Lucas glanced at his watch, which was about to strike nine. That evening, the atmosphere in the meeting room was quiet, lit only by the warm, soft lights. Lucas, dressed in an elegant-looking black suit, walked in followed by Chris, who was faithfully by his side.When Lucas entered the room, his gaze immediately fell on the two men waiting at the large oval table in the center. They greeted him with a respectful nod."Welcome, Mr. Carter." The older man extended his hand in a deep, firm voice before Lucas. "We've been waiting for your arrival."Lucas nodded, welcoming their hand. However, their gaze immediately changed when they looked at Chris. The two men were still standing, their foreheads furrowed in question as they watched Chris."Ah, sorry, you... Chris, you should be outside. This is a serious conversation." Arland Xendiora, the man who had met Lucas earlier, looked uncomfortable because of Chris's presence in the room."He can't come out." Lucas refused firmly. "You guys kn
After the meeting with Lucas, Arland and Morgan were in the same car, heading to the next place where they would begin their plans.Arland looked at the ring Lucas had given him, which was now on his finger. "What a beautiful ring." He smiled, sitting back against the back of the seat. "We've been waiting for an opportunity like this." He looked over to Morgan, sitting beside him, showing a face full of satisfaction. "Finally, we got what we wanted."Arland smiled wider, visibly pleased with the gift he had received from Lucas as not just anyone could have the ring, so consider it a stroke of luck for them.Morgan nodded, doing the same as Arland. "Yes." He began to raise his hand, taking in the gleaming ring. "This way, Lucas Carter will be in our vision, and we'll reach our destination more easily."Morgan stared at the ring, running his index finger over its surface. He wondered if Lucas had fallen into his trap so easily.Arland frowned, looking at Morgan with a face that seemed t
Lucas was in his office. He sat relaxed, seemingly focused on the document in his hands. The frown on his forehead indicated that he was serious—until a knock on the door distracted him."Excuse me, Master." Chris stood in the doorway, beginning to pace his feet respectfully, standing directly in front of Lucas."Yes," Lucas responded without turning to Chris, seemingly unperturbed by his servant's presence. He flipped through the pages of the document in his hand."Master, there is news that is currently being spread after you met with the representatives of the Xendiora family and the politician Ecual a few days ago," Chris said carefully. "It was reported that you were discussing cooperation involving the interests of two countries. The news indicates that you are regarded as someone who betrayed your own country."Lucas listened expressionlessly, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes. He put the document he was reading down on the table, took a slow breath, and leaned his back a
Another rumour circulated quickly, naming Lucas Carter in a scandal that caused a public uproar. In every corner of the news, in print and electronic media, even amid ordinary conversation, Lucas's name continued to echo horrendous rumours. Hashtags and headlines were "Lucas Carter cooperates with Ecual state. Friend or foe?""It is said that Lucas Carter has given a huge amount of money to the Ecual state." One of the comments on social media was highlighted on television."Wow, this is crazy. He must have spent a lot of money on that." Other comments appeared on social media.Even some television stations were busy reporting on it, complete with either valid or not evidence. A blurry photo emerged showing Lucas' face with a strange man whose face was disguised.A news reporter frowned, raising his hand. "What is Lucas Carter's real goal? Is it a trick to get the business cooperation between them underway?"Scattered photos emerged with various versions, but none of them showed the f
In a meeting room gleaming with crystal chandeliers and walls decorated with national flags, several politicians and high-ranking officials gathered to discuss the increasingly heated national issues. The room was filled with a severe and tense aura, low murmured voices, and the tapping of pens on the table, a backdrop that contrasted with the silence of the grand room.Faces were wearing furious expressions, looking at each other as if sharing the same frustration. On the screen in front of them was the face of Lucas Carter, a tycoon now the centre of attention. Most politicians felt angry and disappointed, talking about the Carter family's irresponsible actions amid a significant threat to the country."It's unacceptable." One senior politician opened his voice in an angry tone. "At a time when our country needs the full support of all citizens, including the rich, they instead choose to cooperate with other countries. As if they don't care about what happens here!"Several heads no
Lucas stood by the door of the infirmary, watching the two people lying unconscious. His breathing was slightly labored as his chest rose and fell slowly. They had just received treatment an hour ago, and Lucas, who had just arrived, was weakened by the state of the two men in front of him.Many medical devices were connected to Adam and Ryan's bodies. The heart monitor was moving slowly, but at least regularly, and the doctor and two nurses were still inside to make sure they were okay.Their wounds were wrapped in thick bandages, looking fresh and painful. The scars of hard struggle and flight were clearly etched on their bodies. Lucas stared at them with a saddened gaze. His typically cold face seemed to convey a flash of deep emotion-a mixture of anger, regret, and sadness.Not far from Lucas, Julian and Wanda stood respectfully after being treated by the nurse. "Master." They greeted Lucas, paying their respects.Lucas turned around, looking at Julian and Wanda. The two special f
After taking a long rest, Ryan and Adam finally recovered enough to have a severe talk with Lucas, even though they were still covered in wounds and bandages.Lucas sat in a chair right in front of Ryan and Adam with his usual cold, serious face. The situation around them was already conditioned, with Julian, Wanda, and several bodyguards standing guard outside the hospitalization room.Ryan and Adam looked at each other briefly, then Ryan opened the conversation. "We did what you wanted." Ryan shifted his position slightly to be more comfortable. "We've managed to get the data. You must have received half of what was sent earlier. The rest... is still with us."At least Adam and Ryan could breathe a sigh of relief because they had sent the data before being caught by the pursuing men. Luckily, half the data was still stored in Ryan and Adam's bodies, so they managed to survive by not opening their mouths at all and feeling the data they had obtained.Lucas nodded slowly, his face ser
Several days had passed since the incident, and Adam and Ryan were now healthier than before. Their faces looked refreshed, and they could move around without the help of others. That afternoon, Lucas visited them in the infirmary, sitting in a chair beside their beds.Adam looked up at Lucas, a look of admiration on his face. "Lucas, you really are amazing." His eyes twinkled, his tone sincere. "I expected you to think things through carefully, but seeing how you've handled this situation... That's great."Ryan, who was beside him, nodded, responding in an excited tone. "Yeah, Lucas, you're really cool." He raised two thumbs up in appreciation. "Not many people can think that far under pressure like this. We salute you."Lucas smiled slightly at the compliment. Everything was going according to plan, and he was just waiting for the right time.However, the looks on Adam and Ryan's faces turned sour again. They exhaled in unison, looking at Lucas with worried faces.Adam rubbed the ba