I felt a strange mix of emotions as I approached the outskirts of Havenwood City. My physical wounds had mostly healed, but the mental scars from Conrad Thornton's betrayal still lingered. The city skyline came into view through my car window—familiar yet somehow different. Perhaps I was the one who had changed.
"Welcome back to Havenwood, sir," my driver said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
I nodded silently. My return wasn't merely about nostalgia. Conrad's influence had run deep here, and I needed to assess the damage, prepare medicines for my ongoing recovery, and most importantly, reassert my authority. No more playing the role of the humble, low-profile businessman. That strategy had almost gotten me killed.
As we pulled up to my compound, I spotted Roman Volkov pacing anxiously near the entrance. His normally composed face was twisted with worry, and he rushed to my car door before it fully stopped.
