Chapter 23: A Game of Death

Liam stood motionless, his fingers tightening around the note Seraphina had slipped him. The word "ELIMINATE" burned into his mind like a death sentence. Someone had put a bounty on him—but who? And why now?

He met Seraphina's gaze, searching for any trace of deception. Her icy-blue eyes remained unreadable, but the slight tension in her posture told him everything. She wasn't just warning him; she was testing him.

"Who put the hit out?" Liam asked, his voice controlled.

Seraphina sighed, glancing around before leaning in. "The Graves family is involved, but they aren't the only ones. Lucian Hawthorne placed the bounty himself."

Liam's jaw clenched. Lucian—the shadow king of the financial world. He wasn't a man who acted on impulse. If he wanted Liam dead, it meant he saw him as a threat.

And that was dangerous.

Seraphina tapped her wine glass. "Word is, your name is starting to make certain people… uncomfortable."

Liam smirked. "Good."

The Black Ops Arrival

Before Liam could respond, a sudden hush fell over the gala. The doors swung open, and a group of men in black suits stepped inside. Their movements were sharp, calculated—trained professionals.

Ethan Graves stepped forward, his usual smirk absent. "Apologies for the intrusion, everyone," he announced. "Security measures."

But Liam knew better. This wasn't security—this was a warning.

His instincts screamed at him. Someone in this room wanted him dead tonight.

Liam turned back to Seraphina. "If I die, what do you get out of it?"

Seraphina smiled, sipping her wine. "Nothing. But if you survive, maybe we can talk about mutual interests."

A test. She was waiting to see how he'd handle this.

Liam smirked. "Then watch closely."

He took a step forward, striding through the crowd toward Ethan Graves. Every movement was deliberate. If they were going to eliminate him, they'd have to do it in front of everyone.

Ethan's eyes flickered with interest. "You don't seem worried."

Liam chuckled. "If someone wanted me dead, they should have done it before I got this."

He pulled out his Black Deluxe Card and let it rest between his fingers.

Ethan's expression darkened. The Black Deluxe Card wasn't just a financial tool—it was a status symbol. It meant Liam was backed by a power greater than money alone.

The tension in the room shifted. Some guests whispered, others watched with interest. Lucian, from his secluded corner, simply smiled.

The Attack

Then—chaos.

The lights flickered. A single shot rang out.

Liam moved before the bullet reached him, twisting his body just enough to let it graze past his shoulder. The ballroom erupted into panic as screams filled the air.

But Liam didn't run. He turned, spotting a masked figure retreating toward the balcony.

His assassin.

Without hesitation, he chased.

Liam burst onto the rooftop just in time to see the figure vault over the edge onto the adjacent building. He followed, muscles burning as he landed.

The assassin spun, drawing a blade.

"You should have stayed in the shadows, kid," the masked man said, voice distorted.

Liam smirked. "Too late for that."

The fight began. Blades clashed against fists as Liam dodged, countered, and struck with precise force. The assassin was skilled—but Liam had trained for this moment his entire life.

With one final move, he twisted the attacker's wrist, forcing the blade away, and drove his knee into his ribs. The assassin stumbled.

Liam grabbed his mask and tore it off.

His breath caught.

It was Dante Velasco—the casino king.

Before Liam could react, Dante grinned. "This is just the beginning."

Then, without hesitation, he leaped backward—off the building.

Liam ran to the edge, but it was too late. Dante had disappeared into the night.

Liam exhaled slowly. The bounty wasn't just a warning—it was a declaration of war.

As he turned back toward the gala, Seraphina stood by the rooftop door, watching him with amusement.

"Well," she said, "that was entertaining."

Liam wiped blood from his lip and smirked. "Stick around. Things are just getting started."

Liam returned to his penthouse later that night, the adrenaline still burning in his veins. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the city below.

Someone wanted him dead. The Graves family, Lucian, or maybe someone else lurking in the shadows.

His phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: This was just the first warning. Next time, we won't miss.

Liam smirked, typing back.

Liam: Make sure to bring your best. I don't like weak opponents.

He tossed the phone onto the couch, then walked toward his study. He needed to prepare. If they wanted war, he'd give them one.