Six years ago. Leon was thirteen years old.

  It had been two years since his grandfather died. One year since Iris's grandfather had passed away—the last of her family after her parents died in a car accident when she was three.

  Leon's life had changed after his grandfather's death, but not in the way he'd expected. The Remeria family had taken over funding his living expenses. It was luxury compared to what came later—a comfortable apartment, good schools, everything he needed provided without question.

  His grandfather's final request: take care of Leon until he turns sixteen.

  After that, he'd be on his own.

  But even with the financial support, the distance between him and Iris had grown into a complete void. He hadn't seen her since her grandfather's funeral a year ago. Hadn't spoken to her. She existed in a world he could barely comprehend now.

  Then the invitation arrived.

  A celebration. Iris Remeria, at fourteen years old, was officially taking complete control of the Remeria Group. The event would be held on a private island—one of many properties owned by the family.

  Leon stared at the invitation for a long time. He was going to see her. After a whole year, he'd actually see her again.

  He knew she probably wouldn't want to talk to him. Knew he might not even get close to her with all the important people who'd be there. But still. He could see her. That was enough.

  The journey to the island was surreal.

  Leon was escorted by family servants in a luxury vehicle, then a private boat. The island appeared on the horizon—lush, pristine, with a massive structure dominating the landscape. A mansion that looked like it belonged to royalty.

  The event was scheduled for three days. Leon arrived on the first day, checking into accommodations that were nicer than anywhere he'd ever stayed.

  The island was filled with guests. Presidents of various countries. The wealthiest people from every region of the world. Celebrities whose faces Leon recognized from magazines and news broadcasts. Representatives from industry-ruling families.

  Everyone was here for her.

  Iris's name was on everyone's lips. Conversations revolved around her—her achievements, her influence, speculation about her plans for the Remeria Group. People used the event to network, to position themselves for political and business advantages.

  But Iris herself was nowhere to be seen.

  The first two days passed in a blur of extravagant events. Galas, presentations, networking sessions. Leon attended what he could, feeling completely out of place among people who controlled nations and industries.

  No one recognized him. No one came to greet him. He was just another face in the crowd.

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  The final day arrived. The main reception would be held inside the mansion. Iris was supposed to make her appearance today.

  Leon's nerves had been building all morning. The last two times he'd seen her were at funerals—his grandfather's, then hers. Not exactly situations for happy reunions.

  Though he was not sure if he would even be able to meet her since all these influential authorities are also hoping for just a chance to greet Iris while he is just an ordinary kid who had only watched people like them on television & News reports.

  The reception began in the evening. The mansion's grand hall was overwhelming—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, servers moving through crowds with champagne and elaborate hors d'oeuvres. Everyone who mattered was here, dressed in expensive formal wear, playing their parts in this display of power and influence.

  Leon stood near one of the walls, watching. Waiting.

  An hour passed. Then another. Still no sign of Iris.

  The crowd's energy was building—anticipation mixed with impatience. When would she appear? Everyone was here for her.

  Leon needed air. The crowd, the noise, the nervousness—it was all too much.

  He slipped out of the main hall, looking for a quiet space. The mansion was enormous, hallways branching in multiple directions. He walked aimlessly, just trying to find somewhere out for fresh air.

  Voices ahead made him slow down.

  Three young men stood in a corridor, talking. One of them—tall, expensive suit, confident posture—was speaking loudly while the other two listened.

  "I'm serious," the tall one said. "Iris Remeria. Most beautiful woman in the world, most powerful. Why shouldn't I aim for her?"

  Leon stopped walking.

  "Lucas, you can't be serious," one of the others said nervously. He looked worried.

  "Why not? My family controls half of Asia's manufacturing sector. We're not nobodies."

  "That's not—" the third guy tried.

  "I know what I'm doing." Lucas laughed. "Trust me, I know how to handle women. Once I get close to her—"

  Leon should leave. He should turn around and go back the way he came.

  But then Lucas said it.

  "God, I'd love to kiss her. Just once. Can you imagine?"

  Leon's feet stopped moving.

  "Lucas, stop," one of the others hissed. "If someone hears you—"

  "You shouldn't say things like that," Leon said.

  All three turned. Lucas looked surprised, then annoyed. The other two looked terrified.

  "Who the hell are you?" Lucas asked.

  "That doesn't matter. You should watch what you say about her."

  Lucas studied him, then smirked. "You didn't mention your family. Which means you're nobody important." He stepped closer. "Let me guess—you have some pathetic crush on her? Join the club, kid."

  "Just stop talking."

  "Or what?" Lucas's smirk widened. "You know what? Let me tell you about my experience with women. I've had dozens. Some willing, some not so much. My father's very good at making problems disappear, if you know what I mean."

  The other two guys exchanged horrified looks.

  "We should go," one of them said quickly.

  "We have nothing to do with this," the other added. They practically ran down the hallway, leaving Lucas alone with Leon.

  Lucas watched them go, irritated. Then he turned back to Leon, noticing how his words were affecting him.

  "Oh, you really do have feelings for her. That's adorable." He stepped closer. "Let me paint you a picture. Once I get Iris alone—and I will—I'll show her exactly how experienced I am. I've tamed plenty of girls. She'll be no different."

  "Stop."

  "Why? Does it bother you? Thinking about what I'll do to her?" Lucas's voice dropped lower, more vulgar. "Let me tell you exactly what I'm planning—"

  "Stop talking."

  Lucas laughed and moved even closer. Then he slapped Leon across the face.

  "What are you going to do about it, nobody? You think—"

  Lucas said one more thing. Something explicit, something vile about what he wanted to do to Iris.

  Something snapped.

  Leon's fist moved before he consciously decided.

  One punch.

  Lucas flew backward, hitting the wall. The sound was wrong—something cracking. He slid down, gasping, clutching his ribs.

  He tried to get up. Failed. Blood poured from his mouth.

  Lucas convulsed, eyes wide with shock and pain. He tried to speak but only more blood came out.

  His body twitched once.

  Twice.

  Then went still.

  Dead.