Yet, as the scion of the influential Bristow family, it was unlike him to be out of the loop. How could he be clueless about such a big shot in Durham City?That thought made Yankel's brow crease, his face taking on a grave cast.Celena, who had been quietly standing behind Liam, stared at the unfolding drama with wide eyes. Her gaze flitted between the masked Liam and the rest of the room, a mix of wonder and disbelief in her eyes.Liam remained calm and composed, his face hidden behind the mask but his frosty demeanor unmistakable. His gaze swept over the gathered guests with a detached demeanor before resting on Kolten."This came out of left field, and it's not your fault, so don't beat yourself up over it," Liam said, his voice even.Kolten muttered his thanks and turned to face Iskra and the others, his body exuding an icy fury. "Iskra, what were you thinking, waving weapons at this man? Do you have any idea who he is? He's the owner of Misty Manor, the big boss of tonight's

Suddenly, all eyes were on Linda.Holding her stomach, Linda could hardly believe what she was seeing. As she was still trying to process what was happening, Iskra and a few security guards swiftly restrained her, binding her hands behind her back.Two guards quickly led Linda to the exit. She writhed in their grip, her face etched with panic as she cried out, "What do you think you're doing? Release me this instant! Do you have any idea who I am? I'm Mr. Bristow's right-hand woman. If you dare touch me, Mr. Bristow won't stand for it!"In the midst of the turmoil, Linda had completely forgotten that it was Yankel himself who had set her up to take the blame. Then, she frantically searched for Yankel, her pleas echoing through the chaos, "Mr. Bristow! Mr. Bristow! Please, you have to save me... Mr. Bristow..."It was not until Linda was out of sight that the crowd turned their attention back to the hall, only to realize that Yankel had slipped away unnoticed.The commotion had end

Right then, Liam emerged from the kitchen, a cup of steaming pear and vanilla bean juice in hand, and plopped down beside Celena, inadvertently hiding the mask from view.With his usual easy smile, Liam handed the cup to Celena. "So, you're back early. Did everything go well at the party tonight?"Celena accepted the cup, her smile freezing for a split second at the mention of the party. She did not want to dredge up the evening's events. Setting the cup on the coffee table, she mustered a smile. "It went fine, pretty smooth. I was just beat, so I headed home.""Gotcha. Sip on some of this, it'll perk you right up."Liam caught Celena's eye with a subtle glance and smiled. However, beneath the calm exterior, his thoughts were racing.He had made it back just in time, beating Celena home—the thought of what might have happened if he had not sent a shiver down his spine.Celena listened and nodded, her stomach in knots. She did not really feel like eating, but Liam had prepared the

Liam stood up and made his way to the bedroom door, easing it open with a gentle nudge. Darkness enveloped the room, but it was no match for Liam's keen eyes. He spotted Celena and Jovie, deep in slumber on the bed, and let out a relieved exhale before softly closing the door.As the door clicked shut, a wave of icy dread that Liam had been holding back surged forth, his gaze piercing the darkness as a sinister smile played on his lips.He returned to the couch and settled in; his ears tuned to the faintest rustle in the small courtyard, a fierce glint of malice in his eyes.Outside, the intruder, thinking himself undetected, crept to the door. With practiced ease, he drew his dagger and slipped it through the door's crack, deftly unlatching the old-fashioned bolt—a relic in the sprawling, antique-styled Stone family estate with its maze of courtyards.The intruder worked swiftly, and within moments, the door swung open, spilling a weak glow from a lantern tucked away in the courty

To Woden, the voice was like the tolling of a bell signifying his doom, sending a wave of terror and chilling dread through him. He was so scared that he lost all composure, bowing deeply in fright."Please, have mercy, sir! I'm begging you, you're known for being forgiving, please spare me... I had no idea you were here. Please have mercy, spare my life. If you let me live, I swear I'll be eternally loyal to you... Please, I'm begging for your mercy!"Terror was etched on Woden's face as he begged and profusely apologized. His pleas echoed eerily in the still of the night.Liam, realizing how loud he was, glanced at the bedroom door to make sure it was shut tight. Satisfied, he turned back, his intent to kill even stronger as he hissed, "Quiet down! I told you my wife and kids are asleep. Wake them up, and I'll have no problem ending you right here."The Woden clammed up at once, and that was when it hit him—the man before him was Liam himself!He remembered Liam mentioning his f