Harry suffered just as he''d been warned-enduring torment that went far beyond anything human.


    His face was ruined, his hands shattered, and even his dignity was ripped away, with photos and videos taken to immortalize his humiliation.


    Shame burned so fiercely inside him that, for a moment, Harry wished he were dead. But the truth was, he didn''t have the courage.


    When it was finally over, Harry copsed on the floor like a gutted fish, staring up at the ceiling, utterly lifeless.


    A handsome, almost angelic face leaned into his line of sight.


    The man''s lips curled in a gentle, harmless smile, the kind you''d expect from the boy next door.


    And yet there was nothing in his demeanor to betray just how ruthless he truly


    was.


    Harry nced at his own mangled hands.


    Not only had the tendons been severed, but his fingers had been sliced off entirely to prevent even the slightest hope of recovery.


    He would never y the violin again.


    His brilliant career, his genius-destroyed.


    Barely audible, he muttered, "Did Ste hire you to do this?"


    The man shook his head. "Mr. Harry, you give yourself far too much credit. You lost to her. Do you really think she''d go to these lengths over someone who could never surpass her?"


    A surge of anger kindled in Harry''s bloodshot eyes.


    "If it''s not Ste, then who are you? Why are you doing this to me? Don''t you realize how many powerful people I know? You''ll pay for this-I promise you that!"


    The man only smiled, unfazed. "Mr. Harry, whatever you and Ste wagered is none of my concern. But you crossed a line when you forced her out of thepetition altogether."


    He rubbed his temples, still looking utterly unbothered, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.


    "Who do you think you are, to decide whether she stays or goes?"


    Harry''s burning outrage was snuffed out in an instant, reced by cold dread.


    He''d nearly forgotten-this man was a terrifying lunatic.


    “She... she didn''t actually leave the scene, did she?" Harry stammered.


    The man looked at him, voice calm


    and


    No, she didn''t. But


    anything-or


    over


    Worried. "No, she didn''t. But anyone-that threatens here"


    He lowered his gaze to Harry, his smile returning. "Mr. Harry, aren''t you the one who always believed in destroying genius before it takes root? Well, I''m just like you. ?ike to take precautions."


    His tone softened, almost regretful, as he shook his head.


    "Really, Mr. Harry, you should be grateful you live in a civilized country. At least


    you''re still alive. Where Ie from..."


    He trailed off, but the threat was unmistakable.


    A shiver ran through Harry.


    The man cast onest nce at him, then turned for the door.


    At the threshold, he paused, looking back as if remembering something.


    "Oh, by the way, my name''s Joshua. Feel free to send your friends after me- anytime."


    News of Harry''s injuries spread quickly, making headlines everywhere.


    When Abby saw the story, she froze for a moment, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over her.


    Out of nowhere, Joshua''s words echoed in her mind.


    Ste walked in to find Abby staring off into space. "What''s got you so lost in thought?" she asked.


    Abby blinked, snapping back to reality. She hesitated, then said, "Star, did you see the news about Harry?"


    "I did." Ste picked up her mug and took a sip of water. "Harry''s made a lot of enemies, and he''s never exactly kept a low profile. Now that his reputation''s in ruins, everyone''s turning on him. From what I bear, this was payback."


    Abby hesitated for a long moment, then finally spoke up.


    "Star, when you and Harry werepeting, Joshua once said something to me..."