That morning, Rayden Wolfe drove himself and his new, sharp-tongued secretary Rachel to the Wolfe Group headquarters.
The luxury black vehicle cruised smoothly through the gates, pulling into the parking lot designated for executives. The moment the car stopped, Rachel opened the door and stepped out gracefully in her heels.
"I'm going to check on the investment division's schedule and personnel. As for your bodyguard—pick him yourself. You're capable enough." Her voice was cool and efficient.
She turned, her hips swaying with each step, and disappeared into the building.
Rayden chuckled. "Still as spirited as ever."
After parking, he made his way toward the Wolfe Group Security Department. As he approached the entrance, the department manager—a broad-shouldered man in his forties—stepped forward quickly to greet him with a slight bow.
"Young Master Wolfe! Welcome!"
Rayden raised a brow. "I'm working in the company now. My title is Vice President of Wolfe Investments. Call me Vice President Wolfe from now on."
"Yes! Of course, Vice President Wolfe!" the manager said cheerfully.
On their short walk to the training hall, the manager flattered Rayden no less than a dozen times.
"You look even more impressive than your father at your age!"
"A true prodigy! The board is talking about you already!"
Rayden grinned wryly. Flattery is good. Too much, though, is exhausting.
The two stepped into the main training hall of the security division. Inside, tall and muscular men were either lifting weights, checking surveillance feeds, or maintaining the facility's high-tech equipment. It was a picture of discipline and readiness.
The manager clapped loudly. "Attention, everyone! Line up!"
The security staff immediately responded. Except for two monitoring personnel who remained at their stations, the rest quickly gathered and stood in neat formation, forming three rows.
The manager took a step forward and addressed them in a booming voice.
"This young man beside me is Vice President Rayden Wolfe, heir to the Wolfe Group and current head of our investment subsidiary! As per company policy, he is entitled to select a personal bodyguard from among our elite security division. This is a rare opportunity, so I expect you all to be on your best behavior. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir!" the guards barked in unison.
"Now, let Vice President Wolfe say a few words!"
Applause echoed through the room.
Rayden raised a hand, and the room quieted.
"I don't like to waste time," he said with a relaxed smile. "Just remember this—follow me, and you'll live well."
Simple. Direct. Impactful.
The manager clapped enthusiastically. "Well said! Powerful words! So meaningful!"
Rayden blinked. This guy really doesn't know when to stop.
The manager leaned toward him. "Vice President Wolfe, would you like to choose based on our records? Or perhaps by observation?"
Rayden shook his head. "No need. Let them step forward. I like people who take initiative."
Two men immediately took a confident step forward.
One of them was the man Rayden had come here for: a loyal and skilled fighter from his past life, someone he knew could be trusted.
But the second man… made Rayden's expression subtly shift.
That face. That name. That aura.
What are you doing here?!
Adam Ye. 28 years old. On paper, he was just an average security guard with decent combat scores and no disciplinary issues. But Rayden knew better.
Behind the humble resume was a monster.
A man who had once ruled the mercenary world as the God of War. His hands were stained with blood from hundreds of missions. Thousands had died under his blade. But somewhere along the way, he tired of war, of death, of vengeance.
So he came back to the city.
And became a security guard. Hiding in plain sight. Pretending to be nothing.
But that wasn't the scariest part.
He was also reborn.
Just like Rayden, Adam had retained the memories of his past life. And those memories were filled with bitter hatred.
Because in that life, Adam had started his journey working as a bodyguard for the Belvedere Group. There, he met Chu Ruoxue, the stunning CEO of the company. Their story followed the perfect web novel template: a cold female president and her overpowered protector falling in love against all odds.
But then Rayden had appeared.
With his absurd intellect, his mysterious knowledge of future trends, and his overwhelming charisma, he stole the spotlight.
He stole the money.
He stole the prestige.
And worst of all—he stole Chu Ruoxue.
In the blink of an eye, Adam had gone from prince of the shadows to a humiliated joke. Rayden had torn down every support system he'd built. He'd crushed his mercenary network, destroyed his reputation, and crippled him in their final battle.
Then, just like that, he was exiled from the nation. A fugitive with no future.
That humiliation had festered in Adam's soul.
So when he was given a second chance, he made a vow.
This time… I will destroy him.
But Rayden was too perfect—too powerful, too precise. He was like a flawless machine with no weaknesses. So instead of confronting him head-on, Adam devised a new plan.
Approach. Lurk. Gain trust. And when the moment comes—strike.
And now, here he was. Standing beside Rayden, hand raised confidently.
The two men locked eyes.
Rayden smiled thinly. You too, huh?
Adam smiled back, calm and polite. But in his eyes burned an inferno.
I will take everything from you.