Simon gestured toward the opposite side of the room, where a massive pit writhed with crocodiles.


    Calliope stared, speechless. Of all the maniacs in the world, she had to cross paths with this one.


    With no escape left to her, she set her jaw andshed out with her free hand, simultaneously kicking the table between them and sending it crashing over. In an instant, she and Simon were locked in a furious fight.


    Calliope''sbat skills were far fromcking, but Simon matched her with relentless force. Blow after blownded between them in a rapid, brutal exchange that went on for several minutes. None of Simon''s henchmen dared intervene without his orders-they simply watched as if enjoying a savage spectacle.


    Across the room, Nigel and Damien fixed anxious eyes on the fight. Damien silently willed Calliope on, fists clenched in useless support. Nigel, worried sick, squirmed desperately against his ropes, trying to break free.


    The brawl raged evenly-until, with a swift motion, Calliope drew a handful of silver needles from her sleeve. She hurled them like darts, aimed straight at Simon''s face.


    Simon jerked back, unwilling to risk his features. The moment he faltered, Calliopeunched a flying kick that sent him sprawling to the ground.


    She rushed in, ready to press her advantage with another savage kick, but Simon caught her leg mid-motion, bringing her to a sudden halt. She tried to yank herself free, but his grip was iron-strong. With a violent pull, Simon wrenched her off her feet and mmed her down beside him.


    They grappled fiercely on the ground. Calliope''s hands slipped, and in that moment she realized she''d pushed Simon past his breaking point-a low, guttural snarl broke from his throat as his expression twisted.


    His eyes zed red as he fixed her with a deadly re. “I warned you not to cross me!" he hissed. "You''re going straight to those crocodiles-in pieces!"


    As he spat the words, his fist drove hard into Calliope''s stomach. She let out a strangled gasp and stumbled back several feet.


    “Callie!” Nigel''s voice rang with desperation. He was nearly free from his ropes and made a dash toward her, only for Simon''s men to tackle him after a few steps.


    "Calliope!" Damien called out, his face drained of color as he strained wildly at his restraints, powerless to reach her.


    Simon, nowpletely unhinged, seemed not to care if Calliope lived or died.


    Then, a cold,manding voice shattered the tension: "Who just threatened my wife?"


    All eyes turned as Ss Myers strode


    into the room, a battalion of men fanning out behind him. They moved with practiced precision some Cutting Nigel loose


    Damien a


    others taking on Simon''s henchmen.


    Ss, his face haggard but fiercely determined, sprang to Calliope''s side just as she


    faltered, catching her and setting her gently aside before rounding on Simon.


    Simon''s lips curled in a sneer. "And who the hell are you supposed to be? You look like you could put up a fight."


    "I''m her husband," Ss replied, his


    eyes narrowing to steely slits. He leaned close to Calliope, voice low and reassuring. Stay back Calfie


    Let me handle this  fo


    Surprise flickered across Calliope''s face-she never imagined Ss would appear at the exact moment she needed him most.


    On the sidelines, Damien—all but copsing with relief after being freed-ced a steadying hand on Nigel, who was ready to rush forward again.


    "Mr. Myers is here now. Let him handle it," Damien said firmly.


    Nigel shot him a startled look. "How did he get here?"


    "I reached out to Ss beforeing to find you," Damien exined quietly. "He didnt answer but I knew he''d get my message. A


    faint, grateful smile came to his lips as he watched Ss move into the fray.