“Are you saying he’s rotten? Talk to my ass, Arthur Brooks!”“What are you worried about now? This city’s economic growth has soared thanks to my company and will certainly increase under Gideon Hawthorne’s leadership!”Arthur approached Mayor Smith and said, “Gideon is the ideal partner for my company: well-educated, with an excellent background. Do you know Samuel Hayes? Both of his parents were servants in my family!”“Oh, come on, do you think I’m blind to how much chaos the Hawthornes have caused in many countries?”The mayor shot a cynical look at Gideon.“I even know the scandals this young man has if I dig deeper. Cut off my hand if he can do better than Samuel!”“Hawthorne’s ambition has long turned into greed, and we don’t even know how much wealth they actually have.”“One of their houses in England was secretly auctioned off. Doesn’t that show their finances are not doing well?”“I’m not convinced that J&S will thrive; you’re both just playing a game.” Mayor Smith’s words

“Good morning,” Joey greeted them, only to be met with silence.Returning to the room, Joey found Samuel lounging on the bed.“It’s safe, Mr. Hayes, but I think it’s best if you stay here until midday,” Joey suggested.“Why? Aren’t you returning to the city?” Samuel asked.“I planned to, but I can work from the nearest police station. I’ll return by noon, and then we can head to the desert together,” Joey offered.Samuel chuckled, shaking his head.A sense of foreboding crept into Joey’s mind.“The scorching heat clouds judgment and spawns bad ideas. Morning is the best time to observe the West Line,” Samuel said. “You’ve done more than enough for me, Chief. I don’t want to burden you further.”Samuel stood and embraced the Chief, ensuring no room for argument. He then calmly left the room, walking out as if West Line were a vacation spot.Joey watched closely, observing Samuel as he approached the two receptionists.His eyes widened when he saw the receptionists speaking to Samuel wi

The man in the blue suit shot Joey a sharp look before walking over and pressing a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.Joey raised his hands and nodded, acknowledging the silent command. The man leaned close, his voice a low murmur near Joey's ear."This desert isn’t like any other. You won’t find blood or chaos here. It’s a place where silence and peace reign."Joey froze, his eyes darting around the still desert. It was as if time itself had stopped, trapping everything in an eerie, timeless state."Even the wind seems afraid to blow here," Joey muttered, more to himself than to the man.The man bowed his head slightly before stepping aside. Joey’s gaze shifted to Samuel, who stood before a gravestone, silhouetted against the blazing sun. The sight sent a shiver down Joey's spine.There was something about this place—something deeply unsettling. It felt as if the desert itself had died, its silence too profound to be peaceful. Joey couldn’t reconcile the word "peace" with the

Madeline approached Gideon amidst the flames of ambition, taking advantage of the moment to act sweet and supportive. “Listen to what my father said! Someone like you shouldn’t keep getting upset over a poor man like Samuel! That’s the weakness Samuel is looking for—he’s killing us slowly with his disgusting demeanor!” Madeline flipped her hair while deliberately tugging down the strap of her dress slightly. She was confident her alluring figure would captivate Gideon tonight. “You have no idea how lucky I feel…” Madeline leaned closer to Gideon’s ear, tiptoeing slightly, and whispered, “to be free of Samuel and to have you.” “Isn’t that right, Daddy? A son-in-law like Gideon is the perfect support for our family’s future. We’re equals!” Arthur raised his eyebrows, smiling proudly. Unfortunately, Madeline’s flattery passed through Gideon’s ears like a gust of wind. He wasn’t tempted at all. To him, Madeline was no more than a typical woman he might encounter on the str

Gideon quickly walked over to Arthur and Madeline, who were already in the mansion's backyard garden for breakfast. A cunning smile spread across Gideon's face. "I know the best thing that could really destroy Samuel, turning him to dust!" "What is it, Honey?" Madeline asked with her teasing smile. "I gave information about Samuel to my personal secretary, and they found out that Samuel owns a huge piece of private land on the outskirts of the city. Did you know about this, Mr. Brook?" Arthur shrugged. "I'm sure that's company money he's using illegally. You know, I often think about business and don't really care about other people's personal lives." Meanwhile, Madeline looked upset, her face twisted in frustration. She hit the side of the table hard. "I knew it! I've suspected this for a long time because he often disappears for days without any reason! I even asked his assistant, but they just said Samuel went with strangers! I’m sure he’s embezzling company money and h