"Sir, please—" the sales representative attempted to intervene."You must remove this poor fool immediately! He’s ruining our shopping experience, and I won’t tolerate it," the man insisted.Beatrix crossed her arms, watching the situation unfold with a smug expression, her head held high, exuding arrogance and confidence.The sales representative was caught in a difficult position.She didn’t want to choose sides. What could she do? If she followed the man’s orders, she’d be driving away a customer.Yet, she didn’t want to upset the old man either.She spoke into the intercom, saying, "Mr. Jerry, we have a bit of a situation here. Could you come quickly, please?"Within a minute, a man with a stern expression appeared...Jerry White, the store’s sales manager, had arriv
Alfred was already aware of what had transpired before entering the store, and he was furious.How dare anyone show such disrespect to his Young Master and his daughter’s savior!If Alex blamed him for Jerry’s incompetence, all the effort Alfred had put into building a good reputation and trying to earn Alex’s favor would be for nothing.Alfred felt an overwhelming urge to punish Jerry—this useless troublemaker had only caused problems!He deserved to be dealt with harshly.With these thoughts in mind, Alfred immediately ordered his bodyguards to escort the middle-aged man and his arrogant mistress out of the store."I don’t ever want to see them in this store again!" Alfred warned.As Jerry watched, the color drained from his face, and his eyes filled with fear.He looked like a terrified chicken as he cowered in a corner."Where is that incompetent manager? Come out here this instant!"Jerry crawled out from where he had been hiding in the corner and fell flat on his knees. "Sir, I
Once they were gone, Alfred turned to the sales representative and commanded, "Pack that necklace and bring it here. Hurry up.""Yes, Sir. I’ll do it right away," the sales representative responded, not daring to hesitate as she rushed to follow his orders.Meanwhile, Alfred leaned closer to Alex and whispered apologetically, "Please accept the necklace as a gift. It’s on the house, and I sincerely apologize for my staff’s behavior. I hope you’ll take it, so I can have some peace of mind tonight."After a brief pause, Alex nodded."Alright."Alfred sighed in relief when Alex accepted the gift. This either meant that Alex wasn’t angry with him anymore or that he had been forgiven.Phew! Thank goodness!The sales representative returned, holding the wrapped necklace.To everyone's surprise, instead of handing the package to Alfred, she respectfully presented it to Alex with a deep bow."Sir, is this to your satisfaction?" she asked, keeping her head lowered.Alex nodded as he accepted th
“What’s in the gift?” Lyra asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she glanced at the neatly wrapped package.Sophia hesitated for a moment, then carefully untied the ribbon.“Oh wow! It’s an emerald necklace, from Elegance & Co!” she gasped, clearly surprised by the luxurious gift.Sophia’s excitement was quickly replaced by a hint of discomfort.“This looks really expensive,” she said quietly, unsure how to feel about it.The intricate design and fine detail made it clear—this wasn’t just any piece of jewelry.Chris had already gone to great lengths to arrange the banquet invitations, and now his father had sent such an extravagant gift.It felt a little overwhelming.But before Sophia could express her concerns, Chris smiled confidently, as if he had anticipated the entire situation."T
Alex turned to Sophia. "Why don’t you confirm with Chris if his father really sent the gifts?"Sophia, her brow furrowing in confusion."What are you talking about? Of course, it’s Chris helping me out."She couldn’t fathom the idea that anyone other than Chris would send such luxurious gifts."Didn’t you receive an emerald necklace from Elegance & Co and three invitation cards?" Alex questioned.Sophia felt a chill run through her.How could Alex possibly know what was inside her gift?He had just returned, and the gift was already sealed.The necklace, the three cards—had he somehow read her mind?Or, even more unsettling, had he been right all along?Was Chris’s father really not behind these lavish gifts?Before
The next morning, after a restful sleep, Alex's phone buzzed, and he picked it up without a second thought.It was Abraham, Sophia’s grandfather."Alex, I’ve heard about Sophia's behavior. That silly girl! How could she ask for a separation? I’m so sorry for how she treated you. I’ve given her a good talking to."But Alex wasn’t bothered in the slightest.If Sophia wanted a separation, he wasn’t going to stand in her way.After all, marriage is not something he could ever force, even from the beginning.He had fulfilled his duty by agreeing to the marriage, hoping that it might lead him to some clues about his mother."Where are you now? I’ll send a car to pick you up. I want Sophia to apologize to you in person.""No need for that, grandpa. I’ll come on my own." Alex qu
Sophia scoffed."Do you really think bargaining will make you worth millions?"“That price doesn’t even scratch the surface of my value,” Alex replied with a wink.“But seeing how eager you are, I decide not to make it too difficult for you. I’ll offer a 99.99999999999999999% discount, so it will be just one hundred thousand. How about it?”Alex chuckled inwardly.Sophia's jaw dropped.She couldn’t believe what she'd just heard.Holy crap!She had never encountered such shamelessness in her entire life.This was the unfortunate consequence of marrying a useless man—a man who would live off her wealth without contributing anything, and still think so high of himself.Her glare deepened, and so did her disdain.
As she stepped into the sitting room, every pair of eyes turned toward her.It was the absolute worst moment to be in the spotlight.She quickly tucked her bank card behind her back, hoping no one would notice.Grandpa Abraham’s face twisted with displeasure as he glared at Sophia.“Where have you been? Why didn’t you greet your husband like I told you?”Sophia’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she wished she could vanish.In a small voice, she mumbled, “I did, Grandpa.”“Yes, Grandpa, she did,” Alex chimed in, trying to back her up.Grandpa Abraham’s expression finally softened.The truth was, Sophia didn’t care about greeting Alex.All she wanted was to get rid of him.She was willing
That morning, the Lancaster mansion was anything but peaceful.In the grand living room, Florance stood in front of Justin, practically shaking with anger.“You’re worthless as a father!” she shouted. “All you do is sit around watching garbage on TV!”Justin frowned, more irritated than surprised. “What do you want from me?”“How about acting like a dad for once? Our daughter is in trouble over that massive loan. You need to help figure out a solution!” Florance’s frustration bled through her every word.Justin let out a tired sigh. “And what exactly do you expect me to do?”“Look at the bigger picture! Your brother is already waiting for Sophia to fail so he can give Mike her position in the company. We can’t let that happen!”Rolling his eyes, Justin scrolled aimlessly on his phone. “I don’t have that kind of money, and you know it.”Florance glared at him. “You’re good for nothing except your so-called manhood!”“Fine!” Justin snapped. “What do you want me to do?”“Marco Ashford,”
Sophia picked up the menu and glanced over at Lyra, her mind spinning with confusion.There was Lyra, practically leaning against Alex, an intimacy that would make any observer assume they were the married couple, not her and Alex.“Alex, I bet this is your first time here,” Lyra said brightly.“Sophia and I have VIP status at this place. Let me recommend a few dishes—I’m sure you’ll love them.”Alex managed a polite smile. “Thanks.”Lyra beamed, flipping through the menu. “Order whatever you like. Don’t worry about the bill, I’m covering it tonight.”Sophia nearly choked.Lyra—stingy, penny-pinching Lyra—offering to pay? For a man, of all people?Lyra never spent her money on men.Every luxury in her possession was typically gifted by them.This was the first time Lyra had ever offered to foot the bill for a man.Sophia narrowed her eyes. “Lyra… are you feeling alright? Did you forget to take your meds this morning?”Lyra raised a cool eyebrow. “What’s with the shock, Sophia? I’ve al
Inside the car’s quiet interior, Sophia leaned her head against the window, her mind drifting back to the stranger who’d come to her aid earlier.Could it be fate?Was this mysterious figure the soulmate she’d always dreamed about—the one who would stand by her forever?She breathed out heavily, shaking the thought away.She didn’t even know him.“You don’t look happy,” Alex said, breaking the silence.Sophia managed a faint smile.“On the contrary, I’m very happy. Someone paid a hundred million for me, clearing the loan that haunted me and the Lancasters.”Alex smiled, his heart lightening.He was glad to see his wife finally accept the help.Later this noon, as she drifted into sleep, he gently healed her and pulled a blanket over her, making sure she was warm and comfortable.Meanwhile, behind the scenes, he’d ordered Carlos to take control of the entire Black syndicate.Charles Cole, Cathy Black, Bruno Black—their fortunes and futures now lay quietly in his hands.“I’m glad you’re
Alex burst into Kingston’s penthouse office, heart pounding.Just moments earlier, Jasmine had called him in tears—something he never thought he’d witness from her.Inside, the tension felt thick as smoke.Jasmine was curled up on the plush leather sofa, her face buried in her trembling hands.Nearby stood Kelly, tapping briskly on her smartwatch.The instant Jasmine spotted Alex, she sprang from the sofa and flung herself into his arms, sobbing so hard he could feel the quake of it through his chest.This wasn’t the poised, controlled Jasmine he knew; this was someone shattered, clinging to him like he was her only lifeline.“Jasmine,” he murmured, fighting to keep his voice steady, “what happened?”She couldn’t answer, her sobs stealing her words.Instead, he turned to Kelly, who regarded them both with a cold detachment.“Kingston just lost about a billion dollars,” she said flatly.A billion?The number slammed into Jasmine like a punch. Her cries intensified, her grief pouring ou
A few minutes earlier, Bruno Black had been furious the moment he received the text message from his sister.“Who dares to threaten my sister? Do they not fear the Black Syndicate?” Bruno growled angrily, seated in the back of the limousine.He turned his rage toward his private bodyguard.“Brad, we need to show them who we really are and take control of Vancouver's underworld!”“Yes, Sir,” Brad replied meekly.“It’s because of your meek personality that people look down on us!” Bruno snapped, glaring at him.Brad nodded. “I am sorry, boss.”“You... If it weren’t for your big body, no one would hire you!” Bruno’s anger grew sharper. “Talking to you is like talking to a big, stupid bull!”“Yes, sir.”Bruno angrily slapped Brad. “Just shut your mouth. You’re pissing me off!”Brad only nodded again, silent as ever.If Brad weren’t over two meters tall and didn’t move like a freight train, Bruno wouldn’t have kept him around.The man could act as a meat shield when needed, and that was re
Alex hesitated. "But—""No buts. This is a family matter," Charles cut him off sharply."Alright," Alex sighed, stepping back, unwilling to get involved in what he now saw as a tangled web of domestic chaos.Charles turned his attention back to Cathy, yelling furiously, "Don’t you think I don’t know what you’ve done behind my back? You threatened and tortured everyone connected to me! Including my ex-girlfriend! You’re nothing but a sadistic monster!"His fists slammed into her motionless body, each blow carrying years of pent-up anger."Do you know how much pain you’ve caused me? You think money can fix this? What’s the point of money if I can’t find happiness?!"He picked up a vase from the corner of the room, his face twisted in pure hatred. "You think I’m your worker, your slave, your damn toy?!"With a final roar, he smashed the vase against her body, shards scattering across the floor.As the silence settled, Charles stood over Cathy’s limp form, chest heaving.The room was litt
Cathy Black laughed as she fired all of her shot, yet only to freeze in disbelief.Alex stood before her, unscathed—no bullet hole, not even a scratch."Impossible," she gasped, her eyes widening.She glanced at her gun, empty now, as the hollow click confirmed her worst fear.Alex’s lips curled into a cold smile. "You’re truly lucky, I don’t hit women."He turned away, striding toward Charles, who was trembling near the wooden table."But you," Alex continued, grabbing Charles by the shoulder, his grip firm as iron, "you hit my wife. Seems like you’re good at hitting women.""No! No, I’m not!" Charles stammered, his body quaking like a leaf.Alex’s voice dropped, a venomous edge creeping into his tone."Your wife hit my wife. Don’t you think it’s only fair you take the hit as payment?"Without waiting for an answer, Alex slammed his fist into the sturdy wooden table beside him.The deafening crack echoed in the room as the table split clean in two, the pieces scattering across the fl
“Who the hell are you?” Charles snarled, voice cracking into a shrill pitch.“If my wife says she’s going to die, then she’s going to die!”Alex stepped into the office, calm and deliberate.His eyes swept over the scene before settling on Sophia.Even from across the room, he could see her condition was anything but normal.She looked drugged, unsteady, and vulnerable.“Get your filthy hands off my wife,” Alex said quietly.His voice was steady and low, yet it carried a firm authority that made everyone pause.Cathy almost laughed out loud, disbelief flickering in her eyes.She prided herself on never feeling fear, but when she met Alex’s gaze, a strange chill gripped her.For the first time in years, her knees weakened, and her hands trembled.She released Sophia’s hair, letting the young woman slump back onto the sofa.“Good,” Alex murmured, moving closer to Sophia.Cathy studied him, unsettled.He seemed like any fit young man—handsome, maybe—but nothing special.Still, something
Tim, Cathy Black’s driver, was drenched in sweat beneath his thin cotton shirt.He gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white.He could feel Cathy’s icy gaze boring into the back of his neck from the rear seat.Ever since Bernard’s warning call, Tim had prepared himself for something terrible—but this went beyond his worst fears.He slammed the gas pedal to the floor, weaving recklessly through Vancouver’s crowded streets.The usual thirty-minute drive to Cole Finance had to be cut down to ten, no matter the cost.Cathy’s voice still echoed in his ears:“Get me there in ten minutes, or you’ll be six feet under.”Her tone had held no trace of doubt.Up ahead, Black Syndicate enforcers on motorcycles roared through traffic, forcing cars aside with shotguns and sheer menace.They formed a path of chaos, snarling at anyone who dared slow them down.Tim followed in their wake, heart hammering, ignoring every traffic light, weaving between honking cars and shrieking ped