Tonight’s Challenge

At Rachel's house, the atmosphere was a blend of activity and calmness. Liora settled cosily on the couch in the living room, chatting with her mother and Dane on the phone and her voice floated softly through the air, although her actual words were unclear from the terrace.

Daran and Rachel were perched on the terrace, the vantage point from the seating area offered a clear view of the cityscape and the living room through the expansive glass window. The faint hum of the city outside contrasted with the tension between them.

"Something feels off about this whole situation," Daran remarked, his eyes briefly flicking to Liora before settling on Rachel.

Rachel maintained a passive expression, her gaze fixed on Liora, who continued her animated conversation. "We shouldn't interfere unnecessarily," she said coolly. "Our focus should remain on why you and Liora are here in Valtham."

Her attention shifted fully to Daran as she added, her tone laced with an unspoken warning, "I won't tolerate any missteps before the war even begins."

She didn't need to elaborate. They both knew Liora was on the brink of revealing her identity—a secret that wasn't meant to be shared just yet.

"All of this goes back to you, Rachel," Daran said, his tone calm but cutting. "If it weren't for the red dress, none of this would've happened."

Rachel nodded, although her thoughts seemed distant. "I will be cautious," she replied softly.

Rachel's phone buzzed, interrupting their conversation. She glanced at the screen, quickly typed a response, and placed the phone back on the table.

"Have you reviewed your next assignment?" Rachel asked quietly so no one else could hear.

"I have," came a calm response.

The evening slowly unfolded, painting the sky in shades of amber and violet as the first stars timidly peeked through the fading daylight.

Inside, Liora curled up on the couch, her laptop resting on her knees as she scrolled through search results for ′Beautiful Vision Orphanage.′

She wondered the distance between the Beautiful Vision Orphanage and the university campus, as well as the most suitable way to travel there. She was eager to see Alice.

Meanwhile, on the terrace, Daran and Rachel lounged with chilled beers in hand. Daran's gaze followed a flock of birds darting across the sky, a rare moment of calm etched on his face.

Liora, though happy to be around people, craved her solitude. She loved the lively buzz of crowds but equally cherished the quiet moments where she could think clearly. Tonight was one of those times—a balance between social warmth and personal peace.

As she flipped through pictures of the orphanage staff, her worry for Alice resurfaced. She needed to know if the girl had made it back safely.

"Daran!" Liora called out from the living room. "Can I have Ms. Decosta's number? I want to check if Alice reached safely."

From the terrace came Daran's trademark sarcasm. "Do you think they stopped by a waterpark on the way and somehow lost her?"

Liora's eyes narrowed as she snapped her laptop shut and marched to the terrace. "You... you!" she exclaimed, jabbing a finger at him. "First, you gave Ms. Decosta a fake name, and now you won't even share her number! Why?"

Rachel tilted her head, smirking as she folded her arms, clearly entertained.

Daran's tone remained calm. "Have you considered that someone at the police station might be working for Sven? Giving your real name could come back to bite us later. You need to be more careful."

Liora's mouth opened slightly, her eyes grew even more expansive, and her arms fell to her sides as the realisation hit her. "You're right," she admitted, her voice quieter now.

Daran leaned forward slightly, his expression firm but not unkind. "So, don't worry about it. I'll handle the calls. If we reach out to them now, it might come across as distrust. Do you understand?"

"Yes, but..." Liora hesitated, nodding reluctantly before retreating to the living room.

"Patience, Liora," Daran called after her. "Have I ever run to the police station to file a complaint about you making my ears bleed with endless praises for Caspian? No, I haven't. Not that I haven't thought of calling your mom, either."

Liora glared over her shoulder, her lips twitching in annoyance. "I'll make sure to repay the favour when you finally have a girlfriend."

While Liora, Daran and Rachel were relaxing elsewhere in the city, adrenaline coursed through the veins of the elite and underground fighters preparing for the night's M.M.A. matches. A message was circulating on their phones.

🔥 Tonight's Challenge: 🔥

Knock out 'The Capo dei capi' and win untold riches. 💰

Only five will be chosen through a lucky draw.

Submit your name NOW.

Let the games begin. 🕶️ at 10 p.m.

We hope to see you all tonight at our esteemed Venue!

The message hit every chaebol and M.M.A. fighter like lightning, electrifying the air. Almost immediately, a frenzy erupted. Phones buzzed, calls were made, and bets were placed.

The city's underworld bustled with excitement. Everyone knew that tonight's match would be one for the history books. Who would want to miss a live fight with none other than The Donovan Magnum, the Capo dei capi of the city Valtham?

A notification buzzed on both Kai's and Logan's phones as well. While sitting at the Pancake Bliss, they exchanged glances and smirked.

"Show off," Kai stated while shaking his head with a wide grin.

"It's time to go," Logan declared, rising to his feet and gesturing to his partner.

After exchanging farewells with their partners, Kai and Logan began their journey back home to meet Donovan.

"He has certainly gone off the deep end," Kai remarked as the vehicle made its way through the roads of Valtham. The throng faded into the background, emphasising their actual worry for Donovan.

Logan tapped his finger on the car armrest, lost in thought for a moment before speaking. "What if we make a way for her to come to Valtham?"

"Not a bad idea." Kai raised an eyebrow, considering the plan.

"She might shed some light on his conflicted mind."

"Perhaps his heart, too," Logan looked at Kai through a side glance.

Kai quickly punched in the number, his fingers drumming anxiously on the car's dashboard.

"Mr. Sohn, I require your assistance without any parental interference. You understand what I'm implying, correct?" Bypassing all nice ties, he got straight to the matter.

Mr. Sohn replied on the line in a calm manner, "Mr. Rothschild, you are aware that isn't feasible."

"Come on, Mr. Sohn," Kai coaxed.

"You could make an exception. It's not for us but for your future boss, whom you'll be serving. Do us this favour now, and later, you might receive a great reward—perhaps even a year-long holiday."

Mr. Sohn hardly ever gets a holiday since working with the Triad Wolfen group. So Kai decided to motivate Mr. Sohn with some perks.

There was silence on the other side for almost 30 seconds. Kai could almost hear the gears turning in Mr. Sohn's head.

"I'll see what I can do. What do you need, Mr. Rothschild?"

"You know the girl, Liora Valentine, who was once admitted to Triad Hospital in Italy?"

"Yes, Mr. Rothschild, I very well remember. As far as I know, we were instructed to stay away from the Glacier family and the Glacier Enterprise," Mr. Sohn's voice turned serious.

Kai closed his eyes in annoyance. Of course, he knew, and he remembered the warning he and his cousins received from Aunt Evelyn: "I know, Mr. Sohn. We just want to know what she's up to and if she's still in Italy and a basic information."

"Mr. Rothschild, you're asking me to look for the forbidden apple."

"That forbidden apple is significant to Capo dei capi," Kai retorted.

"I hope you know what happened when Adam ate the forbidden apple," Mr. Sohn's tone was dry.

"We are only looking for simple information, Mr. Sohn. Or do I need to look for someone else?"

After a moment of negotiation, Mr. Sohn finally agreed to look into Liora Valentine. Mr Sohn did not want to miss out on his year-long vacation.

"That's why I prefer you handle any negotiation," Logan said, smiling from ear to ear. "I would have simply threatened Mr. Sohn to do the job."

Kai laughed, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, let's get this done—for Don!"

The clock struck 9 PM. Donovan's match was held at the penultimate top level of the renowned Sky Tower, a monument of influence owned by the notorious Triad Wolfen Group.

As you approached the Sky Tower, its shining glass and steel exterior loomed over the skyline. The entrance was watched over by impeccably attired security personnel wielding advanced weaponry.

Polished marble floors extended beneath crystal chandeliers in the lobby, with their light shimmering off the walls decorated with contemporary art.

Elites from various walks of life could be seen mingling.

The sleek and fast elevators whisked up to the upper floors with barely a whisper.

The second highest level, called "The Arena," served as more than merely a combat space. It was an amphitheatre of wealth and power.