Dulled 23

Chapter 23 

“The Threat Within 

The doorbell echoed through the grand foyer of the Calloway estate, its ring sharp in the 

otherwise silent air. Ares‘ fingers tightened around the edge of the armchair. He hadn’t expected 

visitors, least of all Victor. 

Victor Harrington. 

The name sent a jolt of irritation through his chest, a familiar ache that gnawed at him. He 

glanced toward the staircase, where Selene no, the nurse had disappeared only moments 

earlier. She would be silent, hidden, as always. She never spoke of her past, but Ares knew. 

She had been there when he had nothing left, when the world had turned its back. She had 

watched him, always watching, but never revealing herself. That, more than anything, unnerved 

him. 

The door opened, and Victor stepped inside, his usual self–assured smirk playing across his lips. 

Dressed in a tailored suit, his perfectly combed hair looked as though it had never been ruffled. 

He had always been like that polished, untouchable. But Ares knew the truth behind the smile. 

“Victor,” Ares muttered, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. “What brings you to my 

humble abode?” 

Victor’s eyes glinted, a brief flash of amusement dancing in their depths. “Just checking in on 

you, old friend,” he said, his voice smooth, almost too smooth. “You’ve been… out of the public 

eye for a while now. Thought I’d see how you’re holding up.” 

Ares didn’t respond immediately. He didn’t want to hear Victor’s fake sympathy. Not now, not 

ever. 

“I’m fine,” Ares finally said, his voice clipped, his posture rigid. “I don’t need your charity.” 

Victor’s lips twitched, but he kept his distance. “Of course. You always did like to do things on 

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Chapter 23 

your own. The proud for your own good ” 

Ares narrowed his eyes, but kept his anger in check. “What’s this really about, Victor? You don’t 

come here to check in‘ without a reason.” 

Victor glanced around the room, the cold, expensive décor catching his eye. The empty space 

where photos used to hang the same ones Selene had removed. 

Ares tensed, his fingers digging into the armrest. He was suddenly aware of the silence that 

filled the house, the absence of her presence, even though he could feel her nearby. 

Victor’s gaze settled on Ares, the smirk fading into something colder. “I just thought you might 

appreciate little company,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “After all, you’re not exactly 

surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart, are you?” 

Ares didn’t reply. 

Victor chuckled softly, then straightened. He reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope 

sealed, crisp, the edges sharp like a knife. 

“I trust you know what this is,” Victor said, tossing the envelope onto the desk in front of Ares. 

The seal was familiar, one that Ares had seen too many times before. 

Ares stared at the envelope, the familiar weight of it pulling at his chest. “You’re playing games 

again, Victor,” he muttered, eyes narrowing. 

Victor smiled, his teeth flashing in the dim light. “It’s not a game, Ares. It’s just business.” 

The door creaked softly, and Ares glanced toward the hallway, knowing that Selene or the 

nurse, as she insisted on being called was somewhere just beyond his sight. He could feel her 

presence watching, listening, as always. 

Victor leaned back in his chair, as though he owned the room. “I just wanted to remind you, 

Ares, that not everything is as it seems.” His voice lowered to a near whisper. “People are fickle. 

You can’t trust anyone. Not even the people closest to you.” 

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Chapter 23 

Ares‘ jaw clenched. He knew exactly what Victor meant. Betrayal. It was the same tune he’d 

heard for years now the one that had ruined everything he’d built. His empire. His life. His wife. 

The nurse moved again, her footsteps so quiet, so practiced, he barely heard her. But he knew she was there. 

Victor stood, his eyes gleaming. “I’ll leave you to it. But remember this, Ares you can’t hide 

forever. You’ll have to face the truth eventually.” 

With that, he turned and walked toward the door. 

Ares‘ hand hovered over the envelope, but he didn’t open it immediately. He couldn’t. He 

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