Solivair thought to himself that if Arthur had spoken to him like this on the first day they met, he might’ve considered guaranteeing Arthur’s safety. He might have even seen Arthur as a benefactor—grateful, instead of hostile and threatening like they were now. But that was no longer the case. Arthur now held the evidence connecting him to the organization behind him. If that evidence got out, it wouldn’t just be Lioran who couldn’t tolerate him, Solivair's boss definitely wouldn’t either. Just thinking about that man’s terrifying presence sent a chill down Solivair’s spine. Even if he managed to find his daughter, he might not be able to keep her safe. Solivair's boss didn’t just use brutal methods—they went beyond brutal. After so many years in the underworld, Solivair knew one thing better than anyone. Never let someone else hold your weakness. That was the golden rule. The moment Arthur met Solivair’s eyes, something clicked inside him—and he suddenly realized just how ridiculous his passing thought had been. What the heck am I thinking?My own life is still hanging by a thread in this man’s hands, and yet I actually feel a flicker of sympathy for someone who’s repeatedly threatened to kill me. Sure, losing the daughter you love most was tragic—but it didn’t wipe away the blood on Solivair’s hands. Arthur could still clearly remember the wounds Taylor had taken for him. He realized then and there. Before feeling sorry for someone else, you have to first have the power to protect yourself. If Solivair meant no harm, Arthur would’ve gladly told him everything he knew. But the man had threatened his life—and the lives of the people around him. That meant every piece of information he had was now his only bargaining chip. If he handed it over, he’d lose all his value. And given Solivair had once again kidnapped not just him, but Ashley and Taylor, it was clear—this man was a lunatic who would stop at nothing.If he really snapped, even evidence linking him to the organization wouldn’t save Arthur from a fate worse than death. Solivair’s reach was vast. Arthur was nowhere near powerful enough to take him on—yet. He quickly steadied himself and spoke coldly, his tone firm. “Let us go. Send us back to campus safely—or forget ever finding your daughter.” His voice rang out with authority, leaving no room for negotiation. Solivair stared at him for a long moment before suddenly barking, “Someone brings Ashley and Taylor in!” Without another word, he returned to his luxurious chair and sat back down. He’d been the head of the Tremo family for years, and outside of the organization backing him, no one had ever dared threaten him. In Lioran, everyone who saw him greeted him with the utmost respect—"Mr. Solivair," they called him. And yet Arthur, this young punk, kept pushing his buttons. When Arthur first managed to grab hold of some leverage over him, Solivair had been fuming for days. But back then, he had been desperate—desperate to find his daughter. That was the only reason he’d compromised. Once, that didn’t mean he’d do it again. This time, when he’d arranged the abduction of Arthur, Ashley, and Taylor, compromise wasn’t even part of the plan. He’d expected Arthur to try the same trick again—use that leverage to threaten him. But Solivair wasn’t about to fall for it twice. When Arthur saw Solivair calmly ordering for Ashley and Taylor to be brought over, he was caught off guard. Did he really just agree to my demand that easily? Is Solivair the kind of man who gives in so quickly? Arthur had his doubts. But right now, the only thing keeping all three of them alive—himself, Ashley, and Taylor—was the information he held. Otherwise, with Solivair’s personality, he’d have killed them all already.To him, adding three more bodies was as easy as flipping a switch. No guilt. No hesitation. Moments later, Ashley and Taylor were brought in. Ever since Arthur had been taken out of the room, the two of them had been consumed with worry. Finally being brought to see him brought some relief—they were visibly happy. Just seeing him, knowing he was alive and seemingly unharmed, let them breathe a little easier. “Arthur!” Both of them called out to him, voices full of emotion. Seeing them, Arthur’s heart ached. He pressed his lips together, trying not to let his emotions show. Zac brought them in and tied them up across from Arthur before quietly backing out of the room again, as respectful as ever. Seeing Ashley and Taylor, a twisted smirk curled on Solivair’s lips. He slowly stood and began walking toward them. Step by step, he drew closer to Ashley—and in his eyes was a gleam of cruelty, of menace that made Arthur’s blood run cold. That smile—it wasn’t the smile of a man willing to let them go. Arthur realized it instantly. He didn’t bring them here to set us free.