"BREAKING NEWS! January 3, 2025: A £5,000,000 ($6,100,000 USD) 20-carat black diamond, 'The KSI Eclipse,' was stolen from KSI Headquarters in London. Authorities are searching for possible suspects and urge witnesses to contact them with information." Stan grinned while listening to the news on the large TV in the living room. "Center of attention, aren't we? You're all over the news." He beamed at the guy holding a pistol in his right hand and a rug in his left, cleaning it spotless.The guy smiled proudly and continued his chore. After cleaning the pistol, he adopted a stance and aimed at the range target shaped like a human figure. His shot was spot-on, right on the head. "Let's go?" he asked Stan, as they were about to head to a special room in the mansion.Just then, his friends arrived. "Wow, the price of the items you stole has gone up," Marco said, making himself comfortable on the sofa. "Yeah, care to share how you managed to steal it? I want to learn from the best," Ven asked, raising an eyebrow and mimicking Marco's casual pose on the sofa.He turned to them with an innocent look. If Marco and Ven didn't know better, they would have believed the moron."You stole the black diamond, Kane. We know you did." Instead of responding, he gestured for them to follow him. All of them proceeded to the secret room.It wasn't the first time Marco and Ven had been there, but they were still in awe as they roamed their eyes around. The room was simple, with cream-colored plain walls, tiles, and a ceiling. What made the room exceptional were the paintings hovering all around. Realistic and conceptual paintings surrounded them, notable and worth a second glance.When they noticed the latest painting by Kane, they immediately glanced at him with astonishment. It was the black diamond! Stan, standing beside Kane, smiled haughtily and stared at the newest addition to his dear friend and master's collection. The painting was life-like; it felt like you could touch the diamond and pick it up."I know you're a great artist, and I've seen your works multiple times already, but I'm still in awe," Ven said. Just as he was about to touch the painting, Kane swiftly slapped his hand away, earning him a pout from Ven. "No touching."All of them scanned the place and after they were content, they left the room. "Go, I'll have to go somewhere too after this" Kane stated as he mockingly told them to leave him alone."Can we just lounge here instead? I just arrived from New York, and I haven't slept a minute. Spare me, Kane," Marco said, before grunting and plopping himself down on the sofa once again, acting as if he owned the place."Ahuh, me too. I only have two hours of sleep because I have to finish my research. Don't you feel bad for us? Hmm?" The two nonchalantly lay on the sofa, and Ven opened his phone, thus ignoring everyone afterwards."Thick faces," he muttered, as if it was his fault that they were sleep-deprived. Stan nodded in agreement. "You'd think they'd at least have the decency to get a hotel room," he added. "These freeloaders."But before long, Marco was fast asleep, and Ven seemed completely detached from the world, glued to his phone. A minute later, his phone slipped from his grasp as he dozed off. Kane and Stan exchanged a knowing glance and began to tidy up.This is one of those days he has been looking forward to. He wants to return to where he should be seated—his throne.He's just taking back what's his to begin with.He swiftly took the pistol from his pocket and slid it into his duffle bag's secret compartment. No one would have known that behind all these paintbrushes, palettes, extra clothes, camera, and all the normal things an artist might bring– is a pistol fully loaded and ready to blow.With the help of Stan, they contacted the gallery a month ago where the solo exhibit will occur. They arranged everything and sent an invitation to influential people and media. Everyone who has a special and high status will be there, and he made sure that– that special someone will also attend.With a wide grin, Stan tapped his shoulders and smiled at him. 'This is the start.'The solo exhibition was held in Vanguard Gallery. All of those careful brush strokes were at full show and they're earning attention– attention that's well deserved. It doesn't even look like an art exhibition event but rather a gathering, a cocktail party atleast where social elites are talking to each other and securing opportunities and connections.High-profile people were hovering everywhere, and selling those paintings was the least of their concerns. All of them were sold in a split second. For all of this to happen, one figure was to be honored. And that's none other than Kane Soren Vitali—the youngest renowned artist of the generation. At a young age, he made a name in the world of art. He pushed through his career, no matter the consequences, and he's now known as an inspiration, especially to the youth who have the same aspirations in life. He's a refined figure, a respected one—or at least that's his reputation and that's what he's known to be."Is it okay that we just left Marco and Ven?" Stan, who was beside Kane, asked Kane as he sipped his wine. "Just let them be, they won't cause any trouble," Kane said with a shrug. Those two were not his priority at the moment, and he knew they could take care of themselves.Stan started to voice his concerns, "What if someone attacks while-" but Kane silenced him with a gentle gesture, placing his index finger in front of his lips. Stan's words trailed off, and he clamped his mouth shut. Perhaps Stan's worry stemmed from his limited knowledge of Kane and his friends. After all, Stan had only been around for a year and had only seen Marco and Ven four times during that entire period.On the other hand, Kane was just relaxing and observing everyone. He was greeting some people from time to time as he kept receiving congratulatory messages. His eyes were looking for a certain something—or should we say someone. As peaceful and composed as he looked, his eyes were hunting for a certain prey. It never stopped roaming around silently until it landed at the entrance of the gallery.A man wearing a suit and being accompanied by high-ranking officials and other subordinates, like they were protecting him, was slowly walking towards him. He might look pleased by his presence from the outside, but his insides were screaming in hatred. The man stopped in front of him. Kane felt it; he felt like all his blood had been drained, and his body turned cold when the man's gaze met his. It was as if those eyes he was looking at were dead. Lifeless, with no emotion visible, as the man in front spoke."King Kairos Marchetti" That man—King introduced himself and lent his hand for a handshake. Instead of shaking his hand, Kane was taken aback and blinked because he thought his mind was playing with him. King smiled, a playful curve on his lips, before returning to his stoic demeanor. Kane's blood boiled even more, but he remained calm as he extended his hand, recovering from the smile King had bestowed upon him. He also introduced himself and mocked King's action by smiling too and turning stoic afterwards."Mind chatting with me for a while?—just the two of us?" Kane was adamant, and the fire inside him was raging.