A pause.
The two exchanged a knowing look.
The next moment, they slammed their glasses onto the table and strode out of the place together—leaving the party behind for something far more entertaining.
***
Sebastian’s car screeched to a stop outside Gabriel’s house.
Several black cars were already parked haphazardly along the street.
Sawyer whistled softly. “Holy shit… he’s furious.”
Sebastian glanced around, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “He’sreallypissed.”
They stepped out and headed inside. The front door had been completely shattered—wood splintered, hinges torn clean off. The house echoed with loud crashes… and muffled screams.
The moment they entered the living room, they saw the source of the noises.
Gabriel was being dragged up the massive staircase by two men. His body was limp, his face swollen and bloodied, eyes barely able to open. Judging by the bruises and cuts covering him, this wasn’t the first time.
And then—
They pushed him.
Gabriel’s body tumbled down the stairs again, hitting each step with a sickening thud.
Across the stairs, Alexander sat calmly on a single couch.
A cigarette rested between his fingers as he leaned back, one leg crossed over the other—an embodiment of cold, mercilessauthority. His eyes never left the scene as he took a slow drag, smoke curling lazily around his face.
Without a word, he watched his men drag Gabriel up again.
And push.
Again.
The maids of Gabriel’s house were restrained by Alexander’s men, terror etched across their faces. The butler stood shaking, tears streaming as he dropped to his knees.
“Mr. Graves, please!” he begged, voice breaking. “Please forgive Mr. Kennedy. He made a mistake. He didn’t know better. He’s the only son of our family—please, they’ll be devastated if something happens to him!”
Alexander didn’t even look at him.
Another crash echoed as Gabriel’s body hit the stairs again.
Suddenly, loud heels thundered through the house. Sawyer and Sebastian turned just in time to see a woman storm inside, her heavy makeup unable to hide the fury twisting her face.
Sebastian leaned closer to Sawyer and murmured, “Looks like the bastard’s mother.”
Sawyer snickered. “Judging from that face shape? Definitely.”
The woman marched straight toward Alexander, pointing a trembling finger at him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Graves? You think just because your family is powerful you can hurt my son? I’ve already called the police. Just wait—let’s see what they’ll do to you!”
Alexander didn’t spare her a glance.
She froze when another sickening thud echoed from the stairs. Her head snapped around just in time to see Gabriel being shoved down again.
“No—oh my God!” she screamed, rushing toward the stairs.
