As he contemplated the impending downfall of Ethan, a sense of satisfaction filled him. The board was set, and he was about to declare checkmate, Ethan would learn the hard way that in this game, there could only be one winner.***The day progressed normally, with nothing out of the ordinary, but tonight, something new had stirred. The air was thick with an electric tension as if the city itself held its breath, waiting.In the heart of the night, a black car glided through the deserted streets, its polished surface reflecting the pale glow of streetlights. The car was a silent phantom, moving with a purpose that brooked no interference. It was a vehicle designed for the discerning few, those whose names were known in whispers and whose presence was felt in the shifting tides of power.The car stopped before a wrought iron gate, behind which stood a mansion shrouded in darkness. The mansion was a relic of old wealth, its grandeur hidden behind tall, ivy-covered walls. The gate open

The Geralt gala was an arena, and she was ready to enter it with all the poise and precision she was known for. The stakes were high, but so were the rewards. And Sandra Walton was never one to shy away from a challenge.She knew Gerald well. She knew there was more to the gala but she couldn't figure it out. It was a stage after all, and she was ready to play her part to perfection.***Sunlight streamed through the expansive windows of the mansion's huge hall, casting a warm glow on the plush furniture and polished wood floors. Denera sat on a sleek leather sofa, her back straight, eyes focused. Across from her, Gerald leaned against a grand piano, his arms crossed, a contemplative look on his face. The room, adorned with tasteful art and fresh flowers, was a testament to elegance and power.Denera glanced around, appreciating the sophisticated setting. "I must say, Gerald," she began, her voice steady and measured, "you have outdone yourself with this place. It’s the perfect setti

At one end of the hall, a raised stage was set for the night's performances and speeches. The stage backdrop was a luxurious velvet curtain, rich in color and texture, which added an air of theatricality to the setting. Flanking the stage, two grand pianos stood ready, their polished ebony surfaces gleaming under the lights.Discreetly placed around the hall were various lounges and alcoves, furnished with plush sofas and armchairs, where guests could retreat for more intimate conversations. These spaces were decorated with an impeccable attention to detail, from the soft, ambient lighting to the strategically placed art pieces and fresh flowers.Every aspect of the hall, from the grand architecture to the minute details, spoke of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. It was a place designed not just to host an event, but to create an unforgettable experience, leaving an indelible impression on every guest who crossed its threshold.***The evening was poised on the cusp of grande

Ethan moved to the edge of the hall, seeking a moment of solitude to gather his thoughts. He glanced around, seeing the faces of the elite, each one a potential ally or adversary.***He knew he couldn’t trust anyone completely, but he needed a plan. Jason’s threat was real, and the clock was ticking. The project was too important, not just for him, but for everyone involved. He couldn’t let Jason’s envy and hatred derail it.As he stood there, lost in thought, a familiar voice broke through his reverie. "Ethan, there you are."Ethan turned to see Sandra Walton approaching, her emerald gown shimmering in the soft light. She was one of the few people he had come to trust, she was his partner after all."Sandra," he said, forcing a smile. "I didn’t expect to see you here."She returned his smile, but her eyes were sharp, perceptive. "I could say the same about you. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s wrong?"Ethan hesitated for a moment, then decided to confide in her. "It's nothi

Rhys, the heir of House Rhodes, stood beside him, exuding a calm confidence that belied the tension in the air.“Ethan, I have to hand it to you,” Rhys began, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “This project of yours is nothing short of visionary. But I have to wonder, how are you managing with all the... complications?”Ethan smiled, though his eyes remained sharp. “Every great project has its challenges, Rhys. Overcoming them is what makes the end result worthwhile.”Rhys nodded, his gaze drifting briefly to where Sandra stood, now alone after her confrontation with Denera. “Speaking of challenges, Sandra seems to be handling things well. But you know as well as I do that the Monument Project requires more than just resilience. It requires strategy, innovation...”“And you believe you can provide that?” Ethan interjected smoothly, steering the conversation.Rhys met Ethan’s gaze, a small smile playing on his lips. “I don’t just believe it. I know it. When you and Sandra hit tha