Elijah Norton woke up early in the morning.He felt something soft in his left hand, so he turned his head to the left and discovered a woman with a veil lying beside him.His left hand was gripping her... Elijah subconsciously pinched it.Sophia Donald was startled awake by the pinch, realizing she was completely naked except for the veil on her face."Ah!" Her scream echoed throughout the hotel.Breathless with fear, she clutched the bed sheets tightly to cover her body and slowly moved back to distance herself from Elijah."Who... who are you? What did you do to me?" Sophia asked anxiously."My name is Elijah. It seems we've done everything a young couple can do," Elijah shrugged casually."How could you do this to me? You violated me; you're a criminal!" Sophia was both angry and embarrassed, but more than that, she felt wronged. Tears welled up in her eyes as her voice trembled."That's not true! You were the one who made the first move last night!" Elijah defended himself."No w

"Who dares to cause trouble here?!" Ethan bellowed, his face red with fury.Elijah's gaze fixed on him, steady and fearless, saying confidently, "I do!” His voice calm and commanding, carrying an authority that made everyone in the room tense up."And if you lay another finger on her, you'll regret it."The room fell silent.All the members of the Donald family were in disbelief that someone had barged into their home and threatened them.Who was he? What was he doing here?Suddenly, Reno recognized him and shouted, "It's you!"He then pointed at Elijah and yelled excitedly at Ethan, "Grandpa, he's the one who had an affair with Sophia—the culprit behind the breakdown of our alliance with the Shaw family!""Guards, come quickly and capture this guy!" Reno shouted, trying to summon the guards to seize Elijah.Elijah crossed his arms and scoffed, "No need to waste your effort; the guards outside have already been taken care of by me."Everyone stared at Elijah, sensing the danger he rad

The morning sun streamed through the window as Elijah and Sophia stood before a modest altar, their hands clasped together.The ceremony was simple but heartfelt. Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest."I do," she whispered, her voice steady with determination.Elijah's eyes met hers."I do," he said firmly, sealing their vows.After the ceremony, they returned to the Donald family home where Sophia's father, Bob, lived in a small, worn-down wing of the estate.His influence in the family was minimal, and it showed in his modest surroundings.Sophia's eyes were saddened at the sight."Father," she called softly, approaching him.Bob looked up, his eyes dull."Sophia?" he mumbled, his voice weak.He hadn’t expected her to visit, let alone look so radiant."I’m back, Father," Sophia said, smiling warmly."And I’m married now."Bob’s eyes widened."Married? To him?" he asked, glancing at Elijah with a mix of confusion and fear.Elijah nodded, stepping forward."Yes, sir. I’m Elijah Norton,

"Ladies and gentlemen, a toast to my father, Rick Shaw, on his eightieth birthday!"Kobe Shaw raised his glass high, his voice booming through the grand hall.The crowd erupted in applause, a sea of elites gathered to honor the Shaw family patriarch. Everyone was so excited.Rick Shaw, seated at the head of the long banquet table, smiled with satisfaction.The grand chandelier above cast a golden glow on his wrinkled face, highlighting the pride in his eyes."Thank you all for being here," he said, his voice strong for his age."The Shaw family has always stood tall, and tonight is proof that we always will."Ethan Donald, standing near the table, stepped forward, his tone humble."Mr. Shaw, I must apologize for the recent troubles caused by my granddaughter," he said, bowing slightly."We are here to mend any rifts and assure our continued loyalty to the Shaw family."Rick Shaw nodded, his expression softening."Ethan, it's good to see you know where your loyalties lie," he replied."

"Elijah, I have great news!"Sophia’s voice was bright with excitement over the phone.Elijah smirked, leaning back in his chair at Arthur Palace."What is it, Sophia?" he asked."My high school reunion worked out! Linda helped me secure a potential partnership with the Yale Group!" Sophia exclaimed."We just need to finalize it in person."Elijah chuckled softly."Good job. I knew you could do it," he said."I’ll come to pick you up. Be ready in ten minutes."Sophia giggled."I’ll be waiting!"Elijah hung up the phone and called out, "Doug, get the car. We’re picking up Sophia."Doug grinned, already grabbing the keys."On it, Marshal," he replied....As they drove through the busy streets, Sophia chatted away in the backseat, her excitement bubbling over."It’s been so long since I’ve seen Linda. I was worried she wouldn’t even remember me," she said.Elijah, sitting beside her, glanced over."And how did it go?" he asked.Sophia smiled."Better than I expected. She was really helpf