In the Russell estate, the grand manor blazed with light. Elegant decorations hung from the high ceilings, casting warm glows across the opulent halls. The air buzzed with cheer, servants bustling with preparations.
In just two days, Mason Russell would celebrate his sixtieth birthday. The entire Russell Family had been mobilized to prepare a magnificent celebration.
Even the violent incident earlier—when the New York Newspaper Office was attacked and left in shambles—barely scratched the surface of their festive mood. It was an unfortunate hiccup, but not enough to dull their triumph.
For the Russell Family, this was a time of great fortune.
Three major blessings had recently befallen them.
First, Amy had officially married into the Russell Family, an alliance of power and ambition.
Second, Jim—long thought lost for over a decade—had returned, transformed into a formidable martial artist, his reputation already echoing through the underworld.
And third, of course, was the upcoming grand occasion: Mason's milestone birthday.
All signs pointed toward an imminent rise in dominance. The Russell Family was poised to seize control over all of New York's major industries, establishing a nearly unshakable hegemony in the city.
At this moment, Amy stood in the midst of the inner courtyard, her beauty dressed in celebratory finery. Beside her stood a slender man with androgynous features and a slightly shrill voice—James.
He leaned closer, voice silky. "The newspaper office attack today… Did it frighten you?"
Amy gave a dismissive chuckle, her lips curling with disdain. "Please. A bunch of ants throwing stones. Smash one New York Newspaper Office, and another will rise tomorrow. Their resistance is laughable."
James smiled, his voice taking on a note of arrogance. "Naturally. With Uncle Jim back, our power is untouchable. New York is already under our heel. It's only a matter of time before the Russell Family controls it all."
"I'm glad I married you." Amy leaned her head gently on his shoulder, her tone suddenly more tender.
This James was her husband—her weapon, originally, in a private war against Queenie. Amy never entered the marriage with love in mind. She had accepted the union with cold calculation, knowing James was incapable of traditional intimacy due to a certain physical… limitation.
Yet she had been mistaken.
Despite his impotence, James had once been a notorious libertine, infamous for his liaisons and wild indulgences. What he lacked in function, he made up for in seduction. His skill in pleasing women—his mastery of toys, toys Amy never imagined she'd enjoy—had made their nights electric.
He knew how to touch without touching, how to command desire with nothing more than breath and voice.
Under his guidance, Amy had discovered pleasures that eclipsed any she had known before. He had coaxed her into ecstasy, again and again, until her earlier doubts were swept away in waves of sensation.
Her declaration, "I'm happy to marry you," wasn't for show. It was genuine. She had been seduced not just by James's methods, but by the power and freedom she felt in their union.
While the Russell household brimmed with joy, the mood shifted sharply as unexpected guests arrived.
From beyond the ornate gates, the Duke of Southern River—Leo—and several others strode into the compound. They carried silver password-locked boxes, gleaming under the estate's golden light.
The Russell Family, startled, tensed as one.
Ned stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Leo, you really don't fear death, do you? I gave you a warning this afternoon, and now you show up at our doorstep like a dog returning for a beating."
Leo chuckled, waving a casual hand. "Come now, don't be so harsh. Mason's birthday is in two days, yes? But we realized we never received an invitation. We thought—why not come early? Save ourselves the embarrassment of being turned away."
The crowd stilled.
"Celebrate early?" Ned repeated, face shadowed with suspicion. "Never heard of such a custom. If you're playing games, you won't be walking out of here alive."
Leo only smiled, tapping the silver case in his hands. "We brought gifts. Surely that proves our sincerity?"
It was an elegant misdirection.
Amy stepped forward, eyes gleaming behind pink square glasses. "Leo, if you want to curry favor with the Russell Family, just say so. No need to dress it up as a birthday gesture."
Everyone turned to her, brows raised.
Amy adjusted her glasses and explained with confidence. "This afternoon, they attacked our office. Uncle Jim taught them a harsh lesson. I'm sure they were shaken—terrified, even. And now, realizing who they've angered, they've come groveling, hoping to save their skins."
"They bring money, but they're too proud to admit it. So they wrap it in ribbons and call it a 'gift.' Transparent, really."
Her words carried weight. Heads nodded around her.
Even Ned gave her a proud look. His daughter-in-law was clever—worthy of the Russell name.
Jim, standing nearby with arms crossed, smirked. He had assumed Leo to be a tough man. But now? One display of his power, and the man was trembling at his feet.
So boring. So disappointing.
Jim spoke with lazy arrogance. "Since you're already bowing, I'll be generous. When we take everything from you—your properties, your legacy—I'll let you live. In squalor, of course. But alive."
To Jim, a martial artist of his caliber, this was mercy. He was the god of New York now.
But Leo and his men exchanged bemused glances.
Begging? Pleading?
The Russell Family really was delusional.
Ned, meanwhile, had taken the boxes and opened them himself.
What he saw turned his face to stone.
Ghost coins.
Six full boxes of them.
Each coin a cursed talisman. A wish for death.
The implication was unmistakable.
"A bunch of bastards dare to mock us?" Ned roared.
"I'll send you all straight to hell!"
Jim moved instantly. His fingers curled like talons as he launched toward Leo with predatory speed, aiming to crush the man's throat—
But before he could make contact…
BOOM!
A coffin, deep red and made of solid mahogany, exploded through the courtyard wall and slammed into Jim's chest, hurling him backward like a ragdoll.
A hushed shock rippled across the crowd.
Dust settled.
A cold voice echoed from the shadows beyond the gate:
"Russell Family... I've been waiting a long time for this day."