Sophia stood looking at her grandpa's unconscious face.The night before, he had called her in, his eyes filled with a sorrow that pierced her heart.He had expressed deep regret over her betrayal—the choices she had made behind his back.She had sworn to herself that she would never repeat those mistakes.Now, with her grandfather lying in a coma, this might be her final chance to make things right.But her grandmother, Amelia Lancaster, placed the entire blame for the Chris Roland scam squarely on her shoulders, despite orchestrating the scheme herself.She even went as far as forcing Sophia into an arranged marriage with Peter Smith—a man twice her age from the affluent Smith family."Sophia," Amelia's voice sliced through the tense silence, cold and commanding."You will ask Alexander for a divorce. Your grandfather spoiled you, but I am the head of this family now. You'll do as I say for the Lancaster name."Sophia met her grandmother's icy gaze without flinching."Grandfather tol
As Alex weaved through the crowded tables, delivering dishes and refilling drinks, he deftly dodged rude customers left and right.Most of them only knew how to yell, lacking any patience whatsoever.But then again, one couldn't exactly expect gentlemanly politeness from uneducated miners who relied more on brawn than brains, right?The food was cheap, which explained why people came and went in a never-ending stream.Out of the corner of his eye, Alex watched Josephine.She moved with practiced efficiency, but there was a weariness in her every motion, a heaviness that seemed to cling to her like the scent of grease in the air.When the lunchtime rush finally subsided, Josephine leaned against the counter, wiping her brow with the back of her hand."Thanks for the help," she said, her voice softer now."Happy to lend a hand," Alex replied.She studied him more closely, her eyes narrowing. "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"It had been more than a decade since they last saw each
As Alex contemplated his next move, Josephine burst out of the kitchen, wielding a frying pan like a weapon, fury blazing in her eyes."I've had enough of this nonsense!" she shouted.One of the thugs lunged at her, but with a swift, powerful swing, the frying pan connected with his face.The sickening crunch of bone echoed as his nose shattered, sending him sprawling to the floor.Alex watched, a flicker of admiration in his eyes—Josephine was as fierce as ever.She wasn't delicate; she was a storm incarnate, and when she struck, the world felt her wrath."Get her!" the fat man barked at the remaining two thugs.Josephine's eyes narrowed. "I cook alone, clean alone, do the laundry alone, wake up early, and come back late every night—all alone!"She swung again, the pan smacking into another thug's cheek with a resounding crack, knocking him down.The last thug drew a small knife.Before he could act, Alex casually tossed an ashtray across the room. It struck the thug's hand, the knif
"Stay here," Alex instructed the children firmly, rushing into the house without hesitation.Inside, two men stood menacingly: one aimed a gun directly at Josephine, while the other struggled to rise from the floor—a clear sign that Josephine had already put up a fight.An elderly woman sat silently in her wheelchair, her eyes filled with both fear and defiance."Drop that stick," the gunman barked at Josephine."This time, I won't miss. I'll shoot you!"Josephine stood her ground in front of the old woman, her arm bleeding from a grazed bullet wound."We're not selling the land," she declared fiercely. "Go back and tell your boss he can go straight to hell!"The man fired a warning shot at the floor near her feet, causing splinters to fly."Looks like you don't understand who you're dealing with," he sneered.The other man, clutching his injured leg, glared at her as he staggered upright."You little bitch," he hissed."You dare to fight back? Take off your clothes. Sign the papers t
Alex walked fearlessly toward the group of gangsters, each armed with knives, machetes, katanas, and handguns—all poised to confront him."How dare you attack our men? You'll die here!" snarled a man with a tattooed face, stepping forward to challenge Alex.Without breaking stride, Alex delivered a swift slap across the man's face, sending him sprawling to the ground, unconscious.A hundred gang members tightened their grips on their weapons, eyes narrowing as they watched him.But none moved to attack. Something about him was off—different.Anyone else facing such a formidable crowd, surrounded by menacing killers wielding an arsenal of weapons, would show at least a flicker of fear.But Alex's eyes held none.He strolled forward as if he were merely walking through a quiet park.The casual ease with which he'd dispatched one of their own left them stunned.They were used to bullying the weak, flaunting their power.But this impenetrable man left them at a loss.They had never encoun
There were ten stacks of crisp $100 bills neatly arranged inside the bag—$100,000 in total.Josephine stared at the money, her eyes wide with shock."Well, that's quite a sum," Alex remarked casually. "Looks like they regretted their actions."Josephine snapped the bag shut and thrust it back toward him."We can't accept this."Alex raised an eyebrow. "And why not?""Because it's dirty money!" she exclaimed."They earned it by selling drugs, extorting innocent people, forcing others out of their homes. Who knows what other terrible things they've done? I won't have any part of it."Alex studied her resolute expression.Despite her obvious need, her principles remained unshaken. "Maybe we should ask the old lady inside. She might have some advice."Inside the modest house, Ruth, the elderly woman in the wheelchair, eyed the money spread out on the table."I'm sorry, Alex," she said softly. "We can't accept this kind of money.""Why not?" Alex frowned. "Money itself isn't evil. Politici
Brock was furious when he discovered that Josephine had the audacity to resign.Seething with anger, he burst into his modest home, the door slamming behind him like a thunderclap."Grace!" he shouted at his wife, who was quietly folding laundry in the living room. "Tomorrow, you're opening the restaurant!"Grace looked up, startled by his outburst. "What happened with Josephine?""She quit! Don't ask any more questions!" he snapped, pacing the room like a caged animal.Grace's face paled."But... I don't know how to cook.""Just do it like you always have!" Brock barked."Brock," she pleaded, her eyes welling up. "I really don't know how to run the restaurant. Can't you find someone else?""Don't argue with me!" he shouted, shoving her aside.Grace stumbled, catching herself against the wall."When I tell you to do something, you do it!"The next morning, Grace stood alone behind the counter of the bustling restaurant, her hands trembling as she struggled to keep up with orders.Broc
"You know what, you're right—I do belong here," Alex said, locking eyes with Florence. "Anything else you need?"Florence's lips twisted into a sneer. "In case that thick skull of yours hasn't figured it out, I'm insulting you, you worthless drifter."“It's a free country, ma'am. You're welcome to say whatever you like.” Alex shrugged lightly. “Doesn't mean I have to take offense.""You pitiful excuse for a man," she spat. "Do you really think ignoring me keeps your dignity intact?"“In my view, you’re poorer than I am. Why should I feel insulted by someone who’s not worth my time?”“You’re shameless,” Florence hissed. “I wish you’d just disappear!”His smile turned icy. “And I wish you a long life—to savor your bitterness even longer.”Florence’s face flushed crimson.Rising abruptly, she called out across the restaurant, “Owner! Is this how you let your staff treat paying customers? This man is insulting me!"From the kitchen, Josephine slammed down a pan and marched over, her eyes
“Marry you?” Alex’s eyebrow arched sharply, his frown deepening.The number of women wanting to marry him could fill a line so long, it’d make the biggest encyclopedia look tiny in comparison.“Do you even love me?” Alex asked, his tone flat.“I love money—and especially your money,” Lyra replied, straight-faced.“You know, in the end, women always have to make a choice: marry the man they love or marry the man who loves them and learn to love him later.”Lyra shrugged, her expression unapologetic.“I can let you stay around me, love me, and pamper me. Just like you did with Sophia. Your love is so... unattached. I’d even give you the honor of loving me.”“Has anyone ever told you that you have an unbelievably thick face?” Alex said, his tone laced with incredulity.‘This woman is sometimes fugitive, deceptive, sharp, ravenous, fierce, and cruel; she also possesses a great spirit.’Lyra’s lips curled into a teasing smile, her gaze unflinching.“With all the layers of makeup I wear, I’
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