“They’re just babies—barely out of school. Still think the world will coddle them like their parents or teachers?” “Just wait. We might not be able to touch them here, but Mr. Drake will take care of it.” Ashley couldn’t take it anymore. She stepped forward, her voice sharp with anger. “Have you said enough? Arthur already told you—we were assigned to live here! We just came out to get some fresh air! We didn’t sneak in like thieves!” Her cheeks were flushed with rage. She could endure anything—except people humiliating Arthur. But instead of taking her words seriously, the group broke into hysterical laughter. “Hahahaha! Of course they’d say that—birds of a feather, dreaming the same dream!” “A perfect match. Two fools sharing the same fantasy.” “One delusional person is bad enough—now they’ve got a partner. And look at how serious she is! It’s almost cute!” “Honestly, it’d be a shame if Mr. Drake ends them too quickly. These two are hilarious.” “No kidding! If we could keep them around to sing and dance in the backyard, that’d be entertainment gold.” The conversation spiraled from there as they discussed how Arthur and Ashley would be perfect for keeping in their homes as playthings—something lighthearted and amusing. They spoke so casually, like they were deciding what to have for dinner. Arthur and Ashley listened in horror. In a so-called civilized world, people like this actually talk about keeping others in their backyards for amusement? Arthur couldn't help but wonder how many people they had already “collected” for this twisted form of entertainment. These elites had formed a circle of their own. And within it, their cruelty was casual, even gleeful. One of them said, “It’s a privilege for commoners to get the chance to entertain us.” Another added, “Breaking in young ones has a special flavor.”Someone else laughed, “Set them against each other and bet on who survives. That’s where the fun is.” Arthur and Ashley sat in stunned silence. The world these people lived in—it didn’t feel real. They weren’t just rich or powerful. They were monsters in silk suits, lauded by the public and rotten underneath. Both of their faces had gone pale. They glanced at each other, and in that moment, shared the same quiet fear. While the group continued their depraved banter, a man stepped out from the shadows. It was Falls—Mr. Drake’s personal bodyguard. He had come to deliver something to Arthur on Drake’s orders. The moment the others saw him, their laughter and conversation ground to a halt. Like starved dogs catching a scent, they swarmed toward Falls with desperate enthusiasm. “Mr. Falls! What brings you out here personally today?” “If there’s anything we can do for you, just say the word!” “I’ve been trying to meet with you for weeks. Now that you're free, how about a drink?” “No, no—come with me. I brought a rare bottle of aged wine, just for you. You must try it!” “Forget the wine—Mr. Falls, I saved a stunning beauty for you, professionally trained. Let me know if she meets your standards!” Even Solivair, still limping from his injury, rushed forward to try and get in a word. It was no joke—Falls had been at Drake’s side for over ten years. If they could win Falls over, maybe he’d say a few good words on their behalf. If Mr. Drake decided to support them, their power and influence would instantly outstrip the rest. Everyone around them would rush to flatter them. Who wouldn’t want that kind of opportunity? But the problem was—Falls was notoriously cold. He rarely spoke and never reacted to their attempts to cozy up to him. They’d tried for years to get close, but he never gave them the chance.As Drake’s personal and chief bodyguard, Falls usually stuck close to his boss. When he was with Drake, no one dared to approach. Now, finally, they’d caught him alone—and they were scrambling to seize the moment.