ly, a wave of fear and p

, wrapping her in a firm embrace. His heart raced, and Phoebe c

ng's going to be fine," he whispered, gently

en Phoebe felt the car come to a safe stop did she slowly open her tightly shut eyes. She was still s

gaze soft and reassuring. In this moment,

crash?" Merle asked, steadyi

ced that their car was surrounded by a group of people. Those peo

n trouble," Merle remarked,

with fear. The sight of the guns made her heart race uncontrollably, and she didn

his chest, shielding her protectively. His gaze hardened as he stared out at the group of men outside. The usual war

ench, his voice tense. "Th

Merle asked, his nerves clearl

He bowed respectfully toward the passengers and said,

red at the man. "What

r. Curtis for a cup of coffee," t

inviting guests," Curtis said, narrowing

nd. Kindly step

re needs to be a proper reason,

you an answer. You'll kno

on was dangerous, it seemed clear that the threat was aimed at hi

ebe back home,"

*

a unique design, with black as the dominant color,

ip of every piece in the room. The intricate carvings on the walls alone indi

omeone with such sophisticati

turned to face him. His presence exuded an imperial aura, as if he

rbingly familiar, as though he had met him before.

said, suspicion growing in his

d through the room, sending

to the point," Curtis said calmly, his demeanor unshaken by the

billion dollars for the painting Tears," Alexander said with a smirk, his th

ow about that painting?" Curtis demanded, his

deeply uncomfortable, as if in his presen

r. What matters is that

elling it," Curtis growled, his usual calm demeanor vanish

's eyes narrowed, a sinister smile playing on his lips. Today, he wa

ad what it takes to get it, you wouldn't

. His laughter was eerie, like the cold, haunting stilln

better watc

e leaving now," Curtis

eplied, clapping his slender fingers twice. Two guards

out," Alex