"You caused me a loss back in your homeland last time we met," he said with a slight edge to his voice, his grin belying the threat.

"As I mentioned then, I promised to make you pay one day. It seems karma has expedited that process."

Gerard, his expression hardening as he recalled the past, responded simply, "Really?"

He then stepped out of the car, closing the door behind him with a soft thud.

They stood eye to eye, perfectly matched in height. However, the icy look in Gerard's eyes gave him an imposing presence, overshadowing Darian's confident stance.

Their rivalry traced back several years ago. Back then, Gerard's father, Richard, took him to an auction in Xylo. There, they crossed paths with Darian, who had come with his own father. The event included a horse riding competition organized by a sponsor—an influential and respected figure that even Richard looked up to. The prize for winning the competition was one of the auction items, a trophy that promised fame in Xylo and the sponsor's favor, which would greatly benefit the victor's family.

Gerard and Darian both entered the competition.

Despite being considerably younger and less experienced-Darian was more than 12 years older-Gerard outperformed him in the early rounds.

This defeat infuriated Darian, who resolved to win at any cost. In his desperation, Darian resorted to underhanded tactics to secure a victory over Gerard.

However, Gerard was one step ahead. Anticipating Darian's deceit, he chose not to intervene, allowing Darian to carry out his scheme.

At the crucial moment, Gerard revealed evidence to everyone present, exposing Darian's willingness to employ any means to win.

This revelation shattered Darian's father's trust and tarnished the reputation of the Martel family.

In the years that followed, Darian was marginalized within his own family, treated as the black sheep, and he blamed Gerard for his downfall.

From that point on, Darian opposed Gerard at every turn. Gerard's business ventures in Xylo consistently failed, undermined by Darian's schemes.

This time, Darian even paid off local forces to set up an ambush for Gerard.

However, recent news had reached him.

The woman he loved, who did not return his affection, bore a striking resemblance to Gerard's partner.

This news filled Darian with both rage and a twisted excitement.

“You're always the loser in our confrontations. You think you're my equal?" Gerard taunted with a dismissive smile, even though he was currently trapped.

Darian's face flushed a deep red with anger.

He slowly lifted his pistol, pointing it directly at Gerard's forehead.

"You're as good as dead once I pull this trigger," Darian declared, his words sharp and deliberate.

Gerard looked at him with unflinching calmness, his eyes betraying neither fear nor uncertainty.

“Go ahead. Shoot me," he said, his voice dripping with indifference.