"Three years ago, I finally woke up and quit gambling," Darren said, his tone sincere. "The buyer I mentioned, the one offering a billion dors, was real. But I didn''t dare sell it. I was afraid I''d fall back into gambling if I had that kind of money. "And honestly, I feel like I''d be letting my father down."


    Felix understood now. That buyer must have been tipped off by Derek, who ensured no one would use force against Darren or spread the word. Otherwise, an ordinary man like Darren would''ve been in serious trouble long ago.


    It was clear Isabe was hearing this story for the first time as well.


    "Belle," Darren continued, "this is why I''m willing to entrust this million dors entirely to you. All I need is a monthly allowance for living expenses. No matter how persuasive I might sound, if my gambling addiction resurfaces, at least you''ll be there to keep me in check." Isabe was genuinely moved. After all, there weren''t many men like him who would hand


    over such a fortune to a girlfriend he hadn''t even married yet.


    "Alright!" Isabe replied, determined. "Felix is here as a witness, so I''ll make you a promise, too. We''ll go to the bank right after this and set up a savings n that''ll put your mind at ease.


    "From now on, we''ll focus on building a good life together. And as for gambling, you won''t have the chance to rpse-not with me around."


    After securing the Nightshade Discipline, Felix left the massage parlor and headed to an alley, where Derek was waiting.


    "He''s quit gambling. Why won''t you see him?" Felix asked.


    Derek smiled faintly. "There''s no need. I''ve been watching over his life from the shadows, and that''s enough. As for Isabe, I''ve looked into her thoroughly. She''s a reliable woman. So, thank you for your help."


    Felix reminded Isabe to stay on the right path, warning her that Derek was always watching. Any wrong move would have serious consequences, and he wouldn''t intervene to save her-it would be entirely her fault. The afternoon passed quietly at the clinic. With no patients, Felix spent his time studying the Nightshade Discipline.


    Whether it was due to his exceptional talent or sheer determination, he managed to master it surprisingly quickly. The technique was indeed remarkable, making the million dors


    spent on it worthwhile.


    That evening, Clement and Willow prepared avish dinner at home to thank Felix for his help. The loan application process had begun, and approval was expected in just a few days. Word had also spread about Clement''s connection to Dorian, signaling a rise in his socialwork''s influence.


    "Come on, Felix! A toast from the two of us!"


    Felix tried to stand, but they firmly pushed him back into his chair.


    The dinner was filled withughter and chatter, though Queenie avoided meeting Felix''s gaze whenever they drank together. Her eyes darted away nervously.


    By the end of the evening, Clement and Willow were thoroughly drunk, their joy evident.


    With no other choice, Felix asked the housekeeper to clean up the mess and helped the equally tipsy Queenie back to her home.


    At the gate, Queenie stopped him, stumbling inside alone. It was a natural precaution; given her inebriated state.


    As Felix turned to leave, his phone rang. When he saw Alistair''s name on the screen, his expression darkened.


    "Alistair," he answered.


    "Mr. Zeller." Alistair''s voice was grave. "A bizarre murder has urred in a vige 30 miles from Gray City. All 36 residents who stayed behind are dead, and their corpses are in horrifying conditions." Felix''s phone slipped from his hand, crashing to the ground as a name echoed in his mind -Zara Morgan. 2


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