Richest Mogul

Sterling studied Vivian's delicate frame, noting how fragile her slender wrists seemed. It wouldn't take much to snap them. And yet, this fragile-looking woman dared to threaten him.

It was the funniest thing he'd heard in ages.

"Have you ever killed anyone?" Sterling asked with a smirk, his tone laced with amusement. He could tell at a glance her eyes were too clear, untouched by bloodshed. No killer carried such purity in their gaze.

He had seen enough killers to know the difference.

Vivian's face remained impassive. "If you don't believe me, come closer."

Sterling chuckled, clapping his hands together in a slow, mocking rhythm. "Well, well," he drawled. "So this is how you convinced Manfred to keep you alive? Impressive. But let's see if your talents are equally... diverse."

He turned to the two men flanking him. "Take her."

With that order given, he shot Vivian a final glance before striding toward a nearby cabinet. He yanked the door open. It was empty save for a few bottles and jars.

Suddenly, a scream shattered the quiet.

Sterling spun.

One of the men had his throat slit, blood gushing from the wound. The other gripped his wrist, blood dripping between his fingers.

The attack was swift and precise. The tables had turned in seconds.

Sterling's amusement vanished. His gaze hardened. "You dare fight back? Let me show you what defiance costs."

wrist, a fine powder scattering

dagger still dripped with blood.

her vision blurred, the world

faded as she felt herself being

blur. She was carried

before a faint mechanical

moment later, Manfred emerged from beneath

bed's hidden mechanism, he immediately knew

voice was

No one answered.

swept the small secret chamber. She was nowhere to

gaze fell on a dark red stain on the floor. His heart

"Vivian!"

what felt like an eternity. The moment she stirred, she knew she had been

her eyes

subtle scent hung in the

overheard

so beautiful! Mr. Bowman must really care

how beautiful

a woman from the black

no way someone like