Landon King was infamous for using people like pieces on a chessboard, sacrificing them without hesitation for his own gain. But unlike a true strategist, there was no "greater good" in his game—only his advantage.

His carefully controlled world shifted the day someone dared to humiliate him. The sibling of an enemy—reckless, foolish—thought it would be amusing to drench him in pig’s blood as a "harmless prank." They had no idea what they had just done. Landon’s interest was never a gift; it was a curse. And now, they had his full attention.

He watched as the prank spiraled out of control, their confidence unraveling into panic. He stepped in, pulling them out of the chaos before they even realized what was happening.

His expression remained unreadable as he slipped off his jacket, draping it over their trembling shoulders. He pressed it down firmly, grounding them.

Lowering himself to their level, he met their gaze, voice steady and firm. “Do you want to go?”