Chapter 109: Every Player Makes a Move

The Nightingale Club overlooked Greendale’s glittering skyline.

On the top floor, concealed behind tinted glass walls, the VIP lounge remained secluded from the deafening music below.

Layton Knight sat alone.

A crystal tumbler rested in his hand, amber whiskey swirling slowly inside it. But his attention was not on the drink. His eyes were fixed on the people dancing on the floor below.

Laughing.

Drinking.

Living.

They seemed to belong to a world that felt impossibly far from his own.

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the private lounge.

Draven Mole entered as though he owned the place.

Technically, he did. As the owner of the Nightingale Club, he had access to every room within it.

Without asking permission, Draven poured himself a drink and took the seat opposite Layton. He studied his friend for several long seconds before speaking.

"You look terrible."

Layton gave a faint shrug.

Draven’s gaze traveled over him. "When was the last time you slept?"

Layton offered no response.

A moment later, Draven’s attention settled on the white bandage wrapped around Layton’s hand.

"And what happened to that?"

Layton lowered his gaze to his injured knuckles.

"This?" he asked.

A faint, bitter smile touched his lips.

"It’s what I deserve."

Draven did not press him. After years of friendship, he knew Layton only answered the questions he wanted to answer.

Instead, he lifted his glass and took a slow sip.

"So," Layton said at last, his voice low, "why did you call me here?"

"There’s movement."

Layton’s expression sharpened immediately.

"What kind?"

Draven leaned back in his chair, his face growing serious.

"Someone has posted a private bounty on the dark web."

Layton’s fingers stilled around the tumbler.

"For information regarding Mindy Wilson," Draven continued.

Layton’s entire attention shifted to him.

"Who?"

Draven shook his head.

"The request was posted anonymously."

"The payment was routed through several offshore wallets."

"It’ll take time."

Layton’s voice turned cold.

"Find whoever posted it."

Draven nodded. "I’m already looking into it."

A brief silence settled over the lounge.

Then Draven’s expression changed. "There’s something else."

Layton looked up.

"Aaron Knight."

Layton’s eyes narrowed. "What about him?"

"He was spotted in Cracros three days ago. He disappeared shortly afterward."

Draven paused, choosing his next words carefully.

"We intercepted part of his itinerary. It’s incomplete, but we’re certain he’s heading toward Greendale."

The last trace of warmth vanished from Layton’s face.

Aaron Knight.

His cousin. A man who had never lost his hunger for power.

Layton absorbed the information in silence, slowly rotating the whiskey in his glass. The amber liquid caught the dim light as the quiet stretched between them.

At last, Layton spoke.

"What about Vortex this year?"

Draven looked surprised. "You suddenly care?"

"Where are you planning to hold it?"

A faint smile touched Draven’s lips. "I haven’t decided yet. Do you have a suggestion?"

Layton lifted his gaze.

"Ravenfang Pass."

Ravenfang Pass is a treacherous mountain road notorious for its deadly hairpin turns, steep cliffs, and unforgiving drops. Thick fog blankets the narrow asphalt after sunset, while loose gravel and unpredictable weather make every bend a potential death trap. There are no safety barriers along several stretches, and one wrong turn can send a car plunging hundreds of feet into the ravine below.

Among underground racers, it is known as "The Devil’s Run." Only the bravest—or most reckless—dare to race there, and those who conquer Ravenfang Pass earn a reputation that follows them for years.

Draven let out a disbelieving laugh. "You’re serious? It’s called The Devil’s Run for a reason. The cliffs are treacherous, the roads barely wide enough for one car, and the slightest mistake..."

He let the warning hang in the air before finishing quietly, "...and the driver disappears into the valley."

Layton remained perfectly calm. He simply nodded.

"Exactly."

Draven studied him for a long moment. "You’ve already planned something."

Layton didn’t deny it. "If you organize the race there, I’ll invest."

Draven fell silent. Several seconds passed before a slow smile spread across his face.

"I like dangerous ideas." He lifted his glass. "Done. This year’s Vortex Grand Prix will be held at Ravenfang Pass."

He set the glass down and leaned forward. "Are you going to tell me what you’re planning?"

Layton turned toward the glass wall overlooking the club below. The space was alive with music, flashing lights, and laughter. His gaze moved across the crowd until it settled on a familiar table.

Mindy.

Layla.

Ana.

Matthias.

Zac.

Dante.

They were laughing together, completely at ease. And Mindy looked genuinely happy.

Layton watched her in silence.

Now it’s my turn to make the first move.

"I’ve watched for long enough," he said at last. "I’ve protected her from the shadows for long enough."

His voice grew colder, and his jaw tightened.

"My silence only pushed her farther away. I’m done waiting."

Draven smirked. "Finally. I thought you were going to keep watching from a distance and play it safe."

"Not anymore."

Layton’s eyes never left Mindy.

"I already lost her once," he said quietly. "I’m not losing her again."

Draven nodded. "What about Missy?"

Layton let out a weary sigh. "She’s made a fool of me for years. She’ll pay for it. I’ve already cancelled her credit cards and cut off her allowance."

Draven’s eyebrows shot up. "You did what? You cancelled the cards you gave her?"

"Yes." Layton’s voice was cold and unreadable. "If she’s innocent, she’ll walk away. But if she’s involved, she’ll run straight to whoever is backing her. And when she does, I’ll finally discover who she’s really working for."

A short laugh escaped Draven. "Finally. This might actually be fun."

At Hawthorne Mansion, Missy paced restlessly across her room, her phone pressed tightly to her ear.

"Where are you?" she demanded. "When are you coming to Greendale?"

The voice on the other end remained calm. "Soon. I need to finish a few things here first. You created a mess, and now Tori is being ostracized by everyone. I’m the one cleaning up after you."

Missy’s expression softened. "I’m sorry. I just..." She hesitated, then lowered her voice. "I missed you."

"I know." His tone became gentler, though a warning still lingered beneath it. "I missed you too. Just don’t create any more problems. You know what he’s like when his plans fall apart."

Missy sighed and sank onto the edge of her bed. "I know. It’s just that nothing is going our way anymore. She’s changed. It’s almost as if she knows everything."

"That’s impossible," he replied. "She’s simply become smarter. Before, she allowed you to do whatever you wanted. Now she’s finally fighting back. But don’t worry. She won’t be able to resist us for long."

Missy lowered her voice to a whisper.

"I don’t care about anything else. I just want to become Mrs. Knight. That’s all that matters to me."

"You will," he promised. "Soon."

Missy smiled, and this time, the expression was genuine.

"You called Katherine for help?" he asked.

"Yes," Missy replied. "Dealing with her has become much more difficult. She’s hired bodyguards, and I looked into one of them—Amelia Spencer. She has a military background. Matthias may have hired her to protect Mindy."

"Understood. Just be careful and look after yourself. I’ll be there soon."

Missy’s smile widened. "Goodbye."

She ended the call and leaned back, feeling lighter than she had all day. For the first time in hours, the tension weighing on her chest began to ease.

Meanwhile, back at the club, Mindy and the others continued laughing, drinking, and chatting. Their faces were relaxed, their smiles genuine as they enjoyed the evening together.

Then Matthias’s phone vibrated once.

He glanced down at the screen.

Priority Alert

Dark Web Request Detected

Target: Mindy Wilson

Status: Active

His expression didn’t change.

Without anyone noticing, he typed a single message.

Buy out every bidder.

Remove every trace of the request.

I don’t want her name appearing anywhere.

Less than ten seconds later, a reply appeared.

Understood. Consider it done.

Matthias locked his phone, lifted his eyes, and found Mindy looking at him.

"What?"

"You’ve been awfully quiet," she added.

Matthias smiled back, his gaze fixed on her. "I’m listening."

Mindy laughed softly. "Listening to what? What was I saying just now?"

Before she could continue, Matthias reached over and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was tender, and the sudden intimacy made her words catch in her throat.

"You said I look handsome," he reminded her.

Mindy’s eyes widened before she burst into embarrassed laughter.

"I did not!"

"You did."

"When?"

"Just now."

She covered her face with her hands, laughing even harder. Matthias watched her with a quiet smile, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.

She didn’t know...

Outside the club...

Invisible battles had already begun.

One person was searching for her.

One was protecting her.

One was hunting her enemies.

And somewhere in the darkness...

Someone else...

Had already begun planning her downfall.