Sophia frowned. “Are you serious, Lyra? This isn’t like you at all.”“Actually,” Lyra replied, leaning back in her chair with a lazy smile, “I’ve never been more serious in my entire life.”She locked eyes with Sophia. “Let’s face it: we won’t stay young forever. We need a place—and someone—that makes us feel safe when life catches up with us.”She sighed, a wistful look passing over her features.“I’ve always pictured having a perfect little family, you know? A handsome son, a beautiful daughter… raising them to succeed. Then I could leave this world in peace.”Sophia’s eyebrows shot up. “But you used to say you wanted tons of money so you could ‘buy’ any man you wanted!”Lyra’s expression darkened briefly. “We all had wild dreams when we were younger. People change, Sophia. And now I’ve met my soulmate. I want something real.”“Alex?” Sophia repeated skeptically. “He’s your soulmate? You’ve always said that money was your one true soulmate.”“I have to agree with Sophia on this one,
A woman woke up with a pounding headache, her body feeling heavy and sluggish. As she shifted slightly, she was shocked to find a naked stranger lying next to her. WTF?!She jolted awake, freezing in place.Panic started to rise as she tried desperately to remember how she ended up in a stranger's bed. Then, a terrifying realization hit her—she was naked and no longer a virgin. Just then, the man stirred, his dark eyes fluttering open and locking onto hers. “Wow, last night was incredible. Want to keep going?” He sat up casually, completely at ease, his flawless body on full display. He grabbed a bottle of water from the bedside table and offered it to her. “Here, drink this. You must be thirsty. We can pick up where we left off if you’re up for it.” Unable to contain her fear and anger any longer, the woman’s hand moved on its own, slapping him hard across the face. “Who are you? How did I end up here? What have you done to me?” The man, Alexander Leonhart, blinked, his ch
"You're truly unruly, uneducated, and nothing more than a frog in a well, thinking you're so great!” Sophia scoffed with disdain. “That's why I despise talking to someone as lowly as you!" Alex chuckled, “Believe me, I am trying to be honest here.” "You? A powerful man?" she sneered, glaring at him with utter disgust. "You can't even begin to understand how powerful I am or the people I've encountered who are far more powerful than you. They could erase you with just a sneer." Alex laughed. "The powerful men you know might be the ones seeking my favor, pleading for me to marry their daughters just to stay in my good graces. Trust me, you're incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with me." What a braggart!Sophia rowed her eyes in disgust.She wanted nothing more than to throw something at his smug face. How shameless could he be, pretending to be so powerful when all he had was an old military backpack? "You might pretend not to know me and try to bind me with marriage just
"Young Master, my only daughter was born sick, and now it's worse." Alfred's eyes filled with sorrow, "She's in pain every day. I've seen every doctor, spent a fortune, tried everything—nothing helps. She's only getting worse. Please, help her. I'll do anything."Alex gazed at him calmly. "I'll meet your daughter tomorrow." Alfred was stunned. He hadn’t expected His Highness would agree to lend a helping hand so easily.He grabbed Alex's hand, bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, my lord!" He whispered, his words heavy with all he felt. Previously, Alfred hadn’t believed his luck when his leader mentioned Alex's visit to Vancouver. Albert wasn’t entirely sure who Alex was. However, what he was certain was even his leader must kneel before Alex! If Alex’s was displeased, millions of lives could vanish. But if he was satisfied, even the dying could live! As the head of the Kingswell organization in Vancouver, Albert had heard the rumors. About a high-ranking figure known as "God
As Alex approached the house entrance, Sophia noticed that Alex was behind her. "Haven’t you had enough?" "Believe me," Alex replied, "running into you is the last thing I wanted today." Sophia stepped out, blocking his path. "So, what is it then? Are you here to remind me of the biggest mistake of my life?" "Mistake?" Alex’s tone grew colder. "I could say the same. You think I enjoyed waking up and realizing I’d wasted my time with someone so shallow?" "Shallow?" Sophia’s eyes flashed with anger. "You’re just bitter because you know I’m right. You’re nothing but a loser, a gold-digger." Alex laughed, shaking his head. "You’re delusional. I don’t need anything from you, least of your money." Sophia stepped even closer, her finger jabbing the air between them. "Then what do you want? To ruin my life even more?" "No, I’m not here to ruin anything." Alex locked his eyes with hers. "I’m meeting my fiancée." "Your fiancée? You have a fiancée?" Sophia shocked. "I’m here to me
"Old man, how can you marry off Sophia, our greatest beauty, to that poor man? Is your brain rotten or what?" Her anger grew. "My beautiful granddaughter can never marry a lowlife. She will marry Chris Roland! He’s wealthy and powerful, and can secure our family's future." "Chris Roland?" Abraham frowned. That hypocritical playboy?"Don’t you know Jerry Roland?" Lady Lancaster snapped. "He works for Alfred Kingston, who practically owns Vancouver. Chris is his only son. Marrying him ties our family to the Kingstons!" Sophia’s parents also looked at Alex, and a dissatisfied frown crept onto their faces. Alex wore a simple shirt typically seen on people of the lower-middle class, cheap and old shoes sold on the street, nothing about him screamed wealth. If Chris Roland was the young rich man with a company, this man was probably Chris’s cleaning service, paid with the lowest salary. Thinking their daughter would marry this loser already made their anger rise to the peak. “No w
Alex shook his head and chuckled. He knew Sophia despised him."Sophia, let me show y—" He wanted to let Sophia see the real him a bit, but she turned her back to him and walked to the parking lot. A white four-seat Porsche Panamera pulled up and stopped in front of them. A stunning young woman stepped out of the car with effortless grace, her elegant dress and sparkling jewelry enhancing her high-fashion allure. "Sophia," she hugged Sophia."Lyra, thanks for coming," Sophia replied joyfully. "I came as soon as I could when I got your text." Lyra smiled while eyeing Alex from head to toe and shook her head. Not a single item of value detected from head to toe. Apart from being a bit handsome and having a somewhat fitting body, this man was totally worthless. When Sophia texted her and told her that she was forced to marry a loser and needed a helping hand, she had thought Sophia was exaggerating. But seeing Alex in person made her realize how unlucky Sophia was. Most of So
Alex took out his smartphone and pressed the fast call number 9. “Good day, Mr. Leonhart. I am Julia, your First Royal Mastercard personal concierge. How may I assist you?” “Do you know where I am right now?” “Yes, your card has GPS. You are at Vancouver’s Noble Knight Club.” “I want to become a member.” “We are processing that now. You can use your Mastercard as the membership card,” Julia replied. The glass door suddenly opened. “Your membership has been approved. Do you need anything else, sir?” “No, thank you.” Alex put his smartphone in his pocket and walked into the club. The guard hurriedly blocked his path. “I think the system made an error. You cannot enter.” “I am a member here,” Alex explained. “Why do you think the system let me in?” The guard was confused but asked again, “Do you have a membership card? I want to check it. If you don’t have one, please leave.” Alex took out his First Royal Mastercard. The guard had never seen this kind of card before. “Sir
Sophia frowned. “Are you serious, Lyra? This isn’t like you at all.”“Actually,” Lyra replied, leaning back in her chair with a lazy smile, “I’ve never been more serious in my entire life.”She locked eyes with Sophia. “Let’s face it: we won’t stay young forever. We need a place—and someone—that makes us feel safe when life catches up with us.”She sighed, a wistful look passing over her features.“I’ve always pictured having a perfect little family, you know? A handsome son, a beautiful daughter… raising them to succeed. Then I could leave this world in peace.”Sophia’s eyebrows shot up. “But you used to say you wanted tons of money so you could ‘buy’ any man you wanted!”Lyra’s expression darkened briefly. “We all had wild dreams when we were younger. People change, Sophia. And now I’ve met my soulmate. I want something real.”“Alex?” Sophia repeated skeptically. “He’s your soulmate? You’ve always said that money was your one true soulmate.”“I have to agree with Sophia on this one,
“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