Chapter 24

Adrian stepped through the towering entrance of his family’s grand estate. His polished shoes clicked against the floor, only to be drowned out by the sharp, grating screech of metal dragging behind him. A baseball bat glinted under the warm light of the chandeliers which carved an invisible path as it trailed along the smooth surface.

His grip on the handle was firm while his knuckles turned white from the pressure. The usual easy charm that defined him was nowhere to be seen. Instead, his amber eyes burned with unrestrained fury as his face darkened with rage.

Santiago, the Blackwood family’s ever-loyal butler, was already waiting. He had served the household for decades and had seen his fair share of tempers. But something about Adrian’s demeanor tonight, something about the quiet, simmering rage in his movements—put him on high alert.

Still, Santiago did not falter. He stepped forward with his usual calm precision while his hands were clasped neatly in front of