The underground parking garage was freezing.
Concrete walls.
Dim emergency lights.
Rainwater dripping somewhere in the distance.
And standing in front of us—
Was a stranger who clearly knew far too much.
He looked completely calm.
Which immediately made me distrust him.
Because normal people didn't stay calm after helping two fugitives escape a billionaire family's security team.
She stepped slightly closer to me instinctively.
Tiny movement.
Protective.
The stranger noticed immediately.
A small amused smile appeared on his face.
"…Relax," he said casually.
"That's difficult right now," I replied coldly.
The man laughed softly.
Not offended.
Like he expected that answer.
Up close—
He looked around our age.
Maybe slightly older.
Sharp suit.
Expensive watch.
Perfect posture.
Wealthy.
Definitely wealthy.
But unlike her family—
He wore power differently.
Less controlled.
More dangerous.
"You caused absolute chaos upstairs," he said.
"You helped," I replied immediately.
"I did."
No denial.
No hesitation.
That somehow made him even harder to read.
"Why?" she asked carefully.
For the first time—
His expression changed slightly.
Not amusement anymore.
Something more personal.
"Because your father annoys me."
Silence.
Then—
"…What?"
He leaned casually against one of the concrete pillars.
"Your family has spent years acting like they own this city."
A pause.
"Some people eventually get tired of that."
The way he said it felt dangerous.
Not emotional.
Calculated.
Like this resentment had history behind it.
"You know my father personally," she realized quietly.
The stranger smiled slightly.
"Unfortunately."
I studied him carefully.
Because something wasn't adding up.
People didn't interfere with families this powerful unless they had power themselves.
Or a death wish.
And this guy didn't look suicidal.
"Who are you?" I asked again.
This time—
He actually answered.
"Adrian Vale."
The name hit her instantly.
I saw it in her expression.
Recognition.
Real recognition.
"…Vale?" she repeated quietly.
Adrian gave a small mocking bow.
"The disappointing son of the Vale family. Nice to meet you officially."
Wait.
The Vale family?
Even I knew that name.
Old money.
Corporate influence.
Political connections.
Rich enough to stand beside her family.
Maybe even challenge them.
"You're supposed to be overseas," she said carefully.
"I was."
A pause.
"Then tonight became more interesting."
Something about him felt unpredictable.
Like someone who enjoyed watching powerful systems crack apart.
And honestly?
That made him dangerous too.
"You planned this?" I asked slowly.
"Not entirely."
Another slight smile.
"But when I saw you walk into the gala…"
He looked directly at me.
"…I got curious."
I didn't like that answer.
Because curiosity from people like him usually led to trouble.
"You should leave," I said firmly.
Her eyes shifted toward me slightly.
Probably surprised.
But I meant it.
Because accepting help from powerful strangers—
Usually comes with consequences.
Adrian laughed quietly again.
"You really don't trust rich people, huh?"
"You've met her father."
That actually made him grin.
Fair point.
Sirens echoed faintly somewhere above us again.
Security was still searching.
Time running out.
Adrian checked his watch casually.
"You have maybe four minutes before this entire level gets locked down."
"…How do you know that?" I asked immediately.
Another amused look.
"Because my family partially owns this hotel."
Of course they did.
She folded her arms slightly.
"You're enjoying this."
"A little."
Honest again.
Strangely honest.
Then his expression shifted more serious.
"But your father won't."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Because now—
This wasn't entertainment anymore.
This was reality.
"He's furious," Adrian continued calmly.
"And embarrassed."
A pause.
"That combination makes powerful men reckless."
I already knew that.
But hearing someone from their world confirm it—
Made it heavier somehow.
"He'll come after him harder now," she whispered quietly.
Adrian looked at me carefully.
"Oh, absolutely."
Straight answer.
No comforting lies.
"He already saw you as a temporary problem," Adrian continued.
"Tonight changed that."
I stayed silent.
Because honestly?
I felt it too.
The line had been crossed already.
"You publicly challenged him," Adrian said.
"In front of people whose opinions actually matter to him."
A slight pause.
"And she chose you publicly."
His eyes shifted toward her briefly.
"That part hurt him most."
Silence followed immediately.
Heavy silence.
Because we all knew it was true.
Then Adrian pushed himself away from the pillar.
"Anyway," he said casually,
"standing here dramatically isn't helping."
He tossed a key toward me.
I caught it automatically.
Car key.
"There's a private exit on the lower level," he explained.
"No cameras."
I narrowed my eyes immediately.
"And why exactly are you helping us?"
Adrian smiled again.
But this time—
It looked colder.
More dangerous.
Because his next answer wasn't casual anymore.
"…Because if your relationship destroys your father's control over this city…"
A pause.
"…I'd love to watch it happen."
The silence after that felt sharp.
Because now—
I finally understood.
Adrian wasn't helping us out of kindness.
He saw opportunity.
A crack in power.
And maybe—
A war worth joining.