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JAZZ AND SUSPICION
last update2024-11-25 11:44:03

Marvin moved through the grand hall with calculated ease, his sharp eyes scanned every corner as he searched for Jessica Zypher.

His expression remained neutral, giving no hint of the unease growing within him.

She was gone, nowhere to be seen. Yet Marvin was careful not to let his frustration show.

He couldn’t afford to appear desperate or out of control—not here, not now.

Instead, he let his mind work behind his calm facade.

Did Jessica plan this?

Was she watching him even now?

Marvin knew better than to underestimate her.

Jessica Zypher was not just dangerous—she was unpredictable, and unpredictability always brought risk.

His thoughts sharpened as he reminded himself of his disguise. Tonight, he wasn’t Marvin; he was Nikolaj Sternberg, a name and face meticulously crafted to remove any suspicion of his true identity.

If Jessica had already seen through the disguise, she might strike at any moment.

Still scanning the room, Marvin’s movements remained casual, as though he we
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  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   A SEAT BESIDE DANGER

    Marvin’s chest tightened as he stood frozen, staring at Jessica Zypher. For a moment, his carefully composed facade nearly cracked. The sight of her was like a blade cutting through his confidence. She was here, right in front of him, and the sheer weight of her presence was suffocating.He swallowed hard, willing himself to stay calm. He knew he had to control his reaction. If she sensed even a flicker of recognition, it would all be over and his carefully meticulous plan to defeat her would totally shatter. Finally, forcing himself to speak, he managed to say, “Hello,” though his voice sounded far more strained than he intended.Jessica’s piercing eyes lingered on him, they were sharp and calculating eyes. She tilted her head slightly, and her lips curved into a faint smile. For a moment, she didn’t reply, and the silence between them was almost unbearable.“Hello,” she finally said, her voice was smooth and deliberate. “I am Jessica Zypher.”Marvin felt his throat tighten at th

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE SMIRK AND THE MASK

    Marvin watched as Jessica smirked, her gaze was sharp and unwavering. Her expression carried a mix of amusement and intrigue, as if she enjoyed keeping him guessing.“Let’s just say,” she said, with a voice that was low and deliberate, “I find you… interesting.”Marvin forced himself to maintain a calm demeanor. He gave a small, polite nod, masking the unease building inside him. Yet, her words echoed in his mind, tugging at his thoughts. What did she mean by ‘interesting’? Was it a casual remark, or was there something more?He studied her carefully, but her confident smirk gave nothing away. Her face was unreadable, like a well-crafted mask. The ambiguity of her words made his mind race with possibilities.Jessica seemed to notice the slight change in his expression, the questioning look in his eyes. Her smirk deepened, and her tone softened slightly, though it still carried a subtle edge.“Your show of dominance,” she said, leaning in slightly, with eyes that were locked onto h

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE SMILING ASSASSIN

    Marvin tilted his head slightly, forcing a faint smile. “Project Helios? What is Project Helios?” he asked, feigning ignorance with the practiced ease of someone accustomed to hiding in plain sight.Jessica raised an eyebrow, her expression flickered with surprise before a sly smile crept onto her lips. “Wait—you’re in Neovalle, and you have no idea what Project Helios is?” Her tone danced on the line between incredulity and amusement.Marvin shrugged with calculated casualness, leaning back as if her words hadn’t pricked at his nerves. Marvin shrugged casually. “Well, Jessica, I told you that I’m not based here. I’m European, remember? I got invited by a friend to this Neovalle Day celebration.”Jessica blinked, her disbelief barely masked. Then she chuckled, it was a soft, controlled sound that felt as though it was meant more for herself than him. “Oh, yes. I forgot. Looks like my excitement is getting the better of me.” Her laugh was light, even friendly, but Marvin didn’t miss

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    The governor adjusted the microphone on the podium, cleared his throat, and began his speech.His voice boomed through the ballroom speakers—it was formal yet warm.“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight to celebrate Neovalle Day—a day that reflects the spirit of progress and innovation in our great state.”The audience responded with polite applause. Marvin sat, folding his hands as though attentive. In reality, his thoughts were a mess, tangled in frustration and dread.Beside him, Jessica leaned back in her chair, her body was relaxed. She appeared to be so assured of herself, like someone who already knew how the night would end.The governor continued, his voice was swelling with pride. “Our accomplishments over the years have been remarkable. Neovalle has become a hub of technology, industry, and economic opportunity. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of individuals like you.”Jessica rolled her eyes and leaned closer to

  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE BOLD PROPOSAL

    Marvin sat still, his mind was racing as he watched Jessica, trying to read her reaction. Did she believe him? Or was she about to turn the game against him? He wasn’t sure if his gamble had worked. His heart beat faster, each second was stretching into an eternity.Suddenly, a hefty man in a dark suit approached their table. His broad shoulders and firm posture immediately drew Marvin’s attention. The man leaned down to Jessica, whispering something in her ear. Jessica’s expression shifted slightly, though it was hard to tell whether it was surprise or satisfaction.She stood up gracefully, smoothing her dress with an air of authority. Turning to Marvin, she offered a polite but distant smile. “Well, Mr. Sternberg, I have to see someone important. We’ll catch up after the event.” Her tone was cool and businesslike, as though their conversation had been little more than a passing amusement.Marvin nodded, forcing himself to look unbothered. “Of course. I’ll be here.” His voice was

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  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   REVEALED

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  • THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR   THE DIAMOND ROYALE DILEMMA

    “Ah, shut up, Marvin,” Jessica snapped, cutting him off mid-sentence. Her voice was sharp, filled with mockery and disdain.“Spare me all those crappy lies. Did you really think you could play me? That I wouldn’t figure you out? Please.”She let out a cold, sharp laugh, the sound was dripping with satisfaction.“You thought you could outsmart me? Oh no, Marvin. I knew you were going to stand in my way of owning Project Helios. I knew you’d try to outbid me. But guess what? That’s not going to happen now. Not without your Diamond Royale card. Not without your precious billions. Face it—you’ve got no money, no power anymore. You’ve already lost.”Marvin’s jaw tightened as anger surged through him. His voice was steady, but there was a dangerous edge to it. “Jessica, you’re going to return my Diamond Royale card today. If you don’t, all hell will break loose, and every single one of your family’s investments in Neovalle will crumble to dust.”Jessica gasped mockingly, then laughed again

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