The Grand Imperial Hotel’s tasting event was in full swing, with waiters carrying trays of rare wine and whispers of billion-dollar deals floating through the air. In the inner hall, only the elites moved freely. Jack Sullivan wasn’t bothered. He wasn’t here for their approval.But the name they kept calling him?That was starting to grind.“Oh, look who it is,” sneered a familiar, shrill voice. “The insane’s son-in-law actually showed up.”Jack didn’t flinch. He didn’t need to look to know it was Ashley’s mother, decked out in enough fake jewels to outshine a chandelier. Her voice alone could curdle wine.“I’m honestly impressed,” she continued, sipping her overpriced drink. “I figured you’d be under a bridge somewhere. Or maybe barking for food.”Jack glanced at her calmly. “You sound bitter. Let me guess—another investment failed?”She scoffed. “You’re the failure, Jack. Everyone knows it. Married the village lunatic and still walking around pretending you matter.”Village lunatic,

As the elevator doors opened to the underground floor of the Grand Imperial Hotel, Jack Sullivan stepped out with Ashley at his side. The atmosphere shifted immediately, the air thick with power and influence. The room was filled with the most elite of Texas City’s businessmen, politicians, and prominent martial artists, all gathered to discuss rare herbs and spiritual treasures.But as soon as they entered, the crowd’s attention was immediately drawn to them.Jack’s reputation had preceded him, and it was like the silence in the room swallowed them whole. Ashley was still taking it all in, her eyes wide as she glanced around. There was no denying it: the heavyweights were here.But then, a loud, booming voice cut through the silence.“Mr. Jack!”Jack didn’t flinch. He didn’t even acknowledge the man immediately. But when Big Tom, the owner of Stardust Nightclub, a notorious figure with muscles like a bouncer and a reputation that scared even the toughest in Texas, approached, the res

Jessica’s gaze shifted to the room below, eyes flicking from one group of important figures to another. “He’s not even looking at them… but the real play here isn’t the herbs. It’s the people. You saw the five board members of the top medicine companies. And of course, there’s President Inker. He’s the one we need to impress.”Charlotte’s smirk didn’t fade. “Exactly. Those five board members hold the future of medicine in Texas City. Inker knows it. If I play my cards right, I’ll have them eating out of the palm of my hand. Jack can sit in his corner and brood. He won’t even notice.”Jessica raised an eyebrow. “And what about the other company owners? Don’t you think they’ll be… upset when you buy everything?”Charlotte laughed softly, almost mockingly. “Upset? They’ll be lucky if I let them even have a seat at the table when I’m done. They won’t challenge me. Not with my influence.”Jessica nodded but still seemed uncertain. “You think Jack will just sit back and watch while you wrec

The Grand Imperial Hotel’s underground event hall had grown more tense by the second.The air was thick with the promise of deals, whispers of big names, and unspoken rivalries.Frank Rolex’s apprentice, Tommy, was at the front, confidently presenting the coveted "Essence of Life Formula"—a premium herbal blend known to rejuvenate and boost vitality.The crowd leaned forward, eyes glued to Tommy’s every word as he described the vitality-enhancing properties of the formula, boasting its $50,000 price tag.“Ladies and gentlemen, this formula is proven to extend life expectancy by improving cellular regeneration. It’s no wonder it’s been sold out in every major market!” Tommy finished, beaming with pride.A round of applause followed, and Tommy grinned, confident that the bidding would soon begin.But before he could even begin to introduce the opening price, a cold voice sliced through the room.“I beg your pardon.”The crowd went silent.Garrett, wearing his usual outfit of animal skin

Jasper Steel, who had been listening from a few feet away, seethed at the comment. His face twisted with rage, and he turned sharply toward Jack. “Who the hell do you think you are?” Jasper spat, his voice dripping with venom.Jack raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “What? Can’t handle a little truth?”Jasper’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You think you can come in here, make a mockery of everything, and not face any consequences?” He stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. “You’re nothing but a joke, Jack. You’re an arrogant nobody who’s too proud for his own good. You have no place in this world, no matter how hard you try to climb.”A few of the VIPs near them glanced over, sensing the tension in the air.Jack tilted his head, unfazed by the insults. “You want to test that theory, Steel?” His voice was dripping with disdain. “I’m not afraid of you.”Jasper’s nostrils flared. “You should be. If you have any sense of self-preservation, you’ll walk out of here and never show your face aga