By the time Rio reached the university gates, the sun had fully risen over S City.
But something was… different today.
From the moment his car rolled to a stop, the change was obvious.
Mr. Orlando had clearly tightened security.
The rear door opened—and before Rio could even step out properly, a thick formation of armed bodyguards surrounded the vehicle like an iron wall. Their eyes scanned the surroundings with military precision, hands subtly resting near concealed weapons.
Rio froze mid-step.
Then his face scrunched in pure annoyance.
"Oh, come on!" he burst out, lowering his voice but failing miserably at hiding his irritation. "I'm just a university student, you fools—not some political leader or movie star!"
A few nearby students had already started whispering and staring.
Exactly what Rio hated.
His ears turned slightly red.
"You're embarrassing me in front of my friends," he muttered sharply. "Just go already. Tell your boss I reached safely. Pick me up after classes."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"Now move. Damn it."
The bodyguards did not move.
Not even an inch.
Professional. Unyielding. Silent.
Rio's eye twitched.
"You people seriously—"
Before he could finish, a large hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.
Instantly, the bodyguards stiffened.
Several of them shifted into defensive positions.
But then—
A familiar, easy laughter cut through the tension.
"Relax, gentlemen."
The guards visibly eased.
Because the newcomer was no stranger.
Standing behind Rio was none other than Aster Lloyd—son of Mr. Lloyd, one of the most successful businessmen in S City and a long-time partner of the Orlando Corporation.
More importantly…
Mr. Lloyd was Richard Orlando's closest friend.
Years ago, when the Orlando family was still struggling to establish their empire, it had been Mr. Lloyd who stood firmly behind them, offering support when few others dared.
Which meant—
Aster and Rio had practically grown up together.
Rio turned—and immediately broke into a bright grin.
"Aster!"
Relief flooded his face.
"You literally saved my life today," Rio groaned dramatically, grabbing Aster's arm.
"Please, for the love of my remaining dignity, send them back. I cannot tolerate this walking security parade around me."
Aster chuckled, clearly amused.
Then his expression shifted into something more commanding as he looked at the guards.
"You heard him," Aster said calmly, but his tone carried quiet authority. "Inside the university, while I'm with Rio, no one would dare lay a finger on him."
There was a brief pause.
Then the head guard gave a respectful nod.
"As you say, Young Master Lloyd."
One by one, the security detail withdrew, though not before giving Rio a final protective glance.
Only when they were fully out of earshot did Rio let out a dramatic sigh of relief.
"Freedom," he breathed.
Aster snorted.
"You're impossible."
Rio grinned shamelessly.
"Anytime, Rio," Aster added with a crooked smile. "I know exactly how much you hate being treated like a fragile glass vase."
Then his expression sharpened slightly as he glanced around the campus.
Lowering his voice, he asked quietly, "But seriously… what's going on at home? Your dad's been acting weird lately. Even my father noticed."
Rio shrugged casually, though something flickered briefly in his eyes.
"I don't know, man," he said. "He's just being his usual overprotective self."
He stretched his arms lazily.
"Anyway, forget all that. Let's head to class. You do remember, right? Today they're announcing the topic for our new assignment."
Aster blinked—then snapped his fingers.
"Oh, right! I completely forgot."
His competitive grin returned.
"Now you've got me interested."
Side by side, the two of them headed toward their classroom, completely unaware that somewhere in the city…
A very dangerous man was already moving his pieces into place.
Inside the Classroom
Students were already buzzing with curiosity when Rio and Aster entered.
Something was clearly up.
Rio dropped into his seat and leaned toward Aster.
"Why does it feel like everyone knows something we don't?" he whispered.
Aster was about to reply when the classroom door opened.
The principal walked in.
Instant silence fell.
"Good morning, students," the principal said warmly. "I hope you're all having a pleasant day."
A polite chorus of greetings followed.
"Today," the principal continued, "we have an important announcement."
Rio straightened slightly.
Assignment time, he thought.
But the next words made several students exchange surprised looks.
"Your previous Business Management professor has unfortunately met with an accident and will not be able to continue teaching for the remainder of the semester."
A ripple of murmurs spread across the room.
Rio frowned faintly.
"That's sudden…" he muttered.
"That is why," the principal continued, smiling toward the door, "we have appointed a new professor to take over the course."
He gestured outward.
"Please welcome the newest faculty member of XX University—Mr. Ryan Cassano."
The classroom erupted into applause.
And then—
He walked in.
The Entrance
The moment the man stepped through the door, the entire atmosphere of the room shifted.
He was tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit that screamed quiet luxury.
His face was strikingly handsome—but there was something dangerously cold beneath the surface, something that didn't quite belong in a peaceful academic setting.
The air around him felt… heavy.
Controlled.
Predatory.
Several students visibly straightened in their seats.
Even the chatter died down faster than usual.
Beside Rio—
Aster froze.
His pupils shrank.
His fingers curled tightly against the desk.
Rio, completely oblivious, leaned sideways and whispered in awe:
"Aster… just look at him."
His eyes sparkled with dramatic fascination.
"In what universe does he look like a professor?" Rio muttered. "He looks more like some villain actor from a mafia movie. And seriously—what a body."
Aster didn't respond.
Because in his mind—
Alarms were screaming.
That face.
That presence.
That suffocating aura.
There was no mistaking it.
Not an actor.
Not a look-alike.
Not a coincidence.
Aster's heartbeat spiked.
Not a villain actor, Rio…
His thoughts turned dark.
He is the entire red forest of danger.
The youngest mafia king of Country Z…
The heir of Blake's empire…
A walking disaster…
Aster's jaw tightened.
Arthur Blake.
The name echoed like a gunshot inside his head.
Why…?
Why is he here?
After all these years…
Why now?
Rio nudged him.
"Aster? You saying something?"
Aster snapped back to reality instantly.
"N—no," he said quickly. "Nothing."
But his eyes remained fixed on the man at the front of the classroom.
Arthur—no, Ryan Cassano—stood calmly before the students, his expression composed and unreadable.
Too composed.
Too perfect.
Like a hunter who had already chosen his prey.
Aster's stomach twisted.
Why did you come back…?
His fingers slowly tightened into fists beneath the desk.
Why can't you just let me live peacefully with what little happiness I've managed to build?
At the front of the room—
Arthur's gaze slowly swept across the class.
Sharp.
Patient.
Calculating.
And for just half a second—
His eyes paused.
Right on Rio.
The game—
Had officially begun.