As the man coldly pushed her aside, Angel couldn't shake the feeling of insignificance in his presence. It was a humbling experience, momentarily taming her typically assertive demeanor. Unfazed by the encounter, she allowed herself a moment of introspection.

"I've never felt anything like this before, but why did I feel like I have encountered this man before" Angel mumbled to herself, her voice barely audible. The scent that teased her memory persisted, a puzzle piece that refused to fit into place. "Where have I sensed this before?"

Her mental gears turned, attempting to unravel the mystery. The man's departure left Angel at the threshold of uncertainty, grappling with questions that begged for answers. In her world, where power dictated much, this encounter had shifted her perspectives, leaving her with more questions than resolutions.

Angel, her curiosity piqued, tentatively stepped into Mary's office. The air in the room was charged with an unusual tension, and Mary's disheveled appearance only deepened the mystery. As Angel took in the sight, Mary's murmurs reached her ears, revealing a vulnerability that sharply contrasted with her usual demeanor.

"Mary, what happened? Who was that guy?" Angel queried, her voice laced with concern. She had never seen Mary in such a state, and the encounter with the enigmatic Young Master seemed to have left a lasting impression.

Mary, still grappling with the aftermath, looked up at Angel, her eyes betraying a mix of fear and uncertainty. "That... That was Ni Yang," she admitted, her voice quivering. "He and Selina were acquainted, but I do not know how he knew Nexus. I heard he is very peaceful but It was like he transformed into someone else" She paused and lips and continued "Someone ruthless protecting Nexus."

Angel's eyes widened in disbelief. Nexus, the seemingly affable young master she knew, had such a dangerous person protecting him. It was like the Nexus she knew had metamorphosized into a formidable and unyielding figure. It was a revelation that challenged her understanding of the person she thought she knew.

"He... he threatened me," Mary continued, her hands trembling as she recounted the encounter. "Said he'd break my neck if I didn't stay away from Nexus. It was like he had no mercy, no remorse."

The gravity of Mary's words hung in the air, leaving Angel with a sense of unease.

---------------------

In a dimly lit room adorned with an array of ancient artifacts, Calvin, the patriarch of the household, and Wood's father. He was lounged in an intricately carved chair. The room exuded a serene atmosphere, heightened by the fragrance of steeping lemon tea and the presence of well-preserved books lining the shelves.

Wood had just returned home in a state of disarray, his usually composed demeanor replaced by visible agitation. The manor guards, initially befuddled by his uncharacteristic appearance, recognized him through the familiar arrogance that accompanied his swagger. "Open the damned door" he jerked as he got close to them. The guards hurriedly did as he commanded.

Entering his father's presence, Wood's disheveled appearance drew Calvin's attention away from the aged tomes. Calvin's initial surprise morphed into genuine concern as he questioned, "Wood, where have you been? What happened to you?"

Caught between embarrassment and the urge to share his recent exploits, Wood hesitated before recounting the events involving Tiffany. The room's calmness wavered as Wood, animatedly sharing tales of his attempts to corner Tiffany and exploit her shapeshifting abilities, unknowingly disrupted the tranquility.

"I thought I had her, Father! But the way she transformed – it was like nothing I've ever seen," Wood exclaimed, oblivious to the growing disapproval etched across Calvin's face.

Calvin listened attentively, his concern evolving into a stern frown. As Wood unraveled the details of his reckless actions, the room crackled with tension. "Wood, you can't just exploit someone like that. What were you thinking?" Calvin's reprimand hung heavily in the air.

Wood, stung by the rebuke, attempted to justify himself. "Father, you don't understand. This could give us an advantage over the James family. I was only trying to—"

Before he could finish, Calvin's patience wore thin. In a swift and unyielding gesture, Calvin's hand met Wood's cheek in a resounding slap – a visceral response to his son's heedless behavior.

The room echoed with the aftermath of the impulsive revelation. Wood, nursing the sting on his cheek, found himself standing in a silent chamber. His attempts to impress his father with tales of exploits had backfired, leaving him to grapple with the weight of his father's disapproval.

Wood, still reeling from the unexpected slap, stared at his father with a mix of surprise and dejection. The room seemed to hold its breath as Wood mustered the courage to question his father's actions.

"Why did you slap me, Father?" Wood's voice carried a tone of both hurt and confusion. He couldn't fathom why his attempt to impress his father had ended in such a manner.

Calvin, his anger palpable, glared at Wood. "Are you so blinded by your desires that you can't see the reality in front of you?" Calvin's voice was stern, his disappointment cutting through the air. Wood's eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of the situation.

"Angel is Mary's subordinate, Wood," Calvin continued, his anger now tinged with frustration. "Everything she does is at Mary's bidding. You were played like a pawn in Mary's game, and you couldn't even see through it." The words landed like a harsh truth, and Wood felt a sinking realization settle in.

Wood knew, deep down, that Mary and Angel had a connection, but his desires and ambitions had clouded his judgment. Calvin's words were a stark reminder of his own blindness, a painful acknowledgment of being manipulated by forces he failed to comprehend.

Calvin's anger had stemmed not just from Wood's recklessness but from his failure to grasp the intricacies of the situation.

Calvin's concern for Tiffany's safety outweighed his anger at Wood's foolish actions. With a sense of urgency, he questioned Wood about Tiffany's well-being when they last crossed paths.

"How was Tiffany when you left the scene?" Calvin's tone was urgent, a father's worry etched on his face.

Wood, feeling a pang of guilt, replied, "She was holding her ground against the two mysterious men. Her transformation gave her an edge in the fight."

Calvin's expression shifted from worry to dejection. He knew that Tiffany's safety was now hanging in the balance. In response, he summoned one of the guards stationed outside his door.

"Go to the James manor immediately," Calvin ordered the guard. "Find out if Tiffany is alright and report back to me."

The guard, recognizing the gravity of the situation, bowed respectfully and hurried off to carry out the urgent mission.

In the tense silence that followed, Calvin turned his stern gaze back to Wood. The anger in his eyes was accompanied by a heavy disappointment. "You better pray nothing happened to her," Calvin spoke with a cold certainty. "If anything bad has befallen Tiffany, you will face the consequences of your actions alone."

Wood's face darkened, the weight of his impulsive decisions sinking in. His legs felt weak, and an overwhelming sense of regret washed over him. In that moment, as he awaited news of Tiffany's fate, Wood found himself grappling with the consequences of his own recklessness.

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