reports confirmed
The only son of Atlas died in a late-night car accident.
His mother committed suicide shortly after receiving the news.
Mister Atlas suffered a severe stroke from emotional shock.
Before being hospitalized, he signed a final will—
Transferring all ownership and authority of Atlas Group to his legitimate daughter
Mia Atlas.
The report further stated that Atlas would permanently withdraw from the business world and relocate overseas with his second daughter for treatment.
And just when the market thought the shock was over—
Mia appeared publicly.
Her interview spread like wildfire.
Calm.
Elegant.
Untouchable.
She announced restructuring plans, dismissed multiple senior executives loyal to her father, and shut down several controversial partnerships within hours.
When reporters questioned her sudden rise—
She simply smiled.
"Weak leadership destroys families.
I'm only cleaning what should've been cleaned long ago."
The clip went viral instantly.
Supporters praised her ruthlessness.
Stock prices surged anyway.
Inside a Luxury Hotel Suite
Neo laughed loudly, remote in hand as news footage replayed again.
"Wow… this girl is interesting," he said.
"Now I understand why you said this would be a show."
Across the room, Luis watched quietly.
A faint smile rested on his lips as he rubbed his chin.
Chaos fascinated him.
And Mia…
was art.
"We were invited to tonight's celebration party, right?" Luis asked casually.
Neo glanced over.
"You actually want to attend?"
Luis's smile deepened.
"I want front-row seats," he said softly.
"For the grand reveal."
Neo chuckled.
"Someone's about to have terrible luck tonight."
The Hade Residence
Morning sunlight filled the massive dining hall of the Hade family estate.
Milo sat across from his twin sister Daisy while their parents, Simon Hade and Veronica Hade, ate breakfast calmly.
The television quietly replayed Mia's interview in the background.
Simon placed his fork down.
"You've seen the news?"
"Yes," Milo replied lazily while eating.
"It's all anyone's talking about."
Simon studied him carefully.
"Who do you think did all this?" he asked.
"Or do you believe what the news says?"
Milo chuckled.
"Too perfect to be real, Dad."
He leaned back slightly.
"The news only says what rich and powerful people want it to say."
Simon's lips curved faintly.
Like a man hearing confirmation of his own thoughts.
Daisy looked between them.
"Are you saying Mia is the mastermind?"
Milo ignored her completely and continued eating.
Simon simply sipped his drink.
Veronica shook her head lightly.
"Don't make assumptions, baby girl."
Then she turned toward her son.
"I heard you want to start your own company."
Simon frowned immediately.
"It's good to build something," he said firmly,
"but don't forget your roots. You are the heir of this family."
Milo rolled his eyes.
"I'm not saying I won't inherit it," he said.
"But why should I work myself to death while you retire peacefully?"
Simon glared.
"Is that how you speak to your father?"
He slammed his hand lightly on the table.
"Prim is already managing his family company! Ava too! Yet I must force you just to glance at yours!"
"Yes, brother," Daisy added dramatically.
"Very shameful. How will I continue living as a professional leech if you don't take over?"
Simon opened his mouth—
Closed it again.
Defeated.
"You children will kill me one day," he muttered, returning to his food.
Veronica burst into laughter.
"Enough," she said warmly.
"Don't start a war before tonight's event."
Her gaze landed on Milo.
"You're in charge of the arrangements."
Milo groaned.
"Yes, Mom…"
The family resumed eating peacefully.
That night—
One of the most luxurious branches of the Hade Family Hotel glowed under cascading golden lights.
Luxury cars lined the entrance.
Business elites, heirs, celebrities, and powerful figures gathered for the private celebration hosted by the Hade family.
Inside—
Milo entered through the staff corridor, checking preparations personally before the event officially began.
Security.
Lighting.
Guest lists.
Everything had to be perfect.
Satisfied, he stepped into the elevator.
The doors slid shut—
Almost.
A foot suddenly blocked them.
Milo reacted instantly, pressing the open button.
The doors reopened.
And someone stepped inside.
For a moment—
Milo forgot to breathe.
The stranger looked unreal.
Ice-blue eyes softened beneath long silver lashes, calm yet hiding unmistakable mischief. His nose carried a delicate elegance, lips pale pink and deceptively innocent.
Porcelain skin seemed to glow under the elevator lights.
Platinum-blonde hair fell smoothly around his face, giving him an almost angelic radiance.
Tall.
Slender.
Beautiful in a way that felt dangerous.
The kind of purity people instinctively wanted to ruin.
"Thank you," the stranger said warmly.
His voice was gentle—too gentle.
"You're welcome," Milo replied calmly.
"Next time, don't stop an elevator with your leg."
The boy chuckled softly.
"I'll remember that. I'd rather not have my leg chopped off."
He turned slightly, extending his hand.
"I'm Kai."
"Milo Hade," Milo replied, shaking it.
Kai's smile deepened.
His thumb brushed slowly across the back of Milo's hand—
A small movement.
Intentional.
Then he withdrew.
"Milo… Hade," Kai repeated quietly, as if tasting the name.
The elevator dinged.
Doors opened.
Kai waved casually before stepping out.
"See you around."
He walked away without looking back.
And for reasons Milo couldn't explain—
His eyes followed until the elevator doors closed completely.
Hotel Presidential Suite
Kai entered his room like someone returning home.
Inside—
Asher already sat on the couch, relaxed, scrolling through his phone.
"Welcome back," Asher said without looking up.
Kai smiled brightly and dropped onto the sofa.
"I honestly never thought I'd return to this country," he said lightly.
"Especially when my best friend Shadow is no longer Shadow."
He tilted his head teasingly.
"Ah… correction. You've retired from that industry, haven't you?"
Asher rolled his eyes.
"If you're here for trouble, count me out," he muttered.
"Dealing with Owl alone already gives me enough stress."
Kai laughed.
Then casually poured himself wine.
"Well…" he said lazily,
"you might want to reconsider leaving."
Asher frowned slightly.
"Owl is staying in this hotel too."
Silence.
Then—
Asher froze.
A second later, laughter burst from him.
Low.
Genuine.
Dangerously amused.
"Looks like tonight will be interesting."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"That's rare," he said.
"You and Owl agreeing on something?"
He leaned forward eagerly.
"Does this mean the legendary enemies /friend/ partner finally want to meet?"
Asher immediately shook his head.
"No, thank you."
He stood, grabbing his jacket.
"I prefer never knowing who Owl really is."
A faint smirk appeared.
"Knowing you already gives me enough chaos and if owl knows my true identity that idiot might want piss me off."
Kai hummed thoughtfully.
"Fair. I enjoy being the middleman anyway."
He swirled his wine.
"So what exactly is this drama everyone keeps hinting at?"
Asher paused near the door.
"You'll see soon enough," he said calmly.
"He invited you to watch, didn't he?"
Kai's smile widened.
"I won't spoil the show."
Asher opened the door.
Before leaving, Kai called out lazily—
"If I want a normal life someday…"
He lifted his glass.
"…be ready to guide me through it."
Asher didn't respond.
The door closed.
Kai leaned back into the couch, innocent expression slowly fading—
Replaced by something darker.
Excited.
Predatory.