"Sir Mark, you have a visitor," the assistant announced."Let him in," Mark said, his voice low, calm… but carrying a dangerous edge that made even the assistant shiver.Charles stepped into the room, and immediately it felt as though he'd entered the lion's den except this lion didn't roar. He waited, silent, watching. Today, he was here for one reason: to propose a partnership to assassinate Jake Scott.
Charles was an evil businessman in his own right, known for playing dirty when it suited him. But he knew Mark and he knew that if anyone had the power, resources, and ruthlessness to pull this off, it was the man sitting in front of him. He also knew he had come with an offer Mark would find impossible to resist.Mark was seated in the shadows, lounging back in a massive black leather chair. The blinds were half-drawn, the dim light slicing across the room like sharp blades. Charles found it strangely difficult to see his face, but he could feel the weight of his presence.
That aura… cold, suffocating, almost predatory. Charles felt his own confidence waver but he straightened his posture. If he showed weakness now, he'd be eaten alive.
"Well, well, well…" Mark's deep voice cut through the silence. "What can I do for you, Charles?" Charles froze. Charles? No "Mr. Vane." No courtesy. Just his first name thrown out like an insult. His teeth clenched. This boy is so damn disrespectful.Mark tilted his head, smirking as though he'd heard the thought. "I know what you're thinking that I'm disrespectful. But let me be clear… I don't give a f***."
Charles stiffened. How the hell did he—?
"You're wondering how I knew, right?" Mark leaned forward slightly, his smile widening into something dangerous. "It's simple. A man like you wears his ego like a badge. Call you by your first name, and you feel insulted. I knew exactly what would go through your head." Charles' heartbeat quickened. He wasn't sure if it was mind games or something darker, but the rumors about Mark being the devil in human skin suddenly didn't feel so far-fetched.
Mark stepped out from the shadows, the dim light now revealing the sharp lines of his face handsome, but in a cold, merciless way. His eyes were piercing, almost black, and the smirk he wore could chill the blood. "Sit down," he said casually, as though he wasn't the most dangerous man in the city.Charles lowered himself into the chair. "I'm here because I want us to work together… to eliminate Jake Scott."Mark's eyebrow arched. "And why would I help you?"
"Because he's your competition," Charles replied smoothly. "And because I know exactly how much you hate him."
Mark leaned back. "What's in it for me?"
"My daughter." The words hung in the air like a blade. Mark's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise breaking through his composure. "Your daughter? "Yes. I'll give her to you. She's beautiful, young, and… pure. You could marry her, make her yours."
Mark's smirk returned, but now it was tinged with something darker. "You're offering me your own blood… to seal a deal?"
"You're powerful, Mark. More powerful than anyone I know. If my daughter married you, it would make us in-laws and I can't think of a better alliance for her future."Interesting," Mark said, his voice unreadable. "I'll accept your offer to take Jake out… but your daughter?" His smirk deepened. "That's a decision I'll need time to consider."Charles nodded. "So… when do we do it?"Mark's eyes glinted. "Tonight."Charles leaned forward. "It's a deal, then." Mark studied him for a moment, then asked, "Tell me, Charles… why do you despise Jake so much?"
Charles' lips curled into a sneer. "That arrogant boy… I made him who he is. I gave him everything connections, money, a place in the business world. And now? He struts around like he's better than me. He shows me no respect. None." His voice dropped into something venomous. "I never regretted killing his mother… and now, it's time her precious son joined her."Mark chuckled darkly. "Then it's settled. Tonight… he dies."
The day had been light and carefree for Jake and Maxwell. They'd chosen to stay home, lounging and laughing with Aurora and Angel.
Aurora's heart was full. She caught herself smiling every time she looked at Jake. One day, she thought dreamily, we'll walk down the aisle. I'll be Mrs. Jake Scott.But later, as they sat together after supper, an unease began to creep into her chest. It was a strange, restless feeling a quiet whisper in her gut that something was wrong.Everyone she loved was right there in front of her, safe, happy, laughing. Nothing looked out of place… and yet…
Her fingers fidgeted on her lap. Why do I feel like a storm is coming?Somewhere far away, in a room filled with shadows and the scent of expensive cigars, two men had just signed Jake Scott's death sentence.And the clock was ticking.