Cassius Verus staggered into the grand Aurelius estate, his disheveled appearance a stark contrast to the opulence around him. His white shirt was stained crimson, and his eyes carried the weight of desperation. Heads turned, expressions of shock quickly giving way to sneers and ridicule as the room fell into a stunned silence.Aemilia Alba, the cold and impeccably dressed matriarch, rose from her seat, her sharp gaze slicing through him like a blade. “Cassius,” she began, her voice icy, “is this some kind of tasteless performance? Or have you finally decided to make yourself useful by becoming an actor?”“I’m not here for jokes, Mother,” Cassius rasped, ignoring the snickers echoing in the room. “Vinna was in a car accident. She’s in critical condition. I need $300,000 for her surgery—immediately.”The room erupted in whispers.Vulpes, the smug cousin-in-law, let out a derisive laugh. “$300,000? For your sister? That’s a bit steep for someone who can’t even afford to fix his car’s br

The luxury car dealership buzzed with quiet conversations and the hum of expensive engines. Colin stood at the entrance, his posture calm but resolute. Today wasn’t just about buying a car—it was about proving something to himself and to those who doubted him.As he approached the sleek display models, a familiar voice called out. “Well, if it isn’t Colin Verus.”Turning, Colin saw Decimus Brunus, his former college friend, lounging against a convertible. Decimus wore an expensive suit, his smirk as condescending as ever. Behind him stood a flashy middle-aged man dripping in gold jewelry, accompanied by a woman whose confidence was as bold as her revealing outfit.“What are you doing here, Colin?” Decimus asked, feigning surprise. “Window shopping? Or did you get lost on your way to the used car lot?”Colin’s expression remained neutral. “I’m here to buy a car. For my wife.”The middle-aged man let out a booming laugh. “A car? From here? Looking like that? Kid, this place sells cars w

Colin Verus walked into the jewelry store with Mia trailing behind, her expression a mix of excitement and anticipation. “Colin, I have to say, this is a surprising side of you,” she said with a saccharine smile. “I mean, the Colin I knew would never walk into a place like this. Let alone, you know… spend.”Colin didn’t respond, his expression calm as he scanned the glittering displays.The salesclerk, a young man in a tailored suit, gave them a once-over and raised an eyebrow. “May I help you?” he asked, his tone dripping with condescension.“Yes,” Colin said, nodding toward a necklace that sparkled under the spotlight. “She wants that one.”The clerk hesitated, then smirked. “Ah, I see. Sir, that necklace is priced at $18,000. Are you sure you’re—”“Does it matter if he’s sure?” Mia interjected, her tone playful but edged with sarcasm. “Let the man dream a little, right?”Colin ignored her jab and reached into his pocket, pulling out the Emperor Card. The clerk’s smirk froze, his ey

“Livia!” Barius Martin’s voice rang out, filled with desperation and determination.Colin sighed, turning toward the approaching man. “Still not finished, Barius?”Ignoring Colin, Barius focused solely on Livia. “Livia, wait. I can’t let you leave like this.”Livia’s face tightened. “What do you want now, Barius?”He stepped closer, his hands outstretched as if pleading. “I want you to reconsider. Don’t tie yourself to someone like… him.” His gaze flicked to Colin with disdain. “You deserve so much more than a man who can barely stand in a room with your family without being humiliated.”Colin opened his mouth to respond, but Livia beat him to it. “That’s enough, Barius.”Barius’ voice grew softer, almost pleading. “Livia, I’ve loved you since college. I have wealth, influence, everything you could ever need. I can give you a life you’ve only dreamed of. Just say the word, and it’s yours.”Livia’s expression hardened, her voice steady. “And what about Colin? Do you expect me to discar

Colin stepped into the luxury villa’s sales office, his confidence unshaken by Decimus Brunus, who leaned casually against a wall. Decimus eyed Colin’s tailored suit and branded watch with a smirk, his disdain barely concealed.“Colin,” Decimus said, his voice dripping with mockery, “I see you’re playing dress-up now. What’s next? Renting a fancy car for the day to complete the look?”Colin adjusted his cuffs calmly. “I see you’re still stuck in the same mindset, Decimus.”Decimus chuckled, his voice loud enough to draw attention. “Oh, come on. Let’s not pretend. You might fool these salespeople, but I know who you are. A poor country boy trying to play in a league way above your level.”Colin’s phone buzzed, and he pulled it out, dialing a number. “Nina,” he said as soon as the call connected, “cancel the Marquis Group’s cooperation with Decimus Brunus’ company.”Decimus raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Cancel? Marquis Group? Now you’re just embarrassing yourself, Colin. Every