The moment the tall man stepped fully into the light, every kidnapper in the warehouse turned deathly pale.

One of them stumbled backward so hard he crashed into a crate.

"T-The Living Demon." His voice shook violently.

Another kidnapper dropped his gun instantly, terror flooding his face. "Dante Moretti."

Even the scar-faced ringleader, who moments ago had been laughing arrogantly, now looked as though his soul had left his body.

Everyone in the underground world knew that name.

Dante Moretti.

The ruler of the Moretti Syndicate.

A man whose influence stretched across continents.

He controlled ports, casinos, weapons routes, black markets, multinational corporations, and entire political circles from the shadows. Rumors claimed ministers bowed to him in secret while mafia bosses kissed the ground beneath his shoes.

And unlike ordinary criminals, Dante was terrifying because he felt nothing.

No mercy.

No hesitation.

No remorse.

Those silver-gray eyes of his were infamous in the underworld. People said being stared at by Dante Moretti felt like standing before death itself. Absolutely cold and inhuman.

The scar-faced kidnapper collapsed to his knees.

"M-Mr. Moretti!" he stammered desperately. "We didn't know this woman belonged to you!"

Dante's expression remained unreadable. "She doesn't."

His deep voice echoed calmly through the warehouse, smooth and elegant despite the terrifying pressure behind it.

Even his voice was beautiful and dangerously magnetic.

The kind of voice that could lure people closer moments before destroying them.

"But," Dante continued softly, "you disgusted me."

The entire warehouse fell silent.

"Capture them all."

One of Dante's men stepped forward immediately. "Yes, Boss."

Within seconds, the kidnappers were brutally forced to the ground. Cries of agony echoed through the warehouse as black-clad operatives twisted arms behind backs and kicked weapons away.

"AHHH!"

"Please spare us!"

"We were hired!"

Camille watched silently from the chair. Her breathing remained shaky, but her eyes slowly steadied.

For the first time tonight, the fear inside her began turning into something colder. Hatred.

Dante approached her slowly. Up close, his appearance was almost unreal.

He was devastatingly handsome in a way that felt dangerous rather than gentle. Sharp brows. Pale skin. Dark hair slightly damp from the rain outside. His silver eyes looked carved from winter itself.

And yet, there was exhaustion hidden beneath them.

He crouched before her without a word and sliced through the ropes binding her wrists.

The moment she was free, Camille's arms fell limply to her sides. Blood rushed painfully back into her hands.

Dante glanced at the angry rope burns around her pale skin. His eyes darkened slightly.

"Can you stand?" he asked.

Camille slowly lifted her gaze to him. She was beautiful even in ruin.

Her long dark hair framed a face delicate enough to resemble a painting, yet her tear-reddened eyes held a sharpness that contradicted her fragile appearance. Her beauty wasn't soft like Talia's carefully manufactured innocence.

Camille's beauty was haunting. The kind that lingered in someone's memory long after they looked away.

"Yes," she whispered.

Her voice startled Dante slightly. It was soft, yet calm.

The moment she stood, however, her eyes landed on the dagger lying near the dead crates.

Without warning, Camille walked forward and picked it up. The kidnapper who had tried to assault her instantly panicked.

"H-Hey! Wait!" He tried crawling backward.

Camille stared at him silently. Images flashed through her mind. Her brothers are abandoning her. Matteo refused to look at her. Talia's triumphant smile. This man unbuckling his belt while she prepared to smash her own skull against the wall.

The kidnapper burst into tears. "Please! I was just following orders!"

Camille tilted her head slightly. She stabbed the dagger straight into his throat. Blood sprayed across the concrete floor. The man's scream cut off into choking gargles.

Several of Dante's subordinates looked visibly shocked.

Even Dante's eyes narrowed slightly.

Camille pulled the dagger out slowly, blood splattering across her pale hands. The warehouse became utterly silent. The dying man collapsed at her feet.

Camille stared down at him emotionlessly.

Then she turned toward the scar-faced ringleader.

"You said Talia hired you." Her voice was calm enough to make the man shiver.

"Yes, T-Talia Laurent." he stammered fearfully.

"Speak clearly."

The ringleader swallowed hard under her icy stare. "She contacted us one month ago!"

Camille's fingers tightened around the bloody dagger.

"She said you were ruining her life! She wanted us to scare you at first.frame you for things.make your family hate you."

A bitter laugh almost escaped Camille's throat. So it really had all been deliberate. The stolen necklace. The fake suicide attempt. The manipulated arguments. Everything was her doing, just blamed on Camille.

The man continued desperately. "This kidnapping was supposed to finish things completely! She paid extra if we violated you before killing you!"

One of Dante's men cursed under his breath.

The scar-faced man pointed frantically toward the dead kidnapper.

"H-He was gonna record it too! And then.and then send it to Talia."

Camille's chest tightened violently. The world suddenly felt unbearably quiet.

For six whole months.She had blamed herself. She had bent over backward trying to fit into the Laurent family. Trying to be understanding. Trying to coexist peacefully with Talia.

Every insult from her brothers. Every cold glance from Matteo. She endured it all because she thought if she tried harder, eventually they would love her too.

How pathetic.

Camille let out a soft laugh.

"You know what's funny?" she murmured quietly.

Nobody answered.

She lowered her gaze toward the blood on her hands. "I actually wanted them to love me."

Her lips curved bitterly. "I kept compromising. Kept apologizing. Kept shrinking myself to make Talia comfortable. But tonight."

Something terrifyingly calm settled inside her expression. "They abandoned me without hesitation."

The scar-faced man trembled violently. Camille suddenly smiled. It was beautiful. And heartbreaking. "The Laurent family really are fools."

Even Dante watched her silently now.

"She manipulated all of them so easily," Camille whispered mockingly. "And they let her."

She tossed the dagger onto the floor. "Leave."

The kidnappers blinked in confusion.

Camille turned away coldly. "I said leave!"

"Y-You're sparing us?" the scar-faced man asked shakily.

"No," Camille's eyes held no warmth whatsoever now. Her voice turned icy. "I'm simply saving you for later."

The man nearly collapsed from fear.

Dante studied her quietly.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Most women would have broken after happening so much. Camille instead looked reborn in something darker.

Suddenly, Dante staggered slightly. A violent cough tore from his throat and blood splattered across his black glove.

Several subordinates immediately panicked.

"Boss!"

Dante's expression darkened dangerously. Another cough followed and more blood came out.

Camille's eyes sharpened instantly. Without hesitation, she grabbed his wrist.

The bodyguards immediately aimed their guns at her. "Don't touch him!"

Dante raised one hand calmly and the guns lowered.

Camille stared at the blood on his glove carefully. Dark crimson, hints of black, and a faint bitter smell.

Her brows furrowed. "Nightshade root mixed with crimson serpent venom," she murmured quietly.

For the first time, real surprise crossed Dante's face.

"You recognize it?"

Camille looked up slowly. "That poison attacks the bloodstream first before destroying the organs."

One subordinate gasped. "That's impossible. We spent months searching for the poison. How could she just tell from just a look?"

Dante's gaze sharpened dangerously as his venomous eyes pierced through her face. "How do you know this?"

Camille went silent briefly. She couldn't tell anyone her secret. She had mastered in poisons and making their antidotes. It was her teacher who taught her all that. The same teacher who one day picked her from the streets and raised her.

He taught everything about poisonous herbs and she had read hundreds of books. She had spent years memorizing toxins and antidotes.

Her teacher had raised her not only with kindness but with terrifying knowledge.

"It's a secret I can't reveal," she replied quietly.

That was all she said.

Dante studied her carefully. Then another violent cough wracked through him.

Camille immediately grabbed his arm again. She studied it for a while and let out. "You don't have much time."

One subordinate stepped forward anxiously. "Boss, this toxin has already killed three specialists-"

"I can temporarily suppress it," Camille interrupted them, making everyone freeze again.

Dante's silver eyes locked onto hers. "You can cure me?"

"Eventually." Her voice remained calm.

Dante stared at her for several long seconds and then smirked. He didn't seem at all scared by her words that he didn't have much time left. He smiled, the kind of smile that could freeze blood.

"Do you know," he murmured softly, "how many people lied to me claiming they could cure this poison?"

Camille met his gaze without fear. "I'm not lying."

Silence stretched between them. Then Dante suddenly chuckled quietly.

Interesting indeed.

"What do you want as payment?" he asked. He could get her anything in the world, money, power, jewels, anything she named.

Most people begged him for such things.

But Camille merely looked away. "You saved me first."

"What?" Dante's brows lifted slightly.

"I'll cure you completely as repayment."

For the first time in years, someone stood before Dante Moretti wanting nothing from him.

His gaze darkened thoughtfully.

"Stay by my side until the treatment is complete," he said finally.

Camille considered silently and nodded. "Fine."

One subordinate looked stunned. Just like that?

Camille crossed her arms slowly. "But I have one condition."

Dante gestured for her to continue.

"Until your detoxification is complete, you have to provide me with room and board."

Several operatives looked horrified at her audacity.

But Dante only stared at her before letting out another soft laugh. "You negotiate with me boldly."

Camille's expression remained indifferent. "I'm tired of living while depending on people who despise me."

A dangerous glint flickered in Dante's eyes.

"And before I move into your residence," Camille continued coldly, "I need to return to the Laurent family."

The air around her seemed to drop in temperature.

"This time," she whispered softly, "I'm ending everything."

The Laurent mansion glowed warmly beneath the night sky.

Golden chandeliers illuminated the enormous living room. Expensive flowers filled crystal vases. Doctors stood nearby with medical kits while servants hurried back and forth carrying tea, blankets, and medicine.

At the center of it all sat Talia.

Wrapped in a cashmere blanket, eyes red from all the fake crying she had been doing. Looking every bit like the fragile princess of the Laurent family.

"Talia, drink some water first," Lucien said gently.

"You almost scared us to death," Raoul muttered, his face still pale with lingering fear.

The youngest brother, Etienne, crouched beside her worriedly. "Do you feel dizzy? Should we call another doctor?"

Matteo sat closest to her, his hand resting comfortingly on her shoulder. His expression was dark and protective.

"You're safe now," he murmured softly. "Nobody will hurt you again."

Talia lowered her head, pretending to tremble. "I-I was so scared."

Her voice cracked perfectly.

A servant suddenly froze near the entrance. "M-Miss Camille."

The entire room turned silent.

Camille stood at the doorway with a small black suitcase beside her. Her white dress was stained with dried blood. Dark bruises covered her wrists. Her face looked pale beneath the dim lights, but her eyes-

Her eyes had changed completely. Gone was the desperate girl who constantly sought their approval.

What remained now was terrifying calmness.

Lucien frowned immediately.

"Camille?" His brows knitted together. "How did-how did you-?"

Camille stared at him. The question almost made her laugh.

How did she appear in front of them? Is that what they wanted to ask? Or what were they waiting for?

Abandoned in a warehouse waiting to die. Almost raped. Almost murdered. And now he was asking casually as if she had merely wandered off somewhere inconvenient and came back.

"Camille!" Talia instantly stood up. She rushed forward with fake relief shining in her eyes. "Oh thank God you're alright! I was begging them to go back for you-"

SLAP!

The sound cracked violently through the living room.

Everyone froze. Talia's head snapped sideways from the force. A red handprint bloomed across her cheek instantly.

Utter silence.

Talia stared at Camille in disbelief, tears immediately filling her eyes. "Y-You hit me.?"

"How dare you!" Etienne exploded furiously.

Lucien's face darkened. "Camille, have you lost your mind?!"

Raoul stepped protectively in front of Talia. "She's traumatized already! What is wrong with you?!"

Matteo grabbed Camille's wrist harshly. "Enough."

His voice was ice-cold. Camille slowly looked down at the hand gripping her wrist. The same hand that had once slid an engagement ring onto her finger. The same hand that chose Talia over her tonight.

She yanked her arm free violently. "Don't touch me."

Something in her tone made Matteo pause briefly.

Talia suddenly burst into tears.

"I-I know Camille hates me." she sobbed. "But I never thought she'd blame me for what happened."

Camille looked at her quietly. Then she laughed softly. The sound chilled the entire room.

"Hate you?" Camille murmured. Her gaze sharpened like glass. "No, Talia. This is far beyond hate now."

Lucien stepped forward angrily. "Explain yourself right now!"

Camille looked at all of them slowly. Her brothers. Her fiancé. The people she had once desperately wanted to call family.

"You abandoned me."

The room fell silent.

Etienne frowned defensively. "We were thinking of a way to come back-"

"No," Camille interrupted coldly. "You chose her."

Nobody spoke. Because it was true. Camille's eyes landed on Matteo.

"You looked at me while I begged for help," she whispered. "And still chose Talia."

Something flickered across Matteo's face briefly. Guilt. But it vanished quickly.

"Talia was in shock," he said stiffly.

Camille nodded slowly. "Of course."

Always Talia. It's always her.

Talia sniffled pitifully. "Camille.we were all worried about you too."

Camille turned toward her sharply. "Stop pretending."

The atmosphere instantly tightened. Talia's tears paused for half a second. And Camille caught that tiny slip. That hidden irritation beneath the fake innocence.

Camille's lips curved coldly. "You orchestrated the kidnapping yourself. So why are you pretending now?"

The entire room exploded.

"What?!" Raoul barked.

Lucien looked furious. "Camille, enough!"

Talia's face turned pale instantly before she burst into louder sobs. "H-How could you accuse me of something like that?!"

"She's gone insane," Etienne snapped.

Matteo rubbed his forehead tiredly. "Camille, this isn't the time-"

"Not the time?" Camille laughed sharply. Her voice rose for the first time. "I was almost raped tonight!"

The room went dead silent. Even the servants froze.

Camille's chest rose unevenly. "And the men who kidnapped us admitted Talia hired them."

"That's impossible," Lucien said immediately. Without hesitation or without any doubt.

Camille stared at him blankly. Even now.after everything, he still believed Talia first.

Talia clutched her chest tearfully. "Brother, I would never do that."

Raoul immediately pulled her closer protectively. "We know."

Camille suddenly felt exhausted. So exhausted.

"I knew you wouldn't believe me," she said quietly.

Then she pulled out her phone and everyone frowned in confusion. Camille tapped the screen and a recording began playing.

At first, only static echoed through the room. But then a familiar female voice sounded clearly. It was Talia's voice.

"I don't care what you do to her. Just make sure Camille disappears permanently."

Everyone in the living room froze. Talia's face lost all color.

The recording continued.

"You'll receive the second payment after her body is dealt with."

Another voice laughed. "You really hate your sister that much?"

Talia answered coldly. "She tried to steal my life first."

Silence crashed over the room like thunder. The recording ended slowly and Camille lowered the phone. The atmosphere turned suffocating.

Lucien stared at Talia in complete disbelief. Raoul looked physically sick. Etienne stepped backward slowly. Matteo's expression darkened terrifyingly.

"Talia." he whispered.

Talia immediately burst into hysterical tears. "I-I can explain!"

Her knees hit the floor dramatically.

"You don't understand!" she cried desperately. "I was scared! Ever since Camille came home, everyone has changed! Grandfather gave her the shares! The servants respected her more! I was terrified you'd all stop loving me!"

She grabbed Lucien's sleeve desperately. "Brother, please."

Lucien's face twisted painfully.

"I never wanted her dead!" Talia sobbed. "I just.I just wanted to scare her."

Camille stared at her silently. Even now, Talia was acting and manipulating. Crying beautifully while twisting herself into the victim.

And the worst part? It seemed to be working again.

Raoul rubbed his face heavily. "Talia.why would you do something this stupid."

Not monstrous or evil. Just stupid.

Camille laughed bitterly. Well, what was she expecting?

Etienne crouched beside Talia instantly. "She clearly regrets it!"

"Talia would never actually kill someone," Lucien muttered conflictedly.

Camille's heart finally went completely numb. That was it. That was the final piece. Even with proof.

Even after hearing Talia hire men to destroy her they still protected her first.

Matteo finally looked at Camille. For once, there was no coldness in his eyes. Only complicated guilt. But Camille no longer cared.

She walked upstairs calmly and nobody stopped her. Twenty minutes later, she returned carrying a single suitcase. The entire family looked up. Camille walked toward the door silently.

"Where are you going?" Raoul asked finally.

Camille didn't stop walking. "Away from this pathetic family."

Lucien frowned. "Don't be dramatic."

Camille slowly turned around. The look in her eyes startled everyone. Because there was absolutely no emotion left inside them.

"For six months, I begged silently for all of you to treat me fairly." Her gaze moved across each face. "But tonight I realized something. You people were never my family."

Talia started crying again. "Camille please don't leave because of me-"

"Shut up!" The coldness in Camille's voice stunned the room. "You stole my identity. You framed me repeatedly. You hired people to destroy me."

Her lips curved faintly. "And somehow they still pity you more."

Talia's expression trembled.

Camille looked toward her brothers one final time. "I don't need any of you anymore."

Lucien's jaw tightened stubbornly.

"Fine," he snapped harshly, wounded pride flashing through his voice. "If you want to leave, then leave."

Raoul crossed his arms coldly. "Talia is still our sister no matter what."

The words echoed heavily through the room. Matteo remained silent but his silence said enough.

Camille stared at them for several long seconds. Then she smiled faintly. "Good."

She picked up her suitcase again.

Talia suddenly rushed after her dramatically. "Camille wait-"

She suddenly paused. A strange look crossed her face. She slowly turned back toward the Laurent family.

"But if Camille leaves." Talia bit her lip hesitantly, not wanting to sound too desperate or greedy. "Doesn't she still own thirty-five percent of Laurent Group shares?"

Everyone instantly froze. Lucien's expression changed immediately. Raoul looked stunned. Even Etienne straightened sharply.

Because those shares were enormous. Thirty-five percent of the Laurent Group was enough to influence the entire company's future.

Six months ago, after finding Camille, their grandfather had publicly transferred the shares into her name to announce to the world that the Laurent bloodline had returned.

At the time, nobody objected because they assumed Camille would remain obedient to the family forever.

But now, if Camille left.

Camille watched them carefully and suddenly she laughed. A mocking and painful laugh.

Of course, only now did they panic. Not when she nearly died. Not when she was betrayed. Not when she was abandoned.

But over money. Over power, and over shares.

How utterly disgusting.

Camille slowly tightened her grip on the suitcase handle.

Then without another word, she walked out of the Laurent mansion forever.