Alex sat at a café table, his mind drifting as fragments of his memory began to unravel.He couldn't quite recall his mother's face, but he remembered this medallion she had given him."Alex, if you ever get lost, use this medallion to find your way home." Her voice had been urgent, full of warning.He remembered her telling him to hide, someone was chasing them. But who? He couldn't piece it together.The next memory was of him waking up at the orphanage, the medallion already gone from his possession.These must have been his memories before he ended up there.Touching the cold surface of the medal, Alex knew he had to track it down to find his mother and reclaim his past.Suddenly his phone rang."Alex," Jasmine's voice was soft but tense."Yes?""Can you help me by accompanying me to my banquet?"Alex wanted to refuse, but he remembered his promise to Abraham—to ensure the Kingston partnership was handed over to the Lancasters, even though Sophia had divorced him.His mission to f
It was evening at Heaven, the most exclusive club in Vancouver—a place where only the wealthiest mingled.The building resembled a colossal glass dome, showcasing the splendor of the night sky—though the view could be adjusted to suit any desired theme.Tonight, it was transformed for a "Royal Gathering," replicating a banquet celebrating a king, a queen, and a princess's first public appearance.The décor was classic yet elegant, adorned with sculptures inspired by antiquity, exuding an air of grandeur.Guests began to arrive, strolling through the gardens and admiring the fountains and ornate decorations.A sleek black Mercedes pulled up to the entrance, where the red carpet awaited.A stunning woman in an elegant evening gown stepped out, immediately drawing every gaze.Shortly after, another equally beautiful woman arrived, capturing everyone's attention."Who are those gorgeous women? Are they famous actresses?" a reporter whispered, snapping photos rapidly."That's Sophia Lancas
Sophia just wanted to ask Alex politely—just as her grandfather had advised—about who he really was.It dawned on her that she'd been prejudiced against him from the start, never giving him a fair shot.Maybe there was still something worth salvaging.But did Alex have to make everything so damn difficult?"Alex, I get it—you hate me for divorcing you, and now you're parading your new arm candy around to rub it in my face. Do you realize this is exactly why I left you?" Sophia didn't hold back."My mistake, huh?" Alex raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance."I gave you countless chances to redeem yourself, but you were too clueless to get it!" she snapped, her patience wearing thin."A chance?" Alex looked genuinely puzzled."Can't you see? I tried to talk to you in private, but instead, you flaunt your ego and make everything worse," Sophia's tone was icy. Her CEO pride wouldn't let her back down, especially not with Jasmine hanging off his arm like that."So let me get this straight—
Lyra, standing beside Chris, suddenly chimed in, "Chris, your wedding is tomorrow. Maybe try not to ogle every woman who crosses your path?"Chris frowned, shooting her an annoyed glance. "Since when is being nice a crime?""Nice? There's a fine line between being nice and being a creep," Lyra retorted, firmly siding with Sophia."Fine," Chris muttered, knowing his little trick wasn't working. He turned back to Jasmine."Gorgeous," he called out, flashing a grin. "How about you join us? That man there is undeserving of your attention. He’ll only try to scam your money."Jasmine gently touched Alex's chin and smiled."Oh, Alex," she said softly. "All I have is money. If that's the only reason you'll give me your attention, just name your price. I have a hundred million with me now. If that’s not enough, just tell me—I still have some more at home.""Lady," Chris interrupted suddenly, trying to sound suave."You're beautiful, and you don’t need to give money just to get attention. Peopl
"Let’s just forget him," Sophia said, her mood already souring.She realized she'd never understand that jerk. "The banquet is about to start. Let’s find our seats."The banquet was set with round tables, each seating about six guests.The closer the table to the front, the more important the guests were.To Sophia and Lyra's shock, when they checked their invitation cards, they were assigned to the very front—the VIP table."Chris, your father really pulled some strings to get us the best invitations, didn’t he?" Sophia commented.Chris wore a proud expression. "Of course, my father is very important to the Kingstons. That’s why I told you not to worry about the partnership—you’ll have it."As they moved toward the front, they were stunned to find Jasmine and Alex already seated at their table, laughing and talking closely."Alex," Chris approached, irritation clear in his voice. "Do you know this table is reserved for special invitations only? How dare you sit here? And how did you
"Alex," Jasmine nudged him urgently."Quick, how do I respond? This is the first time in my life someone has called me poor."Alex glanced at her. Jasmine Kingston—the wealthiest heiress in Vancouver—had probably never heard that word directed at her."Just smile and say 'thank you,'" Alex suggested calmly."Really?" she asked, eyes wide with feigned innocence."Absolutely. When they go low, we go high."Jasmine turned back to Chris with a graceful smile."Thank you for calling me poor. This is a new experience for me."Chris's face flushed crimson.He slammed his fist on the table. "Are you dense? When someone calls you poor, you're supposed to feel insulted, ashamed!""Why should I feel that way?" Jasmine replied, tilting her head slightly."I'm not poor."Chris, barely containing his frustration, threw his hands up. “You really have no brain, do you?"Jasmine turned to Alex, her gaze curious. "Alex, do you think I have no brain?""Not at all. In fact, I think you're much sharper th
Chris's hands trembled as he stared at Jasmine. If he'd known who she truly was, he would never have dared to insult her—not even with a gun to his head.His mother and grandfather would kill him for destroying their generational wealth.Jasmine Kingston's voice remained steady as she continued, "And for the business partner in our new medical line, we've carefully chosen the Emerson Group as the best fit for us. Please welcome Lily Emerson as our new partner..."The hall erupted in applause.From one table came happiness and uncontained joy, while at the other, murmurs of disappointment filled the air.There were winners and losers, with every family vying for the same prize.Especially Sophia. Her face turned ashen, as if all the blood had drained away.She had paid a hefty $100 million to secure the partnership, and now she had nothing to show for it.The Lancasters wouldn't survive after she had drained all their cash and savings.Even the Biohealth deal she'd secured was headed f
Alex stared at Lyra, choosing not to respond."Fine," Lyra snapped."My father took his shot by siding with the old regime, and my mother backed him all the way. They messed up big time! But I haven't even had my chance yet, and this family mess has ruined it."She leaned in, her eyes pleading. "Don't you think I deserve an opportunity without being tied to my parents' mistakes?"Alex sighed, his reluctance evident. "Fair enough.""Listen, Alex," she pressed."I know Jasmine Kingston is on your side now. Maybe you've charmed her, extracted all the secrets you wanted. But how long can that last? Love is fickle—it changes as quickly as the tides."She watched him intently, searching for a flicker of doubt."You've got wealth now, I can see that. But what happens when love fades? Jasmine might grow bored and cast you aside without warning. You can't put your faith in something as unstable as love.""The money could vanish in an instant, and you'll be right back where you began—back on th