"Now that’s a true gentleman!" Mrs. Lancaster exclaimed."Oh, I’m just doing what I can to help," Chris responded humbly, though inside, his pride swelled at the praise.Meanwhile, Alex couldn't suppress a sneer.He turned to Chris."Do you even know what’s going on? Or are you once again claiming credit for something you had no hand in?"Jack shot back at Alex."You almost got us into more trouble with your reckless mouth. Chris was the one who scared off Trevor, so what are you even talking about?"Chris’s eyes widened at the mention of Trevor.Trevor?!They were talking about *that* Trevor, the feared underworld boss?No wonder the man had looked so menacing!Relief washed over Chris—he was glad he had shown up late and hadn’t made any bold moves.Phew!Still, he couldn’t help but wonder when he’d gained such influence over someone like Trevor.Maybe his father’s influence was far greater than he had ever imagined.He looked around, realizing no one held more power than him.Who el
Outside the Lancaster mansion, a modest car stood waiting, with the driver by its side.Alfred had chosen this low-profile setup, understanding it would help Alex stay unnoticed.As soon as the driver saw Alex approach, he quickly moved toward him."Sir Alex, I’m Morris, the driver sent by Mr. Alfred," he said politely, bowing as he opened the car door for Alex to enter.Inside the car, Morris handed Alex an electronic pad."Sir, inside that pad is 576 pieces of data on people named Jo from all over Vancouver, along with their pictures."He glanced in the rearview mirror and saw that Alex was already rapidly scanning through the files."Please select the one we should begin with, and I'll guide you there," Morris added, buckling his seatbelt as the engine roared to life."This one," Alex said suddenly, handing b
Alex walked to the car, noticing curious, predatory eyes already lingering on him.People in this place were always on the lookout, ready to exploit any weakness for their gain."Morris, take me to the Golden Mansion in Beverly Hills," he said as he stepped into the car."Yes, sir."Inside the car, Alex made a call."Good day, Sir Alex. Julia, your personal concierge, speaking. What can I help you with today?" she greeted him."Do you know where I am?""You’re in the slum area of East Vancouver, right by the wasteland," Julia replied."Great. I want to clean this place up. Make it greener, safer for the people. Provide jobs and education for the unemployed. Let’s say, a permanent social initiative. But I want it to be controlled for at least a year before we let it run on its own.""Thank you for your good intentions," Julia said warmly."There have been ten proposals from local experts and social workers over the last decade to transform that area.”“One proposal, written by a Vancou
Jasmine was inside the limousine when the thugs stopped her car.A group of them rushed out, attacking the vehicle brutally.The driver locked the doors in fear, frantically calling for help.She had already started to think she wouldn’t survive this time.But suddenly, the doctor who had treated her before appeared, coming to her rescue.Looking at the twenty scary men surrounding the doctor, Jasmine couldn’t believe he could save her.He would only get himself killed.Panic surged through her, and without thinking, she hastily opened the door, stepping out in front of Alex to protect him.“Stop it! I know you're here to kidnap me and demand money from my father!” she yelled.This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.Being the daughter of Kingston came with dangerous risks.“Just take me and let this doctor go,” she pleaded. She couldn’t bear the thought of this kind, brave doctor dying because of her.The whole group of thugs, including their leader, stared at Jas
As they fought to escape, desperate to save their own lives, Alex calmly waved his hand.A sudden, crushing aura exploded from him, engulfing the fleeing thugs.It was as if gravity itself had multiplied.Their legs gave out. Muscles refused to respond.Some dropped to their knees instantly, gasping for breath, faces pale.The weaker ones couldn’t hold back, wetting themselves in terror.Suddenly, from up ahead, the sharp crack of gunfire rang out.Ten bullets were fired straight at Alex from a black SUV that had been lying in wait at very front.Six armed men rushed to back up their fallen leader, and without hesitation, they opened fire, their mission clear—kill Alex.The thugs on the ground thought for sure Alex would be taken down.But just as the bullets closed in, they stopped, hanging in mid-air just centimeters from his body, frozen in place as though the laws of physics no longer applied.The thugs gasped.What the hell was this?Before anyone could process what had happened,
“I wanted to do it alone.” Jasmine replied“Then why not tell your father? He would’ve allowed it—with a team of bodyguards.”Jasmine shook her head.“He told me to rest because of my illness. I’ve told him a hundred times that I’m already cured, but he won’t believe it.”Alex gazed at Jasmine, captivated by her flawless complexion and radiant beauty.Her long, flowing hair framed her face, giving her an ethereal, angelic presence.Yet, behind that beauty, he glimpsed a fierce, untamed spirit flickering in her eyes.She found the courage to rebel in the most unexpected place."Next time, if you're planning to go in a place like this, try wearing something modest—something that won't draw attention," Alex suggested."I've definitely learned a lot from this experience," Jasmine replied cheerfully."You'd better!"“Alex, will you come to my banquet tonight?” she asked hopefully.“Let’s see,” Alex responded, glancing outside with little interest.Jasmine’s eyes lingered on his side profil
Chris Roland was seated at the dining table with the entire Lancaster family when Amelia, Sophia's grandmother, walked into the dining room.Her eyes lit up as soon as she spotted him."Chris Roland, how is your father, Jerry, doing?" she asked warmly."He's doing great, thanks for asking," Chris replied with a smile."I heard your father not only helped us secure three invitations to the Kingston banquet but also sent a gift to Sophia. I haven't had the chance to thank him personally," Amelia said, somewhat coyly."It's all right," Chris responded. "He's been very busy.""No," Lady Lancaster interjected firmly."It's impolite not to thank him directly. We have our manners to uphold. Please video call your father. I want to thank him personally, and Sophia should as well.""All right," Chris agreed, pulling out his phone and connecting the call to the large screen in the dining room so everyone could see.Jerry's face soon appeared, set against the backdrop of a hotel room."Father,"
Lady Lancaster shifted in her seat. "Let us think about it first.""Remember," Jerry pressed, "the banquet is tonight, so you’ll need to make a quick decision. And since you’ve already said Chris will marry Sophia, if you give me the money today, I’ll give tell Chris to give BioHealth Solutions to Sophia."The room fell into a stunned silence.The Lancasters were shocked—Chris’s company was significantly larger than their own business."Why?" Lady Lancaster asked, her voice shaking with both greed and disbelief."I’m in Los Angeles right now for the new Elegance & Co. branches," Jerry lied, "and I’ll need Chris’s help to build a new BioHealth company here.”“Since he’s my only son, who better to manage our company in Vancouver than his wife?"Sophia’s mother, Florence, leaned in eagerly. "Mother-in-law, this is a great opportunity for us."Meanwhile, Jerry was already calculating his next move, planning to take out every loan he could under BioHealth Solutions todays and dump the fina
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