Jack hoisted a lavishly decorated wine box for all to see.“Granddad, check this out. Marco just dropped by with a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru. We ought to crack it open and celebrate!”Abraham leaned forward, eyebrows raised.“La Romanée-Conti? That’s one of those outrageously pricey labels, isn’t it?”“You bet,” Marco said with a self-satisfied grin.“This baby’s a 2005 vintage, and it set me back a cool hundred grand.”The room erupted with shocked gasps.Even for the Lancaster clan, a $100,000 bottle of wine was the stuff of fairy tales.Florence eyed Marco with a mix of surprise and pride. “Good heavens, Marco. That’s a bit excessive, don’t you think?”Yet beneath her admonishing tone, she practically glowed.After all, Marco was now the suitor she had her heart set on for her daughter.Marco waved off the concern with a dismissive chuckle.“A hundred grand is nothing. I’ve got another whole barrel of this at home. It’s my pleasure to share.”The family descended on him

Marco raised his spoon and rapped it smartly against the rim of his wineglass.A bright, ringing note sliced through the air, snapping heads around to face him. He cleared his throat, letting the hush settle.“Folks, I have some damn good news,” he began with a wide, self-assured grin.“I made a killing today, and I want to celebrate with all of you.”The crowd stirred, excitement flickering in every eye.Florence straightened in her seat, practically brimming with curiosity. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense, Marco! Spill it already!”With exaggerated pride, Marco leaned forward. “I just sunk my entire fortune—one hundred million dollars—into a stock. In a week, that investment will shoot straight to a billion.”Gasps rose around the table. Jack nearly choked on his drink, eyes bulging. “A billion? Are you out of your mind?”“Oh, I’m in my right mind,” Marco retorted, his tone smug.“It’s Vermont National Life Group—Vermont’s top company. Jericho Kane owns it, and everyone knows him.

Kane Mansion, Vermont – Early MorningJericho Kane, the wealthiest lord in all of Vermont, sipped his tea in the heart of what he called a “garden”—though it more closely resembled a small forest, artfully tamed to appear wild.Tall pines and manicured undergrowth rustled in the breeze, while the sweet scent of damp soil hovered in the cool morning air.Across from Jericho sat Vetala, an elderly man with a slender frame and an ageless glint in his dark eyes.A bodyguard strode in, halted by Jericho’s side, and leaned down to whisper.“What?” Jericho murmured, his brow creasing in disbelief. “Harlan and Luke are dead?”His hand clenched around the fine porcelain teacup, and a wave of anger washed over his sharp features.Harlan was no mere associate—he was Jericho’s ultimate weapon in Vancouver.Luke, on the other hand, had been trusted with guarding Charles Kingston, another piece of Jericho’s larger plan.“Who did it?” Jericho demanded, voice vibrating with fury. “Who dared touch my

Marco stormed into the room, his anger barely contained.Charles Kingston sat comfortably, flanked by Bill and a few bodyguards from Vermont."Marco, you're here to join the fun too?" Charles grinned, leaning back in his sofa."Charles, I transferred my money. You said Vermont National Life Group would enter Vancouver, but why hasn't it happened yet?" Marco demanded.Charles chuckled, swirling his drink."I promised they would come, but I never said it would be today. Be patient, Marco. Are you already running out of money? I heard your gigolo business is thriving. Those old ladies are practically throwing their fortunes at you."Everyone in the room was aware of Marco’s primary business, but hearing Charles mock him still stung—especially since it was his money that had been lost."I heard your sister, Jasmine Kingston, is stopping the expansion. My money—I want it back.""She did?" Charles laughed, the sound casual, almost amused."Marco, if you're too scared to take a loss in busin

Outside the Lancaster Building“Jasmine,” Alex said gently, “would you mind giving Sophia another shot at finalizing the deal with Kingston?”She lifted an eyebrow, crossing her arms. “And this is for your ex-wife’s benefit?”He hesitated. “I’m doing it for Abraham Lancaster. I promised him I’d see this through.”Jasmine regarded him for a moment, weighing his words. Finally, she exhaled, her posture relaxing.“All right. I’ll wait until they call me for the signing, then I’ll sign everything professionally. But I’m not stepping back into that hall—not after the way that woman treated me.”Relief washed over Alex. He squeezed her hand lightly. “Thank you.”Inside the Private SuiteThe scent of expensive cologne and polished wood filled the air as Sophia stood face-to-face with Charles Kingston, her heart hammering in her chest.He lounged in a leather chair, exuding a confidence so smug that it made her skin crawl.“I’ve heard everything from Marco,” Charles began, flashing a thin, cal