Loss

Malik laughs softly, but there's no humor in it. "You think you can protect her from me? You're delusional." He steps closer again, the intimidation tactics clear.

"You know what I'm capable of. I won't hesitate to use force if it comes to that."

Ramsey leans forward, his face inches from Malik's. "You'd have to get through me first. And I promise you, that won't be easy."

The air between them feels charged, each man unwilling to back down.

For a moment, they stand there, locked in a silent duel of wills.

Malik's expression remains cold, but Ramsey can see a flicker of frustration beneath the surface.

Malik sneers at him, lip curling back as he regards Ramsey with undisguised contempt. "You really think you can keep fooling Ms Emerson, don't you?" he spits, his voice dripping with malice. "She's too good for the likes of you, Ramsey. You're nothing but a pathetic, lying mongrel."