"Woah wait a minute. Are you telling me that you have been the Lotus clan's head these past few years after you disappeared," Evander asked while being completely shocked.

"Yeah, what about it," Alex smirked and acted nonchalant.

"Why hide your identity," Anthony asked finding Alex strange for hiding such a big secret.

"I was once told I'm useless and in fact at the time it was true," Alex answered. "Back then, all I did was party and waste time. I changed myself and now here I am." 

Andrew looked at him and twisted Alex's ear. "Ouch, what the hell," Alex yelled.

"I'm proud of you, but remember that day when your men attacked me, I would have never killed you," Andrew said with darkened eyes before letting go of Alex's ear.

"I know I did some stupid shit back then and I told you I'm sorry," Alex said with sadness and regret in his eyes.

Andrew insisted that apologies don't change things and Alex asked if they could let it go. Andrew glared at him, but Alex refused to be the scared little brother he used to be.

"Oh, by the way I brought you Jessica. She is all yours now," Alex smiled. "I'll go bring her in.”

Jessica followed Alex down the shadowy hallway of the Dragon Clan Base, her heels clicking nervously against the cold marble floor. She couldn't shake the unease settling over her, but Alex’s cool demeanor lulled her into false security.

"This way," Alex said, opening a heavy wooden door at the end of the hall.

Jessica hesitated but stepped inside, only to freeze at the sight before her. Andrew sat at the head of the room, his arms crossed and a sinister smirk playing on his lips. Tristan leaned casually against a wall, and Anthony observed her with an unreadable expression. Evander stood by the door, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"Welcome home, my dear ex-fiancée," Andrew said mockingly.

Jessica spun on her heel, attempting to run back toward Alex, but he stepped inside and shut the door. Her heart dropped as she turned to him with pleading eyes. "Alex, what’s happening? Take me away from here!"

"Why would I do that?" Alex asked, tilting his head with a lazy smile. "This is exactly where you belong."

"Traitor!" she screamed. "How can you betray me?"

Alex stepped closer, his tone ice-cold. "Betray you? Oh, Jessica, you fell into my trap. Meet Alex King, Andrew’s younger brother."

The color drained from Jessica’s face. "No… no, that’s not true! You’re lying!" she screamed, stumbling backward.

"Take her," Andrew ordered calmly.

Guards descended on Jessica before she could react, pinning her arms and dragging her into a chair. She screamed and flailed as the reality of her situation set in.

"How long did you think you could run your schemes without facing the consequences?" Andrew’s voice was low, dangerous. "You played your games for too long, Jessica."

Jessica turned her eyes to Alex, searching for some shred of mercy, but he only stared back, emotionless. "You’re all the same," she spat, trembling. "I’ll get out of this. Just you wait!"

Anthony stepped forward, his calm, collected tone a sharp contrast to the chaos Jessica exuded. "Take her to solitary confinement."

Jessica was dragged out of the room, kicking and screaming. "You’ll regret this, Andrew! All of you will!"

Jessica’s cell was dark and cold. She screamed for hours, her voice hoarse as she begged to be let out. Darren stood guard, his arms crossed as he glared at her through the bars.

"Shut up," Darren finally growled. "Or I’ll shut you up myself."

Selene entered the room, her presence an immediate contrast to Jessica’s desperate state. Jessica smirked, trying to size up the woman. "Who’s this, your maid?" she sneered.

"A bitch like you should know one when she sees one," Selene replied, a wicked grin playing on her lips.

Jessica’s smirk dropped as she stepped forward and attempted to slap Selene, only to find her wrist caught in a vice-like grip. Selene twisted Jessica’s arm, forcing her to cry out in pain. "Don’t test me," Selene warned, her voice laced with venom.

"Let me go, you whore!" Jessica spat, struggling to free herself.

Selene released her with a shove, causing Jessica to stumble. Jessica’s desperation took a new turn as she turned to Darren, lifting her skirt slightly and biting her lip seductively. "You," she cooed, "can help me. I’ll make it worth your while."

Darren’s expression darkened in disgust. "Maintain your distance," he said coldly.

"Come on," Jessica purred, inching closer. "I can make all your dreams come true."

Before she could utter another word, Darren’s hand flew across her face with a resounding slap. Jessica crumpled to the floor, clutching her cheek in shock.

"Do you think you can seduce my husband?" Selene laughed. "You’re pathetic."

Jessica looked between the two, finally realizing their relationship. "You two deserve each other," she muttered bitterly.

"Stop your drama," Darren barked, grabbing Selene’s hand and heading for the door. Jessica called after them, "Is Natalie here?"

Darren paused, his voice cold and detached. "She came a few weeks ago. She’s close to death."

Jessica’s curiosity spiked. "Can I see her?"

Selene smirked. "Sure, in hell. You’ll meet her soon enough."

Before Jessica could retort, the door swung open, and Andrew walked in, his expression chilling. His presence was oppressive, his aura suffocating.

"Let us speak, my dear ex-fiancée," he said, his voice dripping with malice as he approached her like a predator stalking its prey.

Jessica scrambled backward as Andrew towered over her. "You don’t scare me!" she tried to sound defiant, but her trembling voice betrayed her.

Andrew crouched down to her level, his face mere inches from hers. "You should be scared," he said softly, his smile unnerving. "You’ve made enemies out of all the wrong people, Jessica. I’ll enjoy watching you pay for what you’ve done."

Jessica whimpered as Andrew stood and looked at Darren and Selene. "Prepare her," he ordered. "Her punishment starts tonight."

As Andrew walked out of the room, Jessica screamed after him, "Andrew, don’t do this! Please!"

Her cries were met with silence.

In the hallway, Andrew paused as Alex leaned casually against the wall, watching him. "Satisfied?" Alex asked.

Andrew gave a small nod. "For now."