Darwin shook his head, a mix of frustration and disbelief coloring his tone. "This is not about impressing anyone. It's about recognition for contributions and achievements that you clearly know nothing about."The onlookers, now fully engrossed in the exchange, murmured among themselves. The skepti

99As Darwin explored the exclusive lounge, his curiosity led him to an ultra-premium ATM, the likes of which he'd never seen before. The manager, eager to regain Darwin's favor, stood by, offering assistance. "Shall we proceed with your transactions, Mr. Wettin?" he asked, his voice laced with a ne

101Darwin took a deep breath to calm himself as the crowd's jeers grew louder. He knew staying would only make the situation worse. As he turned to try to leave, he noticed something happening outside through the bank's large windows. A sleek black limousine pulled up and parked in front of the ba

103Swallowing hard, Emmanuel's defiance crumbled under the realization of his precarious position. "I... I apologize, Mr. Wettin. My actions were... misguided."His apology was hollow, the words tasting like ash in his mouth. But the fear of Greene revealing his underhanded dealings to the public w

105Maxwell settled into the chair opposite Emmanuel, a calculated gleam in his eye. The ambient noise of The Orchid Lounge faded into the background as he focused on the man across from him. “Emmanuel Hughes, I must say, it’s quite the coincidence meeting you here under such... passionate circumst