RICHARD'S POV There was something about receiving an invitation from the mayor that Lifted my spirits, an unspoken acknowledgment of my significance in the city's business landscape. I needed that boost, especially with the dark cloud of familial betrayal and Legal threats looming over me. And as I dressed up in front of the grand mirror before heading out, I convinced myself that today was about possibilities, not problems.The venue was bustling when I arrived, a hive of the city's business elites. I adjusted my tie one last time before stepping out of the sleek black car. The crisp evening air was a welcome hideaway from the stifling tension that had been building up back home. Tonight, I would shake hands, smile, and pretend that my brother’s looming threat was just a figment of my overactive imagination. The city lights twinkled like distant stars as I made my way towards the grand entrance of the convention center where the mayor was hosting the business convention. “Richard!

RICHARD's POV The marble floors of the courthouse echoed under my shoes as I walked towards courtroom 408, a battleground where my integrity was on trial. My lawyers, a team as polished as the briefcases they carried, surrounded me, whispering last-minute strategies and adjustments. I felt like a gladiator armed for an uncertain fight."Remember, Richard, steady and calm. Let's let the facts speak for themselves," whispered Sarah, my lead attorney, her voice a soothing balm amidst the storm brewing. The doors to the courtroom swung open, revealing a room brimming with anticipation. I could feel the eyes on me, some curious, some judgmental. At the plaintiff's table sat Amelia, her face an unreadable mask, flanked by her grandmother, Grandma White, whose eyes bore into me like daggers. The sight of them, steeped in their deceit, tightened my chest with a cocktail of anger and betrayal. Judge Martinez called the room to order with a stern bang of her gavel. "We are here to address th

RICHARD'S POV A jolt of disbelief surged through the room. It was Like watching dominoes topple; one by one, the businessmen who had once mocked me stood up, their faces contorted in shock and indignation. "This has to be a mistake!" Mr. Clarkson, always the ringleader, barked, his eyes bulging slightly as he pointed an accusatory finger at the council. "You need to recheck those results!" Marianne, unflinching, adjusted her glasses with a calm that bordered on cold, and replied without a hint of doubt in her voice. "The results stand as announced. We have thoroughly vetted all proposals, and it's clear that Richard's idea will bring substantial revenue and new businesses to our city. Unfortunately, your submission did not meet the same standards." "But this is absurd!" another one of the men chimed in. "He's just a small-time player. How can his idea be better than ours? You need to double-check those results!" Their protests grew louder, but so did the firmness in Marianne's to

RICHARD'S POVTension crackled in the air Like the sizzle of hot oil. The stainless steel counters reflected not only the bright overhead lights but also the high stakes of the competition laid out before us. I stood at my station, a collection of ingredients lined up like soldiers ready for battle. Across from me, Chef Baptiste was a picture of concentrated arrogance, his knives laid out with surgical precision.I could feel the skeptical glares burning into my back. Just hours ago, I had made a secret purchase from the Ultra-billionaire system—a comprehensive set of elite cooking skills. It felt like cheating, but in this cutthroat world, I needed every advantage. I tied my apron, the murmur of the staff around me was impossible to ignore. “That’s the guy? He doesn’t look like he’s ever held a knife properly,” sneered a sous chef as he expertly diced vegetables. “Must be one of those rich brats who thinks cooking is just another plaything,” another chimed in, her voice dripping wit

RICHARD'S POV Walking out of the kitchen, I felt a mix of elation and anxiety. I had proven myself in this fierce arena, not just as a boss but as a chef. The road ahead would be challenging, but tonight, I had earned something invaluable- their respect and, unexpectedly, my own passion for cooking. By the time I got home, exhaustion clawed at my body, but a triumphant grin was plastered across my face as I flopped onto my bed. It had been a monumental day, not just in terms of business, but personally. I'd finally put Chef Baptiste in his place after his unwarranted arrogance and disrespect towards me. The thought alone had me chuckling into the soft pillow. Just as I was about to drift into sleep, my phone lit up with an incoming email notification. I groaned inwardly, knowing it was probably just another boring reminder or update. However, as I read the sender's name—Jenny, my personal assistant—a spark of alertness surged through me. The meeting with Rhodes Inc. tomorrow mornin