Chapter 8: The Rival’s First Move
The next morning broke with a heat in the air that had nothing to do with the weather. Charles woke up with the image of Isabella still vivid in his mind—her trembling moans, the way her icy composure had shattered into heat and want beneath his touch. She had fallen asleep on his chest after the bond was completed, whispering his name like a prayer she never thought she’d say.
> [Bond Level 1 with Isabella Vance – Stable] [Emotion Sync: Lust 81%, Obsession 12%, Vulnerability 7%] [Effect: Occasional Flash Memory Sharing Possible]
But that moment of triumph was now shadowed by something far more troubling.
The rogue.
He sat up, shirtless, the system pulsing behind his eyes with data fragments from the interference.
> [Rogue System Signature: Alpha Variant – Modified Core] [User Identity: Unknown] [Location: On Campus – Stealth Mode Active]
Modified. That meant someone else had a version of Lust Sync. Worse... they were customizing it.
Charles stared at the screen.
This wasn’t just a battle for women anymore. It was a war for control.
His phone buzzed. A text.
Unknown Number: "You’re good, Manson. But she would’ve begged louder for me."