Knight stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping over the courtyard crowded with sleek, expensive vehicles belonging to guests at Daisy's birthday party. The sight made him smile. Exactly what he wanted.
Viper and Chameleon stood just behind him—two shadows in tailored suits. They hadn't been seen around the estate in weeks, buried deep in the mission Knight had assigned them.
"Make sure everything falls into place," he told them without looking back. Both nodded, silent as ever.
He turned toward the grand staircase, but his phone started ringing. Pulling it from his pocket, he glanced at the caller ID, and faltered mid-step.
Genesis.
His thumb hovered over the green icon, but instead of answering, he slid it to red. A beat later, he powered off the phone entirely and tossed it into the thick hedge beside the stairs. Without breaking stride, he continued upward.
Inside, the air was warm with laughter and the scent of sugar. Children's voices rang out in high-pitched bursts, adults spoke in low, mingling clusters, and in the center of it all was his little princess, the birthday girl.
"Mr. Blackwood," a voice called.
Knight turned to see Melissa approaching. He flashed a pleasant smile.
She stopped a few feet away, her throat bobbing as she swallowed.
"Relax," he said lightly. "I can't kill you in front of all these people. Too messy."
Her eyes widened, and he chuckled like it was just another joke between acquaintances.
Melissa twisted her hands together. He stepped closer, and though she instinctively leaned back, she quickly corrected herself. Too many eyes.
He leaned in, his voice low. "Relax. I like you."
Something in his tone told her he meant it. Still, her shoulders stayed tense.
She cleared her throat. "Right. Uh… anyway, I was looking for your wife, but I couldn't find her anywhere."
Knight's expression cooled instantly. Melissa hesitated, about to speak again, when a high-pitched shriek cut through the hum of conversation.
"Uncle Kier!" Daisy barreled toward him, nearly mowing down her friends.
Knight crouched, arms open, catching her as she leapt into his hold.
She giggled, squeezing him tight before pulling back, her small face serious. "I'm not happy with you."
Knight frowned. "What did I do, Deidra? You didn't like the present I got you?"
His eyes flicked toward the living room where an enormous cake dominated the center table, surrounded by a mountain of brightly wrapped gifts that could rival Christmas morning.
Daisy followed his glance, then shook her head. "No, it's not that. I've been looking for you since morning, and you weren't here to be the first to wish me happy birthday. Where were you?"
Melissa smiled at the scene; Knight did too.
"I'm sorry, princess. Business stuff. It won't happen again."
Daisy narrowed her eyes, clearly weighing his sincerity. "You promise?"
Knight held up his pinky. "On my life, little one."
She grinned, hooking her small finger around his before planting a loud kiss on his cheek. "Okay. But you owe me two slices of cake."
"Done," he said, setting her gently on her feet. "Now go—your friends are waiting to see if you can blow out all those candles in one breath."
With a bright laugh, she dashed off, curls bouncing, already summoning the other children.
Knight's smile lingered just long enough for the room to buy it. Then it was gone. His gaze swept the crowd again—cataloging faces, noting absences.
Melissa shifted beside him. "You're… really good with her."
"I'm good with everyone I care about," Knight replied, eyes still scanning. "But that list is short."
Melissa swallowed. "Right."
Finally, he looked at her, lips curling faintly. "You said you were looking for my wife."
She nodded. "Yes, but…"
"Don't," he interrupted, his voice a private blade. "If she wants to be found, she'll find you."
Melissa froze, torn between curiosity and common sense.
Before she could decide, Viper emerged at the far edge of the crowd. He caught Knight's attention with the smallest tilt of his head—a silent signal.
Knight's smile returned—polite, practiced, and perfect for the benefit of the onlookers.
"If you'll excuse me, Melissa, there's someone I need to speak to before the candles are lit."
Without waiting for her reply, he slipped away into the press of guests, moving like a shadow through sunlight.
But halfway through the crowd, he paused and glanced back at her.
"Where are your little ones?"
Melissa turned, gesturing toward the far side of the room where Daisy stood. Knight followed the direction of her hand and found them easily. Edwin hovered near Daisy, saying something that made her cheeks flush pink. A few steps away, Marilyn balanced her baby sister, Peace, on her hip, also standing within Daisy's circle of friends.
A small smile curved Knight's lips as he took in the scene. Then, without comment, he turned and made his way toward Viper, who stood watch near a column.
Knight stopped beside him, their shoulders almost touching, both men keeping their eyes fixed on the children.
"They're close," Viper murmured.
Knight didn't answer. He just kept looking, the faint smile still in place, the expression not quite reaching his eyes.
A maid appeared in front of them, balancing a silver tray of champagne flutes in one steady hand.
"Would you like one, sir?" she asked softly.
Knight's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he plucked one from the tray. She dipped her head politely and moved on.
"Are their lives not in danger?" Viper asked, voice low enough to vanish beneath the hum of the party.
Knight took a slow sip of champagne before replying.
"Kill ninety-nine for the sake of one."
His voice was calm, almost gentle, but it carried a weight that could crush bone. "If the one matters… the rest are just numbers."