Tristan Ashcroft's gaze was like a poisoned ice blade, piercing straight into Kevin Heilbronn's soul. "After successfully tailing Jenna Roland, what were your plans for her?"

Kevin's legs trembled. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. His eyes darted to Sophia Merouin, curled up in the corner, before his Adam's apple bobbed. "They... they wanted me to assault Ms. Roland first, then let Byron Valdemar's men take turns... take turns defiling her. They wanted to turn her into—"

"Into what?" Tristan's voice sharpened.

"A... a whore..." Kevin's whisper was barely audible.

Sophia's head snapped up, her eyes blazing with venomous fury. "Kevin! Say one more word, and I'll have Byron wipe out your entire family!"

"Ah—!"

A bloodcurdling scream tore through the basement. A flash of steel, and Sophia's thumb hit the floor with a sickening thud.

Blood sprayed across the concrete, stark and horrifying.

Ronan Abendroth swung a metal chair with chilling precision, smashing it into Sophia's left leg.

The crack of shattering bone echoed in the confined space.

Sophia's screams cut off abruptly as she collapsed like a broken doll.

"Boss, she's out," Ronan reported tonelessly.

Tristan didn't even glance at Sophia as he stalked toward Kevin. "Throw her out."

Two men in black dragged Sophia away like a sack of garbage.

"Tell Byron this." Tristan gripped Kevin's jaw, forcing eye contact. "Every cent Sophia ever spent on him will be in my hands within three days. Otherwise—" His fingers dug in. "I'll teach him the meaning of living hell."

Kevin trembled violently, nodding like a puppet. "Message received! Message received!"

Tristan paused at the door. "If anyone touches Jenna again..." He turned, baring his teeth in a predator's grin. "Sophia's fate will seem merciful."

Only when the basement door clanged shut did Kevin crumple to the floor. His shirt clung to his back, drenched in sweat.

Staring at the darkening bloodstain, he suddenly laughed. "Byron... you've signed your own death warrant."

Of all people to cross, he had to provoke the devil himself.

......

Jenna was plating sweet-and-sour ribs when her phone buzzed in her apron pocket.

"Boss?" She wiped her hands hastily.

"Kevin Heilbronn was tailing you," came Tristan's voice, still edged with violence. "Sophia and Byron's orders. But—" A deliberate pause. "They won't get another chance."

Jenna's grip tightened on the phone.

"If Sophia dares try anything..." Tristan's chuckle sent chills down her spine. "I'll make her regret being born."