Inside Viper’s office, the atmosphere and decor clashed in a strangely surreal way.
Contrary to the cheerful, colorful interior of the room, everyone present wore a grim, even sowhat intimidating, expression.
At her summons, the most formidable and dangerous mbers of the Crimson Vow had gathered here in less than a day.
A middle-aged man with a long scar etched across his face slowly opened his eyes and cast his gaze toward her.
"Boss, didn’t we just have a eting not long ago? What’s the ergency now?"
The speaker was Thorne, a seasoned veteran in arms dealing and organized protection.
Although he didn’t quite understand the sudden urgency, he knew better than to treat her actions lightly.
After all, most of the ti, she was a serious and calculated leader—not so deranged lunatic like how Dusk often portrayed her.
"I’ve summoned you to discuss our strategy for expanding in the new era. And also," she added, her eyes narrowing slightly, "to introduce a key figure who will be cooperating with us long-term."
Upon hearing that, Silas began to piece things together.
Lately, he had been the one closest to her, so he had known quite a bit—especially about this ’Dusk’ person.
...
A faint light crept across his face, rousing Dusk from unconsciousness. He squinted, irritated by the glow, and opened his eyes.
What greeted him was an opulent room adorned in pristine white, exuding luxury and elegance.
He blinked, confusion flashing in his eyes.
Suddenly, a face appeared before him—one so breathtakingly beautiful, it seed almost unreal.
A young woman, radiating unparalleled grace and charm, smiled gently at him.
"You’re awake?" she asked softly.
Her beauty was beyond the realm of words—otherworldly, divine.
Even Viper, known for her striking looks, couldn’t compare in terms of aura.
After all, Viper’s aura had nothing to do with beauty—it was authority, absolute, mingled with madness.
"An angel? Did I die?" Dusk blinked, dumbfounded.
He didn’t truly believe that was the answer, but having such a stunning woman suddenly appear before him the mont he woke up—it was simply too unreal.
The girl let out a soft laugh, covering her mouth with elegant fingers the mont she heard him call her an "angel."
It was obvious—she was genuinely amused and pleased by the complint.
At that mont, Dusk realized without a doubt that she wasn’t an angel.
What kind of angel would be delighted to hear soone call them one? That just didn’t sound very angelic.
Still, he wasn’t foolish enough to blurt out, "You’re not an angel."
Given the situation, it was 99.97% certain that she was the one who had saved him.
Then, a flicker of familiarity crossed his mind.
Her face—though slightly different—reminded him of soone he had seen before.
’Could it be her? The one they say is the most beautiful woman in the world and powerful too. If I rember correctly, her na was Lysandra Veilrose.’
Naturally, he didn’t have the kind of status that allowed him to mingle with such high society. But her na was famous enough that he had heard it more than once.
’Her family is quite influential too, if I recall. Maybe... this is fate. If I play this right, I might end up with a more trustworthy ally than the mafia.’
He began to strategize silently, weighing his options for forming a aningful connection with her.
And of course, the deepest bond possible would be marriage.
But no matter how he looked at it, that plan felt highly unrealistic.
He had no money, no power, no backing, and he had just t her for the first ti—how could he possibly marry her under those conditions?
He had considered a similar thought when he first t Viper but ultimately dismissed it.
After all, cooperating with the mafia was only a temporary arrangent. What he truly wanted was a faction of his own—one that looked righteous on the outside.
Of course, there was always the very real possibility that neither of these powerful won would ever consider marrying him.
He wasn’t so arrogant as to believe just anyone would fall for him.
"You do know how to flatter a lady," she said with a chuckle. "But I’m no angel. My na is Lysandra."
’Looks like I wasn’t mistaken after all. If that’s the case, I need to build a solid relationship with her.’
"Thank you... so much... for saving ," Dusk said quietly.
But his voice was hoarse, and his words ca out slurred and unclear.
’Damn it, who hit soone in the face?! Because of that bastard, I can’t even speak properly now. You son of a—were you trying to kill ? Fine. Then I’ll make sure I kill you first next ti.’
The more Dusk thought about Lucien, the more furious he beca.
His journey to seek opportunities had been going perfectly, only to be abruptly interrupted by a senseless beating that nearly cost him his life.
Though his words ca out slurred and unclear, Lysandra showed no signs of annoyance.
She continued to smile warmly, her expression gentle and kind as she spoke to him.
"It’s good that you’re safe. But you really should go to the hospital," she said honestly. "I’m not a doctor, so this is all I can do for you."
Hearing that, Dusk ntally noted how kind-hearted she was—just like the rumors he had heard about her in his previous life.
But he couldn’t follow her advice.
Not only was he currently a wanted man, but he also didn’t want to be separated from her so soon. Not like this.
He was just about to put on a pitiful expression when suddenly a loud broadcast blared from a governnt loudspeaker outside.
"Attention, everyone. The current state of society has suddenly fallen into extre disorder. The governnt is investigating urgently, but the cause remains unknown. Nurous violent incidents involving arson and murder have been reported across the country. We urge all citizens to remain alert and cautious.
Please avoid contact with strangers, and under no circumstances bring unknown individuals into your ho.
We repeat—do not bring strangers into your ho."
Dusk froze.
Wasn’t that announcent basically designed to sabotage his plans?
’F*ck, does it have to be this tily? You’re going to die if you wait a few hours for the announcent?’
He cursed inwardly. Just a mont ago, he had felt a shred of gratitude for being rescued. But now it felt like misfortune had co chasing after him once again.
He glanced over at her. Her expression had shifted—her eyes were now filled with a trace of caution.
When the announcent ended, Lysandra did, in fact, grow sowhat wary of Dusk.
It was only natural—bringing a stranger ho during a countrywide crisis was far from rational.
But when she looked into his helpless, wounded eyes and saw the vulnerability etched into his bruised face...
She pushed aside her doubts.
He simply didn’t look like soone dangerous.
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