Chapter 2 Apex Predator

Left at the doorstep of an orphanage while still wrapped in his infant blankets, Kayce's life began with abandonment.

When he turned six, a nameless stranger appeared and took him as an apprentice.

From that day forward, the man would come and go like a ghost, teaching Kayce the ancient ways of martial arts and the secrets of healing.

At the age of twelve, Kayce left the orphanage and started drifting from place to place across the country.

By the time he turned fifteen, he had started traveling to other countries.

Year after year, he clawed his way upward, forging an empire from dust and ambition, gathering wealth and influence that stretched its fingers into every corner of the world. To most, he was a whisper, a legend, known only as the Crowned.

But fate took a cruel turn two years ago. Betrayed by those he trusted, Kayce suffered devastating wounds and fled back to his homeland, seeking his mentor's aid. Instead, he found assassins lying in wait. A bullet to the head sent him tumbling off a cliff.

Miraculously, he clung to life but awoke without a single memory.

He drifted through life like a shadow for two long years, enduring scorn and ridicule from every side.

Tonight, the missing pieces finally snapped back into place.

He had never been some forgotten stray-he had once stood at the very top, a true apex predator.

Kayce sat up in bed and lit a cigarette.

"Kayce, are you awake?" A gentle voice seeped through the slight opening of the door, carrying a hint of anxiety.

Leyla Morris, Rosalyn's younger sister, stepped inside. Her face, though stunning, carried a fragile sadness, her eyes dull and empty.

There were faint traces of Rosalyn in Leyla's appearance, though Leyla's softer features still had the innocence of youth, lacking Rosalyn's more refined maturity.

Leyla had lived with weakened sight for most of her life. In the past two years, she had gone completely blind and spent most days tucked away in her room.

Yet every time Kayce was wronged, she was the first to offer comfort. Any small treat she got, she always shared with him.

With a gentle grin, Kayce asked softly, "What tipped you off that I was awake?"

Leyla moved forward lightly, her smile playful. "Easy. I followed the smell of your cigarette."

Sliding into the chair next to his bed, she leaned in, her face filled with concern. "Are you hurting badly?"

"Nothing I can't handle," Kayce replied gently.

Leyla puffed her cheeks irritably. "Kevin's such a jerk! Why would he hurt you so badly?"

An amused smile slowly appeared on Kayce's face. "Actually, he did me a favor."

"Really?" Leyla tilted her head curiously.

Kayce gently patted her head. "Just wait a bit longer, Leyla. I'll get your eyesight back-I promise."

With a bright smile, Leyla said, "I know you will. One day you'll have enough money to heal me completely!"

Right then, her phone burst into a harsh ring.

She barely put the phone to her ear before a loud voice shouted angrily, "Leyla! Tell that worthless bum to drag himself over here immediately-your sister's in trouble!"

The furious voice was Sebastian, who hung up before Leyla could reply.

Without wasting a second, Kayce stood up and said, "Don't leave this house or go near the kitchen. Call immediately if something happens."

He bolted out the door before she could even answer.

Knowing their barbecue stall was a magnet for late-night drunks, Kayce grew worried for Rosalyn's safety. He flagged down a cab and hurried toward Charm Street.

Streetlights flashed past rapidly as Kayce sat quietly in the back seat, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

Despite the harsh treatment he'd endured in the Morris household over the past year, he had still found something he'd longed for since childhood-a home.

Even more than that, he had found Rosalyn.

After years of conquering markets and building empires, with everything he could possibly want, no one had ever touched his heart the way she did.

Now that he'd found her, there was no chance he'd let go easily.

For the time being, he kept his past to himself, willing to stay as the unwanted son-in-law, earn her love, and find peace as he healed.

When the time was right, he'd confront the shadows behind the betrayal two years ago.

About fifteen minutes later, Kayce arrived at the barbecue stall to find everything oddly peaceful.

He frowned suspiciously. "Where's the trouble you mentioned?"

Without even looking up from the sizzling grill, Sebastian grumbled, "Cut the nonsense. If I hadn't made something up, you'd still be sleeping like a baby. Who else is going to help out around here tonight?"

With a helpless smile, Kayce could only shake his head.

Normally, he'd spend each night cleaning and serving until past midnight.

If he had not been knocked out earlier, he would have already been up to his elbows in dishes.

Jenessa waved dismissively toward a large basin overflowing with dirty dishes. "Those plates won't clean themselves. Hurry up-we need them soon."

Not a single person bothered to ask how badly he was hurt, but Kayce had long grown used to them not caring.

Grabbing a low stool, he settled by the wall and started scrubbing the plates. Every now and then, he stole a glance at Rosalyn, busy tallying orders and handling bills.

She moved gracefully through the tables in tight jeans, heels clicking rhythmically-elegant, sophisticated, and captivating.

Kayce had encountered countless dazzling women abroad, yet none had ever managed to leave a lasting mark on his heart the way Rosalyn effortlessly did.

But the second Rosalyn turned toward him, he quickly looked away.

Pausing in front of him, Rosalyn asked, "Does it hurt badly?"

After Kevin knocked out Kayce earlier, Rosalyn had desperately wanted him checked at the hospital.

Jenessa, however, had fought hard against it, threatening to cause a scene, leaving Rosalyn with no choice but to back down.

Kayce warmly reassured her, "It's nothing serious. I'm tougher than I look."

In that simple moment, his heart was deeply content.

Rosalyn's concern alone mattered more than everyone else's lack of care.

Right at that moment, Kevin walked into the barbecue stall with a group of flashy-looking men, led by a burly, bald man.

Kevin introduced, "Meet my new buddy, Matthew. He's someone with influence all over Charm Street."

Wearing a smug grin, Matthew said, "If there's ever a problem, just say the word."

Without any shame, his gaze swept over Rosalyn, burning with desire.

Rosalyn gave a slight frown and turned her head away.

Sebastian chuckled. "Kevin, get your friends seated. Order whatever you want-it's on us."

Kevin dragged two tables together and waved for his "friends" to sit down.

Though Rosalyn clearly disliked Matthew, she decided not to openly offend guests Kevin had invited.

Approaching cautiously with a menu, she politely asked, "Have you gentlemen decided what to order?"

"Join us at the table, beautiful," Matthew said boldly, grabbing Rosalyn around the waist, his hand audaciously placed upon her backside.

"Get your hands off me!" Rosalyn shrieked angrily, smacking him across the face with the menu before instinctively backing away.

Nearby, Kayce froze mid-motion while slicing vegetables, eyes flashing dangerously.

Sebastian's imaginary scenario had become frighteningly real-trouble was indeed here.

A sharp chill settled in Matthew's eyes. "You better think long and hard."

Without hesitation, the men near him pushed back their chairs and closed in around Rosalyn.

Rushing to help, Sebastian and Jenessa barely made it a few steps before Matthew's lackeys blocked their path.

Kevin awkwardly stepped in with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, Matthew. Let's calm things down a little..."

With a fierce smack, Matthew struck Kevin hard across the face. "Do you really believe your words matter? If you hadn't invited me to dinner, I wouldn't have spared you a glance."​

Casting a cold look at Leyla, Matthew said, "Get over here and drink with me. Otherwise, I'll smash your family's stall into pieces."

Frozen in shock, Kevin clutched his cheek, too scared to utter a single word.

Rosalyn trembled with anger. "You guys better leave now, or I'm calling the cops!"​

"The cops?" Matthew sneered.​

Sebastian forced a smile. "Please, just leave Rosalyn alone. You and your friends are welcome to eat here anytime, no charge."

"Fuck off!"​ Matthew sneered dismissively, reaching aggressively once more toward Rosalyn.