Chapter one hundred and sixty; Stephnay surprised Chris The evening air was cool and comforting as Chris arrived home, his body weary from a long day at work. The hustle and bustle of the office and the financial institute had drained him, but as soon as he stepped through the front door, a wave of warmth and happiness washed over him. The house was filled with the aroma of a hearty meal, and he could hear Stephnay humming softly in the kitchen. He dropped his briefcase by the door and made his way to the living room, where he was greeted by Stephnay’s radiant smile. She looked up from where she was arranging the dining table, her eyes twinkling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Welcome home,” she said, her voice soft but full of affection. “I’m glad you’re back.” Chris returned her smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for her presence. “Thanks, Stephnay. It’s been a long day.” Without missing a beat, Stephnay walked over to him and took his hand, leading him towar

Chapter one hundred and sixty two; Jerry snubbed by Sandra. The days following the launch of Sterling Horizon Capital were a whirlwind of activity. Sandra Philips found herself in the center of a maelstrom of attention. The success of the new financial institution had surpassed all expectations, and the buzz surrounding it had brought a flood of new opportunities. Investors, entrepreneurs, and high-profile figures from various industries were all clamoring to meet her, eager to establish connections and explore potential partnerships.Sandra handled it all with the grace and professionalism that had become her hallmark. Each day, she met with influential individuals and carefully navigated the complex web of business dealings that came with her newfound position. However, behind the scenes, there was more to her decision-making process than anyone realized. Despite the outward appearance of autonomy, Sandra was not operating alone. Every major decision, every potential partnershi

Chapter one hundred and sixty four; arrival to Australia The exclusive retreat in Australia was the event of the year, a gathering where the young and powerful would converge to solidify alliances, rekindle old friendships, and set the stage for future empires. This year’s barbecue getaway was more than just a social affair—it was a display of wealth, power, and influence. Each arrival was a statement, a declaration of status, and the private airstrip where the guests arrived buzzed with anticipation.The first to make her grand entrance was Shelly, the eldest daughter of a prominent shipping magnate. Her jet, a sleek, obsidian black aircraft, touched down smoothly on the tarmac. As the doors opened, Shelly emerged, a vision of elegance in a tailored ivory jumpsuit that hugged her statuesque figure. Her dark hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and oversized sunglasses shielded her eyes from the sun. With a subtle nod to her entourage, she descended the steps, her every mov

Chapter one hundred and sixty six. Room sharing The vacation home in Australia was nothing short of a masterpiece. Situated on a vast estate overlooking a pristine lake, the sprawling mansion was a blend of modern elegance and classic luxury. The driveway leading up to the house was lined with towering eucalyptus trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. As the guests arrived, they were greeted by the sight of the grand facade—white stone walls, tall arched windows, and balconies that wrapped around the upper floors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.The front entrance was marked by a pair of massive wooden doors, intricately carved with designs reminiscent of ancient aboriginal art. These doors opened into a grand foyer, where a sparkling chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm, welcoming glow over the polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, and plush seating areas were arranged throughout the space, inviting

Chapter one hundred and sixty eight; Fishing The next morning dawned bright and clear, with the sun casting a golden hue over the Australian landscape. The men gathered outside, ready for the day’s first activity—fishing. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as the group made their way to the private lake nestled within the estate. Tyler Martin, always the gracious host, led the way, his calm demeanor and quiet confidence setting the tone for the morning.Chris, still feeling the lingering awkwardness from the night before, walked alongside Stephany, who had come to see him off. She wore a simple white sundress that fluttered in the breeze, and despite their tense interactions the previous night, there was a silent understanding between them. They exchanged a brief, almost shy smile before Chris joined the group of men preparing for the fishing trip.Henry Preston was among the last to arrive at the lake, his face still showing traces of the anger and frustration from