Chapter one hundred and eighty; Henry defends his pride. The evening was alive with the buzz of conversation and the crackle of the fire as everyone gathered for the barbecue. Smoke from the roasting game filled the air, mixing with the aroma of grilled meat, while the families displayed their catches from the hunt. The Preston family stood by their large deer, its size commanding attention from everyone present. It was an impressive feat, but across the way, Leo and his team flaunted a pile of smaller game: rabbits, pheasants, and a wild boar. Leo was in his element, laughing loudly and soaking in the attention from the crowd. “You know, it’s not just about the size of the catch," he announced, loud enough for everyone to hear. "It’s about how much you bring back." His grin was wide, and he made sure to flash it in Chris’s direction.Chris remained calm, working on preparing the deer for roasting. He never cared for these public displays, preferring to focus on his family and

Chapter one hundred and eighty two; A little game of truth or dare The night was in full swing, with the bonfire crackling under the dark sky, casting flickering light across the lawn. Everyone gathered around, laughter echoing through the air, and the smell of grilled meat from the barbecue filled the space. It was the perfect evening to relax, or so it seemed, until someone suggested a game."Let’s spice things up," Leo said with a grin, tossing a glance toward his group of friends.“We’ve had the barbecue, caught our game, but what’s a night without a little challenge? How about a round of truth or dare?"The crowd around the fire exchanged curious glances. Truth or dare was usually harmless, but with this crowd, there was the potential to get messy. The wealthy elite loved their games, especially when there was an opportunity to show someone up. And Leo, still smarting from earlier, had a glint in his eye that promised mischief.Henry, seated on one of the benches with a dr

Chapter one hundred and eighty four; sight seeing The next day was bright and sunny, perfect for the sightseeing trip planned as part of the group’s adventure. Everyone gathered early, excitement buzzing through the air. The buses were parked and ready, each one set to take them through some of Australia’s most beautiful spots. From the stunning beaches to the rugged cliffs and serene wildlife parks, it promised to be a memorable day.Chris and Stephany climbed onto one of the buses, taking seats near the middle. As they settled in, Chris noticed how the women in the group kept sneaking glances at him. Even as he tried to avoid attention, it seemed his calm and composed demeanor had earned him a quiet but noticeable fame among the group. Shelly, the first daughter of America, was sitting just across from them. With her effortlessly chic style and sharp gaze, she looked every bit like someone used to getting attention. Yet, she directed her focus on Chris as if they had known

Chapter one hundred and eighty six: A Sudden AttackAs the group prepared to leave the hidden waterfall, laughter and conversation filled the air again. The unsettling moment with the metal case seemed to have passed, though it still lingered in the back of Chris’s mind. Connor had carefully hidden the case away, and for now, they tried to carry on as if nothing had happened.Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced through the peaceful sounds of the forest. Everyone turned toward the source of the scream, and there, by the edge of the water, a young woman lay writhing on the ground. Her leg was bleeding, and a large, ominous-looking snake slithered away, disappearing into the undergrowth.Panic swept through the group. "Oh my God! She’s been bitten!" someone shouted.The woman’s brother, a tall man with sharp features and an air of authority, rushed to her side. His face was pale, his eyes wild with fear. “Carla! Stay with me!" he shouted, kneeling beside her."Does anyone know what to do?

Chapter one hundred and eighty eight: A Triumph in the SpotlightBack in the States, things were moving at an exciting pace. Business was thriving, even though Chris, the president, had been away for a while. The systems he had put in place before leaving had proved to be rock solid, and the staff were handling everything with exceptional skill at MTD E.Each department was functioning smoothly, and it was clear that Chris had left nothing to chance. The company was running like a well-oiled machine.The main highlight of the season was the regional premiere of Loretta's musical, The Dream of Stardom. From the very first moment, it was clear that this production was going to be a massive success. The crowd that gathered was larger than expected, with people from all corners of the region filling up the theater. The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation palpable as the curtains lifted, and Loretta took to the stage. Her performance was mesmerizing, and the entire cast worked f