Chapter One Hundred and Forty OneThe governor’s voice, sharp and authoritative, silenced the murmurs of the room. He stepped closer to Jasper, his piercing gaze freezing him in place.“Jasper,” he began, his voice low and cold, “you’ve embarrassed yourself enough for one evening. You dared to interfere in my affairs, insult my guest, and attempt to dictate how I run this event. You’re no more than a pompous fool blinded by your own arrogance.”“Governor, I swear—” Jasper stammered, his voice trembling.The governor raised a hand, silencing him instantly. “Enough. Men like you need to learn respect the hard way.”He turned to the head of security. “Take him to the pit bulls,” he ordered. “Feed him to the dogs. Let this serve as a reminder to everyone in this room: never look down on someone just because they wear cheap clothes or appear ordinary. Every person deserves respect.”Jasper’s face turned pale. His eyes widened in disbelief, and his knees wobbled as the guards stepped forwar

Chapter One Hundred and Forty ThreeHenry leaned against the kitchen counter, ignoring Gloria’s smug demeanor. His phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he noticed a message from the governor’s office. It was an invitation to a prestigious continent-level auction.He read through the message carefully. The auction would feature rare artifacts and priceless art pieces. The highlight, however, wasn’t the grandeur—it was the purpose of the proceeds. The funds would be divided into three: one-third for homeless children, another for individuals with disabilities, and the final portion for those battling cancer and incurable diseases.Henry’s heart softened. The cause resonated deeply with him, stirring something he hadn’t felt in a while. Still, he hesitated. He’d had enough drama for one lifetime, especially after what happened at the governor’s mansion.“Are you going somewhere?” Gloria’s voice interrupted his thoughts. She leaned against the doorway, her sharp eyes trying to deci

Chapter One Hundred and Forty FiveThe faint sound of high heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the grand auction hall as Stella, Jasmine’s younger sister, entered with a flourish. Her long, shimmering gown hugged her curves perfectly, and her carefully styled hair fell effortlessly over her shoulders. Behind her was Stefan, her latest companion, a tall, arrogant man who exuded confidence that bordered on theatrical.Stefan adjusted his cufflinks as he surveyed the room, a smug grin on his face. “This is the kind of crowd I like,” he said, his voice dripping with self-importance. “The biggest names, the richest wallets. Everyone here knows power when they see it.”Stella rolled her eyes but smiled indulgently. “Relax, Stefan. They’re not here for you. This is an auction, not your fan club.”Stefan laughed, a little too loudly. “Maybe not yet, but by the time the night’s over, they’ll know who Stefan Laurent is.”Stella didn’t respond, her attention already shifting

Chapter One Hundred and Forty SevenThe applause had barely subsided when Stefan shot up from his chair, his face red with fury. He pointed a trembling finger at Henry, his voice loud enough to echo across the grand hall.“This is a scam!” Stefan bellowed. “This man can’t afford sixty million dollars! He’s a nobody—a useless son-in-law who probably doesn’t have ten dollars in his pocket!”The crowd gasped, the murmurs growing louder as heads turned toward Henry. He stood calmly by the payment desk, his back straight and expression neutral, as though Stefan’s words were beneath him.“Stefan, stop,” Henry said in a low, firm tone, but the younger man was too far gone.“Don’t tell me to stop!” Stefan shouted, striding toward Henry. “You’ve embarrassed me in front of everyone! Do you think you can waltz in here, bid an insane amount of money, and not face the consequences?”Stella, eager to fuel the chaos, rushed to Stefan’s side, her face twisted in mock outrage. “He’s right!” she yelled

Chapter One Hundred and Forty NineStella couldn’t stop laughing as the humiliation she and Stefan had tried to pile on Henry seemed to backfire spectacularly. She clutched her stomach, tears streaming from her eyes, but her uncontrollable laughter caused a sudden, audible rip in her gown.The hall went silent, and Stella froze. Slowly, she looked down and saw that her dress had split along the side, exposing her belly and a patch of unflattering, bulging skin. Gasps and snickers erupted around her.Mortified, Stella tried to cover herself with her hands, but it was no use. Her face turned beet red, and she stammered, “I… I need to excuse myself.”She rushed toward the nearest exit, her heels clattering loudly on the marble floor. Stefan, instead of following her, turned away the moment she left the room. He’d had enough of Stella for the night.His eyes landed on the tall, elegant model he’d been eyeing all evening. She was standing by the champagne bar, her long legs crossed gracefu