He clenched his right hand repeatedly as if lost in thought.


    The ember flickered, now bright, now fading, matching the rhythm of his deep drags.


    As he inhaled deeply, the ember glowed brighter.


    It mirrored the persistent me of desire in his heart, never quite extinguished.


    After that night, Dulcie noticed a subtle yet undeniable shift in Kyson’s behavior.


    His deliberate distancing became painfully clear in the following few days.


    Though they still shared a room at night, Kyson spoke significantly less, his words clipped and emotionless, always maintaining a physical and emotional distance.


    The intimacy between them had dissolved into a distant, almost haunting memory.


    ustomed to his unpredictable moods, Dulcie buried herself in work.


    .


    .


    Library


    Their silent treatmentsted for a month, stretching into the chilly days of early November.


    Then, a massive case erupted in Stastle, sending shockwaves through the nation.


    As the news broke online, Lucinda was deeply engrossed in her work at Simmons Group.


    Thepany had dedicated years to expanding its overseas business, bing a formidable force in international trade.


    Simmons Group’s value had soared, securing a spot among the top thirty global corporations within just five years.


    After a conference, Lucinda noticed an unusual tension among the high-level executives.


    They whispered amongst themselves, their expressions grave.


    She sensed something was amiss but chose not to inquire immediately.


    It wasn’t until she returned to her office that she turned to Vivian, her special assistant who had transferred from Angle Intl.


    “What were they all talking about after the meeting? They seemed quite agitated,” Lucinda asked, ncing up from her contracts.


    Vivian’s eyes widened in surprise.


    “Don’t you know, Mrs.


    Payne? It’s all over the news, a top headline everywhere since this morning.


    Everyone in Stastle is talking about it.


    ”


    Lucinda’s pen didn’t pause.


    “I’ve been swamped with work and haven’t had time to check the news.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.


    ”


    “Last night, the prominent Perez family was massacred.


    I heard it was gruesome.


    The entire house was drenched in blood, like a scene from a nightmare.


    ”


    Vivian stepped closer, eager to share the news with her boss.


    The gravity of the situation was reflected in her wide eyes.


    “The Perez family was rich and influential.


    But just like that, they were wiped out overnight.


    Rumor has it Phillis Perez was found by the window, half her body outside as if she tried to escape.


    Her clothes were disheveled.


    Her body had dozens of fatal stab wounds, and her lower body was mangled beyond recognition.


    Looks Like someone had a personal vendetta against them.


    ” Vivian’s voice trembled as she recounted the harrowing details.


    Lucinda’s mind raced as she listened, trying to piece together the fragments of the dreadful puzzle.


    “Over a hundred servants and bodyguards were in the Perez household, but none survived.


    It’s truly tragic…” Vivian’s voice wavered, the color draining from her face as she spoke.


    Thinking of the scene made her feel faint, and she struggled to stand steadily.


    Lucinda’s casual demeanor turned serious, her eyes narrowing as she processed Vivian’s words.


    Over a hundred people?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!