Story

When the gods allow you to escape death twice, it does not mean you are favored; it may simply mean they have reserved a more cruel fate for you. The death of Fiona Franco shocked the world, leaving a shadow of tragedy that was hard to forget. But what followed was even more explosive: Connor…

The girl smiled, a soft, enigmatic expression that Trevor couldn’t quite place. Was it a polite “nice to meet you” or something more? He stood frozen, staring at her, completely forgetting the caviar mousse cake in his hand. She looked away, a subtle blush creeping onto her cheeks, and scanned the dessert spread. Her hair…

Patric chose not to teleport directly into the workroom. Instead, he materialized in the adjacent reading room—a tactical move born of caution. He didn’t know the situation on the other side of the wall; appearing in the middle of a crossfire would be a fatal mistake. He was right to be careful. The first sound…

The show continued on the stage. The sailor dancers were replaced by actors in elaborate sea-creature costumes, performing a romantic comedy centered on a pink potbelly starfish. Laughter rippled through the audience, who were bathed in a blue glow from the ocean-wave projectors. It was easy to get lost in the illusion of the deep…

A crimson carpet stretched across the front lawn of the Dressrious Salon, welcoming a parade of dignitaries in shimmering evening wear. They arrived for Connor Franco’s “Rebirth Celebration,” none of them realizing they were walking into the setting of a looming tragedy. Not even the team of detectives, currently finalizing their plan to dismantle Franco’s…

“Adams is in,” Patric texted the group. “Franco is hosting a party at the Dressrious Salon this Sunday. You’ve all been invited, which gives us our window. The evidence is likely on his private server, but it’s only accessible through the computer in his workroom.” “Excellent. Script’s done. I just need Sarah’s high-res photo to…

Seeing Adams nod in cooperation, Patric finally released his grip. Adams gasped. “Something hard in your clothes was digging into me,” he whispered, his face flushing a deep crimson. “What?” Patric stood up and looked down, quickly realizing what Adams meant. He reached into his long polo coat and pulled out a heavy wooden box.…

The banquet proceeded in a peaceful atmosphere. Though only four members of the Franco family sat at the table, they were all dressed in formal dinner attire and ate in practiced silence. Just as a noble family should be. To prevent any unpredictable outbursts, Adams had strategically seated Franco and Isabel on one side, with…

Adams was an honorable man—a quintessential gentleman of the Neverlands, should you care to categorize him. He was always impeccably dressed, wore a permanent smile, and spoke in soft, measured tones. He drank his tea with an innate elegance, but above all else, he took immense pride in his vocation. To Adams, the greatest legacy…

The following morning, the team and Patric gathered in a private dining room at the Dressrious Salon, which Lady News had secured for their meeting. Although Alisa had coordinated the session, her work obligations kept her from attending. “Do you actually have a plan to get those files?” Patric asked sharply. He sat back, sipping…