The Corsica mansion was dim, cramped, and stale. Candles flickered, throwing shadows across the small round table that doubled as dining space and office.
Yinling sat cheerfully, hands folded, waiting for the food. Yu Jia scowled as always. Baron Bibu's face was stern. Adam's gaze stayed cold and fixed on Cheno, the fat man shuffling between kitchen and table with plates stacked high.
How had he come back? Adam's eyes flicked over him, measuring, calculating. The thief didn't break his word… rats didn't betray. Even the lowliest thief wouldn't cut off his own profit, not when Adam was the source.
Cheno finally placed all the dishes on the table, forcing a smile that barely reached his eyes. He sliced the fragrant beef and set portions on each plate with exaggerated care.
"Adam… sir. I apologize for my previous offense. It was my fault." He lowered his head slightly, hands trembling as he placed a slice on Adam's plate.
Adam exhaled, slow and deliberate. He tilted his head, watching the shadows from the candlelight ripple across Cheno's sweat-streaked face. A small smile formed. "Previous offense? I've long forgotten. Thank you for your effort today, Secretary Cheno."
Bibu's nod was subtle but satisfied. Cheno, usually reckless, had shown wisdom this time—admitting fault and using that single gold coin he'd taken from Bibu to buy all this food.
Adam's kindness was a mask. One wrong move, and Cheno would be back in the prison cells without hesitation. Mercy to this kind of man was cruelty to himself.
With dishes finally set, Adam picked up a piece of beef, rolling it slightly on his fork. His eyes swept the table, noting every detail—the wine, the candles, the tremor in Cheno's hands.
"This meal isn't cheap," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
"No kidding. All bought with… that gold coin from the other day. Adam, please forgive me for the trouble." Cheno's voice was oily, aimed clearly at Bibu's ears.
Adam's eyes flicked to the wine jug. He poured himself a small sip, then Yu Jia, scanning the reactions around him.
"That coin? Heard you got caught by the patrol for a fight. They confiscated it?" Adam teased lightly, watching Cheno's shoulders stiffen.
"I want some too!" Yinling lifted her cup toward him.
Cheno nodded quickly, pouring for her. "I was innocent. The patrol cleared it up and returned my coin."
Adam tilted his fork, tapping it gently on his plate. The subtle twitch in Cheno's jaw, the quick glance to the candlelight—he noticed it all.
Yinling's fingers twitched on the edge of her cup, a faint grin tugging at her lips as if daring Yu Jia to spill his act. She caught Adam's eyes for a heartbeat, then leaned slightly forward, keeping her balance on the chair like a cat poised to pounce.
Yu Jia was oblivious. He drank heavily, cup after cup, pretending to drown worries. Cheno's gaze never left him, tight and calculating.
Adam tilted his head, noting the sweat beading on Cheno's forehead, the slight blanching of his face with each sip Yu Jia took. He tapped the wine glass softly—a quiet signal, precise and controlled.
Better end this soon.
He lifted the wine jug, tilting a cup toward Baron Bibu.
"I… I don't drink!" Bibu stammered, clutching the cup.
"One cup only. Consider it thanks for your hospitality." Adam's hand pressed the cup firmly in front of him, eyes flicking to Bibu. A faint furrow in the baron's brow betrayed hesitation.
Yinling mirrored him, lifting her cup toward Yu Jia.
Yu Jia hesitated, then lifted his own. The act was small, but the signals were clear. Everyone here followed Adam's lead.
Adam's eyes flicked again to Bibu. The baron set his cup down slowly, fingers lingering on the rim, his body stiffening as he glanced toward Adam.
Adam finally called out, voice clear: "Thanks for your care, Baron Bibu!"
"Thanks, Baron Bibu!" Yinling chimed in.
"Thanks for Cheno's hospitality!" Yu Jia slurred, grinning at everyone, pretending drunkenness.
"I should be the one thanking you!" Bibu sighed.
"Cheers—!"
They drank. Bibu leaned back, eyes glassy, savoring the warmth.
The dinner continued… until Bibu suddenly swayed and collapsed with a thud.
"Baron! Are you okay?" Cheno lunged, lifting him while glancing at Adam.
Yinling fell dramatically beside them, one hand pressed against her lips, another slightly extended—her movement precise, teasing, yet deliberate.
"What's wrong? I'm a doctor—let me help!" Yu Jia ran over.
"My head… dizzy." Adam staggered slightly, pressing a hand to his temple before dropping to the floor with a controlled thud. His lips parted, forming words humans couldn't hear: "Understood? If not, you'll die."
Yu Jia's eyes widened. He glanced at the wine jug before hitting the floor.
Seeing the pattern, Cheno's expression shifted from confidence to alarm. He stepped back, eyes darting to the door.
"Hmph! I thought the drug failed!" He kicked Yu Jia sharply, moving to the door and unlocking it.
"Inside secured!" Cheno whispered.
A shadow moved swiftly through the doorway, followed by three more figures.
"That guy drank first—I thought the drug failed," Cheno muttered, fawning.
The leader crouched beside Adam, candlelight catching his face. Young. Brown hair. White Greek tunic. Biggs—the deputy captain who'd blocked Adam at the gate.
He studied Adam's still form for a long, silent moment. Then a small, cruel smile curved his lips. He reached down, grasping one of the nearest captives.
"Bind them. Start with this one," he said, voice low, deliberate. His eyes flicked to Adam, and for a heartbeat, the candle flames shivered as if holding their breath.