The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

This was no ordinary challenge. It was a sharper, more intense retaliation than anything Frank had thrown down before.

Nova wasn’t simply referring to a physical seat; she was staking a claim on his very position.

Anyone familiar with the underground black market would instantly grasp the weight of that declaration.

Most people would have cowered before Frank’s towering presence and the vast empire he commanded. Yet, Nova boldly voiced her ambitions so openly.

The atmosphere turned icy. Frank’s lip twitched ever so slightly, while his men exchanged stunned, uncertain glances.

Ethan, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of pride inside. “Way to go, Nova!” he thought, his respect for her growing exponentially after nearly being overwhelmed by Frank himself just moments ago.

Victor and the crew at Frostwave Bar stood rooted in disbelief, their jaws practically hanging open.

“Girl, that’s a dangerous game you’re playing,” Frank warned, dragging a finger menacingly across his throat. His tone was dark and threatening. “You might just lose your head over this.”

The two factions were locked in a tense standoff. Victor, sensing the rising peril, wiped a cold sweat from his brow.

Suddenly, the silence shattered as a member of Verdant Reign burst into the room. “He’s here. The big shot has arrived! Mr. Davidson, should we bring him in now?”

This mysterious “big shot” had traveled from another state to negotiate a deal with Verdant Reign. Frank had commandeered the entire second floor of The Oceanfront, hosting a lavish banquet that made clear just how much respect he had for this visitor.

Without hesitation, Frank rose. “Bring him in at once!”

In his mind, Frank was already envisioning victory. Once this deal was sealed, he could claim Frostwave Bar and potentially crush all of Morales’ underground rivals.

Nova noticed the confident gleam in Frank’s eyes—he looked as if the battle was already won. She wondered silently, “Is this all because of that big shot?” Her curiosity gnawed at her, though she had no idea who the visitor could be.

“Wait here. I’ll greet him myself,” Frank declared, striding past Nova and her group toward the door.

A commanding silhouette appeared in the hallway on the second floor—standing tall, radiating a formidable presence.

One of the Verdant Reign men whispered in awe, “It’s him.”

“You finally arrived,” Frank said eagerly, stepping forward with a familiarity that suggested the two had met before.

Frank treated the newcomer with utmost respect, his confidence swelling as he felt certain this partnership would be his triumph.

For a fleeting moment, Nova’s instincts screamed danger. Something felt off. But as she looked closer, she realized this man wasn’t the figure she had expected. Keeping her guard raised, she thought, “Maybe I was overthinking it.”

“Mr. Morrison…” Frank had barely taken two steps when the imposing figure, Brody Morrison, suddenly bowed his head.

With a sycophantic smile, Brody stepped aside, making a path for two other men who followed him.

His face flushed red as he hurried to curry favor with Damien. “H-Hello, sir. I’m Frank Davidson, head of Verdant Reign.

“Brody and I were hoping to discuss a small venture with you. Since he’s about to join Shadow Sanctum, that makes us partners, right?”

His earlier arrogance evaporated instantly.

Assuming Damien was on his side and unaware of Nova’s identity, Frank pointed at her and raised his voice. “But there’s someone trying to sabotage our plans. It’s her.

“Sir, please back us up. This woman barged into our negotiations, causing trouble. Let’s just take her out. Or kill her lackeys and keep her for… entertainment? She’s quite pretty—you can have her first.”

Shadow Sanctum was a powerful group, rivaling the Bloodblade Mercenary Corps and far more intimidating than Crimson Web. Frank’s eagerness to join was impossible to hide.

Victor’s face turned ashen. In his mind, he thought, “Shadow Sanctum… we’re finished.”

Yet Nova showed no sign of fear. She had long prepared herself to face Damien.

Then, in a blur faster than the eye could follow, a blade flashed.

Only Nova saw it clearly—Damien’s hidden blade sliced through the index finger Frank had pointed at her, shaving skin from his other fingers and exposing raw, bleeding flesh beneath.

Damien’s voice was low and icy, dripping with fierce possessiveness. “She’s mine. Anyone who lays a finger on her is dead.”