Mr. West's face turned crimson with rage as he grabbed Marcus by the collar. "You insolent fool! On your knees! Grovel and beg for Miss Phoenix's forgiveness this instant!" Veronica held up a hand. "I don't need his apology. He should be groveling to Barry—the man he just humiliated. He's outside in the cold with his sister." Mr. West didn't hesitate. He was scared of Veronica not because she's a big shot but because the Pearl Hotel was built with a staggering loan from the Phoenix Bank which was still being paid. If Veronica flip off the script, the entire hotel could come crashing down and Mr. West would lose his job.He seized Marcus by the ear and dragged him, stumbling and wincing, out of the lobby and into the cold evening air where Barry and Snow stood. "Apologize to Mr. Reeds now!" the manager barked, shoving Marcus forward. "Do it or I'll crucify you where you stand." Marcus fell to his hands and knees in front of Barry. His voice trembled as he spoke. "B-Barry… I-

It was the first week of new year and Barry had flown back to North Hills with his sister and Veronica. Before Barry left Wesington city, he made sure the project was progressing well without his involvement.Veronica assured him she would take full control of the project in his absence.Barry took her word for it and let her do her job.In the meantime, now he was back from the holidays, Barry began setting his priorities straight.This year, he was going to graduate from college and his sister is also graduating from high school.He also has plans to marry Veronica this year. There was just so much to be done.Barry adjusted his suit as he stepped into the lobby of Sullivan Group headquarters. He was ready to dive back into business and expand his company as far as he possibly could. The clean energy car project was at it's peak. Barry wanted to see its progress firsthand before focusing on his upcoming graduation and wedding plans. As he walked through the lobby, his sharp eye

Richard ignored Jerome's question as he continued. "Plan A was for you to infiltrate Sullivan Group, gather intel, and sabotage them from within. But now?" His lips curled into a sinister smile. "Now we move to Plan B." Jerome looked straight at his father. "Which is?" Richard stood up from his seat, his eyes gleaming ruthlessly. "We rally every billionaire who's felt the sting of Sullivan Group's dominance. We form an alliance—a coalition of the powerful—and we crush Barry and his empire before it's too late." Jerome's initial shock gave way to a vicious resolve. "I'll do anything to bring that company down. I will not rest until Sullivan Group is destroyed."Richard grinned slyly. "Good. Very good."* * * *A few days later, Barry pulled up outside of Mr. Wexler's mansion. Mr. Wexler stood at the entrance of his mansion with Roxanne to welcome Barry."Barry," he greeted, extending a hand as Barry stepped out of the car. "Thank you for coming. I appreciate you honoring this me

The wedding preparations were nearly complete. Barry had kept his promise to Veronica—he had become a man of substance, a man worthy of Veronica. In just a few months, he would be graduating from Silverleaf university at the top of his class, and their wedding was set to follow soon after. Veronica had prepared herself to be his wife. She was finally proud of the man Barry had grown up to be.Everything was perfect—until it wasn’t. One evening, Barry received a frantic call. Veronica had collapsed att a conference meeting, burning with fever. By the time he reached the hospital, she had already slipped into unconsciousness. The air in the hospital corridor was heavy with grief.Members of the Phoenix family stood in silence, their faces filled with sadness. The council elders, aunts, uncles, and cousins who had gathered to support their beloved Veronica. Barry stepped into the room, his chest tightening at the sight of her lying motionless on the hospital bed. She looked

Barry’s pulse raced. "Then… my wish—" The cat’s eyes gleamed. "Ah yes. The wish." It tilted its head playfully. "But first… tell me, Barry. What do you truly desire?" Barry didn’t hesitate. "Save Veronica. She's my fiancée. She has the Sleeping Death, and if I don't—" "Whoa hold your horses," the Golden Cat purred, cutting him off. "I already know what you want, boy. I’ve always been watching you." Its tail flicked. "You owe your good fortune to me, you know." Barry stiffened. "What do you mean?" The cat ignored his question as it stretched lazily. "I can lift the curse from Veronica and cure her. But first, you must do one good deed for me." Barry frowned. "I don’t understand. I thought helping that homeless man was the good deed." The Golden Cat burst into laughter, rolling onto its back and kicking its paws in the air like an amused kitten. "Oh, Barry! That wasn’t the deed! That was just a test to see if you were worthy of my attention!" It sat up, grinning. "I do