SIMON THE ZILLIONAIRE FROM NOWHERE

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Eddie entered the upscale restaurant, its soft lighting and clinking of glasses creating an atmosphere of quiet elegance. He had come here reluctantly at Axton’s request. A dinner to talk business, Axton had said. Eddie had mixed feelings. After everything that had happened with Agatha, Eddie wasn’t sure if he could sit across from Axton and pretend they were just business partners. But there was a lot at stake, and the future of his family's company hung in the balance.

Axton sat at a corner table, his posture casual yet authoritative. His sharp eyes caught Eddie the moment he walked in, and he waved him over.

“Eddie,” Axton said as Eddie approached, standing up and offering a handshake. “Glad you could make it.”

Eddie accepted the handshake but said nothing. He took a seat across from Axton, trying to read the man’s expression. Axton seemed calm, as if their last conversation—Axton’s warning to stay away from Agatha—had never happened.

“We’ve got a lot to talk about,” Axton began,