The moment I said that, Julian hung up.

I paid him no mind, instead saying firmly to the head of security, who wore a troubled expression, "Your boss personally promised this to me."

"Just give him to me. I'll handle the rest."

"It's not that, Miss Vance. You don't understand. This guy, Ryder... he's from Brooklyn, and his personality is, let's just say, vicious and unstable."

"He's already severely injured three of the club's clients and even killed an opponent in the ring. We were actually planning to dispose of him tomorrow."

"Dispose of him?"

Staring at that face, which was covered in blood and grime but still couldn't hide its stunning beauty, I raised my voice without thinking.

What a joke. For years, I’d put up with Julian for two simple reasons: his family's immense power, and a face that was, even in our circle, my absolute type.

Now that I'd seen a face that surpassed his, how could I possibly let it go?

Still, if he was truly that untamable, it would be a problem.

As I was pondering how to tame this beast, the head of security suddenly nodded at the guard by the cage.

Before I could react, the guard pulled out a terrifying electric baton and brought it down viciously on Ryder.

He was already covered in wounds, lying on the ground half-dead. Although his body instinctively tried to dodge, the baton still smashed cruelly against his leg.

In an instant, a roar of agony tore from his throat, like the last cry of a dying beast.

That sound of absolute agony, to my ears, sounded so damn sweet.

But just as I was about to claim him, the head of security suddenly said, "Miss Vance, I hear the Vance Group is collaborating with Mr. Julian on a massive real estate project."

"Your brother, Ethan, has been eyeing that project for a long time, but Mr. Julian insists on working with you directly."

"Mr. Julian may be having a bit of a scandal right now, but at the end of the day, which man in our circle is completely clean?"

"The Vance family isn't his best option for a marriage alliance, but he insisted on you. He knows you."

"What good will it do you to anger him now over a little plaything? Besides, there are so many obedient men out there. Why insist on the one he's already marked for disposal?"

"Miss Vance, you're a smart woman. You should think very carefully about my words."

My gaze turned cold, and I was about to teach this insolent prick a lesson, but on second thought, what he said, though presumptuous, wasn't entirely without reason.

From a purely business standpoint, falling out with Julian over a man wasn't a smart trade.

But as I hesitated, a scar-covered hand suddenly grabbed my heel.

I subconsciously wanted to step back, but my gaze met a pair of eyes, weak yet strikingly beautiful.

The man said nothing, just looked at me with a half-pleading gaze. Seeing my silence, he dejectedly retracted his hand.

Only then did I realize he hadn't actually touched me. His fingers had only hovered over my skin, leaving the spot he'd "touched" just as smooth as before.

The head of security frowned, about to order the guard to drag Ryder away.

But the next second, I leaned down and took hold of the hand that had wanted to, but dared not, touch me. I gave a soft, knowing smile.

"Ryder, is it?"

"From today on, you're my dog."

"For life. No take-backs."