Chapter 135

Williams Gravesend's face was drenched with rain and cold sweat, his expression stretched into a shaky grin as he raised his hands higher. "Hahaha... Brother Lucas, don't worry. I didn't hear anything important—your secrets are safe. In fact....." He swallowed hard, voice trembling. "From now on, I'll follow your lead. I'll help you dominate Ravenmoor."

Lucas's eyes, sharp as razors, glinted under the faint glow of the streetlights. A smile-mocking, cruel-curled across his lips.

"Good... brother."

He stepped forward, lifting his hand casually-almost playfully-and patted Williams on the head, like someone humoring a child.

But the light tap sent Williams crashing to his knees, pain shooting through his skull like lightning. His legs buckled beneath him as the concrete scraped his skin.

Lucas's voice, calm and venomous, followed.

"How dare you call me 'brother'..." Lucas leaned down, eyes narrowing to slits, "... you're not worthy."

Williams's face twisted in humiliation, his teeth clenched as the rain masked the tears pooling in his eyes.

Beside them, Michael Thornfell, his expression colder than the ocean in winter, stepped forward.

"My father..." Michael's voice carried that inherited arrogance, laced with quiet fury, "... will soon become the King of Ravenmoor. No one-not Gravesends, not anyone is worthy to be his brother."

Williams remained on his knees, soaked, defeated... and silent.

The Next Day - Diamond Beach, Ravenmoor

The sun beamed mercilessly overhead, making the waves shimmer like liquid crystals. The stretch of pure white sand glittered faintly, earning the name— Diamond Beach, Ravenmoor's crown jewel.

It was crawling with tourists, locals, and hidden eyes alike.

Among the crowd, Drax, shirtless, wearing only his black swim trunks and a ridiculous grin, whistled in admiration. "Man... this is the most famous beach in all of Ravenmoor," he declared, arms wide like he owned the coast. "Diamond Beach... now I see why they call it that."

The sand sparkled beneath their feet, but Jaden Rift didn't seem interested in the view.

He strode down the beach in a sharp, custom-fitted black suit, cutting through the casual crowd like a wolf among sheep. The sea breeze tousled his dark hair, but his expression remained cool, detached.

Drax blinked at him, baffled. "Boss... you serious?" He motioned at Jaden's tailored jacket. "You're at the beach wearing office clothes? At least pretend to fit in."

Jaden smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching upward as he approached. "Funny. You arranged my wardrobe, didn't you, genius?"

Before Drax could respond, Jaden's palm smacked the back of his head with a sharp thwack, nearly knocking his sunglasses off.

“Bastard,” Jaden muttered, brushing sand off his sleeve. "If I look ridiculous, it's your fault."

Drax chuckled, rubbing his head. "You've got a mean backhand, Boss..."

Suddenly, a soft, teasing voice cut in.

"Boss, I could take better care of you than Drax does," Hope chimed,

strutting up beside them. Her bikini-a bold pink two-piece with gold accents-hugged her curves, turning heads in every direction The ocean breeze swept through her long hair, her flawless figure glowing under the sun.

Jaden's eyes slid to her lazily. "Is that so?"

Before Hope could answer, murmurs drifted from nearby.

At the edge of the beach, three young men lounged under umbrellas, nursing drinks,

their eyes locked onto Hope's body like predators on prey.

"Damn..." one whispered, nearly choking on his cocktail. "Check her out..."

The middle one frowned, cautious. "Don't get stupid. East Coast's been crawling with big shots lately. Anyone on Diamond Beach now probably has firepower behind them."

The third guy, cocky with sunburned skin and designer shades, chuckled. "Relax. We've got people backing us too. I'm not dumb-I'll ask around first. But with that body? She's worth the risk."

The cocky one adjusted his shades and strutted toward Hope, a rehearsed smile plastered across his face.

"Hey there, gorgeous..." His voice oozed fake charm. "You alone?"

Hope didn't even blink. With

practiced ease, she slipped her arms around Jaden's, pressing close to him. Her soft skin brushed against the crisp fabric of his suit as she smited sweetly obviously not We're a couple, can't you tell?” Cóntent

The guy's grin faltered slightly, but he recovered fast.

"Oh, my bad..." His eyes slid to Jaden, sizing him up. "Didn't see the 'boyfriend.""

His gaze trailed over Jaden's clothes, the tailored suit standing out like ink on canvas amid half-naked tourists.

Internally, the guy sneered. This clown shows up to the beach dressed for a board meeting? Pathetic...

But the words stayed locked behind his teeth.

Instead, his fake smile returned, smooth and polished. “We're throwing a little party down the coast... drinks, music, fun crowd. You two should join."